seannyice81

My apologies about the Photobucket images to those who cannot see them. I have contacted them to see what the problem is, but have not heard back. Their site does seem to be having problems. Stay tuned and you'll see more though!

Here is the introduction post with a little background on the initial planning of the cruise. Full speed ahead with Pre-cruise and embarkation posts this weekend! Better photos then as well. :cool:

Enjoy!

http://seanstravelblog.com/2016/01/30/the-suite-life-of-a-navigator/

Ok... What I will do is use links in my posts to my blog. This way, I have better control over image sharing/sizing.

I ask you to be patient with me and I will have my first post later tonight for you. I will have additional coverage for cruise critic in some areas.

Hey everyone.

I have a solution for the photo issue for those who cannot see them. Instead of using Photobucket, I will use them trough my website.

I will begin work on my first post(s) tonight, that might come later or tomorrow. I have not yet decided whether to post here directly or use links for my blog.

In the meantime, here are the photos that 3 of you may not have been able to see (and for that, I apologize).

Ok... lets see if this works...

Edit - That didn't work.

Thanks so much for doing your review. Can you please tell me the name and order of the menus in mdr? Also were there one or two formal nights?

 

Thanks!

Welcome!

Unfortunately, I cannot tell you all the dining menus in sequence as we did not dine in the MDR two nights. I do believe that the menus used were 1,2,3,4,5, and 7. Not 6. There was one Formal night, the 2nd evening (a sea day).

Yes very nice pics! What camera are you using?

Looking forward to reading your review.

 

Fantastic few prictures; really great. Can I ask what camera you use?

 

Thanks for taking the time to do a review.

Thank you!

I used 3 cameras this cruise vacation.

-Nikon D90 w/18-55mm VR lens

-iPhone 6

-Airpro Ion Lite

...one more question Sean, we too will be in a GS and were wondering if there is a 'Suite Guest' entrance/line to look for at Terminal 29...since It looks smaller than the other terminals, it would be a bummer to get in the wrong line to miss the 'perk'...kinda lame question I know...but your answer is appreciated thanks!:)

Terminal 29 has one main entrance, but two separate lines once inside. One for Suites/VIP/top tiers, the other for regular guests. I think they use a smaller side of the terminal specifically for those arriving early and open the larger half later in the morning after boarding begins.

More!!! :)

 

Great photos so far. I look forward to your review.

 

We will be boarding in 65 days (8 night itinerary). We've done the 6 night (and 8 night) before on the Independence, which used to do the same 8 night / 6 night itineraries as what the Navigator does now. If you can remember, I'll be interested in your comparison of the Navigator vs Indy as well.

 

Dan

I actually did the same exact cruise/itinerary on Independence 3 years ago. I will have definitely have some comparisons to that ship, particularly a BIG one that I will cover later. :)

...don't leave us hanging....BTW I'll be on her next Saturday the 6th for the 8-day ride...how was the ship's internet speed/wifi connection?

 

Thanks!!

The internet connection and speed was good overall. Not bad, but not great. Lower decks on sea days seemed to have slower/more difficult connections.

Will be on Nav in April. Anxious to hear what you think. And your pics are unreal!! What suite did you stay in. We will be in a GS. Our first time, usually we're in a JS. If you have pics of suite, would love to see them also. Thanks!,

We were initially in a GS, but were secretly upgraded by our TA. More on that later ;). There will be pictures. Suite perks were awesome on this cruise and a true necessity in one case. I will always consider a suite in future Royal cruises.

Where did you get to hold the turtle at?

Pretty sure that is at the turtle farm in Grand Cayman

Yes. It was the Grand Cayman Turtle Farm. Pretty cool place!

Thank you all for subscribing!

I will start covering the trip in more detail tonight. I can answer questions until then :).

Hey "loyal to Royal" folks.

Dropping by to do a little review of my cruise on Navigator of the Seas. I usually cruise Carnival, but chose Royal for nicer suites and better perks as this cruise was a present to my mom (for her retirement). There were definitely some ups and downs, but overall, we had a great time. I noticed several improvements since my last RCI cruise on Independence in 2013. There will obviously be some comparisons to Carnival, but from a more neutral perspective :).

This was the 6 day cruise with Grand Cayman, Falmouth, and Labadee on the itinerary.

Here are some highlights:

-The anxiety of just getting there

-The BIG upgrade

-Why I won't cruise in January again

-Sea critters

-Yum!

-Laba-don't

-Now that's service!

-Ship tour

-"Thanks, Jonas... THANKS JONAS!"

It will take me a couple days to really get the ball rolling on this one as I've got a lot to catch up on here.

In the meantime, here are 3 photos to tide you over :cool:

-Sean

No wonder why we didn't have the Make A Wish drive last week on Navigator.

Correct. Now 2 sea days before arriving back in Port Everglades.

On Navigator. Our stop in Labadee has been cancelled. Refunds in OBC.

Captain just made official announcement.

On Navigator now. Seriously hope that it isn't an issue and that there is some resolution.

I could see the Fantasy Class being good with balcony views.

That said, many like the Cove Balconies on Dream/Vista Class because you're closer to the water and its more private with the lifeboats and promenade above.

The deadbolt usually isn't the easiest to turn and perhaps even more so for a 3 year old. I believe blocking a door, or affecting the access to/of a cabin door isn't allowed.

There are small magnetic door alarms available with remote speakers that you could bring as well.

The department that handles their gift cards has created a bit of a mess.

Here is the case I have:

For Christmas, I purchase my mom an e-gift card so she has some on board credit for her retirement cruise. The cruise (a gift as it is) was paid off already months ago.

She receives the email with the e-card Xmas eve and submits it online to be put on her account.

Several days go by... No indication that it has been applied. She calls customer service and the rep has no idea why it hasn't shown up. The rep supposedly puts an "expedite order" on the card.

Mom sees that the card has been redeemed.

A couple days ago, our travel agent contacts us. Apparently Royal applied the card to the actual cruise itself which has been paid off since November. Our TA was alerted to an over-payment. I'm now going through the process with Crown and Anchor to get this settled. Whether she gets it as OBC or I get it refunded, she will have something placed on her account due sailing. What a mess. :rolleyes:

Thats the gist of it.

I wish that RCI could use the gift card system Carnival has, as that has worked flawlessly for me every single time. Plus it would be cool to actually give somebody a card.

It is. If you're a drinker though, you get unlimited drinks during the past guest gtg that many are no longer invited to. Perhaps thats some consolation?

Thanks for the nod'!

Great review so far!

You did the same thing as me in the US Virgin Islands. St. John is a wonderful place!

The stewards are supposed to look in the fridges during their morning and evening servicing of the rooms. In the times I used something in the fridge, I found they tended just to check it in the morning. It mostly seems to be to their discretion.

Dude- AWESOME read. Thanks for taking the time ...perfect. We did the southern on Liberty on 11/29...thanks for letting me relive it!!! Great job bro

Thank you very much! It was an awesome cruise and I hope (and get the feeling) yours was as well. :cool:

Thank you so much for all the time you put into this! Excellent!

Thank you! Time well spent :)

MSC Poesia has some great lounges and a very large theatre. The pool decks always seem to be very busy. The big screen usually shows adverts unless there is a major sports event taking place that they will show on the screen. It doesn't show movies as MSC have not worked out how to cater for the number of different languages spoken by passengers

Guadaloupe ... Be prepared that around 98% only speak French! Interesting place but the immediate area around where the ship docks was run down somewhat, hopefully it may have been improved since our visit.

 

The Black and White lounge was our favourite on Poesia, the theatre we also thought was way better than on Divina.

 

For sunbathing area not too crowded go to the deck at the back of the ship outside of the Disco, you might have to carry up a lounger from the floor below though.

Thank you for your insight. I do think that gaining some French will be necessary, as will be bringing Euros.

That is a great tip for being in the sun!:cool:

Hi Sean.... quick question about St. Thomas. Did you dock at Havensight? I am sure I read Havensight... but wanted to double check and with your detail I figured you'd know! Thanks a bunch! Still stocking your photos..... they are amazing!

Sorry, I had not seen this sooner!

Yes, We did dock at Havensight. :)

Good morning!

I booked the 3/11/17 cruise for the amazing itinerary. Guadeloupe, Tortola, Antigua all ports I haven't seen yet and to have them in one cruise will be awesome. It will be busy with all 8 days being a port day.

This will be my first on MSC and I'm looking into things a little. Those of you who are more seasoned, I have a few questions.

-What tends to be one/some of the more popular areas on this class ship?

-There is a big screen on deck, but I read they don't play movies on it. This correct?

-Do they offer ship tours?

-To those who have sailed on cruises with the homeport being Martinique, how are the other guests? Is it mostly French or a good mix? Basically, should I expect things to be more in French? If so, no biggie!

Thanks in advance!