by Don McCann
When a ship goes into dry dock for some updating, or refreshing, we call it “refurbished“, but when a redo is this dramatic, we have to say the ship was “revitalized“! Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas had an extended dry dock earlier this year. Much more than the usual new carpets and perhaps new bed covers, this operation included such features as:
- New Panoramic Oceanview cabins added up on Deck 12
- The addition of a new Modern Mexican Specialty Restaurant, Sabor
- Asian Specialty Restaurant, Izumi
- A Flowrider surf simulator added to Sports Deck
- Select interior cabins converted to “Virtual Balcony” cabins via a floor to ceiling digital video screen
- Giovanni’s Table, Italian Specialty Restaurant in former Portofino
- New Diamond Lounge for Diamond level Crown & Anchor members
We were treated to a one-night agent cruise last weekend so that we could experience some of Navigator’s amenities first-hand. My first impression was how much the ship seems to feel virtually ‘new’. The ship was built in 2002, but you’d never know it by taking a look around. The cabin’s have been refreshed with new soft goods and all areas I was able to see seemed in very good condition. The facilities and features of this ship are simply overwhelming for anyone who is boarding for the first time. I was able to visit most areas of the ship and some of my photos are below. Take a look and let us know if a voyage with Navigator of the Seas might be of interest to you!
Navigator of the Seas sails year-round from Galveston on 7-night cruises to the Western Caribbean.
Solarium on Deck 11 for adults only
Viking Crown Lounge overlooking Pool Deck
Izumi – Deck 14
Izumi Asian Specialty Restaurant, with stunning views of the sea from Deck 14!
Giovanni’s Table, Italian Specialty Restaurant on Deck 11
Chop’s Grille, Steakhouse Specialty Restaurant on Deck 11 (an outstanding dining experience!)
Chop’s Grille, Deck 11
Royal Suite. 1,336 sq ft + 266 sq ft balcony. Although most of us will never get the opportunity to stay here, it is very nice to have a look!
Standard Balcony Cabin: 184 sq ft + 50 sq ft balcony
Standard Oceanview Cabin: 160 sq ft
Interior Cabin with Virtual Balcony: 150 sq ft. Provides live view of current location, complete with sound! (yes, it CAN be turned off if you prefer)
Promenade Cabin: 160 sq ft., overlooking the interior Royal Promenade
Family Panoramic Oceanview Cabin: 406 sq ft. Can accommodate up to six with a bath and a half.
The three level Sapphire Dining Room (stunning from each level!)
Sapphire Dining Room on Decks 3, 4, & 5
Sabor: Modern Mexican Specialty Restaurant. The food here was varied in selection, nicely presented, and DELICIOUS!
Sabor, tableside guacamole preparation! Mild, spicy, or HOT – just tell him; a fun twist to a very nice dinner.
Royal Promenade: the heart of the ship’s activities
Cafe Promenade, 24 hour complimentary pizza, sandwiches, and snacks
Vintages Wine Bar in Royal Promenade
Bolero, just off the Royal Promenade (great Mojitos are found here!)
Schooner Bar on Deck 4; same design as all of their other ships, but never gets old!
Royal Theater on Decks 2, 3, & 4; home to varied and exciting entertainment options
Cosmopolitan Club in Viking Crown Lounge, Deck 14; expansive views of the sea and pool decks below
Johnny Rockets hamburger diner, Deck 12
Sports Court on Deck 13
Rock Climbing Wall, Deck 13 (not for me, but enjoyed my many others)
Flowrider Surf Simulator, Deck 13; great to watch the successes and wipeouts which occur here!
Royal Promenade below (note Promenade view cabins on either side)
Questions? Please ask us!
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