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Royal Caribbean International

MV Navigator of the Seas

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Reviewed by: Paula Conner
# previous cruises: 1
Date of Trip: July 31, 2004
Itinerary: Caribbean - Eastern

This was our first cruise and to be honest we had some pretty high expectations but some of those turned out to be disappointing. We booked a "royal family suite" and was told that we would have a concierge (a person we never saw), complementary water, internet connection in the room, flowers and other items which we definitely did not get. For the high amount of money we paid for this suite ($12K) I certainly expected a lot more then two rooms, small snacks in the afternoon, and a bathrobe.

We're not big partiers so sitting by the pool with 2000 other people is really not our thing. My husband and I did enjoyed the 19th Hole bar where we could sit at almost the top of the ship and have a drink and watch the water without the big crowds. We also enjoyed the casino where my husband did quite well at the black jack tables. We had a large balcony with our suite so we did use it quite often just for some quiet time.

The food on the ship was excellent in the dining room but the Windjammer (buffet) left a lot to be desired. The first full day on the ship we had breakfast there and it tasted like something in an army camp. Future breakfasts and lunches were had in the dining room were you could order omelets, eggs benedict or other items. This food was really terrific. The dinner services was spectacular. We dined on steak, lobster, shrimp, rack of lamb, prime rib and delectable deserts. Our waiter and assistant waiter (Menoush George and Karen) were terrific. I can't imagine having any other staff waiting on us. Menoush was so intuitive that he would bring my son and the other young man at our table second helping of lobster or steak if it looked like they were still hungry. They both memorized our names, drinks and preferences within one day of our arrival and had everything prepared for us within minutes of our sitting down. We tipped both of them very well for their fine service.

We had the Royal family Suite which was basically three rooms (two bedrooms and a living room) and two bathrooms. It was pretty roomy for five people but I think they could have done a better job of decorating them. For the kind of money we paid I would have expected the hair dry to work, internet connection (as was promised), the deck chairs to have been cleaned or replaced and the curtains not to be falling down. Our Steward (Raoul) was terrific. He was very pleasant made cute little towel animals that he would leave in the bedrooms and of course mints on the pillows. On the last day of our cruise we broke a zipper on a piece of "critical" luggage that he took down and had fixed for us in about an hours time. He gave us great service especially for having five people in this room.

We did not go to any of the shows but did attend one round of bingo. Wow, was that pricey. My daughter and I each bought a set of tickets (six cards for five games) and it cost over $70.00. The Ixtapa lounge was packed so they made a bundle on that game. My daughter enjoyed several of the other items like the marriage game and other and said they were pretty funny.

We cruised the eastern caribbean (Nassau, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico and Labadee (Haiti)). We had so many excursions that we didn't get to see any thing of the islands. If I could make a strong suggestion to anyone, wait until you get on the ship before you book the excursions. We way over did the bookings and regret it. The things we chose were fun, don't get me wrong but there wasn't much time to relax and do nothing. We did the dolphin encounter, scuba diving (2x), golfing, the "Bob" underwater adventure, catamaran and wave runners.

The people on board were okay but I honestly think we were in the minority for speaking english. There were people from all areas of the world which was pretty cool but difficult to communicate with. The folks we had at our table at dinner were very sweet.

Items to note for first time cruisers, don't expect to use any cash on the ship unless you go to the casino so don't bring much. Everything is charged to the "SeaPass card" which of course is paid at the end of the cruise (in cash) or charged to your credit card. Expect to pay or sign for each and every drink you order. They don't keep a tab so signing a slip and getting a foot long piece of paper for each drink is very annoying. You can get surcharged to death if you don't keep on your toes. An example of this is going to Johnny Rockets for a soda. It cost us $25.00 because they charge 3.95 per person (plus gratuity) just to go in the place. Also Portofino's or the Grill costs 25.00 per person surcharge but the food doesn't cost anything (explain that)). Set your self a limit on the amount you can afford to spend above and beyond the cruise itself. It can get very pricey if you don't watch out. ENJOY.