We chose this cruise as an alternative to flying out to our families in the US. We won’t do it again! The weather was too rough and cold to be out on deck during the winter, therefore 99% of passengers were inside for 95% of the waking time whilst at sea. The ship always felt crowded and bustling during the day (noisier and less relaxing than normal). Unfortunately Navigator appeared tired and ready for a thorough refit. Where maintenance work was carried out in public spaces (men’s toilets particularly) repairs were shoddy. Furniture in the Star lounge and Metropolis theatre broke and fell apart several times but was just put back in place to fail again.

The ships organisation of the US immigration procedure was abysmal, they tried to blame the US but it was clearly RC at fault. After so many, many years and entries into the US you would think that they could make this task easier, every passenger on board had more ideas than RC. It took us 3 hours to get through and to get off the ship standing in 2 queues each virtually the length of the ship.

Lastly, it was reconfirmed to us that RC no longer strive to provide the type of food menu and service that we used to receive. It now provides just average restaurant food options and quality as opposed the fine dining experience of earlier days. They clearly want passengers to pay extra to visit the speciality dining options.