New to year-round cruising from Los Angeles is Royal Caribbean International’s Navigator of the Seas. The vessel first launched in 2002, and was enhanced in 2019 to the tune of $115 million. In two decades’ time, the 3,970-guest Voyager-class ship has matured into quite a contender for those seeking three- to seven-night getaways from the West Coast.
Even from a distance, there’s no missing Navigator, with its vibrant set of shiny new waterslides perched high above the stern. Collectively referred to as The Perfect Storm, the slides include Riptide, a headfirst mat racer; and The Blaster, a raft-ridden aqua coaster stretching more than 800 feet in length. The first is certainly thrilling given the intense rider position, and the second is, well, a blast along five exciting descents and ascents, plus twists and turns. Royal Caribbean favorites such as a rock-climbing wall and FlowRider surf simulator have also been reprised, and the mini golf course has been moved to the forward top of the ship.
Onboard Restaurants
But that’s only a fraction of what was freshly added and enhanced on Navigator in 2019. The pool deck has been updated with The Lime and Coconut, a triple-decker watering hole, as well as Johnny Rockets Express, relocated for counter-service burgers, fries and shakes (for a nominal cost). These grill items remain standouts and are superior to the complimentary tacos, burritos and quesadillas from El Loco Fresh across the way.
Hooked Seafood offers delicious New England-style dishes.
Credit: 2022 Jason LeppertThe ship’s greatest dining highlights, though, are found at the new Hooked Seafood specialty restaurant — home to delicious New England-style dishes — and Izumi, which prepares some of the best sushi available on a cruise. I highly recommend the Baked Snow Crab and Salmon Dynamite Roll.
Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver is a close second for its tasty, rustic interpretations of classic dishes. The Bamboo Room (reminiscent of Southern California’s famed Islands restaurants) proves to be a fun tiki bar with appetizing tapas plates, while Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade is the place for comfort foods, such as the excellent Buffalo Chicken Crunch Roll. Both jazz up the already impressive Royal Promenade — the ship’s signature central corridor.
Rooms and Other Features
Rounding out the new offerings is To Dry For — a dedicated blow-dry bar — and upgraded Adventure Ocean kids’ and teens’ spaces. Repositioned nearby is an expansive fitness center, while the once double-decker spa has been truncated to one level without a thermal suite.
The mostly original staterooms and suites are adequate, though not opulent. They are plenty comfortable and suites are particularly spacious, but peach and pink color tones in the bathrooms have not aged well, and showers are rather small. Elsewhere, any leftover kitschy elements from before the refurbishment have also been removed.
Several of the ship’s former features remain timeless, however, especially the Studio B ice-skating rink and its dazzling performances that — to this day — are unique at sea. Great guest entertainers mostly headline the Royal Theater, but the occasional musical revue is another worthwhile diversion.
My wife and I are already planning our return to the ship with companions in tow to tackle the new Royal Escape Room: The Observatorium, which was closed during our sailing, presumably due to physical distancing.
Navigator of the Seas is a classic that has been marvelously rejuvenated to serve as a fine California representative for Royal Caribbean.
The Details
Royal Caribbean International
