Navigator of the Seas surprised me in the best possible way. Before our seven-night cruise, I had spent hours reading online discussions, watching videos, and researching what to expect. I thought I was well prepared, but once I stepped onboard, I quickly realized there were dozens of things I hadn’t anticipated. Some saved me money, some made life onboard easier, and others simply made the cruise even more enjoyable. From the food and entertainment to the ship itself and the incredible crew, these are the 21 things that genuinely surprised me during our week at sea.
Food & Drinks on Navigator of the Seas
The Best Meals Didn't Cost Anything Extra
Before boarding, I assumed the included dining would be good on Navigator of the Seas, but not particularly memorable. I couldn’t have been more wrong. From perfectly cooked prime rib in the Main Dining Room to the flavorful Indian dishes at Windjammer, the complimentary food consistently exceeded my expectations. If someone had told me I’d still be talking about some of these meals weeks after the cruise, I probably wouldn’t have believed them.
Dishes That Weren't Even on the Menu
One afternoon, I was craving grilled salmon, even though it wasn’t listed on the lunch menu. Instead of settling for something else, I asked our server if it was possible. A short time later, a freshly grilled salmon arrived at the table. That simple experience taught me that the printed menu isn’t always the final word, and it never hurts to politely ask.
The Crew Took Dietary Requests Serious
One of the most impressive moments on Navigator of the Seas happened when my wife spotted a fish dish she wanted to try, only to learn it had been prepared with butter. We mentioned her dietary preference, expecting to choose something different. Instead, the chef personally prepared a fresh version using olive oil and brought it to our table. It was a thoughtful gesture that showed just how much the crew wanted every guest to enjoy their meal.
My Favorite Coffee Stop
I assumed I’d be grabbing coffee from Starbucks every morning. Instead, I found myself walking to Café Promenade, where they consistently made some of the best lattes I had during the cruise. Even better, those specialty coffees were included with my Deluxe Beverage Package, making it an easy choice every morning.
The Off-Menu Cocktail Menus
One hot afternoon, I asked the bartender at Lime & Coconut if he could make a Mango Daiquiri, even though it wasn’t listed on the menu. He smiled, grabbed a blender, and made exactly what I was hoping for. That moment reminded me that talented bartenders can often make classic cocktails if they have the ingredients, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Windjammer's Buffet Changed Daily
I expected the buffet on Navigator of the Seas to become repetitive after a couple of days. Instead, I kept finding different entrées, desserts, breads, and international dishes throughout the cruise. It quickly became clear that returning for different meals was worth it because there was always something new to discover.
The Specialty Restaurants
I went on the cruise wondering whether the extra cost would really be justified. After dining at Izumi, Jamie’s Italian, and Chops Grille, I understood why so many cruisers recommend them. The food was excellent, but what impressed me just as much was the slower pace, attentive service, and overall dining experience.
Windjammer's Indian Food
Before sailing, I kept seeing experienced Royal Caribbean cruisers rave about the Indian food in Windjammer. I figured it was probably being exaggerated, but they were absolutely right. The curries were packed with flavor, the naan disappeared quickly, and it ended up being one of my favorite discoveries on the ship.
The Ship: Navigator of the Seas
More Storage Than I Needed
Cruise cabins aren’t known for being spacious, so I packed expecting to live out of my suitcase. Instead, I found generous closet space aboard Navigator of the Seas, plenty of drawers, shelves, and even room under the bed for our luggage. It made the cabin feel much bigger than it actually was. Even with all the space, having the magnetic hooks was helpful.
The Ship Felt Newer Than Its Age
Navigator of the Seas first entered service in 2002, so I expected parts of the ship to show their age. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised by how modern everything felt after Royal Caribbean’s extensive renovation. From the restaurants to the pool deck, the ship felt fresh, well-maintained, and inviting.
It Never Felt Overcrowded
With thousands of passengers on board Navigator of the Seas, I expected to spend a lot of time standing in lines. Surprisingly, that wasn’t our experience. Yes, there were busy times around the pools and buffet, but the ship is laid out so well that it almost always felt easy to find a quieter corner to relax.
Deck 4 Became My Favorite Walk
Most people head to the running track on the upper decks, but I found myself returning to Deck 4 almost every day. It wraps around much of the ship, offers beautiful ocean views, and is usually far quieter than the pool deck. It was my favorite place for a peaceful morning or evening stroll.
Entertainment & Atmosphere
There Was Always Something Happening
I knew there would be entertainment, but I didn’t realize just how much there would be on Navigator of the Seas. Live music, trivia, game shows, production shows, karaoke, dance parties, and themed events filled the daily schedule. If someone ever told me they were bored onboard, I’d honestly wonder how.
The Live Music Was Everywhere
Whether we were walking through the Royal Promenade, relaxing by the pool, or enjoying a drink before dinner, there always seemed to be a talented musician or band performing. It gave the entire ship a fun, upbeat atmosphere.
The Ice-Skating Show Was Incredible
I’ll admit I wasn’t expecting much from an ice-skating show on a cruise ship. However, it was one of my favorite performances of the entire week. The athleticism, choreography, and the fact that they perform on a moving ship made it all the more impressive.
People Really Embrace Theme Nights
I expected a handful of guests to dress up for formal night and themed parties on Navigator of the Seas. Instead, hundreds of people joined in. Seeing families, couples, and groups of friends getting into the spirit made the evenings even more fun and created a festive atmosphere throughout the ship.
The Waterslides Were Worth the Wait
I wasn’t sure whether Blaster and Riptide would be worth standing in line for, but they absolutely were. I learned from the crew that the shortest waits were usually late in the afternoon or while the ship was in port. That insider advice saved us a lot of time.
The Crew Made the Cruise
The food, entertainment, and beautiful ship were all memorable, but what I’ll remember most is the crew. Everywhere we went, someone greeted us with a smile, remembered our names, or went out of their way to make our vacation better. That level of hospitality turned a great cruise into an unforgettable one.
Pools & Outdoor Areas
The Solarium Was My Favorite Escape
Whenever I needed a break from the energy of the main pool deck, I found myself heading to the adults-only Solarium. It was quieter, more relaxing, and the perfect place to read, enjoy a drink, or simply watch the ocean roll by.
Service
Cruise Experience
Embarkation and Debarkation Were Easier Than I Expected
I’d read plenty of stories about long lines and stressful boarding days, so I prepared for the worst. Instead, the process was surprisingly organized on Navigator of the Seas. As long as we followed the instructions in the Royal Caribbean app and arrived at our assigned times, everything moved really smoothly.
The Royal Caribbean App for Navigator of the Seas is Indispensable
I downloaded the app before boarding, but I didn’t realize how often I’d use it. It quickly became our go-to resource for checking daily activities, dining times, show schedules, and finding our way around the ship. By the second day, I couldn’t imagine sailing without it.
FAQ's
Is Navigator of the Seas a good ship?
Yes. Navigator of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s most popular Voyager-class ships thanks to its wide variety of dining, entertainment, family activities, and Mexican Riviera itineraries. Although it first launched in 2002, a major renovation added new restaurants, waterslides, bars, and updated public spaces, giving it a modern feel.
What is included on Navigator of the Seas?
Your cruise fare includes accommodations, meals in complimentary dining venues such as the Main Dining Room, Windjammer, El Loco Fresh, Café Promenade, and Sorrento’s Pizza, along with most entertainment, live music, production shows, pools, waterslides, and youth activities. Specialty restaurants, alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions cost extra.
What are the best things to do on Navigator of the Seas?
Highly recommended are watching the ice skating show, relaxing in the adults-only Solarium, riding the waterslides, enjoying live music around the ship, exploring the Royal Promenade, and trying a mix of complimentary and specialty restaurants. Planning a balance of activities and downtime helps you get the most from your cruise.
Is the food good on Navigator of the Seas?
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety of food available onboard. Complimentary dining includes everything from freshly prepared breakfasts to multi-course dinners, while specialty restaurants such as Izumi, Jamie’s Italian, and Chops Grille offer upgraded dining experiences for an additional charge.
What is the best itinerary on Navigator of the Seas?
One of the ship’s most popular itineraries is the seven-night Mexican Riviera cruise, which visits Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta. This itinerary combines relaxing sea days with opportunities to explore beaches, historic districts, local markets, and regional cuisine.
