Considering RCCL for the 1st time, 10/11/15 Cozumel, Belize, Roatan

[CaseyCip22]

Hey fellow cruisers!

Hubs and I are considering a 5 year wedding anniversary trip this October. We are limited to something during the time of 10/10-10/19.

 

We're considering RCCL's 7 Day Western Caribbean which departs out of Galvaston, TX and goes to Cozumel, Belize and Roatan. I chose that itinerary because I like to see new places/countries and while we've been to Cozumel, neither of us have been to Honduras or Belize.

 

We've never sailed with RCCL before, so my questions really revolve around the line. We've sailed with Princess, Carnival, and Norwegian, as you can see in my signature. Our least favorite have been the Carnival ones, our most favorite the Europe trip on the Norwegian Epic. We had a spa room with access to the spa pool room, or whatever the heck it was called, and the ship was stunning.

 

My questions re: RCCL and the itinerary really are:

 

-What are some things that are different on RCCL from other cruise lines? For example, are there different perks for different room categories? Anything notable about RCCL that really gives us the reason to try it out as opposed to going back to Princess or NCL?

 

-Anything pressing/interesting one can tell me about Navigation of the Seas? I know it's an older ship, so I'm a tad nervous after the gorgeous Epic, but I know it's gone through a refurb recently.

 

-Is there an adults only pool/area? If so is it over crowded with "adults"? Meaning 18-21 year olds who are loud and annoying. Hubs and I are 30-32 and while we're not into our quiet years and still like a good time, little is more annoying than drunk college students.

 

-I know the ship sails from Texas and I've read a bit about the country music...problem. Hubs and I hate country music. Are we New Yorkers going to want to claw our ears out?

 

-Also, the deck chairs look a bit, old? The kind with the straps going across that are uncomfortable. Also, how crowded is the deck on sea days. Impossible to find a pair of seats by the pool unless you get out there at 7am?

 

That's just a few. Hopefully you guys can help me out. We want to try out RCCL and check out this itinerary, but don't want to be disappointed, just want the best experience.

Thanks all!

[rednose83]

I'm not an RCI buff since I've only just booked my third cruise with them so I can't answer most of your questions.

 

However, I believe that all ships (maybe excluding Majesty I don't remember there being one) have the Solarium which is a pool/hot tub area for 16+.

 

The chairs were the ones with the blue mesh like material on the Freedom. I can't remember on Majesty.

 

I really enjoy NCL but haven't tried Epic. I think RCI to NCL is basically a lateral step- neither is significantly better than the other (in my experience and opinion).

[CaseyCip22]

Oh? Why is that?

[rednose83]

Oh? Why is that?

 

We had a great time in Roatan.

[CalcDiva]

We loved Roatan. My family did an amazing zip line tour there. We are going back on Navigator in June and plan to visit one of the schools or children homes to donate supplies for the children. I agree that the island is quite poverty stricken, but the natural beauty surpasses many islands we have been to.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[linedancediva]

We absolutely loved Roatan both times we've been there. I suppose it was because of the excursions we chose..one was zip lining which was a blast (best excursion I've ever been on )and the other was a beach excursion (can't recall the name of the beach but it was stunning). However I WOULD NOT adventure off on your own in Roatan outside of the port.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[OfTheSeasCruiser]

Hey fellow cruisers!

Hubs and I are considering a 5 year wedding anniversary trip this October. We are limited to something during the time of 10/10-10/19.

 

We're considering RCCL's 7 Day Western Caribbean which departs out of Galvaston, TX and goes to Cozumel, Belize and Roatan. I chose that itinerary because I like to see new places/countries and while we've been to Cozumel, neither of us have been to Honduras or Belize.

 

We've never sailed with RCCL before, so my questions really revolve around the line. We've sailed with Princess, Carnival, and Norwegian, as you can see in my signature. Our least favorite have been the Carnival ones, our most favorite the Europe trip on the Norwegian Epic. We had a spa room with access to the spa pool room, or whatever the heck it was called, and the ship was stunning.

 

My questions re: RCCL and the itinerary really are:

 

-What are some things that are different on RCCL from other cruise lines? For example, are there different perks for different room categories? Anything notable about RCCL that really gives us the reason to try it out as opposed to going back to Princess or NCL? Overall, we've found Royal more enjoyable than NCL (we were on the Epic in 2013) and have sailed Royal 5 times. There's not that many noticeable things, but I prefer Royal's food, service and especially ship design.

 

-Anything pressing/interesting one can tell me about Navigation of the Seas? I know it's an older ship, so I'm a tad nervous after the gorgeous Epic, but I know it's gone through a refurb recently. Yes, she had a major dry dock: new cabins, new specialty restaurants(Izumi: Sushi, and Sabor: Mexican) movie screen by the pool, etc.

 

-Is there an adults only pool/area? If so is it over crowded with "adults"? Meaning 18-21 year olds who are loud and annoying. Hubs and I are 30-32 and while we're not into our quiet years and still like a good time, little is more annoying than drunk college students. Yes, the Navigator will have a Solarium (16+). I think you'll find most of the "loud" 18-21 year olds out by the main pool with the caribbean music. The solarium is a fairly quiet area.

 

-I know the ship sails from Texas and I've read a bit about the country music...problem. Hubs and I hate country music. Are we New Yorkers going to want to claw our ears out? Sorry, never sailed from TX.

 

-Also, the deck chairs look a bit, old? The kind with the straps going across that are uncomfortable. Also, how crowded is the deck on sea days. Impossible to find a pair of seats by the pool unless you get out there at 7am? Never had a problem with the chairs. Deck chair availability depends. Maybe someone recently on the Navigator can report back.

 

That's just a few. Hopefully you guys can help me out. We want to try out RCCL and check out this itinerary, but don't want to be disappointed, just want the best experience.

Thanks all!

 

Some answers above in red. Hope I helped a little!

Edited January 12, 2015 by OfTheSeasCruiser

[rednose83]

walked of the ship in Roatan to the most poverty I have ever witnessed. The worse island of all the Carribbean I have been to.

 

Unfortunately, almost all of the Caribbean islands are poverty stricken. Roatan did not strike me as significantly worse than say Falmouth, Jamaica or Guatemala, or the Dominican Republic (which is the only port I've felt threatened in besides Nassau).

[Justmekaren918]

When I was in Roatan I did little French Key and the resort was great! The food was fine. They were pretty great on making sure we got back to port in time, but it was about 20 minute van ride through Roatan.

 

I would suggest to use a good tour company for Roatan and Belize and do not navigate on your own. It is not Bermuda. I don't know if it was doing Roatan the day before, but I did feel a tad uneasy outside the pier boarders in Cozumel. I must say I really enjoyed Nachi CoCom and I thought the champagne chicken was amazing. The resort and staff were great and I felt pampered for my 50th b-day and they didn't know that. I am headed back in March to Cozumel.

 

I took the amazing Vision of the Seas and I snagged a wonderful corner wrapped jr suite. The balcony was amazing. Best balcony on the ship and possibly the fleet. No super structure blocking view! Vision is 18 years young in my opinion she was in great shape and I had a great 5 days on her.

[whitshel]

walked of the ship in Roatan to the most poverty I have ever witnessed. The worse island of all the Carribbean I have been to.

 

Help them out! Buy stuff, do an excursion. That's all these small islands have is tourism.

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Forums mobile app

[pso418]

Cozumel was our favorite stop. Walked around the main strip area and stayed at chukkanaub park all day

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[gambler]

The Navigator is a beautiful ship. Traveling in October will be a mixed bag, not too many families with young kids or college age ones. I am from Connecticut, lived there 20 something years and now in Texas 20 something years. Texans are really friendly and a lot of fun. There will be some country music but also a variety. Met a couple from NJ last year, they were so happy they sailed the Navigator, they loved the ship and the friendly people.

Go for it.

[CaseyCip22]

Thanks for the tips guys! Sounds like I shouldn't be worried. :)

[pspercy]

In Roatan we booked a tour with Victor Bodden, would recommend them.

Edited January 13, 2015 by pspercy

[Cuizer2]

We're considering RCCL's 7 Day Western Caribbean which departs out of Galvaston, TX and goes to Cozumel, Belize and Roatan. I chose that itinerary because I like to see new places/countries and while we've been to Cozumel, neither of us have been to Honduras or Belize.

 

We've never sailed with RCCL before, so my questions really revolve around the line. We've sailed with Princess, Carnival, and Norwegian, as you can see in my signature. Our least favorite have been the Carnival ones, our most favorite the Europe trip on the Norwegian Epic. We had a spa room with access to the spa pool room, or whatever the heck it was called, and the ship was stunning.

 

My questions re: RCCL and the itinerary really are:

 

-What are some things that are different on RCCL from other cruise lines? For example, are there different perks for different room categories? Anything notable about RCCL that really gives us the reason to try it out as opposed to going back to Princess or NCL?

 

-Anything pressing/interesting one can tell me about Navigation of the Seas? I know it's an older ship, so I'm a tad nervous after the gorgeous Epic, but I know it's gone through a refurb recently.

 

-Is there an adults only pool/area? If so is it over crowded with "adults"? Meaning 18-21 year olds who are loud and annoying. Hubs and I are 30-32 and while we're not into our quiet years and still like a good time, little is more annoying than drunk college students.

 

-I know the ship sails from Texas and I've read a bit about the country music...problem. Hubs and I hate country music. Are we New Yorkers going to want to claw our ears out?

 

-Also, the deck chairs look a bit, old? The kind with the straps going across that are uncomfortable. Also, how crowded is the deck on sea days. Impossible to find a pair of seats by the pool unless you get out there at 7am?

 

That's just a few. Hopefully you guys can help me out. We want to try out RCCL and check out this itinerary, but don't want to be disappointed, just want the best experience.

Thanks all!

 

The passengers on Royal Caribbean will resemble the passengers on Carnival and NCL more than the passengers on Princess.

 

I have not been on the Epic (I've been on two other NCL ships). I have been on the Navigator twice. The last time in March 2013. Here is a link to my review, which includes several pictures of the ship ...

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1810031

 

The solarium is an adults only pool. Though I don't use it, I sometime walk through the area and it has always been peaceful and quite.

 

I've cruised from Galveston, Texas on the Voyager of the Seas. I don't recall there being any more country music then there was on any other ship leaving from any other port.

 

Chair hogs can be a problem. However, I have always noticed empty chairs (though I don't know if someone will claim to have saved them).

[craig403]

In Roatan we booked a tour with Victor Bodden, would recommend them.

 

I agree. Victor Bodden does a good tour. Check them out on TripAdvisor.

 

http://boddentours.com/index.htm

[American Bear]

Hey fellow cruisers!

Hubs and I are considering a 5 year wedding anniversary trip this October. We are limited to something during the time of 10/10-10/19.

 

We're considering RCCL's 7 Day Western Caribbean which departs out of Galvaston, TX and goes to Cozumel, Belize and Roatan. I chose that itinerary because I like to see new places/countries and while we've been to Cozumel, neither of us have been to Honduras or Belize.

 

We've never sailed with RCCL before, so my questions really revolve around the line. We've sailed with Princess, Carnival, and Norwegian, as you can see in my signature. Our least favorite have been the Carnival ones, our most favorite the Europe trip on the Norwegian Epic. We had a spa room with access to the spa pool room, or whatever the heck it was called, and the ship was stunning.

 

My questions re: RCCL and the itinerary really are:

 

-What are some things that are different on RCCL from other cruise lines? For example, are there different perks for different room categories? Anything notable about RCCL that really gives us the reason to try it out as opposed to going back to Princess or NCL?

 

-Anything pressing/interesting one can tell me about Navigation of the Seas? I know it's an older ship, so I'm a tad nervous after the gorgeous Epic, but I know it's gone through a refurb recently.

 

-Is there an adults only pool/area? If so is it over crowded with "adults"? Meaning 18-21 year olds who are loud and annoying. Hubs and I are 30-32 and while we're not into our quiet years and still like a good time, little is more annoying than drunk college students.

 

-I know the ship sails from Texas and I've read a bit about the country music...problem. Hubs and I hate country music. Are we New Yorkers going to want to claw our ears out?

 

-Also, the deck chairs look a bit, old? The kind with the straps going across that are uncomfortable. Also, how crowded is the deck on sea days. Impossible to find a pair of seats by the pool unless you get out there at 7am?

 

That's just a few. Hopefully you guys can help me out. We want to try out RCCL and check out this itinerary, but don't want to be disappointed, just want the best experience.

Thanks all!

 

 

 

Unless you're in Texas, try cruising out of Florida, more ports on the western Caribbean cruises!(4 vs 3)

Belize(tender port) is dirty and full of crime, do some careful reading before you go there!

We actually like the Carnival western Caribbean cruises out of Miami best. They have 4 ports, and some substitute Costa Maya for Belize!

We recently did a western Caribbean out of Miami on the MSC Divina which went to Jamaica(yuk), Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Great Stirrup Cay. This was also a very good cruise, except for Jamaica!

RCL's Freedom out of Port Canaveral with Cozumel, Labadee, Jamaica(yuk), and Cozumel is pretty good, and a very good ship!

If you want to get away from young drunks, just cruise when they're in school!:)

Just our opinion!:D

Whatever you decide, have a great cruise!

[bre]

We loved Hondorus. I Agree that you need to book a tour or you are going to think the island is dumpy. Get out and explore. We chose Victor Bodden Tours. You can just tell the driver, what you want to do and what interest you and they will cater to you. My kids and us adults alike, really enjoyed the iguana farms on one of our stops. It was mating season and they were putting on a show.

[lacruiser]

Just did this same itinerary in late August to celebrate my younger daughter's 21st birthday -- a mom and daughter trip. I have lots of RCI cruises under my belt, and 3 Carnival trips. Will not sail Carnival ever again.

 

This is a fabulous ship, and a super crew. I think it's also a nice intro to RCI in general. The Voyager class is now their mid-size class, so you can get in idea of what the bigger ships might look like (Freedom and Oasis classes). There's plenty to do, great restaurant venues, and the drydock changes were really nice. The ship looks great.

 

We loved this itinerary, and had never been to Roatan or Belize before. In Belize we did a cave-tubing trip that we booked online (don't do ship excursions anymore, much easier and cheaper to book your own), and in Roatan we joined some fellow cruisers that we met on our Meet n Mingle thread and took a cab over to Bananarama beach and did a shore snorkel. The cave-tubing trip was one of the most unique and enjoyable excursions I've ever done. We felt perfectly safe on both excursions, and while I do agree that both islands suffer from poverty, I can't really say that it's any worse than say Grenada, Dominica or St. Lucia.

 

Book the cruise -- you'll have a blast! We did.

Edited January 13, 2015 by lacruiser

[George C]

Navigator was totally redone , sailed on it last April and will again this April, Rotan is great, one of the best shore excursions we ever did ( in 57 cruises ) was dolphin encounter at Anthony Key, many new features and restaurants have been added

[BecciBoo]

Too bad you can't wait for Liberty, newer ship, but Navigator has been redone and has new venues, the Mexican restaurant is good.

 

You should really like the promenade which is the biggest difference in ships between the lines and of course no water slides.

 

 

OMG, Roatan is one of our favorites. Just take a taxi at the gate to go over the mountains to West Bay Beach...absolutely gorgeous, lots of resorts and food/drink and beautiful water.

 

Belize you may consider doing one of the independent tours. Eco Tours has several and we love Goff's Caye, it's like a 2 acre desert island, again, gorgeous water and snorkeling. You can google both of those places and see tons of videos on YoutTube.

 

I second Nachi Cocom Google that for Cozumel...we've been there 10 times.

 

O I forgot, I have never heard country music on any ship out of Galveston except Voyager when she first came to Texas. You won't notice it. Mostly Caribbean and of course Pop music...some orchestral ensembles in various clubs.

Edited January 14, 2015 by BecciBoo

[NightOne]

The passengers on Royal Caribbean will resemble the passengers on Carnival and NCL more than the passengers on Princess.

 

 

 

 

Could you elaborate? What is different about the Princess passengers?

[scorpluvsdolphins]

I was on the Navigator on a B2B end of May and first week in June. I got off between cruises to go do laundry, go to Walgreens and get more cash. As I was leaving, it was complete chaos where you get your luggage. The next week when I got off, I raised my hand and said porter twice. I was through the line in less than 10 mins.

 

Navigator had a country band right outside the casino. I'm not a fan of country and when the casino wasn't busy, the music drove me nuts. If you like country music, they were very good. There was plenty of other music around the ship.

 

I had a JS aft on the first leg, but had to move 2 doors down to a regular balcony aft. I spent hours on my balcony.

One time on NCL, we went to Samana and our M&M brought dry erase markers and erasers. I bought 48 boards that I had cut up from two big sheets of dry erase board. We donated to a school through Terry's Tours.

I wish all M&M would do this and it would help out the schools in Roatan and Belize.

Except for one mean crew member, the country music, and chaos getting your luggage, the Navigator was great.

I doubt I will cruise again from Texas as I live in Florida and only did it because I got that unbelievable JS deal.

You will enjoy the cruise!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[George C]

We also had way too much country music on Navigator , but RCCL does change groups, so you never know what you are getting, but we had a great cruise, My previous RCCL out of Galveston had none.

[BecciBoo]

I was on Navi last April....no country

 

These entertainers are changed every few weeks it seems We have had groups change in the middle of a cruise, one set goes off at a port another comes on.

 

I honestly would not worry about it. You'll find just the spot with your kind of music somewhere on her.