Cruise Review- ISSUES on Navigator of the Seas Med Sailing 24th July 2016 14 Nights

[Powersboyee2]

This is exactly the reason some peoples kds are badly behaved![emoji37][emoji33]Badly behaved parents!!!!

 

 

 

Lol. Love it

[ggo85]

I was on the same cruise as the OP and have to agree that there were many issues, kids being out of control and too many people drinking heavily chief among them.

 

We cruise in summer every year -- US and Europe -- and understand that kids will be kids. We have NEVER had such a bad experience as this year on NOS. There seemed to be no adult supervision -- young kids roaming the ship at 11 pm. Kids alone in the pool. Kids alone in Windjammer. Parents bringing kids under age 4 to Chops where they proceeded to scream and play with noise-making toys most of the time.

 

There were far too few deck chairs -- period. Waits at the bars were painful -- just to get water or a soda refill because almost everyone was on a drink package and seemed to want exotic drinks (their right, of course, but it made for long waits for those wanting something simple).

 

I'm not trying to be Debbie Downer but the OP makes some fair points. RCI has been our "go to" line for years but our last two cruises have been sub-par. I'm not saying every RCI cruise is terrible or that every NOS cruise is bad -- just that Explorer last year and NOS this year weren't what we'd come to expect from this line.

[dwhe]

I was on the Carnival Breeze around the same time 4 years a go with just as many kids on board, many from the UK, but it was no where as bad as as this sailing.

 

For me most of the problems were caused by kids using the bars as playgrounds and throwing those red plastic plates anywhere they liked, stairs, seats, lifts anywhere. Adults were just as bad leaving glasses and beer bottles all over the place, especially the stairs.

 

At times it was like a very very expensive Butlins holiday.

 

And to the family who were in the cabin above us, thanks for letting your darlings put on hobnail boots and run up and down all day and night.

 

Other than that it was a good cruise, Tin can you will love it without all the kids, I certainly will never cruise school holiday time again.

 

Quick tip, when in the star lounge (when it finally opened after the burst pipe) it was sometimes quicker for me to go to the Casino and get a drink and bring it back.

Edited August 16, 2016 by dwhe

[Tin can]

I was on the Carnival Breeze around the same time 4 years a go with just as many kids on board, many from the UK, but it was no where as bad as as this sailing.

 

For me most of the problems were caused by kids using the bars as playgrounds and throwing those red plastic plates anywhere they liked, stairs, seats, lifts anywhere. Adults were just as bad leaving glasses and beer bottles all over the place, especially the stairs.

 

At times it was like a very very expensive Butlins holiday.

 

And to the family who were in the cabin above us, thanks for letting your darlings put on hobnail boots and run up and down all day and night.

 

Other than that it was a good cruise, Tin can you will love it without all the kids, I certainly will never cruise school holiday time again.

 

Quick tip, when in the star lounge (when it finally opened after the burst pipe) it was sometimes quicker for me to go to the Casino and get a drink and bring it back.

 

Thank you for your good wishes, we will certainly enjoy Im sure.

 

.

[MrsPiggy]

We are just off Indy, we had the same issues with sunbeds. Can't stand people reserving them and not using them, or for kids who come back for seconds at a time and can easily share. Myself and husband would only take one chair (as normally that's all that's available if your lucky) or 2 max for us and our 2 younger kids. Many a time I gave up our second one so people could use it too. As at least one of us was always with our son watching him in whatever pool he wanted to use anyway. The pool bar service was poor, unhappy slow service, but who would be happy whith the type of people you had on board. Rude kids and parents demanding things with no manners at all ! Kids running freely was the same on Indy. A few times I had words with kids and welcomed their parents to come over! Never did as can only assume they were at a bar. I even overheard on father say to his son who was playing in the pool, go do what you want I'm pissed already! Did we have a blast on board, absolutely it's just a shame there a many people that shock you with their lack of manners and parenting skills.

TV. We must have been lucky as we had an extra show on loop....avengers !

[Megan_Strick]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

 

 

I am soooo rolling my eyes at them! :rolleyes:

[misspretenderboat]

Hi there

 

Thank you for things highlighted. May I ask you if you used the childrens clubs?

I have booked a 50th birthday cruise on 28th Aug to Norway. We have a 5 and 3 year old.

Do they really insist on fully toilet trained toddlers or are the flexible?

 

We are really tight financially so want to avoid any surprises.

Is the My time dining free or extra?. Its like pulling teeth to find out whats what from my multiplying cruise concierges.

 

Any other tips to help the children enjoy it would be welcome too.

 

I am reluctant to have a seapass to avoid nasty surprises - may I ask if you are a Brit did you register a card and pay with US dollars or card issuer rate.

 

Thanks in advance

[misspretenderboat]

Oh dear,

 

Have just read the posts above mine! I really hope it wont be that bad.

[reallyitsmema]

Hi there

 

Thank you for things highlighted. May I ask you if you used the childrens clubs?

I have booked a 50th birthday cruise on 28th Aug to Norway. We have a 5 and 3 year old.

Do they really insist on fully toilet trained toddlers or are the flexible?

 

We are really tight financially so want to avoid any surprises.

Is the My time dining free or extra?. Its like pulling teeth to find out whats what from my multiplying cruise concierges.

 

Any other tips to help the children enjoy it would be welcome too.

 

I am reluctant to have a seapass to avoid nasty surprises - may I ask if you are a Brit did you register a card and pay with US dollars or card issuer rate.

 

Thanks in advance

 

They are very strict about requiring kids to be fully potty trained in order to attend adventure ocean. No diapers or pullups are allowed.

 

MTD is included in your cruise fare. I am not sure what you mean about "multiplying cruise concierges".

 

You have to have a sea pass since it is the key to your cabin and your identification for getting on and off the ship. All passengers must have one. You also have to set up either a cash account or secure your account with a credit card. You do not have to give charging privileges to the minors though.

[misspretenderboat]

Thank you for replying

 

I meant that I have had so many different people contact me re my queries.

 

Judging by the shenanigans by shirking parents I don't blame the no nappy rule.

I naively thought parents would be summoned to sort out their lil ones.

Not been on a cruise ship this big. Hoping we wont regret it.

 

Someone mentioned somewhere about RC trying it on with their bills hence why I felt dubious about pass.

[easyboy]

Thanks for sharing

[DandY2C]

It reminds me of what a UK passenger mentioned to me as those types of passengers as 'whingers' ... I'd never heard that term but see now where it applies...

[MrsPiggy]

Thank you for replying

 

I meant that I have had so many different people contact me re my queries.

 

Judging by the shenanigans by shirking parents I don't blame the no nappy rule.

I naively thought parents would be summoned to sort out their lil ones.

Not been on a cruise ship this big. Hoping we wont regret it.

 

Someone mentioned somewhere about RC trying it on with their bills hence why I felt dubious about pass.

 

Just make sure you have a cash account with your seapass, so don't register any cards. As you will have a hold put on some money in your account that isn't released until after your cruise, plus no chance of overcharging by them... it has been known for them to take a charge out twice. You will have a $500 dollar limit on your seapass with a cash account.

 

Kids clubs are definitely a no no for kids that are not toilet trained.

 

The sunbeds were a massive issue and I refused to get up early and bag a bed I wasn't going to use for a few hours. We did always get at least one. Keep your eyes on beds, if no one comes back, get staff to remove the items.

 

You will all have a fabulous time. Remember a holiday is what you make it.

[Sancho_proudfoot]

Sadly I have to agree with the comments about feral brit kids running riot on the Indy. Last time ( 2 years ago, but it seems nothing changes) we had a really great Croatian barman on the pool bar - friendly, helpful, remembered your favourite drink and so on. One young teenage lad ( maybe 13 years old) would walk up to the bar DEMAND a drink ( no "please" or "thank you") and then quite literally insult the barman ("you're sooo fat...must be all the crap food you eat" ) and then smirk to himself

 

Barman just gritted his teeth and took it, and went out of his way to be polite to the little brat. He told us he didn't get it as the kid's parents were pleasant and polite.

 

One morning we stepped out of our cabin to find someone's mobility scooter parked diagonally across the corridor...... we hadn't see one being used in our part of the desk so presumably the louts found it "fun" to move it.

Edited August 17, 2016 by Sancho_proudfoot

[new seekers]

Would never book a cruise in the school hoildays,thats why we booked the 4th september,will let you know what its like then.Very surprised they havnt had a major incident with children running around on their own.

[jonj]

WOW - is all I can say. I hope our NOS cruise in June 2017 will be better. We are traveling early in June which I think children in Europe and UK are still in school. We love children, have two of our own :D, however I understand how unruly children and adults can ruin a good holiday. Parents that do not give a hoot about their children's behavior is just not on one cruise line. We have experienced it on Disney cruise line also.

 

I think that everyone should write into RCCL directly, hopefully with more direct complaints and not just reviews on websites they will re-consider some of their policies.

 

I think the beverage packages make people drink more because hey I paid for it. I would like to see the drink prices more in line with other cruise lines that do not offer alcohol packages and getting rid of the packages.

Edited August 17, 2016 by jonj

[Tin can]

I think the beverage packages make people drink more because hey I paid for it. I would like to see the drink prices more in line with other cruise lines that do not offer alcohol packages and getting rid of the packages.

 

 

The 'free' drinks packages that are aggressively

marketed by Royal in the UK I think are an issue.

 

It's attracting a different sort of cruiser after a different sort of experience in my opinion.

 

A lot of the problems reflected in the bad reviews on this site for NOS and IOS are as a result of the clash between these differing expectations.

 

It's a clear strategy though by Royal so presumably they know what they are doing and its profitable for them.

 

.

Edited August 17, 2016 by Tin can

[Billy Baltic]

Tin can nailed it in the previous post. Unless you're looking for a floating Magaluf then avoid the cruises leaving Southampton destined for the Mediterranean.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[jonj]

Tin can nailed it in the previous post. Unless you're looking for a floating Magaluf then avoid the cruises leaving Southampton destined for the Mediterranean.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

 

Good to know, we are on the Baltic itinerary 2 June. Here in the US we don't have the "free" drink promo

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[Billy Baltic]

Good to know, we are on the Baltic itinerary 2 June. Here in the US we don't have the "free" drink promo

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

 

As it stands we too are booked on that cruise. Before I pay any more towards the cruise I will be trying to confirm through CC reviews that the experience on the Baltic route is very different. I'm hoping since it's not a sun holiday that will be the case.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[Tin can]

As it stands we too are booked on that cruise. Before I pay any more towards the cruise I will be trying to confirm through CC reviews that the experience on the Baltic route is very different. I'm hoping since it's not a sun holiday that will be the case.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

 

We did our Baltic from Southampton mid June a couple of years ago and Anthem mid July last year from Southampton.

 

A massively different crowd and experience on the Baltic cruise.

 

I very much enjoyed Anthem, and like more than the odd holiday drink, but 14 days Baltic is very different from 14 days Med.

 

.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[Cindy]

It seems like I read the same complaints about the Med cruises from Southampton every summer. Is it the high number of sea days compared to cruises leaving from Spain or Italy? The "all-inclusive" bookings for those sailings? I've been on the Voyager, Mariner, and Navigator from Texas at Spring Break when they were just jam packed with kids, and I only had a problem one time -- that was somewhat circumstantial and never happened again.

[jonj]

It seems like I read the same complaints about the Med cruises from Southampton every summer.

 

Interesting, good to know

[lavender29]

Oh dear,

 

Have just read the posts above mine! I really hope it wont be that bad.

 

Don't worry at that time of year, there are not so many kids on board, due to the new terms starting.

[welshy74]

This is the first time we have taken a cruise during school holiday period and I have to say I am wondering if we have made a big mistake. However we leave Southampton on 28th Aug 16 for the Norwegian Fjords and I presume (hope) this is attracting a different crowd with less kids. Can anyone reassure me?

This is my fist 'scenic cruise' so presuming it's very different clientele to my previous Med/sunshine cruises.