My review: Navigator 11/22-11/27/08 ... or ... kewlguy is a nice guy

[sbell1]

Thanks silentbob007...that's what I was afraid of. We have been off the navigator by 7:00 both times in Miami, but it seems to be later at Port Everglades. I guess the next strategy is to stay ON the ship as long as possible. I really dislike the waits at the airport.

 

Thanks again.

[silentbob007]

Ports

 

Let me start off this section by saying that I have been to both of these ports before (Cayman many, many times) and am actually returning in about 3 weeks. In other words, I'm not going to have any exciting stories here and I didn't take any tours, but I'll try to give some input where I can.

 

Grand Cayman

Cayman is a tender port, which for those of you who might be new to this cruising thing, means that the ship does not dock but instead floats out in the harbor and sends passengers ashore in "little" boats. This is obviously much less convenient than being at a docking port where you can just walk off. It can also lead to the cancellation of the port due to weather conditions as it is unsafe to transfer to the tender when there are large waves. It was extremely windy the night before arrival, and I was actually shaken awake at 3:30 AM due to ship movement, so I had it in my mind that we would probably not be able to call on Cayman the next day. As it turns out, I was only mostly wrong ... we were able to tender ashore, but an announcement was made onboard that because of the weather, all stingray city tours were cancelled (AKA, most of the tours in Grand Cayman).

 

The night before Cayman, Javier gave priority tender tickets to people in the CL. Otherwise, tender tickets were distributed (supposedly starting at around 9 AM, I think, but didn't check) in a specified location (I'm thinking Royal Promenade, but may be wrong here). We actually arrived a little early, so a little before 9, a general call to board the tenders was made for anyone ready to go, no tickets required for about a 20 minute window. Since I was ready I went down, boarded, and the tender was off by 9:15 or so.

 

I debarked at the pier which was a little hectic (there was also a Carnival ship in port using the same general area). The shops were all as I remembered them with plenty of clothing, jewelry, and liquor stores, many of which also sold over-priced "Cuban" cigars. Cayman is definitely one of those islands, however, where you feel pretty safe as long as, if you're an American like me, you remember to look the opposite direction when you step off a curb (British driving rules apply). I ended up walking all around, and even though it was early, it seemed clear that the most popular destinations were Senor Frogs, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, and the Hard Rock Cafe. I chose to buy some overpriced, color-changing board shorts at Del Sol ($42, but was in need of a new water duds and they aren't exactly selling them during this season in Indiana). Since I had also promised to buy a rum cake for someone, I spent my time looking at the differences and prices between the traditional Tortuga rum cakes and Blackbeard's. I was also looking at liquor and was actually thrown out of one store for having the nerve to pull out my iPhone and type in a few prices ... "Hey you! You can't do that. Our pricing is confidential." Since all of the pricing was pretty much the same anyway, I guess it didn't matter, but it was still a little irritating. I ended up purchasing a liter of Hendrick's gin (a recommendation I happened to remember from someone a few weeks before I left) for $28 ... take that confidentiality. I made this purchase at one of the Blackbeard's stores, so since I had bought a liter of alcohol (any), I was able to get a free large rum cake (a $20 value ... I was given a coupon that I had to take to another woman just down the alleyway ... no problem at all). Two birds, one stone. Check. Also, again for those of you new to the cruising thing or visiting Cayman, any liquor purchases are paid for in the store but delivered directly to your ship. In other words, you pay money, give them your ship and room number, and pray that on the last day of the cruise, your liquor arrives (mine did, no problem).

 

After my wild expenditures, I made my way back to the tenders (it was about 11 at this point) and had to convince the security guard that I actually did want to go back. The tender was already pulling away by this point, so I had to wait in the outside area until the next one emptied and then I was quickly ushered in. At this point the tender was pulling up the gangplank, leaving me to shout ... I'M GOING BACK!! They look at me and shout back ... YOU GOING BACK??!!?? Anyway, after this model of clear communication, the gangplank was refastened, I boarded, and a few minutes later, I was back on Navigator.

 

PS ... tenders at this point were running packed to shore. I don't recall more tender announcements so I don't know if it was open tendering or not, but if you are a late riser, expect a bit of a wait to go ashore.

 

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

 

This was my second time visiting Jamaica. My first time was with my mother, and to be honest, I was slightly disappointed that no one offered me any drugs (not that I would have bought them, of course). Remembering how adamant the people were, though, I had second thoughts about going ashore, but since I had promised to buy some coffee for someone, I was duty-bound to step off the ship.

 

You start out at the famous blue-railed pier, then head into a waiting area where you can head in various directions ... to the left looked like some shops and straight ahead, through the main gate, was the main road that you would take to the closer shopping areas. I took the main gate, then headed into the first store on the right, which is where I remembered purchasing coffee on my last trip. Surprise surprise it was still there, with 8 oz of blue mountain coffee running for around $13 with 16 oz around $20. I seemed to have a recollection that it was a little cheaper at the Taj Mahal shopping center, so I walked that direction (just down the street and to the left). Of course I was harassed and propositioned (taxis, tours, drugs, sex, taxis) about every 30 feet on this walk, but when I made it to the Taj Mahal area (also home to the Hard Rock Cafe), I discovered that coffee was exactly the same price or more expensive. At this point, it was back to the first store and back through the gauntlet, but I made my coffee purchase and was back on the ship before 11. I know quite a few people spent their time at Margaritaville drinking shots and using the swim-up-bar and waterslide (it is located down that main road and to the right into a shopping complex ... Island Village, I think).

 

Ok ... so bottom line ... I don't think I felt "unsafe" in Jamaica, but I definitely felt uncomfortable with so many people trying to get a piece of me even after seeing their buddies fail. Many others I talked to also had similar feeling about the place, and for the first-time cruisers I talked to onboard, they were absolutely horrified (thinking that other stops would be like Cayman). I just stuck to my rules ... be polite but firm, do not hesitate in refusing an offer (it just gives them the idea that they can change your mind), don't stop walking, and keep your party together. If you have kids, keep them in front of you ... I saw a family walking in front of me where one of the women selling hairbraids had latched on to the kid who was tailing a little behind, who had no idea what to do as the lady hung on and was telling the parents to stop because the little girl really wanted to get her hairbraided, etc.

[silentbob007]

Thanks silentbob007...that's what I was afraid of. We have been off the navigator by 7:00 both times in Miami, but it seems to be later at Port Everglades. I guess the next strategy is to stay ON the ship as long as possible. I really dislike the waits at the airport.

 

I don't know if this is any interest to you or not, but there are also tours you can do (Everglades, shopping, etc) through the ship that will drop you off at the airport when they are done. I think the flight has to be later than 2:30. I think the tours were ~$50pp, but it does save you from sitting around in the airport.

[silentbob007]

Debarkation

 

On the second to last night, the debarkation information sheet was placed in my cabin during turn-down. The standard two options applied: express debarkation (carry your own bags off without assistance) or standard debarkation (tag your large luggage and place your bags in the hallway the last night by midnight). If you wished to do express, you were supposed to go down to the deck 2 debarkation desk and get a ticket (numbered one through three). If you wanted to do standard, you would use the tags that were delievered to your room and the color of the tags would determine the order and around what time you would get off the ship.

 

On the morning of debarkation, both the main dining room and Windjammer were open for breakfast. Those wishing to do express debarkation were to meet on deck 4 in the Boleros area, though passengers would be exiting on deck 1, aft. Each debarkation group had a specified place to meet (listed on the debarkation sheet). I went to the Platinum and Diamond lounge (deck 4 dining room ... and keys were checked for entry) to wait at about 7:30, just about the time when the people there got up to leave for express debarkation. I sat, ate some rolls and had some coffee, and waited for white tags (Diamond members, post-cruise tour groups) to be called. It was listed to be 8:15, but I think the express debarkation numbers surprised them and the tags were not actually called until about 8:45 (I think ... though I got the impression that the members in the lounge were about the last to know as we couldn't hear announcements and had to wait for the guy on the walkie talkie to tell us we could leave). I was slightly surprised that there was no escort off for Diamond members ... we were just told to go. The lines were not bad at all, however, except for people who clogged up the hallways digging through their bags for passports, customs declarations, or their SeaPass card. I was fairly quickly off the ship and outside where we then had to walk the length of the ship to the customs area. At this point it was obvious who could not handle their bags as these people would stop suddenly, fumble around, re-adjust, etc. Once in the customs area, white-tagged bags were spread across two rooms (and I was so glad my bag was standard black). I found my bag fairly quickly, however, and then proceeded in to the customs line which confused some people because a) there were a lot of non-US citizens onboard who had a different line and b) once you got past the sign saying which line to go in, the back of the sign was reversed so it looked like you were in the wrong line. As we waited in line, officers with dogs walked up and down the queue and there generally seemd to be more security than I've noticed in some other ports. I anticipated some grief for traveling alone (in Miami I thought I was going to get back-roomed), but after a few questions, I was waved through.

 

Directly outside the customs area were the motorcoaches and taxis. I went to the right, to grab a taxi. At this point, a guy wearing a "taxi" shirt grabbed my wheeled bag, took it 30 ft, and put it in the trunk of a cab. I hadn't realized that this guy wasn't the driver until it was too late, so I pulled out a dollar and gave it to him (receiving dirty looks ... to which I responded ... dude, you rolled my bag 30 feet). In about 10 minutes and a $15.50 fare later I was at the airport.

 

I was flying Northwest, and there were signs on the line that said no bags would be checked until 3 hours before the scheduled departure time. I had anticipated this, and glancing at my watch (it was now 9:15 and my flight was at 2:30), I grabbed a seat and made use of the free wireless internet watching people check-in (it is now a $90 fee to have an overweight bag on NWA, beyond the $15 single checked bag charge, so there was lots of content shifting going on as people's bags came in overweight). The line really thinned out at around 10:45, and worried about the weight of my bag, I went up to ask if I could weigh my bag to see if I needed to remove some stuff (and could do it while not having people wait behind me). The very nice check-in agent told me that I could go ahead and check-in as the time limit was really only for very busy times like the weekend. I thought that was nice, so I checked in (paying only my $15 first bag fee ... which came in at 50 pounds exactly) and headed through security and had lunch at the Chili's Too in the terminal. Interesting note, at around 2:00, the gate agent announced that boarding would begin immediately and that if everyone got on board, we'd leave early because the pilot had a Thanksgiving dinner planned with his girlfriend that he wanted to make. Miraculously, everyone who had already checked in was at the gate (all 30 of us ... tiny plane), and our 2:30 flight was actually pushed back from the gate by 2:15. Even more miraculously, our gate in Indianapolis was clear, so we actually arrived and were off the plane 30 minutes ahead of schedule.

[silentbob007]

Final Thoughts

 

I've now done two cruises where I've boarded the ship the day it had returned from Europe, and from those experiences, I've come to the conclusion that those first voyages are "not quite right" in terms of ship upkeep, scheduling, and service. My guess is that this comes from two areas ... first, I think there is a concentrated influx/outflux of crew members directly before/after the crossing, which perhaps leads to a larger number of new people still learning their jobs, the ship, etc. Second, the Coast Guard inspection upon arrival in the US is extremely thorough and taxing for the crew (most were telling me that they were up by 3 AM that day) beyond their normal duties, and after that, it may take them a few days to get back to normal. Add into this that the ship is still burning through "old" foodstuffs (which are easy to tell when they are foreign-branded) and may be missing some other supplies (I overheard several complaints that there was none of the cheap Cruzan flavored rum to be found in the gift shop), like I said, things are just a little off.

 

With all of that being said, and taking into account the water problems, I still had a very fun time. This was my second cruise solo, and I met so many new people (passengers and crew) that the only time I really felt lonely was the unfortunate dinner where I was the only person eating at a table for 10 (and it was lobster night!). I thought that the upkeep of the ship was pretty decent, and even though the differences are pretty small, I think that I do prefer the "newer" Voyager ships to the older ones. No matter the age, however, I can't help but be impressed by this class of ship in terms of what is offered in your fare, and though I rarely used the sports court, ice rink, or rock-wall, they definitely kept people away from the areas that I frequented. :) There were always activities that I wanted to participate in during the day(trivia, shuffleboard, golf simulator challenges, etc), and had I wanted to do anything at night, there would have been a lot to do then, too. Sure, there are some areas where I think Royal Caribbean could improve (such as food choices and desserts), but even if I had received the inside cabin that I had paid for, I think I would have gotten a very good value for my money, which is a key for me (and why I'm not even looking at Oasis at the moment).

 

I don't really have a number rating like kewlguy, so I'll just say ... I had fun.

 

PS ... Kewlguy really IS a nice guy. :)

 

PPS ... I do have some photos, but I'm on dialup now, so I'll have to wait until tomorrow to be able to upload them.

[Ocean Boy]

This has really been a good read. Thanks!

[phantom728]

Thanks for the review. We've never been on Navigator yet, only Explorer. But decided to book this spur of the moment to celebrate couples style DH's homecoming from a year long deployment. We have a family vacation booked on Explorer in Feb.

 

We aren't leaving until 12/11, so curious to see how things change between your cruise and ours.

 

Would love to be visited by the upgrade fairy, but we are booked in a balcony room. So not holding my breath on that.

 

Glad you enjoyed your vacation. To me, anytime away from work...is well worth it.

[silentbob007]

One other note ... I thought that the going got a little rough the first few nights. Word in the CL was that the stabilizers were broken and unable to be deployed, making things a little rockier than they normally would be. If true, it wasn't a big deal on my sailing, though evidently there were one or two bad days on the crossing. Rumor was it would be January before the problem was fixed ... all unsubstantiated, but FYI.

[want2seaitall]

silentbob...may seem like a silly question, but did the Navigator do outside deck muster drill or inside muster drill?

[mo&fran]

Navigator has two sets of stabilizers. On the spring eastbound crossing, one of the stabilizers would not retract, so it had to be cut off. The plan was to do the Med cruises and westbound t/a with the remaning pair of stabllizers and to go into drydock in the Bahamas to do the repairs. A ship this size must have issues finding a drydock big enough.

THe westbound crossing had a few rough sea days, I understand even the crew had some seasickness issues. THis was our 5th t/a but the first on a post Panamax ship, so I wonder if the larger ship handles heay seas better than the smaller ships, even with a set of stabilizers not functioning.

You mention a lot of non US people in the line for immigration at disembarkation. Could be that some of them may have done a b2b.

[Host Kewlguy]

silentbob...may seem like a silly question, but did the Navigator do outside deck muster drill or inside muster drill?

 

We were outside.

[cruise pup]

We were outside.

I think it depended on where our muster station is located. I had an outside muster station but after they checked my name off on their list (they did take attendance) I went back inside and sat in a lounge until it was over.

[beachbuddy]

SilentBob,

 

Great review, I really enjoyed reading it. And what an awsome Upgrade!!!

Congratulations!!!

 

Patty

[want2seaitall]

We were outside.

 

I think it depended on where our muster station is located. I had an outside muster station but after they checked my name off on their list (they did take attendance) I went back inside and sat in a lounge until it was over.

 

Thanks

[silentbob007]

silentbob...may seem like a silly question, but did the Navigator do outside deck muster drill or inside muster drill?

 

It depends on where your cabin is. I believe the muster deck for all passengers is deck 4, with most passengers needing to meet on the outside deck. For my particular cabin, the muster station was in the 4th deck dining room (as had been my experience with a similar cabin on Explorer). There are only a few stations in the dining room, however.

[silentbob007]

You mention a lot of non US people in the line for immigration at disembarkation. Could be that some of them may have done a b2b.

 

Most definitely. With the largest expenditure for the trip probably being the return flights and the low fares for the first 5-day, it would make sense to extend the vacation a little if you had the time and money. I asked some of the B2B passengers if they were ready to get off the ship after 17 days and it seemed that, yes, they were ready to go home.

[petesweet]

Thanks for your observations about sailing after a TA. Good to have that perspective.

[harry0]

We will be on the NOS tommorow, hopfully the kinks are smoothed out.

Hey KewlGuy I remember cruising with you many moons ago on the Empress to Bermuda, she is gone now but I loved that ship.

We are going back to Bermuda on the NCL Dawn next year.

Happy Cruising!!

[want2seaitall]

We will be on the NOS tommorow, hopfully the kinks are smoothed out.

 

Please post when you get back. I'll be on her 12/20. Have a great cruise!!!

[mfalv]

Hey Bob, I am going on Nav. in a week and want to do Porto fro dinner. What night would would you skip the main dining and go there. I dont want to miss the good main dinner nights. Thanks Mike F.

[Host Kewlguy]

We will be on the NOS tommorow, hopfully the kinks are smoothed out.

Hey KewlGuy I remember cruising with you many moons ago on the Empress to Bermuda, she is gone now but I loved that ship.

We are going back to Bermuda on the NCL Dawn next year.

Happy Cruising!!

 

Hi Harry. That Empress cruise was our first with Royal Caribbean. Say hello to Karen for us. And enjoy the Dawn. Must head to the pier now for our Explorer cruise. Be back on the 12th. :)

[rednancy1]

Great review SilentBob! :) Thank you.

[Ocean Boy]

Hi Harry. That Empress cruise was our first with Royal Caribbean. Say hello to Karen for us. And enjoy the Dawn. Must head to the pier now for our Explorer cruise. Be back on the 12th. :)

 

Aqhacruiser, Suzanne, from the Explorer thread is going on that sailing also. Have a great cruise.

[beachbuddy]

Hi Harry. That Empress cruise was our first with Royal Caribbean. Say hello to Karen for us. And enjoy the Dawn. Must head to the pier now for our Explorer cruise. Be back on the 12th. :)

 

Kewlguy,

 

Have a great cruise! I have friends on this sailing as well. Hope you have smooth seas!

You know Suzanne is on that cruise.......LOL My friend Mimi and Walt are on that sailing too.

 

Patty

[Ocean Boy]

Kewlguy,

 

Have a great cruise! I have friends on this sailing as well. Hope you have smooth seas!

You know Suzanne is on that cruise.......LOL My friend Mimi and Walt are on that sailing too.

 

Patty

 

Too bad that WE are not on it.:mad: