After more than a decade, Royal Caribbean International is resuming homeport operations and making a Hollywood comeback in Los Angeles.
According to the Cruise Industry News report, setting sail on her first post-pandemic cruise, the Navigator of the Seas is marking the company’s return to the West Coast with a seven-night cruise from LA’s World Cruise Center.
Sailing to three ports in Mexico, the first voyage includes calls in Mazatlán, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta and with departures currently scheduled through April 2023, the year-round program also features a variety of short three-, four- and five-night cruises to additional destinations, including Catalina Island, California, and Ensenada, Mexico.
A Voyager-class vessel, the Navigator of the Seas originally entered service in 2002 and extensively refurbished in the past, she also drydocked in Cádiz’s Navantia shipyard this summer for maintenance work and cosmetic enhancements.
The refit follows a bigger, $115-million modernization that took place in 2019, as part of the Royal Amplified program, with the refit adding new attractions to the 3,500-guest ship, including a resort-style Caribbean pool deck, the three-level signature bar The Lime & Coconut and the first blow-dry bar at sea To Dry For.
One of the vessel’s most iconic features, the Royal Promenade, was also reimagined, with the creation of new restaurants, retail and nightlife and the Navigator’s entertainment lineup also includes the Studio B, an ice-skating rink and the FlowRider surf simulator.
Continuing its restart plan, Royal Caribbean reintroduced two cruise ships in November, with the Navigator preceded by the Explorer of the Seas, which welcomed guests on November 7 for a series of Caribbean cruises from Puerto Rico.
After first welcoming guests back in June, Royal Caribbean now has 17 ships back in commercial operations, with three more vessels ending their operational pauses before the end of the year, offering cruises from Barbados, Baltimore and Tampa
Royal Caribbean International also says it’s rolling out the red carpet for families and travellers of all ages looking to get away on a memorable vacation on board what they describe as the bold and adventure-packed Navigator of the Seas , premiering the ultimate getaway that combines adventures ashore, in destinations like Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and on board , from the longest waterslide at sea to the industry’s first standalone blow-dry bar.
Guests who cruise on Navigator can enjoy the $115 million series of enhancements introduced on board the ship in 2019 and there’s a star-studded lineup of never-before-seen experiences and fan favourites, including:
Resort-style pool – Kids and adults alike enjoy Caribbean vibes from day to night, thanks to vibrant colours, a variety of seating – from in-pool loungers to casitas – live music, and the three-level poolside bar known as The Lime & Coconut.
The Blaster – The longest aqua coaster at sea propels thrill seekers through more than 800 feet of dips, drops and turns.
Riptide – The industry’s only headfirst mat racer waterslide joins The Blaster and Navigator’s lineup of top-deck thrills. A highlight, the exhilarating finish through a translucent tube that goes off the side of the ship makes for inspiring ocean views.
To Dry For – The first standalone blow-dry bar at sea. For a quick fix to seamlessly transition from a day out to getting ready for a night out on the town, there is a menu of services that includes blowouts to hairstyling.
The Bamboo Room – Royal Caribbean’s take on the tiki-chic bar and lounge serves up spice-infused handcrafted drinks and shareable bites.
Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade – Families can enjoy gameday classics, 50 big-screen TVs, tabletop games, classic arcade hits alongside bar bites, ice-cold beer and zero-proof cocktails for the kids.
Adventure Ocean and teens spaces – Kids 11 and under have a redesigned venue that sports an open format made for free play and where young travellers can easily switch between types of activity. Teens have an enhanced dedicated space with games, movies, music and more in The Living Room and a private outdoor patio called The Back Deck.
Royal Escape Room: The Observatorium – A challenge for teams of families, friends or fellow travellers to solve mind-bending puzzles before time runs out
Also new to Navigator as part of its major makeover are Hooked Seafood, serving up fresh New England-inspired dishes like just-shucked oysters, Johnny Rockets Express, Starbucks and Jamie’s Italian, with a menu of rustic Italian recipes – including fresh pastas – from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. Many returning favourites take the stage as well, including the FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, the Studio B ice-skating rink, Far East flavours at Izumi and a new mini golf course.
The biggest, boldest vacation along the West Coast, Navigator features something for everyone to spend quality time together and on their own on a short getaway. And for vacationers looking to take more time off, they can choose from several 7-night sailings that visit beach-lovers paradises like Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán, Mexico.
For more details about Navigator and cruises from L.A., visit Royal Caribbean’s website.
Edited by: John Alwyn-Jones, Cruise Editor
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