The newest of Voyager class vessels, Royal Caribbean has introduced in December 2002
Navigator of Seas. One of four ships that can claim to be "the world's largest", complete with a roller blade track, ice skating rink, and rock climbing wall. Plus a boulevard full of shops, bars and cafes known as Royal Promenade, and a 1950's style diner: Johnny Rocket's, great for burgers, dogs and shakes and a nickel jukebox. Plus a Latin jazz bar and a Ben & Jerry's ice cream parlor.We sailed on a 2 day special Inaugural cruise. Navigator will alternate between 7 day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. Our observations are limited to time we spent onboard.
If you have sailed on Voyager of Seas you will notice that steel oval framings of balconies are gone, replaced with full-length glass and teak railings.
As big as it is, Navigator never felt over crowded and we were able to experience a variety of activities without long lines one would of expected for a cruise ship that houses 3800 + guests.
Three main dining rooms, Swan Lake, Coppelia and The Nutcracker, which are actually all part of one three-story venue offer traditional assigned seating dining. For breakfast and lunch, it's open seating. Windjammer and Jade offer a sumptuous buffet, with Jade featured some very innovative Asian/ Fusion cuisine that would delight anyone's palate with subtle flavors of Orient. At dinner time, Windjammer and Jade are a casual alternative to dining room. We thought wait staff service was good and food was well prepared, presentation consistent and choices plentiful. All consistent with what you find at a fine-dining establishment back home. If you visit Royal Promenade, you will find pastries in morning, sandwiches, pizza and deserts at night as well as Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and Berringer Wines. At Johnny Rockets, 50's themed diner style restaurant features red naugahyde booths, Formica counters, a jukebox, signature burgers, hot dogs, chili, french fries and onion rings. The food here is included. All you pay for are Cokes, and ice cream shakes.
For an upcharge of $20.00 per person you can dine at either Portofino, an Italian specialty restaurant or choose Chops Grille, A New York style restaurant featuring a high quality steakhouse menu. Make your reservations as soon as you get onboard cruise or you may never get opportunity to enjoy it. If you get a sweet-tooth or hunger pains ( How could you? ) at 2:00AM, no problem. Navigator offers a limited room service menu available round-the-clock.
Visit Connoisseur's Club where you can enjoy aperitifs and fine cigars or stop by Champagne Bar, An elegant but cozy atmosphere to share a glass of wine or champagne. As wine lover's we enjoyed Vintages, first totally dedicated wine bar afloat. Here you can savor wines from world's finest wine producing regions featuring Robert Mondavi and Beringer, with wine appreciation programs. The staff is well versed in history and education of wines. Wine tasting can highlighted essences of wine and staff helped pick right kind of wine for us. On Royal Promenade you'll find Two Poet's British style pub and Cafe' Promenade that features Seattle's Best Coffee. Then there is Schooner Piano Bar, and Bolero's an upscale 'Latin Lounge" featuring composers of Bolero's and other popular rhythms of 50's and 60's. Plus there are a number of Bars scattered throughout ship.
The Navigator of Seas' Library has one of largest collection of books I have ever seen on a cruise ship. We were able to surf net and check our e-mail at Royal Caribbean Online. ( 20 work stations available at an extra charge )
On upper decks you will find two main pools and an adults-only pool at Solarium. Workout at Shipshape Fitness center or Spa. Here you will find spinning bikes and free weights, treadmills, cross trainers, bicycles, weight machines and a thalassotherapy pool. The ShipShape Spa has an ocean-view salon, massage rooms, and a relaxation area with ocean view.
