(credit: Royal Caribbean International)
Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas® made its maiden voyage on December 14, 2002, and nearly 20 years later, the 1,020-foot-long ship offers the ultimate West Coast adventures. With a cruising speed of 22 knots and a 29-foot draft, four bow thrusters and 15 total decks, the ship delivers a maxed-out adventure for its three- to seven-night cruises. The amped Navigator of the Seas® received a $115 million modernization – which was completed in 2019 – and since then has provided cruise-goers the best way to celebrate a short vacation.
After sailing out of the east coast, Navigator recently returned to California for the first time in more than a decade offering travelers cruises to Catalina Island, Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán. The ship has been reimagined into the ultimate short getaway with a range of experiences ensuring that guests of all ages can choose from a lineup of thrills.
(credit: Royal Caribbean International)
“Every Royal Caribbean ship brings a new adventure uniquely designed to deliver on our guests’ preferences from A to Z,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “We challenged ourselves to take weekend getaways to the next level in Los Angeles, and Navigator of the Seas was the perfect ship to do just that. From top to bottom, Navigator has been amplified with new thrills, ways to chill, dining, nightlife and entertainment for all ages, including the longest waterslide at sea, The Blaster aqua coaster, and the original headfirst mat racer on a cruise ship – the Riptide.”
(credit: Royal Caribbean International)
With Royal Caribbean, there is always more room for adventure. Navigator of the Seas offers travelers the opportunity to visit unique destinations along the Mexican Riviera that they are excited to explore.
With the ability to welcome up to 3,970 guests, the ship features a total of 1,694 accommodations – broken up into four categories – including the Owner’s Suite. Measuring a little over 600 sq. ft. this suite offers a private balcony overlooking the ocean along with a generously sized living area with a seating area and separate dining table, and bathroom with shower and soaking tub. Like all other guest accommodations, guests in this suite will enjoy 24-hour room service, nightly turndown service and a daily stateroom attendant who will assist with all needs onboard.
Two of the featured water-based and thrilling activities on board include The Blaster® aqua coaster – the longest aqua coaster at sea – and Riptide- the only headfirst mat racer water slide at sea. Guests can experience several other features like the Perfect Storm,an action-packed duo of high-speed waterslides, the three-level signature pool bar – The Lime & Coconut – at the lively Caribbean pool deck, the first standalone blow-dry bar at sea – To Dry For and much more. The kitschy-cool tiki bar, The Bamboo Room, provides a great spot to sit back, relax, and enjoy handcrafted cocktails with the Instagram-worthy background to match, while Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade is a great space for the whole family. Other amenities include: jogging track, mini-golf, outdoor movie screen, ice-skating rink, escape room, fitness classes, pools, a rock climbing wall and more.
(credit: Royal Caribbean International)
With 13 total dining options, guests will find any and every offering to please their palate. Dine with your family around Tuscan dishes at Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver, savor izakaya-style appetizers and rolls at Izumi and grab-and-go Mexican street fare from El Loco Fresh®, or Johnny Rockets® Express. For a more elevated dining experience, Chops Grille presents a contemporary flair to traditional steakhouse offerings, while guests who choose the Chef’s Table will be led on a private epicurean journey led by the ship’s Chef de Cuisine at the most exclusive and elevated dining experience on Royal Caribbean’s fleet. And guests will never go thirsty on board as the nine bars and lounges offer inventive cocktails, live music and a whole lot of fun.
Along with the numerous activities that can be enjoyed throughout the day, the ship is home to two entertainment venues, The Royal Theater and Studio B, putting on nightly productions. From dazzling ice skating shows, like ‘iSkate: Reach for the Stars’ – complete with a dedicated troupe of drones – and ‘Ballroom Fever’ which celebrates the many disciplines of ballroom dancing, to the original production show ‘Showgirl! Past. Present. Future™’, guests will be immersed in fun and top-quality multi-sensory experiences
(credit: Royal Caribbean International)
“As a native Californian, it’s exciting to see Royal Caribbean sailing from Los Angeles for the first time in more than a decade. Our guests and travel partners spoke, and we listened,” said Vicki Freed, senior vice president, Sales, and Trade Support and Service, Royal Caribbean International. “Navigator is winning over vacationers on the West Coast who are looking to get away in a new way and maximize every minute of that precious vacation time. With short 3-night weekend to 4- and 5-night cruises, you’ll be whisked away to sun-soaked destinations, such as Catalina Island, as well as Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – it’s the ideal vacation for travelers of any age and for any occasion.”
So, for your next West Coast short vacation adventure, hop aboard Navigator of the Seas® and be delighted with the friendly staff (there are 1,230 international crew members) while aboard your floating vacation.
