Introduction:
Well, it’s the end of November in Cleveland, and that is my cue to head for warmer climes. Besides, I was beginning to suffer wanderlust and needed a cruise jolt. Although I have been to the Caribbean on numerous occasions, I had not yet sailed on the Navigator of the Seas and the timing was perfect. So, I was looking forward to joining other travel professionals on a seminar-at-sea. Since the weather is always unpredictable this time of year in this area of the country, I made arrangements to fly to Florida a day before the cruise (something I always advise, if at all possible). As it turned out, that was a very wise decision. Now, there was a winter storm that brought a significant amount of snow to our area on Thanksgiving Day, but my flight from Cleveland the next day actually left on time. However, I had to change planes in Nashville and that is where my problems began. There was a substantial delay to my flight leaving Nashville. Had I chosen to fly in the day of the cruise, in all likelihood, I would have missed the cruise. As it was much cheaper to fly to Fort Lauderdale and take a shuttle to Miami the day of the cruise, I made reservations at a hotel near the airport for one night.

Embarkation:
I took a taxi from my hotel in Fort Lauderdale to pier and Miami ($80 including tip) and arrived at the port about 10:30 AM. There was a sign that indicated embarkation was scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM, but that was not actually the case. When we arrived, a fairly long line was already beginning to form at the security checkpoint. In fact, thanks to the priority boarding Diamond Members in the Crown and Anchor Society are provided, my friends and I were on the ship before 11:30 AM. This is just one of the reasons that it is quite worthwhile to cruise on Royal Caribbean often. While our staterooms were not ready this early, we were welcomed aboard and invited to have lunch at the Windjammer Café.

--One of the primary concerns of an Atrium Cabin is that the noise from the Promenade
will filter into your room. I found the room remarkably quiet, with the exception of
the music during the 2 promenade parades and even then it was not overly invasive.
However, I was on deck 8 and not near any of the speakers mounted along the
promenade wall.
--Get your morning cup of coffee from the Café Promenade or room service.
--Don’t miss the Ice Show – it is a definite “Must-See”.
--Make sure to read your Daily Compass for the announcement as to where and when to
secure your Ice Show tickets.
--Internet access on this ship is affordable and accessible. It is wired for Wi-Fi, and there
are a number of hot spots throughout the ship. There are a number of computer
terminals in the Internet café, as well as other locations throughout the ship. RC now
offers the standard $.50 a minute pricing plus various packages ($25 for 59 min / $35
for 89 min / $50 for 151 min). The is also Cyber Cabin convenience for a one-time
access fee.
--If you are considering laptop Wi-Fi service, you might want to consider booking a
stateroom on deck 8 near the Internet café. Due to their proximity to the Internet
café, many of the members of our group found they had wi-fi service in their cabins.
--One of the latest technologies to become available on the Navigator is wireless mobile
maritime service. If you have a mobile phone that has GPRS capabilities you will be
able to use your own mobile phone while out at sea.

Looking Down on the Navigator of the Sea's Atrium

Overall Impression:
The Navigator of the Seas is a floating resort. Its revolutionary design and unparalleled amenities make it a great choice for first time cruisers, active couples, singles and families. This would be a perfect ship for anyone considering a family reunion on a cruise ship. With so much to offer onboard, the Navigator of the Seas IS the destination. The actual ports of call are just an added bonus. It does not have the feel or style of a typical ocean liner. So, if quiet days spent watching the ocean is your idea of a perfect cruise, then this ship is not for you. But if you love resort vacations with non-stop activity, then the Navigator (or any of the Voyager Class ships) fits the bill. I had a great time on the Navigator and would not hesitate sailing her again.