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Navigator of the Seas Review

4.5 / 5.0
2,301 reviews
See all photos
Editor Rating
4.5
Very Good
Overall
Gina Kramer
Contributor

It doesn't take long for passengers on Navigator of the Seas to get into vacation mode. From the ship's Caribbean-themed pool deck -- with colorful cabanas, hammocks and in-water loungers -- to its bustling Royal Promenade lined with fun bars and eateries, you could easily feel like you're at a tropical resort from the moment you step onboard.

Navigator is an Amplified Voyager-class ship, which underwent a six-week drydock in Singapore. That means you’ll find tons of things to do onboard, from enjoying the views from the water slides to trying to crack the code in the escape room, to sipping sunset drinks on the Lime and Coconut rooftop lounge.

The Navigator of the Seas Deck Plan Includes Plenty of Quiet Cabins

Navigator of the Seas deck plans are smartly designed. A large percentage of cabins are placed away from the busiest public areas, allowing for quiet nights. Staterooms such as the Deluxe Ocean View balcony cabins and its bathrooms are larger than most rooms in a similar category on other cruise lines. If sleeping in is your goal for the sailing, pick a cabin on decks 7, 8 or 9, which are between other room-only decks.

Navigator of the Seas rooms to avoid include those on decks 2 and 3 closest to the main theater, the ice rink, and the Main Dining Room, as well as those on deck 10, as many of them are below the pool deck and two restaurants that are often cleaned late at night.

The Navigator of the Seas capacity is 3,990 passengers, which means that you’ll be sharing space with tons of other people. However, foot traffic is generally smooth thanks to the ship’s smart layout and – more often than not – efficient elevators. Even though the two Coca-Cola machines are adjacent to Cafe Promenade, you might want to try to avoid the Royal Promenade when there are sales and promotions in the shops, as there tend to be lines and a lot of walking congestion.

The most recent Navigator of the Seas refurbishment took place in 2019, and included a revamped pool area, new nightlife and dining venues, and more waterslides.

Freedom of the Seas vs. Navigator of the Seas

Those craving some warm weather often struggle to decide between the Freedom and the Navigator of the Seas. Freedom is just a tad bigger, but features most of the same amenities and restaurants as Navigator. The crowd, though, is slightly different: Freedom, despite being popular with families during school vacation periods, has a more party-oriented vibe, whereas the Navigator is somewhat more family-friendly year-round.

Navigator of the Seas Restaurants Cater to all Tastes – But Many are Extra

When it comes to dining, the Navigator of the Seas cruise ship offers a nice variety for different tastes and budgets. But most, including newer additions like Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Hooked Seafood and Jamie's Italian, do charge extra.

Navigator of the Seas Amenities Offer Tons of Fun Options for Families

There's far more to do on Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas than laze away, dine and imbibe. Daredevils will love the ship's Perfect Storm duo of waterslides -- The Blaster aqua coaster and Riptide headfirst mat racer -- in addition to glow-in-the-dark laser tag, an escape room and Royal Caribbean staples like the rock-climbing wall and FlowRider surf simulator.

Don't think the outdoor fun ends before dusk, either. The Navigator of the Seas pool deck remains a popular attraction at any time of day, mostly thanks to the lively Lime and Coconut, a three-level bar that transforms from a daytime sunbathing spot to a nighttime, open-air lounge with a string light-dimmed balcony and rooftop -- the perfect place to catch movies on the pool screen with a bag of popcorn.

This laid-back atmosphere is ideal for families and groups looking for a worry-free getaway, where they don't have to dress up and go out for dinner if they don't want to. (Though, ladies might be motivated by the blow-dry bar that offers updos with a side of Champagne.)

Pros

A trendy ship, with virtual balconies in inside cabins and entertainment consists of drone light shows

Cons

Not a quiet, subdued ship, nor does it have modern cabins with features like multiple outlets and USB ports

Bottom Line

Navigator of the Seas is a great ship for a short, family-friendly getaway

About

Passengers: 3386
Crew: 1200
Passenger to Crew: 2.82:1
Launched: 2002
Shore Excursions: 110

Sails From

Inclusions

Included with your cruise fare:

  • · Meals in the three main dining rooms and Windjammer Marketplace, as well as at Cafe Promenade and El Loco Fresh; continental room service breakfast is also included

  • Main theater entertainment

  • Most activities and events, except as noted

  • Use of the fitness center (but not most classes), as well as the ice-skating rink, sports court, water slides, Flowrider surf simulator and Splashpad

  • The Adventure Ocean Kids Club (ages 6 months to 17 years) up to 10 p.m.

  • Daily gratuities, only if you booked your cruise in Australia and New Zealand in AU and NZ dollars

Not included with your cruise fare:

  • · Onboard gratuities (amounts vary depending on cabin type)

  • 18 percent auto-gratuities applied to salon, spa and beverage purchases, as well as specialty dining reservations

  • Drinks excluding water, tea (including iced tea), basic coffee and selected juices from the Windjammer Marketplace buffet

  • Room Service (set delivery fee per order) excluding continental breakfast

  • Most alternative dining venues

  • Spa and salon treatments

  • Most fitness classes in the gym, along with personal training

  • Sessions in the Royal Escape Room

  • Activities like the behind-the-scenes ship tour, arcade games, arts and crafts, bingo, bottomless galley brunch and alcohol tastings

  • Shore excursions

  • Kids Club programming after 10:00 p.m. in Adventure Ocean

  • Wi-Fi access and packages

  • Photos, artwork and retail shop purchases

Fellow Passengers

Families and groups, mostly hailing from the U.S., are what make up the majority of cruisers onboard Navigator of the Seas. You'll see kids everywhere, even at some of the bars and lounges.

Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas Dress Code

Daytime: Passengers dress casually during the day.

Evening: At night, passengers are encouraged to wear smart casual attire (jeans and collared shirts for men, and sundresses and blouses for women are a few examples). Some specialty restaurants enforce more formal dress codes -- collared shirts with jackets for men, and dresses, skirts and pantsuits for women. Jeans are generally allowed in all venues at dinner. Navigator of the Seas formal nights are dressier. Outfit suggestions for these nights include suits and ties and tuxedos for men, and cocktail dresses or gowns for women. Depending on the length of your sailing there will be at least one designated formal night for which you might wish to dress up.

Not permitted: Shorts are not allowed at dinner, regardless of the venue (with the sole exception of the buffet).

For more information, visit Cruise Line Dress Codes: Royal Caribbean.

Find a Navigator of the Seas Cruise from $283

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More about Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas

Where does Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas sail from?

Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas departs from Los Angeles

Where does Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas sail to?

Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas cruises to Los Angeles, Catalina Island (California), Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta

How much does it cost to go on Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas?

Cruises on Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas start from $283 per person.

Is Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas a good ship to cruise on?

Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas won 3 awards over the years.
Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas Cruiser Reviews

Another great Royal Caribbean cruise!

Nonetheless, I’d probably still go on the Navigator again because the positives WAY outweighed the negatives. Thank you so much Navigatior crew!Read More
Chelsie T

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 54s

What happened to the RC I used to love?

I recently had the opportunity to sail on the Navigator of the Seas with Royal Caribbean, and I must say, it was a highly disappointing experience.Read More
elitist

many10+ Cruises

Age 47s

Hopefully the ONLY boring cruise I'll take...

back to Long Beach for the Navigator with plenty of time.Read More
boardingtheplane

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 30s

Our favorite ship by far!

Like all of our cruises, the staff was great and the ship was clean and comfortable. We hope to sail Navigator again in the future.Read More
CruzingKs

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 44s

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