Navigator TA November 2011, and some CC /RCCL comparisons

[herbanrenewal]

I'm just back last week from the Navigator TA. It was my first experience with RCL, and I got to say it made me eager for more even though there were several glitches - we booked another November TA for 2012.

 

This was my second TA - previous with Celebrity. Prior to that I was worried about the long string of sea days and worried about boredom - believe me... boredom is not likely! I am so hooked on TAs now!

 

I have always enjoyed Celebrity's food and considered that a reason worth sailing with CC. Comparing Celebrity to RCL food I'd say it was a toss - the food was equally good in quality and quantity. While we enjoyed CC's Aquaclass Blu restaurant, I don't think its worth the disadvantage of the less than perfect cabin locations. This trip was the first time we used a specialty restaurant and we loved Portofino.

 

Our regular dining assignment was at a table for 10, and we had a terrific group. Each evening I actually looked forward to sitting down with the group to discuss the day's adventures. So much so that on the night we went to Portofinos we went back to "our table" to see our new friends. It helped to have the very best wait staff I've ever encountered. The evening meal was a highlight of each day.

 

Our trip started a bit weird - we had chosen a middle of the ship cabin and had requested no upgrades because we wanted to keep mid ship because Danni gets a bit motion sick sometimes.

We boarded without incident, other than during the 15 minute walk from our hotel to the ship the skies went from blue to gray and a cloudburst left us drenched. Civitavecchia was easy and seamless for boarding, So wet and still happy we boarded.

 

We went to lunch, then after it was announced we could go to our cabins we went to our cabin to find other people there. The steward told us we had been upgraded from our selected interior 9th floor cabin to an ocean view on the 2nd deck forward...very forward. We were not pleased!

 

Down to Customer service to appeal, and at first treated rudely for questioning our good luck in getting a free upgrade. After explaining we were told to come back after dinner. By then our clothes were drying out but still a bit uncomfortable as we did the usual selfguided tour of the ship, and then went to dinner. After dinner, back to the desk - no solution yet. We went to the theater, and then around 10pm came to a resolution of the room - ocean view 2nd deck, but at least between the elevators, closer to mid ship. They gave us vouchers for a specialty restaurant as compensation. Not great, but at least we finally had a room.

Back at our room we told our tale to the room steward and asked him to help us find our luggage. He found them on the 9th floor and brought our damp suitcases...fortunately the contents were protected with plastic and our clothes were dry.

 

Rough start to a great vacation, but all things considered we were very happy with the cruise.

 

As it turned out while we were in Toulon, the worst storm in the last 10 years hit the Mediterranean. We were stuck in port overnight and lost a port day in the Azores, which also meant we would cross the Atlantic in an uninterrupted 8 days at sea. We also crossed the Atlantic on the edges of a storm that gave rough sea conditions. while usually 3 to 5 meters, the occasional wave was up to 10 meters. To tell the truth we ended up glad for the 2nd deck cabin - the lower the deck the more stable the ride.

 

Despite that there were lots of activities - loved the many trivia contests, live music throughout the ship at different venues. We don't drink much but found we were welcome to sit and listen to music in any bar at any time, even without buying drinks...in all my previous cruises I was hesitant to sit in bars in the evening without making purchases. This time it was apparent it was not only acceptable, but we we were very welcome!

 

As Elite with Celebrity I had Diamond status. I was very disappointed to find that even though we were sharing a cabin Danny could not join me for pre-dinner wine in the Dungeon...actually, she did join me the first 3 nights, but on the fourth night a different attendant check her card (not just mine) and she was denied access. Since my DH doesn't have Elite yet on Celebrity and he has been able to join me to Elite functions I never doubted that Danni would be able to share. Not so. Its no fun to sit in a venue and drink wine by yourself leaving your roomate behind, so I didn't go to any more Diamond functions.

 

We did use the gym almost daily, and found equipment usually available within 10 minutes even during the busiest periods. Loved the gym. Thank God for it - it accounted for a 1.4 pound weight gain during the cruise, despite the fact I thoroughly enjoyed myself at every meal...my Weight Watchers leader was happy.

 

On the roughest days the pools were closed, but other than that we were able to swim most days - I wasn't sure if that would be so for a November crossing, so this was another positive.

 

Final verdict - not perfect, but we had a terrific time, and can't wait to go again. and look forward to many more RCl cruises.

[Poohb]

We are also hooked on TA's. Sorry that you had an upgrade problem. If I remember correctly if there are motion sickness issues, midship and LOW decks have the least motion. Glad you enjoyed the majority of your time. TAs are the best.

[will773]

Glad to hear that you were able to make the most of the things that went wrong. Hope you have many more cruises!

[Cruzaholic41]

Sorry if I missed it, but what is your relationship to Danni? I'm wondering why she was not automatically given same status. It is RCI policy to grant equal status to family members in the same room. :confused:

[silentbob007]

It is RCI policy to grant equal status to family members in the same room. :confused:

 

This is not true as far as I know. I've cruised multiple times with family and they have never had my status.

[critterchick]

Thanks for the review and comparison - glad you had a nice time!

 

RCI gives spouses and minor children the same level as the highest in the household - so if you were Diamond on RCI, your husband would be, too. I guess Celebrity doesn't do it that way. Whether your roommate may join you at Diamond events (or in the Concierge Lounge) seems to depend upon the ship and who's checking.

[Topo Gigio]

I did a transatlantic in Nov 2009 on the Navigator and it was one smooth sailing from beginning to end.

[magenta321]

I agree with Herbanrenewal, this was a fantastic sailing! I wish I could do the 16 day transatlantic next year, but I know I can't get that much time off from work again. Have fun on your next TA!

[Cruzaholic41]

This is not true as far as I know. I've cruised multiple times with family and they have never had my status.

 

Immediate family (spouse and kids) have same status as the highest member.

[herbanrenewal]

Sorry if I missed it, but what is your relationship to Danni? I'm wondering why she was not automatically given same status. It is RCI policy to grant equal status to family members in the same room. :confused:

 

Danni is my best friend. We've traveled a lot together for over 10 years.

Danni is often mistaken for my sister when we travel, and I tried that, but was told that no relative except spouse can share my diamond status.

 

My DH's idea of a perfect vacation is flyfishing near home (which comes close to my definition of torture.) He does like an occasional cruise in the Caribbean. After 40+ years of marriage he's fine with me taking off a few weeks each year with Danni, and I don't mess with his hunting or fishing trips.

 

I understand RCLs position, but it does make the benefit unavailable to me unless I go to the Diamond functions alone.

[will773]

This is not true as far as I know. I've cruised multiple times with family and they have never had my status.

 

I cruised with my Aunt on the Allure in June. When she got home and checked her C&A online, she had received credit for my Oasis cruise and my Navigator cruise in April. She was not on either one of those. She is now Emerald, same as me.

[cb at sea]

The bars are for ANYONE..drinkers or not! Never be hesitant to go to a bar if you aren't drinking alcohol...it's certainly not like "land-based" bars!