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Royal
Caribbean International Cruise Line
Navigator of the Seas Cruise Review
7 Day Eastern Caribbean
Vincent
Finelli
Age: 70
Occupation: Retired Professor
Number of Cruises: 58
Sailing Date: December 3rd, 2005
This was our return to Royal Caribbean International (RCI) Navigator of the
Seas; we first sailed on her in 2003. At that time, we published a review
detailing her many amenities and the beauty of this Voyager Class ship. Then the
Navigator held the title "Largest Cruise Ship" in the world. When the Cunard
Queen Mary II was launched in 2004, she took the title with a record 150,000
tons. RCI will again hold that title in May 2006, with the launching of the
Freedom of the Seas, soon to become the largest cruise liner afloat at 158,000
tons.
We were happy to see Captain Leif Otto Bang still in command, and to receive
such a warm welcome back by both him and Hotel Director Richard Nentwich. This
review will center on Gold Anchor Service, since we have already detailed the
Navigator's beauty and decorations in the 2003 review. The elegant three deck
dining room, with an enormous chandelier, is resplendent in nautical navy blue,
maroon and brass decor providing a beautiful setting for an entertaining cruise.
The Navigator was decorated with hundreds of live poinsettia plants, trimmed
Christmas Trees and then festooned with bows galore. These natural and classic
holiday decorations were much appreciated by the passengers.
EMBARKATION
The port of Miami is easily accessed; however, to embark approximately 3,500
passengers (and all their luggage) in less than four hours could be a logistical
nightmare. RCI is up to the task and once security had concluded its work, then
the lines moved along quickly. Boarding time is 2:00pm and we were on board and
assisted to our stateroom in about thirty minutes. Recent US federal cut backs
to the number of security personnel has made the process slower all around.
There is a specific check-in counter for Crown & Anchor Diamond members and
passengers on wheelchairs which makes boarding very quick. We checked our Dining
Room reservations -- a table for two near the entrance to the Coppelia Dining
Room -- perfect! It is better to do this soon after boarding, in order to avoid
waiting in line at dinner time. All set, we went to the very crowded Windjammer
Cafe' for the welcome aboard buffet. This is probably the only time that it is
so busy, because so many hungry passengers descend on it simultaneously. There
were many staff who helped with the seating, trays and beverages; even so, we
usually avoid the buffet because of the wheelchair. Yet, many Americans love a
buffet and some even avoid the dining rooms altogether, not us. We enjoy the
exquisite dinners and service provided in the dining room as do so many other
passengers. This is what makes cruising so much fun. Cruisers can enjoy the ship
or exotic ports in the day time, and then in the evening come together at dinner
and talk about their adventures of the day.
THE SHIP
The Navigator is a 138,000 gross tonnage, 650 million dollar wonder with 1,557
staterooms which can accommodate 3,835 passengers -- on this cruise there were
3,600 and a crew of 1,256. Her length is 1,020 ft., beam is 157.5 ft. and her
draft is only 29 ft. All this and a cruising speed of 22 knots. The purser's
desk provides a handy ship's deck plan, which folds to a neat playing card size.
The Voyager Class ships, the Voyager (1999), Explorer (2000), Adventure (2001),
Navigator (2002) and Mariner (2003) all have the distinctive feature of the
Royal Promenade. This city street within the ship is almost 400 ft long and four
decks tall. There are cabins overlooking the mall of boutiques, cafes and pubs.
It is the center of action and the place to stroll, window shop or just sit and
have a coffee or an ice cream. (See our 2003 review for a deck by deck
description of the Navigator's 15 decks). The other unique features are the ice
skating rink (the site of Olympic quality skating shows) and the rock climbing
wall. The Navigator is just as lovely as when we first sailed on her three years
ago. Mr. Nentwich keeps her pristine!
FOOD & SERVICE
Service is labeled "Gold Anchor Service" and when things go well as they do on
the Navigator ---- we have only praise and no complaints. When passenger needs
are anticipated and met, then it is smooth sailing. Loyalty ambassador Cindy
Dangel provides special assistance for Crown & Anchor Members and information on
future cruise savings. There is also Concierge Patricia Isaacs, who can provide
assistance to all your needs with speed and grace. She is lovely.
The Navigator's elegant three tier dining room forms an exquisite dining setting
with its slender, tall white columns, and intricate double curving staircase
framing its enormous central chandelier with matching round crystal chandeliers
throughout the dining room ---- Magnificent. Service in the dining room is top
notch. The Head Waiter Ali Matjani was efficient and our Waiter James D'Sa
(India) and his Assistant Nikola Vucetic (Croatia) were very cordial and made
our evenings truly enjoyable.
Food on the RCI is very good and aimed towards the American palate. The menus
have been down sized literally. There are fewer offerings, but better varied.
The "Always Available" section covers fish, fowl and beef. We had a long talk
with the new Executive Chef Johan Petutschnig (Austria), who was scheduled to
take over the following week. We discussed the large portions and the many food
venues. On board are Johnny Rockets, two upscale restaurants, bars, ice cream
shops etc. The crew on this ship is very approachable, well mannered, and
efficient. Specialty dining in the Portofino and Chops Grille is excellent ($20
per person dining fee). The first evening there was a Murder Mystery Dinner, a
fun/dinner show with audience participation.
Dinner with Captain and Mrs. Bang was our dining highlight. Fine food, fine
conversation and a dessert to remember: "Captain's Delight" which is a goblet
filled with wild berries (strawberries, blue berries, raspberries, and black
berries) topped with freshly made ice cream. It was a night that ended with the
dining room staff singing and dancing for the passengers.
The Gold Anchor Service is most evident in the special attention given to the
repeat cruisers: Concierge service, Welcome Back Cocktail Parties with the
ranking crew; booklets of coupons which include the following: Free drinks and
commemorative glasses; Casino Credits; discounts in the shops on board; Free
Internet time; Free Personal Photographs, etc. We are always amazed that ship
personnel make a special effort to call us by our names. In short, RCI makes
cruisers feel welcome as no other line does. Of course cordiality works both
ways; whenever a cruiser has a concern and directs it to us, we always inform
them of the proper person to go to for assistance. A problem with the cabin
should be directed to the Housekeeper; a problem in the dining room should be
discussed with the Maitre D' and so forth. The crew is there to give passengers
an excellent vacation, and we commend them on their excellent job. Whenever a
passenger needs assistance, a simple phone call down to the Passenger Service
Desk will bring immediate help.
CABIN
Wheelchair accessible Stateroom #6600 has a small foyer, and when entering on
the left is the huge bathroom with a nice size mirrored medicine cabinet, and a
large 5'x5' shower with safety rails all around. Then, there is an upholstered
arm chair and a matching sofa in teal and gold, and a glass coffee table. There
is also a TV, private safe, refrigerator, and a desk/vanity with lighted mirror
and drawers. When entering on the right is a triple armoire (ample room and
shelves), a queen size bed with a teal suede head board, and two night stands
with reading lamps. The far wall is all windows with blackout draperies in a
foliage and stripe print of teal and gold which matches the bed linens and the
carpeting. There are two prints of exotic orchids on the walls. The wood is all
light pine; the total effect is very pretty, cool and restful.
ENTERTAINMENT
Cruise Director Ken Rush is a seasoned (20 years in the cruise industry) M. C.,
who knows how to warm up an audience and present a show. Good laughs and
excellent shows are the hallmark of RCI. The singers and dancers did Broadway
style shows and Judy Kolba was a standout headliner: comedy, costumes, and a
voice that "shook the rafters," all brought the entire audience to its feet, a
standing ovation.
It follows that the largest ships have the most to offer in entertainment; yet,
there is plenty of room for quiet, or private times. Strolling the Promenade
Deck, we watched a young couple play shuffleboard. We watched sail away from the
Cosmopolitan Club on Deck 14, and it was serene, way above the merry sail away
party on Deck 12. In the mornings, we picked up the daily newspapers in English,
French, Spanish, Italian and German. We took them up to the 19th Hole Sports Bar
and compared the slant on the news from country to country. Diamond members of
the Crown & Anchor Society (10 or more cruises on RCI ships) and passengers in
suites may enjoy cocktails and canapés in the Concierge Lounge on Deck 9. This
is a nice way to meet fellow passengers.
The crown jewel of entertainment on board is the Ice Skating show "Ice Dancin"
with Dance Captain Danny, who was excellent. We wish that show programs were
still given out to the audience as at prior shows. It would be nice to know the
skaters by name and country of origin. The quality is near Olympic level and the
choreography was beautiful. Lots to see and do on board, including Casino gaming
and Bingo, mini golf, rock climbing, skating, inline skating, ping pong, basket
ball, dancing, movies, etc.
PORTS OF CALL
Day 1. Miami Set sail at 5:00pm.
Day 2. At Sea
Day 3. San Juan, Puerto Rico Arrive 2:00pm Depart 10:00pm
Entering San Juan is one of the prettiest sights with the view of the two forts
dating back to the 1500s: La Fortaleza and El Morro. This island has everything
from rain forest to shopping.
Day 4. St. Thomas, USVI Arrive 8:00am Depart 6:00pm
Nicknamed a "Shoppers' Haven," it is especially great for linens, and its Danish
influence is still apparent.
Day 5. St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles Arrive 8:00am Depart 5:00pm
This tiny island is divided into two sovereign powers: Dutch & French which have
co-existed for 350 years. The ship guarantees more than twenty shops on the
island and any purchase may be questioned within thirty days of the sale date.
Take an island tour up to Mount Concordia, the view is lovely.
Day 6. At Sea
Day 7. Nassau, Bahamas Arrive 1:00pm Depart 7:00pm
The capital of the Bahamas is connected with a bridge to Paradise Island, where
Atlantis is located. This resort hotel offers some of the most interesting sites
in the Bahamas, such as beautiful beaches, a nice water park and a spectacular
aquarium, the best we have ever seen anywhere.
Day 8. Miami Disembark 7:00am
SUGGESTIONS
Longer lines during embarkation have become more tedious and wearisome due to
the security clearance (recently the federal government reduced the number of
security agents). However, we feel the situation can be definitely improved with
better coordination and timing of the security personnel in screening the
passengers. We noticed on this cruise that the screening process did not start
until after 1:00pm, much later than usual, and the lines grew longer and a bit
restless by the time we started boarding the ship.
This was a great cruise and RCI remains for us one of our favorite lines. We
have accumulated thirty cruise credits with RCI and plan to do many more cruises
in the future. Now we have booked one on the new Freedom of the Seas for
October, but we'll be booking more cruises before October. This month we are
going on the Costa Magica (Jan. 8th) and on Carnival Liberty (Jan. 29th). We
have not yet booked any cruises for the coming Spring and Summer, but we'll do
it soon, before Vincent gets cruise withdrawal symptoms.
Happy Cruising!
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