rraider1961

Were you on the Belize, Roatan, Cozumel route? That is generally the route where disembarkation is a cluster because US Customs has a heightened level of screening compared to the Cayman, Jamaica, Cozumel route. I have never had disembarkation problems with that route out of Galveston.

 

Yes, that was the itinerary, but customs was a breeze this trip.

Disembarked the LOS this morning and while it was not quite the seamless experience of the boarding it was pretty smooth. Left the gathering point at Schooners at 8:45 and was through customs and on the shuttle bus to Moody Gardens by 9:30. I'll take that every single time. It should be noted that this was the last RCI cruise out of Galveston for a month since Liberty is headed to dry-dock.

Could have been. . .I've been "sampling."

We were very anxious about the embarkation process for LOS in Galveston given all the negative reports on CC after the Terminal 2 remodel. But, happy to report that it was the smoothest and most efficient we have ever had in 4 cruises out of Galveston. Dropped at terminal by hotel shuttle at 11, porter waiting to take bags curbside, into terminal 5 minutes later and on ship and enjoying drink at Plaza Bar by 11:30. Wonderful! Let the cruise begin!

One question - Did Navigator have the Coke Freestyle machines? Those are the self-service machines that use the special soda package cups to get any of the 50+ flavors you want. There's usually 2 machines on the promenade, and maybe another on the pool deck. Initially only the bigger ships had them, and but I'm hoping by now Navigator might have them too.

 

No freestyle on the NOS, which is surely needed. Flow rider in his 40s? Must be a "younger" 40s than me! :D

 

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What is the name of the ice show on NOS? Is it the same show as Freedom?

 

 

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I believe it was "Ice Dancing" with a ballroom dancing theme. And yes, it was outstanding.

 

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Let's see if I can answer the questions I can:

 

The GS decor was very nicely done and fresh looking. I have photos but have not gotten the camera out and downloaded them. Will post ASAP

 

MDR Menus: This is the rotation I remember *particularly from memory are Wednesday night when we have dinner with officers; Thursday we were in Sabor; and Saturday we dined at Chops* (main courses): Classics always on the menu are as follows: Linguini with Pomodoro sauce; Angus beef sliders; Grilled Chicken Breast; broiled Atlantic Salmon; Aged Manhattan Strip Steak. For extra charge, each night you can order: Whole 1.5 pound Maine Lobster ($29.95); Surf and Turf, Lobster and 10 oz. Chops filet ($37.50); Chops Filet ($14.95).

Sunday: No clue--skipped dinner!

Monday: Grilled Chicken Salad; Singapore Noodles; Sole Meuniere; Roasted Chicken; Mustard Crusted Roast Beef; Yukon Gold Potato Pie

Tuesday (First Formal): Beef Filet; Three Cheese Tortellini (all I can remember)

Wednesday: Tandori Chicken Salad; Rigatoni Pasta; Fish Seafood, and Mash; Roasted Turkey with Apple bread dressing; Rosemary Lamb Shank; Sweet and Sour vegetarian chicken chunks

Thursday: Shrimp Insalata Mista; Lasagna Al Forno; Garlic Tiger Shrimp; Chicken Marsala; Filetto Di Maiale Arrosto con Salvia (pork tenderloin); Eggplant Parmagiana

Friday: (Second Formal); Slow Roasted Prime Rib; Lobster Tail (you can order both); Thai Chicken Breast; Soy meatballs

Saturday: no clue

 

I did not use on board internet

 

Shows/entertainment; The only tickets you will need to get before are the ones to the ice show. Pick those up at a kiosk on the Promenade the first night. Show times are Monday afternoon; Tuesday afternoon; and Wednesday evening. All others are first come, first served, but I would recommend arriving 30 minutes before show time to keep choice locations. If you arrive right at showtime, chances are it will be full. Times are 6:30 and 8:30

 

Flow rider: too old to try! I did watch and it looked like I would have had a blast 20 years ago!

 

Pools: As the earlier post alluded, there were plenty of deck chairs, but the best ones are usually taken by 10:00 A.M. I saw no egregious chair hogs. I have always found the Adults-only Solarium much more enjoyable.

 

Yes, there was dinner with the officers in Windjammer for suite guests: It was Wednesday night and was a great meal and a fun time.

 

Fire away if you have more!

I have finally found my land legs after a wonderful cruise on the NOS to Roatan, Belize, and Cozumel. We had a very nice M&M and gift exchange and met some wonderful people, although I understand from some that RCI failed to deliver a number of invitations which caused some of our online friends to miss the festivities. So, I thought I would do a little review/reflection post as well as entertain questions that any may have.

 

Embarkation: I had read many posts about the recent delays and troubles with the embarkation process in Galveston, and feared that we might experience some of the same. My fears seemed justified when our hotel shuttle seemed overwhelmed with the demand. However, they figured it out and upon arriving at the terminal at about 11:30 we were very quickly processed through and on the ship by just a bit after noon (full disclosure: we did have priority boarding, but all lines seemed to be moving quickly). Rooms were ready by 1:00 and all festivities were in full swing. Our bags were in our stateroom by 3:00 (they could have come earlier, but that was when we went back and checked), muster was promptly called--although the usual clueless and insensitive stragglers held it up past 4:00--and sail away was on time. A great beginning!

 

Stateroom/concierge service: We were in a GS (first time) after usually sailing in a JS, and I do not think we will be able to go back. The extra room was extraordinary. We ate breakfast on the balcony twice, which was a treat. Our stateroom attendant, Dom, was professional, prompt, friendly, and very accommodating. We only had to ask to have ice in the cabin the first day and he made sure it was there everyday afterward. He took care of all requests and made our experience much more enjoyable. No complaints here about that. Just one small glitch--RCI still needs to work on mattresses. I know that it is difficult to make the numbers balance and provide high quality bedding, but the thin things that are currently used could be better.

 

We did not make great use of the concierge services, but when we did Ricardo (concierge) and his staff were very professional and prepared. We made it to the CL only twice, primarily because they did not have my preferred liquors (Crown Royal or Blanton's bourbon), but when we were there it is was enjoyable.

 

Public Areas: NOS, like all its Voyager sisters, is an elegant, beautiful ship, and the recent refurb has made it all the more so. The Promenade was gorgeous, and the new chandeliers exquisite. The new carpeting throughout the ship is 10X better than the older stuff that was, frankly, loud and almost reminiscent of a 70s disco. The pool area was clean, functional, and chaise lounges clean and in working condition.

 

Food: Ok, here we go with everyone's favorite topic. MDR: Is the food in the MDR 5 or 4 star quality? No, but it is still pretty dang good. When you are cooking for so many one cannot expect a 4 diamond rating, and frankly, with the affordability of cruises today that would be very wishful thinking. That said, I did not eat a single meal in the MDR that I did not enjoy, and there were many dishes that were outstanding. The service was, as always, impeccable, and our tablemates were wonderful and ended up to be people we really enjoyed socializing with for the whole cruise. WJ; Ok, it is a buffett, so it's not like it is anything more than that. It is functional food that we used primarily for lunch on sea days. It's middling and institutional, but not awful. I would like to see different selections each day--the same thing over and over is very boring. We did use our gold card perk to have ala carte breakfast in Chops, which seemed to be a touch higher quality than the WJ offerings.

 

Specialty Restaurants: We dined at Sabor and Chops. First, Chops: Chops is a very good steak house, with attentive service. The new menu is not too much of a change from the old, although the absence of a ribeye is disappointing. I love the decor and "supper club" feel of the decor at Chops, and it may be the most romantic place to dine on the ship. On previous visits to Chops on the Mariner of the Seas I have raved about the food, but I have to say that this time the quality seemed a touch below that. I had a filet, and it was a bit chewy and not as flavorful as ones I had had in the past. Our dining companions selected a NY strip from the extra charge menu; it looked ok, and they agreed that it was fine but perhaps not top of the line. I hope that this was a one time glitch and not a trend. Sabor: Let me make this clear--do not miss the opportunity to dine at this tremendous addition to the specialty restaurants. It was by far the best meal we had on the ship, and next time we will do this at least twice. The portions are ample, so for most people splitting appetizers and entrees will work (and I am a big eater as my waistline attests!). Make sure you have the made at your table guacamole as it was some of the best I have eaten. The queso fundido is to die for, with great, gooey, white cheese, scallions, and chorizo. The ain course of carnitas was wonderful, and I sampled my wife's quesadillas and they were also outstanding. But the best part of Sabor is dessert. You don't choose a dessert at Sabor, they bring small portions of all six of their selections to your table and you enjoy them all--and all of them are great. the cafe con leche is marvelous, the coconut flan sublime, and the empanadas and churros exquisite. If you are also inclined--and I was--enjoy a tequila flight as well.

 

Drink Package: We chose the Ultra package, and while we perhaps did not exactly break even on the price we thought that the convenience and ease of ordering was still worth it. It is a personal decision that you have to make and there is no right or wrong choice. We would do it again.

 

Wine and Dine Package: What we will never do again is this wine package. In a word, it is awful and a rip off. The wine list that comes with the package is limited and contains very inferior wines. Some that we ordered I would not have served to a wino on a 3 day bender. We complained, were refunded the balance, and ordered off the full menu for the remainder of the voyage. Those wines are also wildly overpriced, but they are drinkable.

 

Overall: This was a very fine cruise, one that we would do again. In fact, we are in January 2015!

 

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.

Giovanni's Table.

 

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Wonderful! Thanks!

 

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Dying to see the new décor on Navigator and what a GS now looks like. Sailing in several months but just booked today, yippee! Just about broke the bank, oh well... Hoping someone here has a picture.

 

Same here. Leaving on May 18 and would love to see photos!

 

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We will be on the Navigator in May. Do they offer the Mystery Dinner?

 

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We did the Mystery Dinner on the Mariner last January (2013) and were disappointed a bit. The food at GT (or was it still Portofino?) was great, and the opening segment at the Lotus Lounge was cute, but after we got to the restaurant things began to denigrate. There were too many booked and they crammed us all together at the tables so tight you could barely move your arms to eat. Worse than that, the table set up meant that half of us had our backs to the actors, which greatly lessened the experience. Finally, at all mystery dinners we have attended the audience participation was the best part; on this, other than trying to guess the murderer the participation was minimal at best. Perhaps they have fixed such snafus, but we wouldn't do it again.

 

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Crew on board NOS said the Navigator is going to Asia when out of Galveston. They are hiring Chinese speaking staff to get up to speed now. Only a crew report....

Sounds credible as that is exactly what they began to do with the Mariner in 2012.

 

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[quote name='Eng23']I'd put money on it NOT being Quantum or Anthem as their homeports are already announced and Galveston is not one of them. I would also put my money on Galveston not getting an Oasis Class ship unless someone is going to spend millions of dollars to build a brand new terminal to serve a ship that size.

I'd make a safer bet that it could be Freedom of the Seas once the 3rd Oasis Class ship allows one of them to be homeported in Port Canaveral at the brand new multi million dollar terminal that is currently under construction there.[/QUOTE]

All indications are that it will be the Freedom, although it will not be confirmed until Galveston definitively agrees to upgrade/enlarge their port facilities. What all that means is that they are in negotiations at this time. Another rumor is that if Galveston does not agree on upgrades RCI will follow Princess and Norwegian to Houston Bayport. I hope not, but that is a word on the street in Galveston.

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Hello!

Please don't yell at me, i know i'm bringing up a sore subject, but my husband smokes and he'll not quit... just yet. Since the new smoking policy has taken affect, can anyone tell me where you can smoke on the navigator? Just booked a JS for total of 1374.00 for 2. It wasn't there last night, someone must have decided not to book. anyways, I know it's just the 1st, but if someone could tell me after they get off the navigator, it would be a great help! Thanks again.:confused:

 

You may also smoke in the Connoisseur Club on Deck 5 (I think it is, may be 4), which is the cigar bar. Besides being able to smoke it is is also a very nice bar with big comfy chairs and great decor.

 

Beware, the smoking fascists on this board will get after you!

 

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First time cruising. Which is better? We are staying at a hotel no matter what.

 

-Staying at a hotel with the cruise and park package (parking for duration of cruise plus shuttle to cruise terminal)

OR

-Parking at the cruise ship terminal and paying the fee.

 

Which is the less stressful option? :)

 

Definitely take the hotel shuttle. We love the service and convenience of Moody Gardens, but almost all hotels on the island provide the service.

 

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Good News,

 

Just booked the May 18th sailing. Going to be a great retrofit!

 

Mike

 

On the May 18th as well. Go and join our roll call meet and mingle!

 

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Any recommendations on where to golf in Puerto Rico? I am flying down two days before my cruise and want to get in a few rounds before setting sail. Thanks:eek::eek:

 

The Dorado is a great course. It was at a Hilton resort at one time, but I think they have rebranded it to an Embassy Suites. The course at the Trump International is very good as well, but also, as you can imagine, a bit pricey.

 

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Going on the NOS soon, Belize, Roatan and Cozumel, what is the best things to buy at these ports?

 

When in Cozumel you must consider buying black coral jewelry--they have the best in the Caribbean.

 

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So we're trying to convince a couple to come aboard with us last minute on our upcoming cruise. Prices are great!

 

I get hit this morning with "have you read the cruise critic reviews??"

 

Looked at what they were talking about... people saying things like "the menu's each night in the MDR never changed except for 1 item"

 

I know everything's subjected, but do some people just not pay attention? Of course that's something we all know is false- of course they change.

 

Other things like people saying everything besides that and the Windjammer were extra (didnt mention cafe promenade, Sorrentos) and that the shows were all "sold out" so they couldn't go.

 

Frustrating bc I've been on 19 cruises with Royal and never experienced those things. Now I've got to make my friends "take my word" :o

 

I, too, am continually amazed by some of the reviews I read on these forums. On a number of occasions I have read accounts by people who sailed on the same cruise as me that described an utter hell that was not even close to my experience. More often than not, the primary complaint is the cuisine in the MDR, which always amuses me because I don't know what people truly expect. Is the food "the best I have ever had?" Of course not, but I have also never had a poor experience. I am convinced that people just enjoy complaining and for some reason think a "review" requires something negative. Or maybe, as we say in Texas, "they're just not from around here, are they?"

 

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So - you admit to having limited port experience - admit you are geographical biased because it is close to you - don't read nor heed the 3+ years of port reviews that complain about the same old issues at this port (even some from - GASP - Texans!) - and now this is MY problem?

 

Here's your sign.....

 

I'm as done with this thread as I surely am with that port. Enjoy your cheap close cruises while it lasts. Remember that if the rest of us don't come because of the poor port - YOU LOSE YOUR BOAT! Comes down to $.

 

Good luck.

 

Everyone yield all opinions to Mr. Experience-know-it-all Beachin2! If you disagree it is because you are obviously a moron, not in his league of knowledge, and probably are an idiot Texan as well! He will also take his toys and go home, curse you, and then smirk when we are all left high and dry with no ships. I just do not know how in the world I make it through life without having him guide instruct me in all of lifes foibles and picadilloes.

 

Before you come back to castigate my sarcastic taste on your post, take a little time for introspection. Yes, your tone is off putting and condescending.

 

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So what does make a cruise great for you? Is it the food, the accommodations, the friends you come with or those you meet on board? Is it the ports of call, or the service (from wait staff to housekeeping) -- what exactly is it for you?

 

Before we started cruising in 2004, I would have said - "the whole experience', 'the elegance I have heard others talk about'.

 

Now years later, and having gone on over a dozen cruises (many people have done more)....I know what makes a great cruise for me....it is the Entertainment Staff.

 

From the Cruise Director to the Activities Director to the newest member of the entertainment staff....they make the cruise Rock. From the cruise directors' planning with the Miami home office to the execution of the smallest detail (like the Karoake machine working), it all has to go smoothly for that wonderful cruise for me and DH. And, they do it, and do it and keep doing it....like energizer bunnies.

 

Just came off of another cruise on Majesty....and Mitch and his team with Mo (Activities Director) where outstanding. To Mitch and Mo -- enjoy your own upcoming vacations.....you made our little weekend getaway -- outstanding.

 

We have had great experiences with Dennis (Cruise Director) and Elvis (Activities Director)....and many others.....the entertainment team, makes a cruise great for us.

 

I always like a list, so here goes:

 

1. I still love leaving the home port. There is just something about the excitement of knowing you are leaving on what I think is the greatest way to vacation.

2. Night on the balcony, listening to the sea, looking for distant lights, and enjoying a glass of wine with the wife.

3. Formal nights. I love putting my tux, getting our picture taken, and then hitting the casino and Crown room. It is probably a James Bond thing.

4. Nothing beats a sunrise and sunset on a cruise.

5. Relaxing in the Connoisseur Club with a fine cigar and a glass on VSOP Cognac.

 

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We decided to book a post dry dock cruise on Navigator to see the changes. We had heard that new cabins were going to be installed on deck 12. We looked at the website and they were listed as Cat E2, aft Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony. The new deck plans had not been posted to the website yet. Based on previous cruises, we thought they would be toward the back of the ship.

 

We contacted an RCCL agent who also didn't have any deck plans (I guess they also go by the website) and she made the same assumption (I know, I know) that we did that the aft balcony would be on the very back.

 

We put a hold on the cabin since we were using our Visa points for this cruise. We had finally accrued enough points for a Caribbean Cruise for two. After the hold was placed by our TA, we traded in our points for the cruise. We received a confirmation from RCCL (not just our TA) that we were booked in a Cat E2, Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony cabin #1884.

 

We have friends that then booked the same type cabin next door to us in cabin #1886.

 

About a month after we booked, RCCL finally posted the post dry dock deck plans and lo and behold our cabin is not aft, but far forward. The cabin listing (not deck plan) still shows it as an aft balcony (even today). The flow rider is being installed where we thought our cabin would be. We thought, oh well, it will be an experience being that far forward and we will still be on a cruise and not at work.

 

Fast forward to this past Monday when we were 90 days out. I just happened to login to our RCCL account and noticed that we were no longer booked in our cabin on deck 12. We are now booked in a D3 category on deck 6 cabin that is the very first cabin on starboard side. What the???? We had not received any notification from RCCL about the move.

 

I had our friends who also booked with us look and they had the same thing except instead of being in the cabin next to us, they were now 3 cabins down.

 

We called our TA who contacted RCCL, because RCCL wouldn't talk to us directly because we booked through her. She was told that the E2 Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony is actually a Cat J cabin with the virtual balcony. She also wasn't notified of the change and is still trying to work with them to get this figured out.

 

So, according to a conflict resolution specialist, not only was / is the website wrong about the cabin being aft, it is wrong about the type of cabin it is (E2 vs J).

 

Now, what is really going to tick us off is if the deck 12 cabin really is a balcony and we were moved to deck 6.

 

We were wondering if anyone else who has booked one of these cabins have run into the same problems yet.

 

It is my understanding that all the new cabins on NOS are interior virtual balcony rooms. So, you were given rooms to fit your reserved cat.

 

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as posted earlier we dressed properly for formal nights. while we were dining (mtd) and scanning the room it was nice to see the much younger 20 somethings mostly dressed very nicely.

 

btw, what's up with older guys (over 50) and pony-tails? don't they know how silly they look?

 

Can you say "old hippie?"

 

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We always feel like the formal night is one of the "can't miss" experiences of a cruise. I get a chance to wear my tux and my wife gets to be at her lovliest best. I recommend you do it at least once.

 

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