Review, Navigator , Eastern Med 9th June from Rome

[HighlandGirlEB]

This is the first time I've attempted a review on the boards so may have some teething problems to start with getting photos to upload etc. Going to try post in sections and hope you all enjoy. I noticed before we sailed that there were not many reviews of the Navigator or of the Eastern Med so thought id try address the balance.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Review of Navigator of the Seas , 9th June 2013

Eastern Med out of Rome, stopping at Messina, Athens, Kusadasi, Crete

 

Our journey started with a 7 hour drive from the Highlands of Scotland to Newcastle airport. We had an over night stay in an airport hotel (the Britannia ) with car parking for the week thrown in.

The hotel was a welcome sight after a long hot trip in the car, and we were soon in our room. Travelling with my DD 21 and DS 18 so had asked for a family room when was booked months ago. Double checked at the time that it was actually real beds in the room and that they knew that my son was a large teenage boy. Sadly when we got to the room though it was a double bed and a single camp bed next to it. We really should have booked 2 rooms to start with but money constraints meant I couldn't afford this at the time. Was so tired though just couldn't be bothered to complain, it was only for 1 night and we were so eager to get on our cruise just let it go. As it turned out none of us got more than 2 hours sleep as the room was extremely hot and all the beds uncomfortable. We were up again at 4.45am to get over to the airport for 6am for check in.

 

We were flying Jet2 organised via RCI. Jet2 had 3 / 4 check in desks open when we arrived and were for all their flights which were going early in the morning. I think there were 6 flights leaving with in 1 hour of each other, and there was just 1 queue for the lot. It looked like total chaos but in fact the system worked fine and we were soon checked in and on our way to the departure lounge. I bought my 2 bottles of wine from the Duty free shop for my carry on to the ship. When landing the plane bumped about a lot and I thought one of them had exploded in the over head locker ! There was such a bang every one looked up, thankfully though it had just leapt about and was about to fall onto some ones head when I opened the over head locker instead !

 

Once we landed one of the first things we saw was an RCI rep with a board over her head. We gave her our names and the flight we had just got off and she directed us down the concourse to baggage carousel number 10 to collect our luggage. The RCI area for checking in the luggage is between numbers 9 and 10 so was happy to see we didn't have far to go.

We had to wait a long time for the luggage , well it felt like a long time but was maybe 30 mins. Number 10 was being used for the Manchester , Leeds and Newcastle luggage.

 

When we got to the RCI area they checked we had our luggage tags attached and took our names again and then we were escorted by another rep to the Terminal door and handed over to another rep who in turn escorted us to our bus for travel to the ship. They took our transfer ticket and stored our hand luggage and before we knew it were on our way to the port.

 

Once on the bus we filled in our health declarations and had all our documents checked to make sure we had our set sail passes. When we got to the terminal which took about 1 hour, we were escorted past the lines of people doing self boarding into the building and the check in queue. Whole process was very efficient and we were on the ship in about 10 mins or so.

 

We were all in a rush to see our cabin and jumped in the first lift to floor 7, which of course took us out at the wrong end of the ship. DD and DS raced full speed down the entire length of the ship while I trundled behind. We had inside cabin 7439 which is in the corridor directly behind the library , there is a small linking corridor for the two corridors right opposite our front door so was impossible to ever get lost

The cabin seemed small with the big double bed in the middle hoped it would look better once we got the attendant to change it to two singles and the Pullman bed down from the ceiling. Bathroom was just as I expected, small and perfectly formed. Liked the curtains which separate the sleeping area from the sitting part very much. This gave a lot of privacy when getting dressed etc or after taking a shower. Also meant when I got up earlier than my DD and DS it did not disturb them. The cabin was great and over all was very impressed by the standard of an inside on the Navigator, then only small gripe I would have is the wardrobe space was pretty tight for all our clothes and was quite a struggle to get the suitcases stored. But other than that there was plenty of drawer space. I bought an over door hanger with pockets in for the bathroom door after advise from my fellow CC on these boards. Was the best thing ever and soon filled it.

We wondered up to the WJ and ate lunch , it was pretty busy but we got a table right away. Food over all in the WJ was very good and was very pleased at the large selection of items on offer through out the week. Only time I really struggled to get a seat was the first sea day when had to walk about for a good 5 / 10 mins or so.

 

We had pre booked second seating for dinner which was 8.30pm as I felt 6.30 was just too early for us especially if we had been off ship all day exploring. However our sea pass cards said dinner was at 9pm. When we asked there wasn’t any explanation just told “that’s the way it was”. Although 6.30 would still have been way too early for us , 9pm was really a bit late, and in future I would do my time dining.

My DS and I ate in the WJ twice for dinner because of this but DD went to main dining every night as she had a friend who came to sit at our table. We had a table for 6 first night but the family whom we sat with had pre requested a table just for 3 and moved after the first night. This was a shame as we would have enjoyed the company of a bigger table and did ask the dining room staff if we could move or if some one would like to come sit with us but this never happened. But DD made a friend of another young lady who came to sit with us so it was ok

The wait staff were very polite and helpful and the food never took long to arrive and was always hot. The menu was not extensive but we always found something to eat but a bigger choice might have been nice. Over all the food was good, but I would not say it was ever excellent. Maybe I was spoilt by the first cruise I went on where the food was out of this world and every dish just top class. I guess I just thought all cruise food would be that good ? So was generally disappointed but that was my expectations not really the fault of the cruise line.

 

There was a sail away parade the first night right after we finished dinner but I was just too exhausted after all the travel and lack of sleep and went to bed. By this time the room had been changed to two single beds and a pull down for DD, the room looked huge in comparison and there was a lot more floor space DD and DS went to watch the parade and enjoyed it but we were all in bed and out cold by midnight The beds were very comfortable and we slept very well the whole cruise. The lack of daylight actually helps I think because your body doesn't naturally wake up like it might at home when the light gradually changes in your room. (don’t forget to pack an alarm clock peoples )

 

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[HighlandGirlEB]

Day 2 was Messina in Scilly and we had decided to stay in town and not do any excursions this day. We found the Church with the musical statues that’s in the town very easy, its basically right opposite where the ship docks just two streets into the town. At midday it sings and dances its little heart out which is entertaining but rather “touristy” The Church itself is really beautiful inside and you find it very hard to believe it was only rebuilt in the 1940s after the bombing in the war. There is not a lot in Messina to do but there are hop on hop off buses and a tour on a wee tourist train which leaves from the square out side the church. Or you can combine a horse and cart ride with the train if you wish. DD and DS didn’t want to do either of these so we got back on the ship and had a very lazy afternoon while the boat was mostly empty as every one else was away doing excursions. Just what was needed to recharge the batteries.:)

 

 

 

 

Day 3 , Sea day.

We spent the day relaxing and swimming and sun bathing. Never had trouble getting a sun chair or finding some where to sit despite the fact the ship was full. Did take a few mins walking about the pool area but we didn’t mind. My DS decided that entering the Belly flop completion was a good idea had a good laugh cheering him on and cringing as he and our fellow cruisers threw them selves from the “box of pain” into the swimming pool. Simona the cruise director girl is excellent, at first we were not sure but by the end of the cruise we loved her. DS did not win but was not last either :)

This was also the captains reception and free champagne night Needless to say that drinking all my daughters and sons champagne maybe wasn’t such a good idea but you only live once right? ;)

 

[dodgersmom]

More...More...

 

We leave on September 8th!!

[kernow]

We're on Sept 15th, look forward to the rest of your review.

 

Our son age 19 will be with us, his first cruise since being too old for the teen club. Were there many organised activities for the 18 - 21 group?

Thanks

 

Julie

[HighlandGirlEB]

We're on Sept 15th, look forward to the rest of your review.

 

Our son age 19 will be with us, his first cruise since being too old for the teen club. Were there many organised activities for the 18 - 21 group?

Thanks

 

Julie

 

To be honest no, the only time i saw some thing esp for 18 - 20 year olds was the night of the quest where they gave them the opportunity to meet 15 mins before to join a team together.

Saying that however there are lots of listed sports activities like adult foot ball or basket ball, etc where a lot of the younger people went no matter what their age. Its defiantly possible to meet others of their own age after day 2 I hardly saw my daughter who simply went alone to the Dungeon night club etc and before I knew it there was a group of 10 of them whom were friends for life ! :)

There is always something going on , competitions at the pool or sports deck etc If your son wants to make friends its very easy :)

[villauk]

Shocked they didn't bring anyone to sit with you at the late seating. On both of our sailings of this itinerary, we found that the 9pm dining was the most popular sitting and the MDR was fit to burst.

[HighlandGirlEB]

Shocked they didn't bring anyone to sit with you at the late seating. On both of our sailings of this itinerary, we found that the 9pm dining was the most popular sitting and the MDR was fit to burst.

 

The table next to us ended up empty more than half of the time and the one in front also only had a few people. My daughter tried to swap to 6.30 one night when we we going to the WJ and was told that it was the most popular seating and there was no room at all.

 

Just shows how things can vary each cruise :)

[villauk]

The table next to us ended up empty more than half of the time and the one in front also only had a few people. My daughter tried to swap to 6.30 one night when we we going to the WJ and was told that it was the most popular seating and there was no room at all.

 

Just shows how things can vary each cruise :)

 

Yes, I think it depends on the pax mix. On both of our sailings there were lots of Italian and Spanish pax, hence the popularity of the late seating. Sounds like you had a great time anyway. Your photos of the church in Messina brought back happy memories :).

 

This is such a great itinerary, I wouldn't hesitate in booking the cruise again. In fact, October half term is looking good......any excuse to get on a ship :p.

[HighlandGirlEB]

Day 4 Athens.

DS had got too much sun at the pool the day before and was not well in the night, us Scots aint used to the heat lol. So he did not make it to Athens and DS and I got up and walked to the metro stop from the ship and were in the Plaka under the Acropolis by 9.30 am. It was a long walk and our legs were tired before we even got there. Also was very hot up there and even by 10am I was having to take breaks to sit in the shade.

 

The views from the top were amazing and we could see all the way back to the port and see the ship in dock. Once we came down we caught the HOHO bus to parliament square and watched the changing of the guard which is something defiantly to see. Strange men with guns and pompoms on their shoes waving there legs about and scuffing their shoes off the ground. The square they stand in is full of pigeons and a Greek gentleman selling food for 1 Euro. He was quite persistent and kept trying to get us to buy the food so we could have a swarm of birds around us , sitting on our heads and arms while we fed them. A lot of tourists seemed delighted at this idea but not me.. I don’t have anything against pigeons but I don’t want a swarm of the darn things sitting on me!!

 

DD and I then risked life and limb to cross the road out side the parliament which I think has 6 lanes of traffic on it. They don’t really have traffic lights just Zebra crossings where you pray if you step off the traffic will stop for you :) Some times they did and some times they didn’t! We wondered back down to the Plaka and found a café to have lunch which was delightful. Sat for some time just watching the world go by. The sun by this time was at its full height and I think the heat combined with the fact I had drunk too much champagne the night before and been up in the night with my DS meant I just didn’t have the energy to do any more sight seeing. We walked down through the shopping area and back to the metro stop. There was a small church right in the middle of all the modern buildings which had been saved when they re developed the area and dated back to the 11th century, gorgeous inside, well worth popping your head in even if it is just to get out of the sun. The walk back from the metro to the ship seemed even longer than the way there and If I was ever in Athens again I would defiantly consider getting a taxi.

 

 

 

 

 

[HighlandGirlEB]

Day 5 Kusadasi , Ephesus

Booked the ships excursion today (Ultimate Ephesus ) and were off the ship to the bus by 8am. The Turkish guide was very good and explained a lot about the Turkish culture and country as we travelled to the site. Ephesus itself I found fascinating and was very glad we had paid the little bit extra to get the part which included the Roman terraced houses. The site itself is huge and would have liked to have more time to spend exploring ourselves afterwards. At the end the guide leads you to the gate where there are rows of shops set up on either side of the area and explains he will meet you at the bus in 20 mins if you want to explore. It was really like running the gauntlet as the shop keepers are very pushy and we soon discovered that if you even looked in their direction they would not leave you alone. In the end we just walked right past every one and straight to the bus. During our tour a photographer was with us for the first part taking pics if you wanted them at key points, He had developed these by the time we got back to the bus and we could buy them for just 3 Euros each. When you consider that the ships photos were $12.95 for the port pics this was a real bargain so I bought two :)

We then had time to explore the port and local shopping bizarre. The stall holders I still found very over powering and really did not enjoy my shopping experience but my DD went off alone and had a great time! So I guess it really is just down to how you handle it.

 

 

[HighlandGirlEB]

Day 6 Crete - Chania.

We docked at Souda Bay and took the local bus to town for 3 Euros return. The bus leaves from right out side the terminal door and takes you right to the centre of town out side the local market. Took about 30 mins to get to Chania. We really loved Chania and the harbour itself is just so pretty, with small streets lined with shops and quaint little ally ways. What spoilt our time here though was the fact that back on board time was 2.30 pm. We felt we had to make sure we were leaving the town by 12.30 - 1pm to be on the safe side and this meant we only got 2/3 hours in the town to explore. This didn’t make sense as the next day was a sea day and sure they could have left at 4.30 and still got back to Rome in two days time.

But it did leave me wanting more of Crete and would consider a holiday back on the island in the future :)

Tonight was the Quest adult game show in Studio B (ice rink) My DS and DD decided to fully embrace the experience and to start with I was hiding behind my hands but by the end the tears of laughter were streaming down my face. Best night I had in a long time. A show not to be missed ! :D

 

 

 

Day 7 Sea day.

More sun bathing / swimming and relaxing, found it funny that I was burning yet the young American lady lying next to me on the sun beds had her fleece on because she was cold !

 

Docked in Rome at about 5am I think and were due for departure at 8.15 am. This again run like clockwork and the whole process was simple and efficient. The end of a delightful holiday leaving us looking back at the ship wishing would didn’t have to get off.

 

Had a wonderful time , my DD made lots of new friends and spent most of her time in the Dungeon night club or the hot tubs on deck until the wee hours of the morning. DS loved all the activities on board and I loved every moment.

We met some great people through our roll call and am thankful for this site being here . Just being able to walk down the Royal Promenade and bump into people you feel you already know really makes you feel at home. Thank you to you all for making the trip even more special x

 

Would deff cruise with RCI again and loved the whole big ship experience :) Navigator might be going into dry dock next year for upgrades but she’s still lovely even now. Yes some of the carpets don’t look shiny new and there was a couple of patches up at the mini golf that need repair but over all she was a very impressive ship.

 

The whole family has the cruising bug now and my DD is already planning how she can save the cash to go herself and maybe even meet up with all the new friends she met on board this time again.

 

Hope I didn’t bore you with my review and that you enjoyed hearing about our experiences :)

[HighlandGirlEB]

If any one has any questions or wants any more pics just yell :) We took lots but wasn't sure what the most interesting would be to post.

 

Keep wishing some one will pick the towel off the bathroom floor when im not looking but sigh... those days are gone :rolleyes:

[Irish Cath]

Hi Emma,

 

Thanks for taking the time to write the review, i have been considering writing one but don't know if I can find the time right now.

Loved seeing the trip from a different perspective. And Amber and Michael were such great sports at The Quest - such fun.

 

Anyway, I keep saying to Ger ' can you believe this time last week we were up Mt Etna or drinking cocktails in the hot tub' seems like a different life as I try to get through the laundry !

 

Was lovely meeting you and yours and I too am grateful for CC. :)

[dln929]

Thank you so much for your review. We're going on the same itinerary in October. With the exception of Rome, all the ports are new to us. You liked the ship's tour to Epheses, then? And it was no trouble using public transportation in Athens? If you want to throw in some more photos or commentary about your cruise, we're all ears! :D

[Bobal]

Loved this review - we'll be on Navigator in less than two weeks and this was so nice to see and really got me excited about the trip. I'm really glad to hear how much you all enjoyed it :)

 

We cruise once a year with our sons (19 and 21) and agree with your comments that if they go along to the nightclub or join in the activities at the start of the cruise they will meet up with lots of people of similar age who will become friends for the whole cruise - and usually for a lot longer.

[HighlandGirlEB]

Hi Emma,

 

Thanks for taking the time to write the review, i have been considering writing one but don't know if I can find the time right now.

Loved seeing the trip from a different perspective. And Amber and Michael were such great sports at The Quest - such fun.

 

Anyway, I keep saying to Ger ' can you believe this time last week we were up Mt Etna or drinking cocktails in the hot tub' seems like a different life as I try to get through the laundry !

 

Was lovely meeting you and yours and I too am grateful for CC. :)

 

Hi Cath x

good to see youre home safe and sound :) Lost track of you after about day 3 on the ship :/

Didnt know you were at the quest ... blush hehe

My off spring and my bra were on the dance floor more times than i care to think about hehe :o

 

Feels very odd being home like it was already a life time ago yet equally just 2 mins ago.

 

U started looking at when youre gonna book your next one yet??

[Keith1010]

Thank you for taking the time to write this review.

 

Keith

[HighlandGirlEB]

Thank you so much for your review. We're going on the same itinerary in October. With the exception of Rome, all the ports are new to us. You liked the ship's tour to Epheses, then? And it was no trouble using public transportation in Athens? If you want to throw in some more photos or commentary about your cruise, we're all ears! :D

 

 

Yes we really enjoyed the tour in Ephesus, it was the only ships tour we did so cant really compare it to any others. Had paid for it months before the cruise so that made it feel better too i think :)

 

I dont think you could DIY Ephesus but you could do an organised tour yourself easy enough as im sure many did. When we got on the bus there was a wee goodie bag on each seat and a bottle of water which was a nice touch.

The guide was very knowledgeable although we did "dodge " out of the carpet demo at the end. I know it was only due to be 20 mins or so but DD was dying to shop .. This was easy though as the market where the bus stops is about 100 yards from the dock and the boat. The tour party all got off and went down one ally and we just turned and walked the other way.

Some tours have lunch etc included at this part but DS and I just popped back to the WJ before going shopping.

 

Athens yes the public transport was easy but the "thought" of it wasnt if that makes sense? When we first arrived at the metro station i had to stand for a good 5 minutes double checking and checking again that I had it all correct as was so worried about getting it wrong. However there was really no need as was totally simple. Just remember to validate your ticket at the end of the platforms in little boxes on poles before you get on the train.

 

I had planned to get the 4 euro all day ticket for trains and buses but when went up to the wee booth the lady either didnt know English or wasnt willing to admit it :) So managed to signal we wanted 2 tickets and they cost 1 euro 40 each. This turned out to be a ticket that last 1.5 hours not the whole day.

But on the way back we used a ticket machine and bought another ticket for 1.40 and so actually in the long run it was actually cheaper.

 

Beware though Athens is just a HUGE sprawling concrete jungle of a city. There are the ancient sites dotted about every where and on the map yes it all looks pretty simple to get from A to B. We found in reality though that the distance between the sites was a lot bigger than we thought. Hence why we also ended up paying the 18 euros for the hoho bus ticket.

 

Would I go back to Athens again? No :/ It was great to see the ancient places but some how the images i was seeing on the camera screen as I was taking the pictures looked better than the real thing.

I cant explain why, ive been to other big European cities and never felt that way before so not sure if it was me or the city.

[Jimnbigd]

I'm on the Navigator in December from Galveston, but somehow I don't think I'll see all of those European wonders.

[drarill]

Great review and pictures!! Thanks for sharing!:):)

[dln929]

Thanks for the extra info on Athens! I've made a note of it.

[calbar]

thinking of taking this cruise,could anyone tell me what the average shore excurions cost?walking/bus tours for 2 young senior ladies,I am Canadian but if you quote in U.S dollars I would appreciate( also they would be cruise trip tours) Thx

[Clarea]

thinking of taking this cruise,could anyone tell me what the average shore excurions cost?walking/bus tours for 2 young senior ladies,I am Canadian but if you quote in U.S dollars I would appreciate( also they would be cruise trip tours) Thx

Try this link from Royal's website, it might give you an idea:

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/beforeyouboard/shoreExcursions/downloadBrochure/view.do

[HighlandGirlEB]

thinking of taking this cruise,could anyone tell me what the average shore excurions cost?walking/bus tours for 2 young senior ladies,I am Canadian but if you quote in U.S dollars I would appreciate( also they would be cruise trip tours) Thx

 

The ships excursions are expensive but we only did the one. The Ephesus one cost us about £60 which i think is about $90. Id say the average price was about £45 - £65 ( $70 - 100) per person. But there were some for £30 and others for £80.

The simple transfers to towns from the ships were about £15 - 25 but most places you can get local transport at a snip of the price.

 

Best way to cut down on prices is to join together with others on your roll call and book a private excursion between you.

 

Once you book the cruise there is a section on their web site which has links to every destination and all the excursions available that day. There are normally at least 5 different ones each place to choose from.

[ShellDil]

Great review Emma! It was so wonderful to meet you and your family! Your pictures are fantastic! Wishing we were all still back on board :)