Navigator of the Seas Review

Revisiting the Navigator - Nice Getaway

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Navigator of the Seas
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DaniE
6-10 Cruises • Age 20s

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Sail Date: Mar 2011
Cabin: Superior Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony

This is my second time sailing Navigator of Seas. We first sailed her in May of 2003 when she was fairly brand new. I must say that I found the ship to be just as nice as when we first sailed her. For this trip, there were four adults traveling. My mother and I shared a cabin and my adult daughter and her fiancE were in the other. Here are the highlights.Getting There: We rented a Ford Explorer and drove from Maryland/Pennsylvania. We stopped in Port St. Lucie, Florida and stayed at the Homewood Suites/Tradition. Fairly new hotel. Lovely accommodations. We had a one-bedroom suite with 2 queen beds. The room came with a full kitchen and small living room. The sofa pulls out, but I did not think I would have an adult sleep on it. Beds in the room were so comfortable that I didn't want to get up in the morning. Call hotel directly to see if you can get a better rate than posted online. There was a shopping center directly across the street with a grocery store, Target, and other stores if you need to pick up anything. We took advantage of their free breakfast in the morning before heading out. The hotel was about an hour and 30 minutes from the port.Parking: We left our car at the ParknGo. I booked my reservation online prior to leaving. I thought the price for parking was $6.99 a day. The lady checking us in told us that the rate was for airport parking only. She said our rate would be $12 a day with the fifth day free. I almost pulled off, but figured why not just deal with it. Well, happily upon our return, we were only charged $36 and some change for parking. YEAH! What I liked about ParknGo is that the shuttle comes to your car and loads and unloads your luggage at the port. They also were quick with the return pick up. Again, they handled our luggage once we got out of the terminal. I did tip the driver. The porters then of course take over and give you the speech about how they are the last people to handle your luggage. Blah, Blah, Blah! Gave him a couple of bucks. Luggage arrived in stateroom just fine.Check In: As we arrived around 11:30, check in was a breeze. No waiting, no lines. Just walked on to the ship and headed out to get some lunch.Staterooms: We had first two port side D3 cabins in the very forward of the ship (bubble cabin). Nice location. Cabin was in good shape. Spent a lot of time on the balcony relaxing. Had heard some prior complaints about the condition of the ship and cabins. Other than some stains on the hallway carpets, I could not find anything to complain about. Clyde was our cabin attendant and she was wonderful. Felt a little motion first couple of days as it was really windy outside. Did not get sick (used the wrist bands and only took Bonine the first night). I would choose this cabin again.We were sailing during my daughter's college spring break. Needles to say, we had some wild characters on board. The entire row of inside row of cabins opposite from us had young college kids in the rooms. There were only a few instances that I could hear them making any noise. I don't know how they fit up to 20 or more people in one room for their gatherings. But they were nice and polite, not too bad at all. Did not hear them at night or I am very hard sleeper. Now the younger children were a pain. The usual playing in stairs and elevators. Running around and yelling and bumping into you without any regard for your person. Dining Room and Food: Now this would be my only area of complaint. We had 8:30 dining in Coppellia. Our servers were excellent. I found the food n the ship to be lacking in variety as well as taste. The desserts were just plain nasty (no flavor and dry). I made sure to always order a scoop of sherbet or ice cream with my choice of dessert, just in case. Each night, I ate the ice cream after taking a bite of the offered dessert. Did I go hungry? No. However, I had some difficulty in finding something to eat each day. I could normally get by with ordering a Caesar salad with each meal. The rolls were good also. I had the garlic tiger shrimp and the shrimp and mahi mahi tempura, which was good. Also, breakfast in the dining rooms was good. Had to really be creative in the Windjammer to hunt out a decent meal.Activities and Shows: There was always something going on. Everyone was happy with the activities he/she chose to participate in. Slots as per usual were tight. The ice show looked vaguely familiar. Do they change out the shows? I think I saw the hockey piece in 2003. Anyway, it was still entertaining. We were happy with the gym and pool areas. The shows were okay. The last show (I think its called All Access), the producers could have left out a few of those numbers (esp. Tina Turner, Proud Mary, not done well at all). Went to the movies twice.Labadee: Got a late start. Went over to Columbus Cove. Weather was a little chilly, but we got in the water for a little bit. We then spent the rest of the afternoon in the sun and shopping. Make sure you bring money to tip the gentlemen helping you set up your chairs. I spent about $80 buying souvenirs in the market. The people are so poor and desperate that I just had to buy a few items there. They are a little pushy, but nice and mean well. I'm not a big drinker, but the Labadoozies were good. Had to get 2 of them.Falmouth: The port reminded me of Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. The port seems as if it will have the same vibe, with the recreation of the port as it was in the past. Booked the Hilton Rose Hall all-inclusive through Jamaica for a day. Paid $20 per person online to reserve a spot. Paid the balance of $55 per person when we arrived at the resort. Each person received a wrist band. Security is tight on the property. You will be escorted to the check in desk. Did not book using their transfers. Just walked off the ship to the taxi stand within in the gated complex. Taxi was $20 per person round trip not including the tip. We tipped an additional $5 each way for a total of $90. You can arrange for the same driver to pick you up. We, however, opted to have the hotel call us a cab when we were ready.We had a blast at the resort. We had use of their beach, pools, lazy river, and water slides. We snagged chairs on the beach with cushions. We were given cards for 2 towels for each person. Make sure you return your towels and get the cards back for check out. Food was excellent. Breakfast was not included, but lunch started at 12:00 noon. Although the two young adults with us did sneak in and had breakfast. No one said anything to them. All alcoholic drinks were included, except for top shelf liquor. Mojitos were not included. However beer, soda, and other mixed drinks are available. Bottled water is not available, but water stations with cups are located on the property.Disembarking and Closing Remarks: A good time was had by all. Met some really nice people. I'm beginning to like 5 day cruises. Took one last summer on Carnival. Had breakfast on the last morning in the restaurant. We were given brown tags to disembark at 8:15 a.m. Getting off was a little tedious, but not too bad. I would only self-assist if I had one small bag, as it is quite a ways to get off the ship and out of the terminal. We used a porter, which really helped. Tipped him well. Got back on the road by 9:30 a.m. Arrived back home to some light snow showers. Vacation over!

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Superior Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony

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