Cruising on Navigator of the Seas

I was finally able to take a cruise on Navigator of the Seas last month. Navigator was one of those ships that I kept encountering when on cruises - - in Southampton, in Cozumel, in Fort Lauderdale. Big, yet sleek. Always impressive looking.

She is one of Royal Caribbean’s Voyager class of ships. There aren’t too many passenger ships that are bigger - - over 3,000 passengers. However, there are many different things to do and that distributes the passenger load so that it does not seem overcrowded.

The lifestyle onboard is relaxed. Royal Caribbean aims toward providing an active adventure vacation rather than a cultural/intellectual experience although the ships have interesting art collections. There are lots of bright lights and Las Vegas flash but at the same time there are quiet areas done in a more restrained contemporary style. Consistency is achieved through the good quality of the materials used throughout.

I was particularly pleased to find that Captain Erik Standal would be at the helm during my cruise. A ship usually reflects the character of the person at the top. I had interviewed Captain Erik before when he was in command of Explorer of the Seas and knew him to be relaxed, friendly and professional. Just as on Explorer, the crew on Navigator reflected these traits.

This was just a short cruise to the Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale before Navigator went into dry dock. Captain Erik pointed out that ships are required by law to go into dry dock every so often for inspection and that such occasions allowed the cruise line to do some routine maintenance and sprucing up. For example, some carpeting was going to be replaced.

The voyage was all too short. Arriving early, I was onboard within 20 minutes of arriving in what has to be the quickest embarkation process I have experienced. From then on, the time was packed with action - - ice shows, production shows, street parades in the Royal Promenade, comedians, waiters singing in the dining room. Yet, there was also time for a round of mini-golf, unwinding on the stateroom balcony, a drink in the champagne bar, joining in a trivia contest, and for sitting and having pizza in the Royal Promenade and watching the people go by.

My profile of Navigator of the Seas is at http://www.beyondships.com/RCI-NOS-Profile.html and my photo tour and commentary - - including some comments by Captain Standal - - begins at http://www.beyondships.com/RCI-NOS-tour.html.