RCL Navigator Balcony Cabins?

[FrannyK]

We are looking into booking the Navigator 4-night cruise for January 08. We've been on the Explorer but had an oceanview cabin so have no experience w/balcony cabins on this class ship. We need two balcony cabins. We are taking our friends along for their very first cruise and they are very worried about seasickness. Are there any balcony cabins that are "special" (not suites) on this class ship? Any w/extended balcony? Any areas to stay away from? I've seen pictures of the rear balconys that seem extended but have kind of an odd view--not sure if I like them or not--is it rocky or noisy in the aft? Thanks for any opinions! I'd like to have an area in mind when I call the TA.

[firefly333]

You will have more motion in the aft. If you are concerned with getting sea sick you might want a more mid location. The humps are as sought after as the aft locations if you can get two cabins there. Some of the hump cabins are also a little larger, but hard to obtain.

[cb at sea]

You should just book cabins as midships as you can get to reduce any excess motion. All of the balconies (aside from the afts) are identical for each cabin type. They are ample for 2 adults and even if your friends come to your cabin for a drink on the balcony, you will all fit.

None of the cabins (on the hump) are larger than any other, but it is a convenient location!

[FrannyK]

I know on CCL we've had no problem w/opening the balcony dividers, is it problematic on RCI? If so, maybe we'll see about connecting cabins. Sounds like we should just go for midship. Any decks to stay away from? Don't think I'd want to be over the casino or show lounge. Why are the hump cabins sought after if there is no difference in cabin or balcony size?

[firefly333]

I know on CCL we've had no problem w/opening the balcony dividers, is it problematic on RCI? If so, maybe we'll see about connecting cabins. Sounds like we should just go for midship. Any decks to stay away from? Don't think I'd want to be over the casino or show lounge. Why are the hump cabins sought after if there is no difference in cabin or balcony size?

 

If your ship has a hump, the hump sticks out past the regular outside hull, look at the deck plans and you can see how it sticks out. The further out on the hump you are, the more you can see. The end of the hump can see forward and back. On a regular balcony you would have to lean out past your balcony to see one direction or the other. You can sit out there and watch the ship pulling into a port easier.

[alcpa1]

There are no balcony dividers that open on RCI ships except a few CC and suite cabins on the Radiance class ships and they open to a service area.

 

While sailing with friends is wonderful, and we do it all of the time, you may find connecting cabins may not be a good choice. You loose privacy because you can hear sounds [like a tv] between the cabins even with the both doors closed.

 

Chances are the best cabins in each class have already been booked. A good TA can help you find suitable accommodations.

 

Good luck

[FrannyK]

There are no balcony dividers that open on RCI ships except a few CC and suite cabins on the Radiance class ships and they open to a service area.

 

While sailing with friends is wonderful, and we do it all of the time, you may find connecting cabins may not be a good choice. You loose privacy because you can hear sounds [like a tv] between the cabins even with the both doors closed.

 

Chances are the best cabins in each class have already been booked. A good TA can help you find suitable accommodations.

 

Good luck

 

WOW, I didn't know RCI's balcony dividers don't open! Glad you posted. We will definitely search out connecting cabins now, if available. We've been traveling w/this other couple for 25 years (usually connecting rooms) so we're good w/that. They've never cruised before though so I'm excited to introduce them to it! Of all our cruises, RCI's Voyager class is the ship that most WOW'd us, so I thought it would be a great way to celebrate our anniversaries together. We prefer the food and cabin size on CCL but as far as ship, the Voyager class can't be beat IMO.

[serene56]

http://travel.webshots.com/album/48328219CtbGLi

 

 

using the above site--check out the aft cabins (stay off deck 6)

 

the balconies are huge-- and for what you are looking for (laying out on the balcony with friends--you couldnt ask for a better spot.

 

side ones are very narrow. with 4 of you out there you will feel you are on top of each other all the time.

 

 

worried about being sea sick---how sick do your friends get in the car- or on amusment rides.

[FrannyK]

Serene: Thanks for the tip! Since we can't open balcony dividers, I see the aft cabins would be a nice alternative since we could all fit on one balcony comfortably. I am just worried about movement/vibration back there w/our friend who is prone to seasickness. I've seen him get sick on a boat that was docked LOL, which is why they've shied away from cruises till now. I think our raving about cruises finally has them wanting to try it. My dad also was terrible on boats too, but when we took him on the Explorer he was absolutely fine. Right now, I am holding a JS connecting to a D1 midship. I will find out if any aft cabins are available.

[serene56]

there is a HUGE difference between that boat and the ship- especially a Voyager class ship.

 

go for broke-- take the aft balcony-- I could probably bet the house your friend wont get sick on that cruise

[serene56]

PS-- do NOT book any cabin on deck 6

[CruisingSarah]

Why not to book ANY cabin on deck 6?? I thought it was just the Aft cabins on deck 6 to avoid? Is this based on all the stuff going on deck 5, noise etc? Thanks again.

[serene56]

Most of the voyager class ships have metal instead of a plexiglass wall to look out (i think the mariner and navigator has plexiglass)

 

it gives the balcony a closed in feeling

 

 

 

deck 7

[FrannyK]

Serene: Yes, my TA said the dividers are plexiglass. I looked at the deck plans and it looks like deck 5 is where all the noise is so staying away from deck 6 is a good idea, my TA said so too. On the Explorer we had an oceanview (no balcony) cabin way down and aft -- we were right near a disco -- and surprisingly, it was the quietest cabin I've ever stayed in. And yes, with movement/seasickness a worry for our traveling companions, I decided on Voyager class right away -- it was a no brainer. I will miss CCL's food, but that's a small price to pay. We've experienced the most rocking and movement on CCL's Fantasy class ships, although only once did my DH get seasick. In fact, I went to bingo while he was sick a won a free cruise that year LOL. I waited till he was feeling better to tell him :)

[serene56]

try Princess- If you liked CCl---you will LOVE Princess. We did the Caribbean Princess after 8 carnival cruises and were WOW'ed from minute one til last minute. Seafood buffet the first two nights--including crab legs. EVen soda cards were VERY affordable.

[firefly333]

try Princess- If you liked CCl---you will LOVE Princess. We did the Caribbean Princess after 8 carnival cruises and were WOW'ed from minute one til last minute. Seafood buffet the first two nights--including crab legs. EVen soda cards were VERY affordable.

 

We liked the CB too, a lot, but only had the seafood buffet one night. We must have been gipped lmao :D Good thing they had it the first night, they lost my luggage until well after my dinner hour would have been over. 8:30 pm?

[FrannyK]

try Princess- If you liked CCl---you will LOVE Princess. We did the Caribbean Princess after 8 carnival cruises and were WOW'ed from minute one til last minute. Seafood buffet the first two nights--including crab legs. EVen soda cards were VERY affordable.

 

Good to know! I always thought Princess was in the same category as RCCL and CCL, with Celebrity and some others being a step above. I really don't know anyone whose sailed Princess so I've gotten no feedback. For this January cruise though, we can only do 4 nights so that narrowed things down quite a bit. Have you sailed Celebrity? How would you compare Celebrity to Princess? I see you're from Philly, we're in the Media area.

[serene56]

I was afraid to take Princess because of stories I heard-- its old people..no nightlife--etc... but i read the boards long enough and read stories where Carnival is the drunk party cruises--blah blah blah.

so because of that-- we did try Princess.

 

Havent tried Celebrity because for me that may be too upscale for me to try.

[FrannyK]

Well, we checked the aft cabins but can't get connecting ones in the category we want. But, we did put on hold 7630/32 near the back hump. It looks like a very nice location to me, convenient to food and pool. I just wonder about the hump being next to us--does it totally abstruct our view forward? Looks like it. But, I think the location is worth it. What do you think? They are D1's and $25 more p/person than the D2's and E1's which happen to be the same price. I couldn't find any D2's that connected and the connecting E1's are sold out.

[serene56]

the hump will stick out and yes you will not be able to see forward.

The people ON the hump will be able to look directly into your balcony.

[Willbcruisin]

We have sailed NOS twice always on a hump balcony and love this ship! I'm not sure why folks are posting that deviders can't be opened on RCC ships???????

 

We sailed with friends in the cabin next to us and just asked the cabin steward to open the devider for us and he was happy to do so! We then had a large balcony to share and loved every minute of meeting on the balcony for coffee, cocktails, sunsets, ect! Just ask the cabin steward........they will be happy to open it for you!

 

Enjoy your cruise! Navigator is a beauty!

[FrannyK]

OMG Serene, I didn't even think about that! So we have NO privacy??? Maybe these cabins are NOT all that!

[serene56]

Depends on what you are gonna do out there that you need much privacy.

To be quite honest-- I dont think I ever sat out on any of our balconies and had our neighbors out there with us.

[FrannyK]

Met with our friends tonight and we decided to definitely take 7630/32. We love the deck and the location. Looked at some pics posted here and that relieved my mind that it is private enough. Looks like we'll be celebrating our 25th anniversaries together :)