Navigator, before extenisve refit

[39august]

Just off the NOS yesterday. Here are a few comments about the cruise. I thought the ship was in beautiful shape. This embarkation was by far the smoothest of any Galveston departure I have experienced in several years. Not only was the ship's process organized and fast, but Galveston has much improved the traffic flow to the piers. We boarded our taxi at 10:52 AM and were in the Windjammer at 11:30 AM. I also was impressed with the muster drill. The Captain made two announcements prior to the actual drill, making all the announcements that are usually made at the drill, while everyone is standing around wanting to leave. Consequently, the drill was very brief. We had a card in our cabin stating that our BOGO for specialty dining could be arranged for any night of the cruise, not just first night. But the arrangements had to be made and paid for on day one. On sea days there were specialty bloody marys, mimosas and bellinis at reduced prices set up in front of the Two Poets Pub. Vintages and the pub both displayed chalkboard specials daily. Bottles of wine were from $20-$26, a great savings over regular bottle prices. I was so happy to see that all inside bars and lounges are non-smoking except for the Casino, the cigar club down on deck 5,of course, and the soon-to-be-removed 19th Hole sports bar. This cruise the Diamond "event" was held in the Cosmopolitan Club, (Viking Crown) which I thought was unfortunate, as that area was then off-limits to other cruisers from 4:30 to 8 PM each evening. I believe the prior week it was in the Ixtapa Lounge, which makes so much more sense. There were still many people on board who had taken the TA from Rome back in Nov. There had been over 200 repeat cruisers each week since the TA except for the week before out cruise when the number was more than 170. Debarkation was orderly and fairly painless. RCI has figured out that the number of self-assist must be limited at Galveston, since such a large percentage of folks drive. So there was a form to sign up for self assist for one of the offered time frames. And those who signed up were issued a departure pass for their designatied time. We started our departure at 8:40 AM, ( not self-assist) and were on the road at 9:40, after picking up our car at the motel and making a stop for ice and gas. Looking forward to seeing NOS in Feb. after her "face lift". I have posted some comments about the Concierge(s) on the "Current Concierges" thread.

[voyager70]

Thanks for the review. We were on the Navigator in the Med in the fall and also found the ship to be in great shape considering her age and the fact she was going into drydock in January. Can't wait to sail her post refit!

[ssb]

Thanks for information!

[Topo Gigio]

Will there be any structural changes since they are adding additional cabins on deck 12?

[Clarea]

Will there be any structural changes since they are adding additional cabins on deck 12?

I would assume so. There's also a flowrider being installed, which might require some structure on aft end to provide additional buoyancy.

[Topo Gigio]

I would assume so. There's also a flowrider being installed, which might require some structure on aft end to provide additional buoyancy.

 

Thanks, but my question wasn't asked correctly. What I want to know is if you will notice any significant difference with the other Voyager Class ships.(especially in the front where the new cabins are being placed)

[denamo]

Just off the NOS yesterday. Debarkation was orderly and fairly painless. RCI has figured out that the number of self-assist must be limited at Galveston, since such a large percentage of folks drive. So there was a form to sign up for self assist for one of the offered time frames. And those who signed up were issued a departure pass for their designatied time. Looking forward to seeing NOS in Feb. after her "face lift".

 

Thank you for your report of your recent Navigator cruise. Self assist process seems that have undergone a positive revision. Will also be on her after her "face lift".

[Clarea]

Thanks, but my question wasn't asked correctly. What I want to know is if you will notice any significant difference with the other Voyager Class ships.(especially in the front where the new cabins are being placed)

I would certainly expect the very forward part of deck 12 to look significantly different where there will be staterooms with windows and balconies where there are none now.

Edited December 24, 2013 by clarea

[Cindy]

Debarkation was orderly and fairly painless. RCI has figured out that the number of self-assist must be limited at Galveston, since such a large percentage of folks drive. So there was a form to sign up for self assist for one of the offered time frames. And those who signed up were issued a departure pass for their designatied time. We started our departure at 8:40 AM, ( not self-assist) and were on the road at 9:40, after picking up our car at the motel and making a stop for ice and gas.

 

That is great news! To me, the huge numbers of self-assist folks in Galveston has needed to be more controlled for years...going back to Voyager.

[poncho1973]

Thanks, but my question wasn't asked correctly. What I want to know is if you will notice any significant difference with the other Voyager Class ships.(especially in the front where the new cabins are being placed)

 

I saw some mockups a few months ago in a thread that I cannot seem to find right now. The ship will definitely look quite a bit different from her sisters, if that is actually what you are asking.

 

She will be the same basic ship, but with several jutting bits that will make her pretty easy to ID from a distance if she came into your port with one of her sisters.

[39august]

Regarding the changes, the Capt. stated that there will be a different specialty restaurant where the disco is now. I have read conflicting information that that area will be additional cabins. All the crew that is not scheduled for vacation will remain on board during the process, doing different jobs as needed.

[Clarea]

Regarding the changes, the Capt. stated that there will be a different specialty restaurant where the disco is now. I have read conflicting information that that area will be additional cabins. All the crew that is not scheduled for vacation will remain on board during the process, doing different jobs as needed.

According to the deck plans, one deck of the disco will be turned into staterooms. The other deck of the disco will be the specialty restaurant.

[matj2000]

I was less than impressed with trip and would not do the Navigator again.

[39august]

I forgot to mention that the guest performers, Savannah Jack, were great. They started with country music but did all sorts of other music as well. Great entertainers! Don't miss them if you have a chance.

[springaussie]

Thanks, but my question wasn't asked correctly. What I want to know is if you will notice any significant difference with the other Voyager Class ships.(especially in the front where the new cabins are being placed)

Voyager of the Seas update will be similar to the Navigator of the Seas with a few surprises just for Voyager we were told at a welcome back function. Inline Skating is going. Flowrider, Izumi and Chops are Voyager bound. The Disco is going up stairs in the Viking Crown area. Voyager is also getting 6 Tenders Station installed in overhaul.

Hole 19 AND Casino are non smoking on Australian cruises owing to our government's strict non smoking rules. Hole 19 is where I enjoyed a Scotch and Dry most afternoons for the Diamond Event with about 10 other Diamond Cruisers.

[ssb]

Regarding the changes, the Capt. stated that there will be a different specialty restaurant where the disco is now. I have read conflicting information that that area will be additional cabins. All the crew that is not scheduled for vacation will remain on board during the process, doing different jobs as needed.

 

see a blog which has a pictorial layout of after changes by floors of the Navigator

 

and yes our room attendant Adrian from TA in November will be staying on

until a couple of weeks after returning to Galveston

Edited December 24, 2013 by ssb