June 26, 2017 Navigator of the seas Baltic's review

Hi all,

Hope everyone is having a good week and looking forward to the weekend! We are especially as we leave on our cruise on Monday! DW and I are going on a 12 night Baltic's cruise on navigator of the seas from Southampton. We'll be stopping at Oslo, Copenhagen, Talinn, St. Petersburg (overnight), Helsinki and Zeebruge. We've been on a few RCL cruises before, but only quantum and oasis class, so interested to se how this "small" ship compares.

I'm going to try a do a kind of live review with some photos etc so if anyone has any questions about the ship or ports then please post and I'll sonny best to answer them.

Now I know jonj has just done an excellent job of reviewing almost exactly this itinerary on the 2nd June, but I know I always read these whilst I'm waiting for a cruise so the more the merrier in my opinion!

Look forward to posting more soon

Ben

About if background to this cruise. We have wanted to see these places for a while, and whilst at the next cruise ambassador on our 3 day harmony cruise last year we saw this one and had to book it. We originally went for a panoramic ocean view room, which do look pretty awesome. Around January this year, we decided to downgrade to a regular ocean view to save some money, and ended up getting about £400 back. As it came closer to the cruise I kept an eye on our prices. Final payment came and went and then I noticed prices took a nosedive. Our cabin was now significantly cheaper (£900!) but as it was after final payment they couldn't (or wouldn't) adjust the price. So I asked how much it would cost to upgrade, and was told if we upgraded to a suite guarantee (w-grade) we would get £5 refunded to us! No question in my opinion so we took the offer and are looking forward to our first stay in any kind of a suite [emoji3]

I would just like to add that I don't begrudge RCL dropping the price as I know they need to fill there ships, but maybe offering us an urge add to another cabin instead of me chasing them would have been nice. But I digress....

We've Pre booked one excursion, RC'sL 2day tour in St. Petersburg. We normally do our own thing in ports (and will be in all the others on this cruise) and are confident travellers, but for various reasons wanted the comfort of RCL's excursion in Russia. We've also booked the BOGO dining package and am going to try and get Izumi and either chops or sabor. May do the sushi making class once onboard too, but we'll see about that later.

Can't wait for the cruise to start now, one work day to go!!

Ben

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Following. Looking forward to your review.

About if background to this cruise. We have wanted to see these places for a while, and whilst at the next cruise ambassador on our 3 day harmony cruise last year we saw this one and had to book it. We originally went for a panoramic ocean view room, which do look pretty awesome. Around January this year, we decided to downgrade to a regular ocean view to save some money, and ended up getting about £400 back. As it came closer to the cruise I kept an eye on our prices. Final payment came and went and then I noticed prices took a nosedive. Our cabin was now significantly cheaper (£900!) but as it was after final payment they couldn't (or wouldn't) adjust the price. So I asked how much it would cost to upgrade, and was told if we upgraded to a suite guarantee (w-grade) we would get £5 refunded to us! No question in my opinion so we took the offer and are looking forward to our first stay in any kind of a suite [emoji3]

I would just like to add that I don't begrudge RCL dropping the price as I know they need to fill there ships, but maybe offering us an urge add to another cabin instead of me chasing them would have been nice. But I digress....

We've Pre booked one excursion, RC'sL 2day tour in St. Petersburg. We normally do our own thing in ports (and will be in all the others on this cruise) and are confident travellers, but for various reasons wanted the comfort of RCL's excursion in Russia. We've also booked the BOGO dining package and am going to try and get Izumi and either chops or sabor. May do the sushi making class once onboard too, but we'll see about that later.

Can't wait for the cruise to start now, one work day to go!!

Ben

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Hi Ben, we do in this cruise too and have already pre-booked the sushi making class. It looks fab lol

Cathy

Following too! With your changing of cabins so easily, do you use a US agent to book your cruises?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks!

No, we ended up booking directly with RCL. We haven't had any benefit from booking with English TA in the past, and haven't tried a US one yet.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Hi we are doing this cruise next year so look forward to your review

So we are finally onboard! Been waiting for so long for this cruise! Our apologies for not posting yesterday, but we didn’t end up getting the internet package and are just going to use our roaming data whilst in ports to use the internet.

We arrived at the port about 10:45 and embarkation was a breeze, the longest we waited was to get luggage tags, about 5 minutes. We normally print them out at home, but there was an issue with our cruise booklet this time. Security and check took about 10 minutes in total and then we were on the ship! We had a walk around pretty much the entire ship, I love doing this on embarkation day when it is empty. The promenade is very nice, and seems longer than on oasis, but that’s probably just because it’s narrower. It was made a bit narrower by all the dining, beverage and spa sales people setting up stalls, but they weren’t pushy and we didn’t mind them.

We went to windjammer early to avoid the crowds, and what a beautiful space. It was a sunny day in Southampton, so eating lunch sitting in the window was the perfect way to start the cruise. We then went to check on our dining reservations, we’d booked the BOGO offer on the cruise planner, and choose Chop’s for our first night and Izumi for our second. We then went to the cosmopolitan lounge for a bit, but the a/c was a touch too cool for my wife so we went to enjoy the sun in the solarium, as we think sunshine is going to be in limited supply this cruise! Now some people may disagree, but we really like the ancient Greek style pillars and decoration around the spa and solarium area. It’s a really fun way to decorate! After this was the obliquity muster drill, ours was in the star lounge, but it didn’t take too long and then it was sail away! We enjoyed this sitting on our balcony with a drink, and very relaxing it was too!

But all too soon it was time to get ready for dinner at Chop’s.

This was our first time eating at chops, and we were very happy with it. Its situated just off the Windjammer, which we thought may make it noisy but you cannot notice any intrusion from the outside world. We had some delicious food, in particular the 9 oz. filet mignon was delicious, practically didn’t need the knife to cut it. The everything crusted tuna had a good flavour but was a bit dry. There was a wide variety of sides and they were all delicious. Incidentally you could have as many appetizers and sides as you like, but a second main would be charged ay $10 a portion, which seemed fair.

Onion and Gruyere soup

Beef carpaccio

Scallops were so good couldn't get a photo before DW ate them!

Everything crusted tuna

Apple pie

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

After leaving dinner very full we caught the opening night show, a musician comedian called Steve Stevens who started off a bit rocky, but once the crowd warmed up and he settled in was really good. After all this good food, and a little drink [emoji4] we decided to call in a night and head back to our room.

Next day was a sea day, and in an effort to balance out the extra weight we though we may put on we had signed up for yoga classes, the only problem being the first was at 8am on the sea day! Off we trotted though, and we enjoyed the class, as much as you can enjoy exercise. Something to note for anyone that’s done yoga before, the man that ran the class was a gym instructor who had gone on a yoga course and focussed more on strength based moves, rather than a yoga teacher who would focus more on the breathing and quality of the moves. Still, a good way to start the day. Had a quick wander around the deck as well, and it was a bit windy, so much so that the fore deck with the peek-a-boo bridge view was shut, as was the flow rider.

We had wanted to do this today before it became too busy later on in the cruise. The crew member thought it might open a bit later, but alas no. It was probably a bit cold to stand around wet though so we were quietly grateful!

So to breakfast instead. We went to the windjammer, and had no problem finding a seat at about 0900. There was a nice selection of food, both healthy and unhealth (chocolate coated doughnuts for breakfast!!) and it was all pretty good quality. As always the made to order omelette station was my go to spot, and it didn’t disappoint. After breakfast the flow rider was still shut so we played a bit of mini-golf instead and then relaxed in a hot tub.

Again there were plenty of spaces in the solarium hot tubs, and they were very hot. There is also a spa tub just outside the gym which has some very powerful massage jets to really help get you relaxed. We also got our tickets for the ice show on our sea day (day 5). Having been on quantum and oasis class before with electronic tickets, it was a bit strange picking up paper tickets, but until they update the computer systems I guess this works. Ice rink

We also went to a enrichment lecture by Gary Fuller on the Vikings. Very interesting and he had a good style, we’ll definitely catch a couple of his other lectures on the cruise.

It had been at least an hour since we’d eaten so we decided to check out the main dining room for lunch. No wait to sit down at 1230 and there was a small buffet (minute steak, roast chicken, mash, and veg) and the made to order salad station with apparently 40 different options. We ordered off the menu and I had the tilapia tempura which was nice, although the batter wasn’t that crispy.

After lunch we tried out the climbing wall. There was a bit of a queue but it went really quickly. There are a variety of routes on the wall, and some of them are very challenging, but there are also plenty for beginners too, it was a lot of fun! We then felt we should do some relaxing, so caught a movie in the conference centre. It felt a bit like being at work, and the chairs were not the most comfortable, but it did fit a lot of people in at least. Then it was time to get ready, we’d be eating in Izumi tonight, but as it was formal night we still decided to get dressed up.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

This was our first time in Izumi also. The venue as on deck 14, so has great views of the sea and ship. The staff were very attentive, but we were one of only 6 tables occupied. I don’t know why because the food is fantastic. On the dining package we were given $50 a head credit, which is more food than we can eat. We also tried a couple of the cocktails which were fruity and sweet. I definitely recommend trying here even if you don’t like sushi, as they do the hot rocks with steak and some noddle and tempura dishes which shouldn’t be missed. DX sushi combo [emoji496]

Mixed seafood hot rock

Lobster tempura roll (must try!)

Dessert sampler with caramel flan, sesame mochi and green tea mousse

We caught the end of the show, a mixture of popular musical numbers (mamma mia is the only one I can remember) which was ok, but we aren’t the biggest Abba fans, and a few of the songs were a bit off. We’ll try again another night though. We then stopped by the majority rules show, and the man running it was very funny, and made the audience read out some of the riskier answers. Had a really good time in there. After that we decided it was bed time as we had yoga again in the morning, then off into Oslo.

Let me know if you have any questions about anything onboard or in port! Speak to you all soon

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Beautiful photos!

Following along. Just off this ship myself and had a great time!

My favourite place was the casino. Not sure my bank manager would agree though! I am a good player apparently (but the cards were just not falling my way!)

In my opinion, the best thing about this ship was the staff. They were super nice, and relaxed and able to have a laugh with you.

I am here quite a lot, if you want to know anything just ask. if I can help I will be glad to.

What type of suite did you end up with??

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Hi great updates & photos. Can you get some photos of the food in Windjammer & Cafe Promenade please?

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Thanks, will be onboard in September.

Looking forward to your review.

Following along.

Also looking forward to knowing the cabin/suite you were allocated and what you think of it.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Very nice photos!

What type of suite did you end up with??

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We ended up with a junior suite, cabin no. 9538. We were allocated this about a week after upgrading to the guaranteed suite grade, so knew well in adjacent of boarding which was nice. It's right next to the stairs which I like as there's less walking required to get back. We haven't noticed any problems with noise either. It's very nice, but very similar to a balcony but wider and with a bath tub rather than shower cubicle. We probably would book one over a balcony again, unless it's was a very good price. I did get some pictures but they are on my other camera, so I'll put them up when I get the chance.

Ben

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Hi great updates & photos. Can you get some photos of the food in Windjammer & Cafe Promenade please?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Yep here you are, these are from cafe promenade early evening time

I'm not sure if it comes out in the picture but there was hot pies as well as cold sandwiches and desserts

These are lunch in the windjammer, I couldn't get many as it was very busy, but I'll try and get some more later. There were the classic burgers, hot dogs, chips and salads every day, the curry selection changed each day as well as specials like cuts of beef or pork shoulder. Food has been a pretty good standard so far

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Ah that's great - thanks so much. I wanted to check my kids would like the food! Yes any more photos from Windjammer would be fab. Have you had lunch in the dining room?

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We ended up with a junior suite, cabin no. 9538. We were allocated this about a week after upgrading to the guaranteed suite grade, so knew well in adjacent of boarding which was nice. It's right next to the stairs which I like as there's less walking required to get back. We haven't noticed any problems with noise either. It's very nice, but very similar to a balcony but wider and with a bath tub rather than shower cubicle. We probably would book one over a balcony again, unless it's was a very good price. I did get some pictures but they are on my other camera, so I'll put them up when I get the chance.

 

Ben

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Found the pictures!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Day 3 Oslo

So we were up bright and early again today to make it to our 8am yoga class. It was a bit better today with some different moves in, but they didn't seem to monitor who was in the class well, you could probably turn up without paying and still do the session. After that was a quick windjammer breakfast and off the ship as soon as we could. The ship docked right alongside the Akershus fortress, so you have amazing scenery to go with your breakfast.

We got into Oslo about half 9, and were cleared to leave about 10 minutes later. There was a bit of a crowd getting off but it flowed well. Gangway has been on deck 1 so far. We'd decided to do our own thing in Oslo, so walked about 5 minutes to the harbour in town to catch the ferry over to the culture museum. The cost of a return ticket is 65 Krone if bough from the kiosk, or 65 krone each way if bought on the boat, so definitely worth buying before if you can manage it. It's about a 15 minute ride to the first stop for the culture museum and Viking ship museum, the ferry continues on to the polar ship museum, Kon-Tiki museum and maritime museum also.

It's about a 10 minute walk to the culture museum from the ferry stop, but it is up (and down!) a bit of a hill. We had a nice wander around the museum, looking at the traditional village set up, Stave church and an open theatre. We were lucky as it was a beautiful sunny day (a crew member said it had rained on the previous few stops here.) We then did the 5 minute walk down to the Viking ship museum, we didn't go in as we were rushed for time, but you could see on of the ships from the gift shop. Apparently the 4 ships here were used as burial ships for vikings and were therefore well preserved in the mud.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

After that we walked about 10-15 minutes down to the Fram polar ship museum. It was very interesting to learn the history of this vessel and it's construction as well as the voyages it went on. You are also allowed to walk round the vessel which provides an insight into the difficulties they must have faced. All the displays here were in English and Norweigian, with some electronic displays offering about 9 other languages. You also get a lovely view across the harbour to see Navigator from here. We then went to catch the ferry back over to then main harbour, again about a 10 minute journey. We had wanted to walk to the palace and then the opera house, but time was not our friend, so headed to the palace first, passing the theatre on the way, and then continued to the cathedral. The palace was in large open grounds, but the cathedral was a bit disappointing from an aesthetic point of view. On our way back to the ship we got a great view from Akershus fortress, it's worth a stop, even briefly, as it's free of charge! We then got back on the ship, with a bit of a queue (which seemed to be for the hand sanitiser!)

We needed a bit of a break so headed up to the solarium to soak in the pools and then get ready for dinner. We had tried to book a table, but the only ones available in the MDR were 1745 or 2100 so we chanced getting a walk in and were glad we did, only had to wait about 5 minutes before being seated. Our waitress was very kind and helpful and even told us what time we were arriving as well as the weather for the next day. Food was tasty and varied options, i ended up having the strawberry bisque for starter, kind of a more liquid smoothie, grilled prawns for main and the the BBB brûlée for dessert. All of it was very tasty. We wanted to try out the late night comedy tonight so relaxed in a bar for a bit and tried some unusual beer cocktails, including one with Guinness and one with honey and lemon in, which were both pretty tasty. Unfortunately the comedy was not as good, and we only lasted about 10 minutes. It may just have not been to our taste however as most other people seemed to be laughing. On our way to bed we tried to catch how they change the days in the lifts, but couldn't manage to! Oh well, plenty more days to try.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Forgot this photo from yesterday! This is the ship form Akershus fortress.

Day 4 Copenhagen

Day 4 came and we had a bit of a lie in (no yoga today!) We had been to Copenhagen quite recently so were just going to take a wander around town. We'd seen a note on the cruise compass saying that we were going to be at the ocean quay terminal rather than the closer Langelinie terminal which meant we would be about 3 miles rather than 1 from the city centre. A shuttle was available from $20 per person, but as there were four of us we decided to grab a taxi. All the taxi's take card which was useful, and the return trip ended up costing about $40 so a significant saving. Leaving the terminal was quite slow though, as there were a couple of container ships as well as another cruise ship. We wandered through Rosenberg Slot's gardens and around town before picking up a Christmas ornament (a must from every place we travel to!) before wandering back towards the ship.

Rosenborg Slot

Swans and cygnets (can't quite make them out!)

One thing to note, whilst we saw a number of taxi's driving around, none of them were able to stop to pick us up. Don't worry though as there are taxi ranks at most train stations where you'll be able to find one. If it's your first time in Copenhagen, there is so much to do you won't be able to fit it in. The Tivoli is amazing and you could spend the whole day there, the various palaces are also really interesting, and further out of town is Friedriksborg, a beautiful summer palace and grounds. We've spent 5 days here over the last 2 years and have only just seen it all!

Back to the ship after that for a relax in the solarium before planning dinner.

Guacamole demonstration, $20 each with a a free cocktail

We ended up going to Johnny Rockets for dinner. On Navigator it’s on deck 12 next to adventure ocean and has an outside seating area. It certainly wasn’t warm enough for us to make use of this though! The burgers were great and we also shared a salad which was surprisingly tasty, and a slice of apple pie for dessert. I noticed that you can also have cheddar cheese with your pie, but I wasn’t feeling adventurous enough to try that. Only downside was that they had run out of root beer! Tonight’s headliner show was Knight Magic, and husband and wife act from las Vegas. Apparently they’ve featured on Penn and Tellers shows before too, and I must say I was impressed. They had quite a variety of acts they did, from sleight of hand to rope illusions and “mentalism”. A really fun show overall.

Towel bunny!

We were travelling under the bridge near Nyborg, Denmark this evening so headed to our balcony to watch. The photos didn’t come out perfectly, but it’s definitely worth seeing if you do this itinerary as it doesn’t look like the ship should fit under!

There is a bridge there I promise!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums