Navigator of the Seas

Navigator of the Seas is a perfect mid-range ship for those looking to explore the West Coast and Asia. As a Voyager-Class vessel, it boasts impressive amenities that contributed to the initial success of this class, including multiple waterslides, expansive swimming pools, laser tag, an ice skating rink, and more. 

The ship primarily offers short 3- and 4-night cruises to Mexico, providing some of the best prices across the Royal Caribbean fleet. Navigator is an excellent choice for families and stands out as one of the top options for travelers with children who wish to experience the wonders of Singapore or enjoy an authentic taco in Mexico.

What we like about Navigator of the Seas

Let’s start with one of the most important aspects of cruising… or, really, the entertainment business: Navigator of the Seas offers very, very affordable cruises. In the United States, it departs from Los Angeles, with short 3-night cruises starting at just $210 and 4-night cruises from $240. Even 3-night cruises from Singapore are very reasonably priced, starting at $260, making it a convenient way to explore Asia if you’re spending some time there. These prices make Navigator of the Seas one of the best bang-for-your-buck ships in the entire Royal Caribbean fleet, and you can definitely enjoy every activity onboard while trying out different itineraries.

Navigator of the Seas is all about entering vacation mode with your family. This Voyager-Class ship offers plenty for both adults and children, from laser tag to multiple waterslides, an escape room, expansive swimming pools, an ice skating rink, and much more. The slides here are a highlight, even though there’s no full waterpark. You’ll find The Blaster, a waterslide for two guests that Royal Caribbean considers one of the longest at sea, and the Riptide, where you grab a mat and ride headfirst along the side of the ship. These slides are the cherry on top of a very family-friendly ship that, even today, remains a fan favorite.

Dining options onboard are impressive for a ship that focuses on short itineraries, though it also offers 7-night trips along the West Coast and in Asia. You’ll find fan favorites like Chops Grille, Izumi, and Chef’s Table, along with newer options such as Jamie’s Italian and Hooked Seafood. Hooked Seafood is a very welcome addition, since the ship already has a sushi bar, a steakhouse, and an Italian restaurant, adding a specialty venue focused on New England–style dishes was a smart move by Royal Caribbean.

When it comes to having a good time, Navigator of the Seas hits just about every mark. That’s thanks in large part to a major 2019 update, when Royal Caribbean added a ton of new features, including the waterslides and an escape room. The pool area also received a significant upgrade, now featuring a splash zone for children and double the pool’s surface area. The top deck offers more space with plenty of chairs, so you can read a book or listen to a podcast while your kids play nearby.

What we don’t like about Navigator of the Seas

There’s not much to dislike about Navigator of the Seas. This is a very good mid-range ship with great prices and plenty of fun itineraries, especially for those living in California. One drawback is that some staterooms can feel a little dated. They don’t have as many USB ports as you might expect, and bathrooms in standard rooms can feel rather small. There are also signs of rust here and there, particularly on balconies, but that’s to be expected on ships over twenty years old.

Conclusion

Navigator of the Seas is awesome and hits all the right notes of a great cruise. It offers excellent prices, tons of things to do, multiple dining venues, and, most importantly, the chance to enjoy a truly memorable family vacation.