Navigator Aft Suite 855

[marieps]

We have been able to move from Suite 860 a bit farther forward to 855 for our Alaska cruise on Navigator 8/25. Even after dry dock I hear lots of chatter about the infamous aft vibration. Does anyone have any thoughts on whether the shake is so bad it would be wise to attempt an upgrade to an "E" suite forward?

Thanks!

[Travelcat2]

I've read the same thing about the continued vibration. We'll be on the Navigator next week (forward suite). If you could manage to get a suite mid-ship or forward, I'd go for it. I'll post about the vibration once I'm onboard and have experienced it -- probaby in Compass Rose. The seas are generally less calm from San Francisco to Alaska -- so, we should be able to feel it. As a general rule, we do not book aft suites on the Navigator or Voyager.

[colomom]

Personally, I would be more concerned with the fact that in the aft cabins (854 through 871) you are directly above the Seven Seas Lounge. I would be more worried about noise from that than the vibration, which seems to be a concern for some and not for others.

This website: http://aolsvc.res.travelocity.aol.com/ecruise/ShipDetailsDeck.do?shipId=158&deckId=1235 has great maps of the decks, much easier to read than on rssc.com.

I am booked into 945, which is definitely aft, but I am not worried. I am under the skinny part of Prime 7 but they are only open during the times I will probably be out of my cabin.

I can't wait....

[kvisf]

We completed Navigator's Bermuda cruise earlier this month, staying on deck 9 aft in a "F" suite that appears to be more or less in the same location you have just moved to.

For the entire cruise excepting one night, we had very calm seas. There was a noticeable vibration once we got in bed, but very gentle and in some ways soothing -- neither one of us had trouble getting to sleep, despite being light sleepers.

The one night exception was something else again. Sailing from Port Canaveral to Charleston we could see, early in the evening, that there was a storm brewing, and the sea got choppier as night fell. What had been a gentle and soothing vibration turned into a very vigorous rattling that was punctuated every few minutes by a resounding slapping sound and sensation, as if the ship had hit a hole in the ocean (sort of like your car hitting a big pothole). This went on all night and definitely did interfere with sleep.

My recommendation for your Alaska cruise would be to rebook in a midship suite, where there appear to be none of the vibration issues. Once you are out of the Inside Passage, high seas are a possibility, and if we had had a couple of nights in a row like the one sailing to Charleston, we might have a different recollection of what turned out to be a delightful cruise.

We would definitely consider Navigator again, as it is a charming if slightly eccentric ship with a wonderful crew, but if the itinerary has any chance of rough seas I would not consider the aft section.

[marieps]

Personally, I would be more concerned with the fact that in the aft cabins (854 through 871) you are directly above the Seven Seas Lounge. I would be more worried about noise from that than the vibration, which seems to be a concern for some and not for others.

This website: http://aolsvc.res.travelocity.aol.com/ecruise/ShipDetailsDeck.do?shipId=158&deckId=1235 has great maps of the decks, much easier to read than on rssc.com.

I am booked into 945, which is definitely aft, but I am not worried. I am under the skinny part of Prime 7 but they are only open during the times I will probably be out of my cabin.

I can't wait....

Won't the show lounge be dark by the time we retire, or is it open for dancing in the late evening? As you can see by my signature we are experienced mass market cruisers looking forward to a great experience on Regent. We just need a bit of guidance. Thanks to all CCers who've responded.

[Travelcat2]

Yes, if you go to bed late, the show lounge will be quiet. However, they practice during the day. . . . so, if you are in your suite trying to relax, this could be disturbing. There could also be lectures taking place in the lounge.

One more reason to not be above the show lounge might be the fact that Regent could use the show lounge for their Mariner Club (children's club). The Navigator has small public spaces -- I have wondered where they will have events for the children this summer. The show lounge is one possibility.

Alaska is extremely port intensive. . . . so, if you have no plans to be in your suite during the day. . . or, until 10:30 p.m., you will not be disturbed by whatever events are going on in the show lounge.

I have no doubt that you will love your Regent cruise. And, you may be fine in your current suite. Just think you should be aware of the possible negatives of being in an aft suite above the show lounge.

[marieps]

We have been very impressed with your insights on these Boards, TC. We appreciate the passion with which all Regent loyalists regard the line. Not sure if we can afford to be exclusive RSSCers at this point but we are certainly looking forward to a wonderful experience. Thanks again.