navigator of the seas ship tour

We recently sailed on the Navigator of the Seas, and it was a whole new experience compared to our trip over 20 years ago. The ship’s design impressed us, especially the three-story dining room where we enjoyed meals throughout the day. Nearby, the art and photo gallery offered a quiet place to relax and browse, with easy access to the ice skating rink and a nightclub we’re hoping to try next time.

Exploring the ship, we found a variety of places to unwind and have fun. From lively bars with a Cuban vibe to quieter lounges with live music and trivia, there’s a spot for every mood. The outdoor promenade offered stunning ocean views and peaceful walks, while the casino and specialty restaurants added extra excitement to our days onboard.

Dining Experiences

Our Main Dining Room

We enjoyed meals in a stunning three-level dining room on deck 4. This space is elegant and spacious, perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s also conveniently located next to the art and photo gallery, making it a nice spot to explore before or after dining.

Unique Dining Spots

We tried the specialty restaurant Hooked Seafood, which requires an extra fee. Most of the dishes were good, although one side dish came out cold. The service there, however, was excellent and attentive throughout our meal.

Relaxed Bites and Cafes

For casual dining, there’s a 24-hour café called Café Promenade. It offers sandwiches, desserts, pizza, and coffee at no extra cost. Nearby, the Boleros bar brings a lively Cuban vibe with live music and mojitos, while Playmakers serves sports bar food like burgers and wings for an additional charge.

Morning Meals and Buffets

Breakfast was available in the main dining room, offering a pleasant start to the day. The café and buffet-style options provided a variety of sandwiches and snacks to keep us fueled throughout our activities. We found these spots convenient for quick, casual meals.

Lounges and Nightlife

Boleros Latin-inspired Bar

We found a cozy spot with Cuban vibes called Boleros, located near the deck four dining area. It features live music, mojito-style drinks, and comfy chairs that make it perfect for dancing or just relaxing with a South Florida feel.

Piano Lounges and Trivia Games

One of our favorite hangouts was a nautical-themed bar called Schooners. It offered live piano performances and lively trivia nights, including fun topics like Star Wars and logos. The atmosphere was both entertaining and inviting.

Live Shows and Performance Halls

The ship’s Royal Theater stretches across two decks and provides beautiful, spacious seating. It’s a great venue to catch live entertainment, with easy access from decks four and five. The theater’s design adds to the overall enjoyable experience.

Distinctive Cocktail Lounges

We enjoyed visiting the Bamboo Room, which had a tropical, tiki-inspired ambiance. It featured unique drinks like the Benny’s Mai, served in a calming setting that contrasts with the livelier sports bar nearby. The lighting and decor made it a relaxing place to unwind.

Onboard Activities

Gliding and Shows at Studio B

We found Studio B to be a fantastic spot for ice skating. You can rent skates and give it a try yourself or simply enjoy the ice skating shows they put on. It’s a unique way to spend some time on the ship.

Gambling at Casino Royale

The casino has plenty going on with table games like blackjack, craps, and poker, plus lots of slot machines. It does get a bit crowded, which made it tricky to move around sometimes, but there’s a players club to earn perks if you’re into that.

Games and Trivia Fun

Right outside the casino, we loved hanging out at Schooners bar. It’s a cozy spot with nautical decor, a piano singer, and a variety of trivia games. We tried everything from Star Wars to logo trivia, and it was a great way to interact and have fun.

Art Viewing and Auctions

The ship’s art gallery is connected to the photo gallery area, which is a peaceful place to browse stunning artwork or check out your cruise photos. The star lounge nearby hosts art auctions and offers comfy seating with large windows to relax in while watching a film or enjoying the view.

Recreation and Relaxation

Walking Areas and Open-Air Decks

We loved the wide outdoor paths that circle the ship’s lower decks. These paths are great for quiet strolls with unobstructed ocean views. There are a few chairs scattered around, but mostly it’s just open space where you can enjoy fresh air away from crowds.

Helicopter Landing Spot

Finding the helipad was a bit tricky, but once we did, it became one of our favorite quiet spots. It’s peaceful up there with benches to sit on and amazing forward-facing views. Keep in mind, it’s not very private since some rooms and the bridge overlook it.

Swimming Pools and Jacuzzis

Though the weather was a bit chilly for swimming, the pools and hot tubs provide good spots to relax when the sun is out. These areas are perfect for cooling off or warming up, depending on your mood and the climate.

Quiet Zones for Adults

We found some calm, adults-only areas that were perfect for relaxing. These spaces were designed to offer a break from the busy public zones, with comfy seating and a chilled atmosphere that helped us unwind.

Mini Golf and Sports Areas

For some active fun, there are mini golf courses and various sports courts on board. These spots brought out our playful sides and were great for friendly competitions and staying active during the day.

Family and Kids’ Enjoyment

Game Zones and Arcades

We found fun for all ages in the arcade area, where vintage games mix with modern ones. Kids and adults both had a great time competing on the game machines. It’s a lively spot, often busy but always a joyful hangout for families.

Clubs for Teens and Tweens

There were dedicated youth clubs where teens and tweens could gather and enjoy activities designed just for them. These hangouts offered chances to connect with others their age and take part in planned games and social events. It’s a great way for younger guests to make new friends onboard.

Water Play Areas and Slides

The splash pads and waterslides were a hit for the kids. These water features provided great opportunities to cool off and have fun throughout the day. It’s ideal for families looking for some active play and watery excitement during the cruise.

Shopping and Services

Branded Souvenir Shops

We found a great spot where you can pick up all kinds of Royal Caribbean branded items. They have everything from sweatshirts and mugs to toys and cups. It’s the perfect place to grab a keepsake or a gift with the cruise logo on it.

Photography Center and Cameras

Right outside the dining room, there’s a combined photo gallery and studio. This is where you can browse photos taken during the trip and buy the ones you like. They also offer photo equipment for sale if you want to capture your own memories.

Tax-Free Shopping

There’s a duty-free shop where you can buy alcohol and other small essentials without taxes. It’s convenient if you want to stock up on drinks or pick up last-minute supplies during your cruise.

Hair and Wellness Salon

For some pampering, we visited the onboard salon called To Dry For. They offer haircuts, blowouts, updos, and more, which is great for looking sharp on formal nights or just treating yourself. It’s easy to book a service and get refreshed during the cruise.

Convenience and Amenities

Bathroom Access Points

We found restrooms conveniently located near the art and photo gallery area by the dining room on deck 4. This spot offers a quiet place to relax, making it easy to freshen up without going far.

Elevator Details and Deck Guides

Elevator banks are placed on both sides of the main staircase near the Royal Promenade. You can choose between port or starboard sides to reach various decks smoothly. Having deck maps handy helps in navigating the ship’s multiple levels and key areas.

Support Desk and Guest Help

Guest services are situated close to the shore excursion desk for quick assistance. Whether you need help with onboard questions or other concerns, the team is ready to assist us during our voyage.

Planning Trips and Excursion Booking

The shore excursion desk is the place to arrange your onshore adventures. It’s easy to stop by and book tours or gather information on activities available at each port.

Handy Hacks and Savvy Suggestions

We found a quiet spot near the dining room where you can relax surrounded by beautiful artwork. Bonus tip: There are restrooms close by, which is super convenient.

If you want to ice skate, Studio B offers rentals and shows. Though we didn’t ice skate this time, it’s worth trying on another trip.

Looking for a fun nightlife vibe? Check out Boleros bar on deck four for live Cuban-style music and mojitos. The atmosphere is lively, perfect if you want to dance or unwind.

Heads up: Starbucks is separate from the drink package, so order coffee there at your own expense.

The casino can feel crowded, especially near the slot machines and tables. If you plan to play, ask the casino host about their rewards program to earn perks as you go.

We loved Schooners bar, especially for trivia nights and live piano. It’s a great place to meet people and enjoy some light-hearted competition.

For dining, Hooked Seafood is a solid option for a special meal, though some dishes may not be piping hot. Service there was top-notch.

The open promenade deck is a peaceful place for fresh air and ocean views, often less crowded than other ships we’ve been on.

We discovered a hidden stairway to the helipad—quiet with amazing views, just remember it’s visible to guests in forward rooms and the bridge.

For casual bites and drinks, Café Promenade is open 24/7 with included snacks and drinks if you have the package. Playmakers sports bar offers more food for a fee and lots of games, making it a lively spot.

Finally, the Bamboo Room offers tropical cocktails and a relaxed vibe away from the sports bar noise. Perfect for unwinding with a delicious drink in hand.

Our Thoughts and Suggestions

We really enjoyed the mix of lively and relaxed spots throughout the ship. The dining room’s atmosphere was stunning and comfortable for all meals, while places like the art gallery offered a peaceful break.

Highlights to remember:

• The casino felt a bit crowded at times, especially around the slot machines.
• Boleros bar brought great energy with its Cuban vibe and live music.
• The specialty restaurant, Hooked Seafood, mostly impressed us, though the macaroni side was a bit chilly.
• Quiet outdoor promenades gave us a chance to enjoy the ocean without crowds.
• The helipad was a hidden gem with fantastic views but not very private.
• Social spots like Schooners provided fun with trivia and live piano.

A few tips:

• Starbucks is available but not included in the drink package.
• Don’t miss the Coke Freestyle machines if you have the beverage package.
• Check out the Bamboo Room for tropical drinks and a calming ambiance.
• If you want to explore ice skating, Studio B is worth a visit, even though we didn’t try it ourselves this trip.

We’d recommend planning time both to relax in quieter areas and to dive into the more vibrant social spaces. Balancing these experiences makes the most of the trip.