Royal Caribbean International is planning to deploy its recently enhanced Navigator of the Seas from Los Angeles beginning November 2021. The ship will offer three-, four- and five-night itineraries to Catalina Island, as well as Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, plus special seven-night holiday sailings that will overnight in the latter port.
We caught up with Vicki Freed, the line’s senior vice president of sales, trade support and service, to get all the latest West Coast details extending to Alaska.
What will Navigator of the Seas offer loyal Royal Caribbean clients on the West Coast?
Navigator of the Seas offers vacationers a lineup of firsts and Royal Caribbean favorites, including the first blow-dry bar at sea, Insta-worthy nightlife and dining and thrilling activities for the whole family.
Following a $115 million amplification in 2019, Navigator brings star power that will thrill guests by way of its reimagined Caribbean poolscape, anchored by the lively three-level bar The Lime & Coconut and two waterslides that cantilever over the edges of the ship — The Blaster aqua coaster and Riptide, which is a headfirst mat racer. Casual grab-and-go spots are right there, offering tasty Mexican street fare at El Loco Fresh and American classics at Johnny Rockets Express.
Navigator has elevated nightlife that delivers on the three tenets of a great night out: unique drinks, delicious food and entertainment. The Bamboo Room is a great example; it’s an all-new Polynesian-themed lounge with tiki-chic decor, specialty craft cocktails and bite-size fusion fare — ahi tuna poke is a favorite.
How do the shorter itineraries offer new opportunities to advisors?
This is a great chance to connect with all clients, from new-to-cruise travelers to avid cruisers, and I’m sure clients who have sailed with Royal Caribbean will want to talk about this. Navigator takes the short getaway to the next level with the best of Royal Caribbean.
As short getaways have become increasingly popular and necessary for today’s traveler, Royal Caribbean focused on amping up our offerings with Royal Amplified. It set a new industry standard where short three-, four- and five-night cruises are as exceptional as longer escapes.
Royal Amplified focuses on innovative attractions, iconic pools, authentic dining and distinct nightlife to create a variety of different experiences for guests to enjoy.
Royal Caribbean will have its most adventure-packed Alaska season in summer 2022.
Are there any other West Coast developments partners should be aware of?
Royal Caribbean will have its most adventure-packed Alaska season in summer 2022. We have a longer program of seven-night cruises departing from Seattle; Seward, Alaska; and Vancouver, British Columbia.
New itineraries tout four ports of call, and others showcase twice the glaciers, with four unforgettable cruise ships to choose from — Ovation, Quantum, Radiance and Serenade of the Seas.
Ovation of the Seas will be joined by sister ship Quantum of the Seas to sail seven-night roundtrip itineraries from Seattle. Travelers will feel a warm welcome in picturesque towns and the awe of the region’s lush landscape, wildlife-filled fjords and the 30-mile-long Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier.
Radiance and Serenade of the Seas will return to the region with a fresh take on seven-night itineraries that are anchored by visits to Haines, Sitka, Ketchikan, Juneau and Seward, Alaska.
Radiance, sailing alternating itineraries between Vancouver and Seward, will introduce a second northbound itinerary that includes a visit to Icy Strait Point. Southbound sailings will introduce an evening call to Haines. Serenade, departing roundtrip from Vancouver, will have a full day in Haines. Guests can also enjoy twice the ice with an itinerary that features the Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, as well as Hubbard Glacier.
The Details
Royal Caribbean International
