You have heard over and over again about Royal Caribbean's "Amplified" ships. When a ship is amplified Royal take a ship, brings it into dry dock, updates all the public areas, and adds amenities that make their newer ships, such as Symphony, so incredible.
In February 2019 the 17-year-old Navigator of the Seas sailed to Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas to undergo a 115 million dollar dry-dock. Navigator did not disappoint!
Having been on every Oasis-class vessel, including the latest, Symphony of the Seas, I was hesitant to cruise onboard a much smaller ship such as the Navigator. My thoughts were " The ship is older," " The new ships are so much more modern," and "How can the Navigator possibly compare." Then an amazing crew member in the logo store onboard Symphony convinced me that I absolutely had to get on board the Navigator once she was out of dry dock. So I did just that, and the Navigator blew me away! I had a better time onboard Navigator than I did on Symphony ( but I still love Symphony). Here are a few things that made Navigator of the Seas my new favorite Royal Caribbean International Ship!
Bamboo Room:
Yes, it is super basic, but I LOVE the whole "Tiki Bar" themed bar movement, and Bamboo Room is just the place to be! Even though this venue is located in the heart of the Royal Promenade, it is a "hidden gem." Every drink here is, obviously, a tiki drink so think rum punch, banana daiquiri, etc. From cocktails, decor, to the bartenders, this bar quickly became my go-to spot!
P.S. The specialty cocktails here are priced at $14.00, so if you have the beverage package, it is one additional dollar.
The Blaster Aqua Coaster:
I remember as a kid when we were at a port, and I would always look at other ships and want to try the waterslides. After many years my wait is over cause Royal now has waterslides! The Blaster, is one of three Aqua Coasters at sea, the others onboard DCL. I would be lying if I said I only tried this once because I was there as much as possible along with the other adults that are kids at heart!
P.S. The longest I waited to slide was 5 minutes.
The Resort Style Pool Deck:
We all know that the busiest place onboard a cruise ship is definitely the pool deck. So it seems only right that would get an upgrade, and it did. The pool deck completely transformed from its original layout. New three-story "Lime and Coconut" bar, two poolside eateries, additional jacuzzis, and cabanas! With the new design, the pool area experience is more relaxing and way less crowded than before!
Windjammer:
Yes, as much you might be thinking, "Of course the buffet, everyone loves that" but I am talking about the incredible upholstery and layout update! There is a much more modern look with the addition of communal tables to allow everyone to sit and meet new friends. Food and friends, what's better?
Poolside Mega Cocktail Bar:
With the new incredible resort, the deck comes poolside eateries and an amazing three-story cocktail bar. I am talking about Lime and Coconut, which is the place we have all been waiting for on a cruise ship, here find all you wanted in a cruise ship outdoor bar. Beginning on deck 11 a Lime and Coconut boast a walk-up bar and multiple poolside alfresco seating. Continuing to deck 12 a sprawling bar and lounge-style seating overlooking the incredible new Resort deck. Lastly, climb to the terrace and be transported to a cozy private outdoor paradise!
Tour the amplified Navigator of the Seas:
Navigator is the ship to book. Sailing three and four night voyages to Perfect Day at Coco Cay the Navigator is a great weekend getaway! You can #weekendlikeyoumeanit by clicking below!