After spending a full week on Navigator of the Seas, I picked up a mix of practical advice, small surprises, and mistakes I would avoid next time. These Navigator of the Seas tips come from conversations with seasoned cruisers, crew insights, online forums, and my own experience onboard.
The goal is simple. Help you save time, avoid common frustrations, and get more value out of your cruise without overthinking it.
Some of these tips are obvious once you are on board. E.g., don’t fly on the same day your cruise leaves. Book a cheap hotel near the port for the night before. Others are things most first-time cruisers miss completely. Together, they give a clearer picture of how the ship actually works day-to-day, from dining and entertainment to quiet spaces and timing strategies.
I update this list as I find valuable tips. Drop your email to stay updated.
Order the Mango Daiquiri Even Though It's Not on the Menu
One of my favorite Navigator of the Seas tips came from a bartender at The Lime and Coconut. The Mango Daiquiri is not listed on the menu, but the bartenders can usually make one upon request. It was one of the most refreshing drinks I had all week, especially during warm afternoons by the pool. If you have the Deluxe Beverage Package, it is worth asking for one.
Tell the Crew About Dietary Restrictions
One of the most impressive Navigator of the Seas tips involves dietary accommodations. My wife, who follows a gluten-free, dairy-free diet, spotted a fish dish at Windjammer that had been prepared with butter. After mentioning her dietary restriction, a chef returned about fifteen minutes later with a freshly prepared version cooked with olive oil. Royal Caribbean takes dietary needs seriously, and the crew often goes out of their way to help if you simply ask.
You Probably Don't Need to Pack Toiletries
Many online discussions claim you need to bring shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and soap because the rooms don’t provide them. Some rooms and status levels come with a bar of soap and a wall dispenser of 3-in-1 shampoo/body wash. Guests in Grand Suites and higher-tier cabins, as well as higher loyalty tiers, receive deluxe, branded bath amenities. One of the most practical Navigator of the Seas tips is to save space in your luggage by using the toiletries provided in your stateroom. Unless you have a favorite brand or specific requirements, the supplied products work perfectly well.
Navigator of the Seas Tips: Download the App Before You Sail
Among all the Navigator of the Seas tips I received, this may be the most important. Download the Royal Caribbean app as soon as you book your cruise and spend time learning how it works. The app lets you view daily schedules, make reservations, check dining information, and keep track of activities throughout your cruise.
Visit the Gym Early
Royal Caribbean promotes wellness onboard, and many guests take advantage of the fitness center. One of the most useful Navigator of the Seas tips is to work out early in the morning. During my sailing, the gym was consistently busy throughout much of the day, especially on sea days.
The Staterooms Have More Storage Than You Think
First-time cruisers worry about where to store their belongings. One of the most pleasant Navigator of the Seas tips I discovered is that storage is surprisingly generous. Between closets, drawers, shelves, and the space under the bed, there is plenty of room to keep your cabin organized throughout the week.
Take Time to Appreciate the Art Around the Ship
One of the more overlooked Navigator of the Seas tips is to slow down and look at the artwork displayed throughout the ship. You’ll find everything from contemporary pieces to maritime-themed works throughout the public areas. It adds personality to the ship and makes for an enjoyable self-guided tour. See if you can spot the Peter Max.
Navigator of the Seas Tips: Best Time to Ride the Water Slides
The Blaster and Riptide are among the most popular attractions onboard. One of the smartest Navigator of the Seas tips I learned from the slide attendants was to ride during port days or later in the afternoon. The lines are often significantly shorter because many guests are ashore or preparing for dinner.
Pack Something Nice for Formal Night
You don’t need a tuxedo or formal gown, but one of my Navigator of the Seas tips is to bring at least one nicer outfit. I enjoyed seeing so many passengers participate in formal nights, and it made the evenings feel more special. Quite a few guests were wearing suits, sport coats, cocktail dresses, or dressy casual attire.
Navigator of the Seas Tips: Theme Nights
Theme nights are subject to change based on the specific sailing. The most common theme nights are:
- Caribbean Night
- White Night
- 70s/80s Throwback
- Dress Your Best
- Casual
Consider the Later Showtimes
The early performances tend to attract families and can fill up quickly. One of the best Navigator of the Seas tips for theater lovers is to attend the later show when available. I found it much easier to find seats, and the atmosphere felt a little more relaxed.
Escape to the Solarium
If you’re looking for peace and quiet, one of the best Navigator of the Seas tips is to spend time in the adults-only Solarium. The area offers a calmer atmosphere than the main pool deck and provides a nice place to read, relax, or simply enjoy ocean views.
Bring a Multi-Port USB Charger
Cabin outlets are valuable real estate. One of the simplest Navigator of the Seas tips is to bring a USB charging hub so you can charge multiple devices at once. Phones, watches, cameras, and battery packs all compete for charging space. Do not bring a power surge device, power strip, or extension cords, as they will be confiscated.
Ask for a Printed Daily Schedule
While most information is available in the app, one of the Navigator of the Seas tips I appreciated was having a printed daily schedule. If one isn’t automatically delivered, ask your stateroom attendant or Guest Services for a copy.
Navigator of the Seas Tips: Getting the Best Tables at My Time Dining
Guests with My Time Dining who prefer a window table should book their table early. One of the more valuable Navigator of the Seas tips I learned is that these tables are in high demand and tend to be claimed quickly once dinner service begins.
Walk Deck 4 Instead of the Running Track
Many cruisers head to the running track on Deck 11, but one of my favorite Navigator of the Seas tips is to use the walking path on Deck 4. It is longer and quieter, offering beautiful ocean views. It’s also a great alternative when the fitness center is crowded.
Skip Starbucks and Visit Café Promenade
There is a Starbucks onboard, but one of the most surprising Navigator of the Seas tips came after discovering the quality of the coffee at Café Promenade. During my cruise, the lattes there were excellent, and if you have the Deluxe Beverage Package, they’re included.
Don't Save Pool Chairs
One of the most common Navigator of the Seas tips from experienced cruisers is simple: don’t reserve pool chairs if you’re not actively using them. Royal Caribbean discourages chair saving, and fellow passengers appreciate having access to available seating.
The Men's Restroom With the Best View
For the men reading this article, here’s a fun Navigator of the Seas tip. The restroom near Windjammer on Deck 11 offers one of the best views from a restroom anywhere on the ship. It’s not a reason to book the cruise, but it’s a memorable detail.
Wash Your Hands Often
This may be the most obvious Navigator of the Seas tip, but it is also one of the most important. Frequent handwashing helps reduce the spread of illness onboard. By the end of the cruise, you may even find yourself humming the handwashing song played throughout the ship.
Don't Bother Bringing a Streaming Device
I’ve seen people recommend bringing an Amazon Fire Stick or Roku. While the HDMI ports on the televisions are accessible, one of the more practical Navigator of the Seas tips is to leave those devices at home. Internet bandwidth at sea is still limited compared to what most people have at home, making streaming less reliable than many expect. The stateroom televisions already provide live channels and a selection of on-demand movies.
Book Beverage Packages and Dining Packages Before You Sail
One of the smartest Navigator of the Seas tips is to purchase beverage packages, specialty dining packages, shore excursions, and internet access before embarkation day. Royal Caribbean frequently offers discounts before sailing, and many cruisers report paying noticeably more for the same packages once onboard. If the price drops after you purchase, you can often cancel and rebook at the lower rate. This is one of the easiest ways to save money before your cruise even begins.
Use the Free Chat Feature in the Royal Caribbean App
First-time cruisers assume they need an internet package to stay connected with family onboard. A useful Navigator of the Seas tips is to use the free chat feature built into the Royal Caribbean app. As long as you’re connected to the ship’s Wi-Fi network, you can message other guests without purchasing internet service. Please note that kids under 12 cannot create their own chat accounts and will need to use a parent’s login to text the family. This makes it much easier for families and groups to coordinate activities throughout the cruise.
Put Your Phone in Airplane Mode and Connect to Ship Wi-Fi
An important Navigator of the Seas tips for avoiding surprise charges is to put your phone in Airplane Mode as soon as you board. You can then connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi network and still access the Royal Caribbean app. Experienced cruisers frequently recommend this approach because it prevents expensive roaming charges while still allowing you to use onboard features and messaging.
Skip Windjammer on Embarkation Day
Most passengers head directly to Windjammer after boarding, which can make it one of the ship’s busiest venues. One of the insightful Navigator of the Seas tips is to consider other complimentary lunch options such as Café Promenade or El Loco Fresh. You’ll spend less time standing in line and more time exploring the ship while everyone else is crowding the buffet.
Ride the Waterslides on Embarkation Day
I already mentioned that port days are a great time to ride Riptide and Blaster, but another excellent Navigator of the Seas tip is to ride them shortly after boarding. Many guests spend embarkation day eating lunch, exploring the ship, or attending safety drills. As a result, the lines for the slides are often shorter than they will be later in the cruise.
Check In Through the App as Soon as It Opens
One of the easiest Navigator of the Seas tips to follow happens before your cruise even starts. Complete your check-in through the Royal Caribbean app as soon as it becomes available. Early check-in often gives you access to earlier arrival times at the terminal, helping you get on board faster and start enjoying the ship sooner. Missing the ship because you flew in the same day is a real risk. One of the smartest Navigator of the Seas tips is to fly in a day early and stay near the port. You don’t need anything fancy, just a clean, affordable room for one night. I use an online website to find something cheap near the terminal since it’s just for a night.
Don't Overlook El Loco Fresh
Many guests focus on Windjammer, the Main Dining Room, and specialty restaurants, but one of the most underrated Navigator of the Seas tips is to visit El Loco Fresh. This complimentary Mexican venue serves tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and a toppings bar. It was often less crowded than Windjammer and is a favorite lunch option for many repeat cruisers.
