Navigator of the Seas vs Oasis- Photo Review from April 2016

[Dianka25]

A bit of background… this is a review of my cruise experience from April 2016 on the Navigator of the Seas. It was a 7 day cruise out of Fort Lauderdale with stops at Grand Cayman- Falmouth,Jamaica- Labadee. This is the second cruise for my DH and I – our first being in October 2015 on an eastern Carribean itinerary on Oasis of the Seas, which we absolutely loved. I posted that review on this site too. This time around, we wanted to try a (slightly) smaller ship and see what we thought. What appealed to me most was the idea of feeling “closer” to the ocean, with more window views from public areas and less “shopping mall” feel. What we wondered going in, was how the lack of the wonderful Oasis neighborhoods and plethora of evening shows would compare to Nav. So I will be referencing our Oasis experience throughout the review as a comparison point for those interested. My main thoughts going into this cruise were: 1. Would a smaller ship without the WOW of the Oasis still be appealing to us? And 2. Would we still be as enamored with cruising as we were on the Oasis?

 

Day 0 and 1- Precruise and Boarding

 

We flew in the day before and stayed at the Crowe Plaza FL . Hotel was ok, the location was out of the way. Next time I would stay at a hotel on the waterway, like Hilton Marina. We went to Pirate Bay restaurant and then took a water taxi around the waterway. They call FL the Venice of America, and I can see why! Definitely a great way to spend a pre cruise day.

On cruise day, we didn’t set alarms or anything, we just let ourselves wake up naturally. I did some yoga in the room and they we got breakfast downstairs. We deliberately did not want to get to the cruise port too early because on Oasis we got there at 930 and waited two hours before they started boarding! We ordered an Uber to take us to the cruise port, but the guy ended up calling us and saying that they can’t go to the port. So we got a driver waiting at the hotel and used him. He apparently had not driven to the port very often, because he had no idea where he was going once we got there. He attempted to drop us off at three different places around the terminal (terminal 29 I think) and kept getting yelled at by the security guards. In his defense, there is virtually no signage, and with people disembarking and the same time as others are arriving, it’s very confusing.

We got in line outside at about 1030AM. Initial impressions were that this terminal was much smaller and older that the Oasis terminal. We waited for about 15min outside, and we toward the front of the line. Then the line moved into the building through security and toward the check in desks. We were shocked by how much smaller this area was than the Oasis terminal, but the lines moved relatively quickly so we didn’t mind. There were plenty of ceiling fans keeping the area cool, and of course the general atmosphere was exciting and happy. We moved through check in, got our pictures taken, and the found some seats in a separate waiting area. It was only a few minutes before a few double doors opened and we were all let into the boarding area. We were again surprised that there was no organization to this part; everyone just pushed through the doors together. All in all, it took a little over an hour from arrival to boarding. Next cruise I think we will shoot for arriving at the terminal at this same time frame for the nice balance of not too much waiting but also getting onboard relatively early in the day. Overall even though this terminal wasn’t as fancy as the Oasis, we had a better overall experience because the wait was shorter.

 

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[Dianka25]

Getting onboard was different than Oasis because the gangway on Nav lets you on the outside deck instead of into the Royal Promenade. Not bad, just different. The ship was VERY empty when we got on. We grabbed our first drinks at Boleros. Some drinks weren’t available yet since they were still prepping, but I was perfectly content with my gin and tonic. And then we began probably the best part of the trip, which is exploring the ship on the first day. I like to video record at this time, since the ship is still pretty empty and I can get great shots of the various eating areas and theaters. We went by familiar haunts such as Two Poets Pub (aka Globe and Atlas), where we loved to get drinks on Oasis. I saw that the godmother of the ship is Stefi Graf, which made me chuckle because my dad and I love tennis, and she is one of his favorites.

 

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Me on the balcony- room decorations already up!

 

We headed to Windjammer for a late lunch, and were pleased with the food options. We had some trouble finding a table, but within a few minutes something opened up.

 

Next up we had to get the muster drill out of the way. Our station was the Star Lounge, and it was standing room only when we got there. And quite warm. Not as nice as our theater station on Oasis. Also, on Oasis there was a video to keep us entertained and distracted. No video here. They checked the room roll call and there were a few rooms missing, but I swear after a few min people just started saying they were from those rooms just so we wouldn’t be waiting forever. Get to your muster station on time people- didn’t your mother teach you manners?! Overall the drill took 15min so really I have nothing to complain about I know!

 

For Sail Away, we went to the pool first, but ended up settling on the helipad. It’s kind of tricky to find- we asked a crew member- and there weren’t many people up there. We brought drinks and enjoyed the view. Our departure was a little delayed because we had to wait for Celebrity Silhouette to leave in front of us, but soon enough we were on our way. The Oasis terminal is right at the front so it’s much quicker getting out to sea, but this really wasn’t bad, and it was fun to see the views.

Our dinner reservation was at 7, so right after Sailaway we pretty much headed back to Sabor for dinner.

 

Overall, Sabor did not live up to our expectations., due to both the ambiance

and the service. Our waitress was slow and maybe new, with not much personality. She also messed up our appetizer order. The interior here is more formal and dark, whereas Sabor on Oasis is lively and open, right on the Boardwalk. It just goes to show that each ship is unique, and the places that jive with you on one ship may be different. Once we finished our 2 hour meal, took our dessert to go and dropped it back up to our room (definitely a must do, especially if you have a balcony room!). Next we headed to the casino. Much smaller than on Oasis, but we still very entertaining. And they served Basel Hayden at the bar, which was a nice throwback to our Oasis times. Side note, we both got the drink package this time around, whereas on Oasis only my DH got it. Don’t think I got my money’s worth every day, but still worth it in my mind just for the convenience and all inclusive feel.

 

 

We hit the Adult comedy show after that, which was in the theater. Theater is very beautiful, but it was different not having so many entertainment venues like on the Oasis. In a way it was easier to keep track of what was going on, and the ship had more of a community feel to me, because many of the venues (casino, sabor, schooner bar, theater) were right near each other. We didn’t do nearly as many treks up and down the ship like Oasis, and even if we did, it was a much shorter hike! I did find it confusing to figure out what shows required reservations and which didn’t. Strangely enough, Oasis was simpler for me because I could just reserve everything online beforehand. Apparently the only show that needs tix on Nav is the ice skating show, and we didn’t go to that one anyway.

 

We grabbed some wine at the Schooner Bar to take back up to the room to enjoy with our dessert and called it a night. It was quite noisy (waves) with the balcony open, so we had it closed for the night.

Next up, Sea Day!

[tradewinds traveler]

Following a long. Can't wait to see more!

[Dianka25]

For Day 2, we had put out our room service card for breakfast the night before, so we woke up at 8AM in the morning to our room service confirmation phone call. Obviously slept pretty well! Side note- I did not feel ANY sea sickness on this cruise at all. On Oasis, I definitely felt it the first night, but then I was fine. I take Ginger capsules for a few days before the cruise and every day during, and it seems to do the trick.

We got coffee, yogurt, granola, and pastries for breakfast, and that was our go-to for the rest of the cruise. It's not gourmet food or anything, but pretty much everything tastes great while sitting on a balcony staring out at the ocean!

 

We walked down to the spa and booked two massages for 2PM that afternoon. I had a travel agent coupon that covered one of them, so the price wasn't too bad. Booking early cruises is becoming our tradition :).

We spent a couple hours relaxing at the pool... we had a hard time finding any seats in the Solarium, so we settled for the upper pool deck. They were playing live reggae music, and showing a tennis match on the big screen, so I was in heaven. Soon enough it was time for our massages, we showered off and headed down. We both hated the upselling of products that they try to do after our massages, so we wrote "no product sell" on our health forms, and that seemed to do the trick. A good tip from another cruise critic reviewer.

Cards at the Schooner Bar was the next destination after our massages. We never set foot into the Schooner Bar on Oasis- it seemed out of the way of our usual travel paths- but we LOVED it on Nav. I especially loved the portholes and the great service. Another perk... the casino entrance is right next door!

 

 

 

Looking back on this day, we packed A LOT into this cruise. I think we were running around even more than on the Oasis, but I can't really say why. It's always a balance between relaxing and enjoying the activities/venues, and for us as newer cruisers I think we are still finding the balance. Well you know what they say, practice makes perfect!

[OfTheSeasCruiser]

Awesome so far!

 

Looking forward to the rest.

[riclop]

Thanks for the review.

[Lady_831]

Really like your style! Looking forward to the remainder!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[Dianka25]

Yay a port! First time to Grand Cayman. It was our first experience with tendering and it really didn't seem too bad. My DH went down to get our tender tickets and we were in group 12. We ate breakfast in the room as usual, and by the time we were done, our number was being called. Although my DH thinks the whole numbering thing can just be ignored because they never looked for or asked for numbers once we got down there anyway.

 

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View of Grand Cayman... very built up and city like... we saw a Papa Johns, Burger King, and Pizza Hut on the way to the beach.

 

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Nice view at Sea Grapes

 

It was a short line at the dock for our tender boat, and then we were back on the ship. After a quick shower, we grabbed a late lunch at Johnny Rockets. Always tasty, even thought it costs extra. Johnny's has a different feel on Nav, since there is no Boardwalk, and I think I enjoyed it better. It was great to sit right up against the water with those great views!

 

We stopped by our usual bar, Schooners, to play some cards, but they were doing trivia so we headed to Boleros instead. After a brief stop at the casino, we caught the early show featuring the Liverpool Legends.. you guessed it, a Beatles cover band. They were really good, and although we weren't reliving our youth like much of the audience (we are in our 30s), it was worth seeing once. I wonder if this is the same band that used to be at Disney?

 

Next we tried Vintages, a place we never got to on Oasis. I feel like the location was a bit more inviting on Nav. We each had a glass on wine and then took another back to the room. We were noticing that the bartenders and servers on Nav seem to be more strict on charging you the difference if you get a drink over the $12 (is that it?) amount covered by the Prem drink package. For example, on Oasis my DH ordered a bottle of wine at dinner at Chop's, and we didn't even get charged for it!

 

We debating hitting up the 70s Dance Party tonite, but we had an early excursion planned for Jamaica, so we decided to call it a night. The boat was less rocky tonite, with less noise from the wind, so I got a good night's sleep. I never realized how loud the wind would be hitting the divider doors on the balcony! Maybe this was just the exception not the rule?

[Yorkvillain]

Is anyone else having problems seeing the photos in this thread?

[crusinthrough]

Great review so far, I found a great price on the Nav and booked it. Just unsure if I will like it as much as the Oasis class, which is my absolute favorite class of ships. Looking forward to rest of your review.

 

 

Is anyone else having problems seeing the photos in this thread?

 

 

I can see the pictures. I'm using the CC app on an iPad.

[Clarea]

Is anyone else having problems seeing the photos in this thread?

I see them fine Tim, on a laptop.

[Dianka25]

We booked an excursion in Jamaica, and after a lot of research (thanks cruisecritic!), I ended up with Excursions in Jamaica. We didn't want to do Dunn River Falls, so we chose a River Tubing excursion on Rio Bueno that ended in the ocean on a beach, with a bar and Jamaican jerk lunch. Our one requirement was to have jerk chicken in Jamaica, so we were happy! We met our guide Robert at 0730, after asking for directions for where to find the non rccl excursion people. Once we were pointed in the right direction, it was very easy to find and there were many other people waiting. It was a GREAT experience! The best part was that we started the excursion much earlier than the cruise ship groups, and we were the only ones tubing together with our guide and had our own driver, even thought we didn't book an "individual" tour. The whole tour was very much on our time, and we loved it. We were able to sit on the beach drinking our Red Stripe, and watch the cruise ship groups come in a couple hours later.

 

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Picture stop on our way to the river!

 

 

 

[Dianka25]

 

 

 

First we went through a practice "baby" zipline run where we learned the "torpedo"and standard positions. We were told that based on wind conditions and weight, we would be instructed on which position to use. Sounds complicated, but it really wasn't. They did a great and thorough job explaining every step and it felt very very safe. We have zip lined before and this was a top notch operation.

 

 

 

 

We hung out at Adreneline Beach and then rode the roller coaster. It was fun for a ride, but I didn't regret not getting the "unlimited" pass. After a while I broke down and rented/bought a floating mat. It's the same price no matter when you buy it, so I would bite the bullet and just do it right away so you can enjoy it. At the end of the day, we just left it there and we saw workers picking them up. The beach and water was wonderful, except for when my DH and I were in the water and saw a SYRINGE floating along?!!! Luckily (?) it looked empty and there was no needle or anything, but ew.

 

A little bit of heaven on Labadee..

 

Part 2 of Day 5 coming up...

[Dianka25]

We eventually made our way back to the ship, with no worries about time since the boarding process is so straightforward. Nothing like a tender to make you appreciate an actual dock!

 

When we got back to our room we made reservations at Izumi's for 6:30. It ended up being the perfect time because we watched the sunset from our seats. Izumi's on Nav is MUCH better than Oasis in my opinion. On Oasis it felt like an afterthought. Maybe the hibachi area was better but we did the standard restaurant and it had left a lot to be desired. Izumi's on Nav was beautiful and the rolls were amazing. It also helped that we bit the bullet and ordered the pricey "special" rolls. I feel like if you are going to go to Izumis and you like rolls, order the expensive ones. We also got the saki-martinis which were good, but not included in the drink package if I recall.

 

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Getting ready for the Quest... we got there early to get good seats, so it filled up much more by the time the show started.

 

 

Finally, we strolled around the outside deck. They were playing the new Star Wars movie on the big screen and it was great to see people bundled up with towels on the pool chairs eating popcorn. The night ended with a Miami club type dance party on the pool deck, which we observed for a while before calling it a night.

 

Star Wars on the big screen

 

 

 

Last Sea Day coming up....

[Dianka25]

Slept like a rock last night and woke up to early room service. We got our usual coffee, yogurt, and granola, and DH ordered toast too. We initially planned on going to the Solarium area today, so we deliberately woke up early, but after lounging around the room for a while, we realized we didn't want to spend any more time in the sun, so we changed our plans.

 

We headed down to the rock climbing wall because I was going to do it, but after watching a couple people I changed my mind (aka chickened out). So instead we got Bloody Marys and played cards for a while at the R Bar. We had a clear view of the shore excursions desk from there, so when it opened my DH got in line to book the FL Land and Sea tour for departure day. We always wait to do this on the last day for some reason, but I would recommend doing it online ahead of time so you are not wasting ship time.

 

Next we headed to the pool area, and dragged some chairs into the shade near Johnny Rockets. My DH liked hopping up to the Star Lounge from there and getting a drink. After a while the Belly Flop contest started, so we just walked over and stood against the rail and watched. This was much better on Oasis since it was held in the Aqua Theater area. Although people were sitting right on the edge of the pool where the guys were jumping in, so that looked pretty fun.

 

We wandered up to the NEXT cruise desk to see about booking a next cruise. Unfortunately we didn't realize that the great deals from the first day were no longer going on, and all they were offering was BOGO with a small onboard credit. The prices didn't blow us away so we left emptyhanded. TIP- Go here right away if you are interested in booking another cruise. They have sign up books so you can just write your name in and come back later.

 

 

We went to Two Poets Pub and played some cards. Again, this was a spot where we hung out nightly on Oasis, but on Nav the location just didn't do it for us, so we only stopped by a couple times. I like their Beer drinks though.

 

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Nice decor at the pub

 

 

Chops was amazing as usual. Nothing more to be said. I didn't have amazing memories from Chops on Oasis, probably because we drank an entire bottle of wine with dinner and had way too much food, so the experience on Nav was much better (and literally more memorable).

 

After dinner we tried the Late Night Adult Comedy Show. It was held in the theater, which was not as intimate as the comedy club on Oasis, and the comedian started the show by saying that he wasn't really a raunchy or dirty type of comedian and he sure wasn't. Overall Oasis wins just for having a venue dedicated to comedy, but it was still fun on Nav.

 

Later, we headed back to the room to pack. We had some rough winds over 50mph, and it was fun to see the weather tracking channel and hear the wind howling on the balcony. I kept trying to open the balcony doors to get a look outside at the waves until my DH gave my the stink eye.

 

Next time... disembarking and final thoughts.... we booked our next cruise already... which ship category did we choose?

[Thelongos]

Loving the review so much, thank you!

 

Sent from my Galaxy Note 4

[Clarea]

Really enjoying the photos.:)

[Dianka25]

Disembarking was a breeze on the Navigator. We met our excursion group at Schooner Bar at 0730, and then we were off the ship before we even realized it. Awesome! We ended up waiting for quite a while outside for our excursion bus, but our excursion was a great way to cap off another amazing cruise.

 

Final thoughts- Nav vs Oasis

 

Takeaway 1: What you like on one ship, may not be what you like on another. We loved Sabor and Globe & Atlas on Oasis, but on Navigator we loved Chops and Schooner Bar.

 

Takeaway 2: Bigger is not always better, but big is still pretty big. Although we definitely felt that Nav was smaller than Oasis, it didn't really feel like a *small* ship. I know it's not a small ship by any stretch of the imagination, but I imagined that after being on the biggest cruise ship in the world (save an inch or two), a ship that was two classes down would feel tiny. It felt large, but also nicely laid out. I didn't really feel like I was missing any amenities.

 

I liked how many bars and venues felt closer together on Nav. I didn't like how some restaurants were right next to Windjammer. Giovannis and Chops did not feel the same without Central Park. The Promenade was more narrow, but not as big of a deal as I thought.

 

I was impressed by how beautiful the entire ship was. It held its own just fine against Oasis. I loved having windows in most venues and feeling more in touch with the outside.

 

I didn't think I would say this, but I actually preferred the online reservation system for Oasis. I felt like I had a better understanding of what was going on and how to get there.

 

Final verdict: I can't say I like one more than another! Both are great in their own way. HOWEVER, we recently booked our next cruise for Feb 2017 on... Allure of the Seas! After getting a slightly different perspective, we wanted to get back to the Oasis class. I admit, it will always have a special places in our hearts as our first cruise. And I love Mama Mia so Allure was an easy choice for ship. That being said, I would also like to try a Radiance class ship and see what a much smaller ship feels like. Thoughts on Radiance class? So much to see, so little time!

 

Thanks for checking out my review everyone! Next up, I will be researching differences between Allure and Oasis, so please share your thoughts with me!

[tradewinds traveler]

Wonderful review! Your photos were so clear. Thank you for taking the time & enjoy your next cruise.

[Pratique]

Thanks for the wonderful comparison review of the two ships and the suspenseful ending, nice touch!

[cincicruisers]

Great review, thanks for posting.

[tbmrt]

Great review and comparison. We are headed to Oasis in September and were thinking about how we will feel going on a RC smaller ship afterward.

[Yorkvillain]

I can see the pictures. I'm using the CC app on an iPad.

 

I see them fine Tim, on a laptop.

 

Thanks. I can see them fine on my MAC. For some reason I can't see them on my ipad. I can see the photos in all the other threads. Weird.

 

Anyway, great review OP! Love the photos (now that I can see them). ;)

[darrencolne]

Great pics and review. We are on NOS in October and this has been very helpful. Will be trying some of the speciality restaurants on the back of your comments.

 

Thank you

[JimAOk1945]

I really enjoyed your review and pictures. Your comparison is very helpful since we have cruised on Navigator as well as sister ships Mariner and Adventure. Radiance of the Seas is our favorite. . . so far. :D

 

Now, I'm thinking seriously about the Oasis in the future!