Navigator of the Seas is a classic Royal Caribbean ship that offers as much for guests to see and do as it is a tremendous value.
In 2019, the cruise line invested $115 million in upgrades and, and we have compiled our list of the best secrets that can be overlooked on Navigator of the Seas.
1. Hidden room in Playmakers
Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade is a great spot to enjoy pub food, drinks and even a sporting event on television, and if you and your crew are interested in a spot away from the rest of the crowd, check out the Owner’s Box VIP room.
Located to the far right of the bar area, the Owner’s Box VIP room is a first come, first served area that is perfect for friends to watch the game, enjoy drinks and feel like you have your own special spot of the bar.
2. You can visit the helipad
Whether you are looking for the perfect spot for sailaway, or just a great place to enjoy the view, Navigator of the Seas' helipad is the perfect location.
Located on the bow, guests can walk to the helicopter pad and enjoy the unobstructed views that you can only get from the helicopter pad.
From the helicopter pad, guests can enjoy a near 360-degree view of what is surrounding Navigator of the Seas.
To access the helicopter pad, go outside on deck 5 and then walk forward, climb up a set of stairs and continue walking forward until you reach the helicopter pad.
3. Hidden door to the helipad
Speaking of the helipad, if you want to avoid the stairs that lead up to the front of the ship, there is a secret door that will get you right there.
Walk all the way forward on deck 5 and enter the Star Lounge. In the daytime, it is usually empty. Enter the lounge and take an immediate right, just past the DJ booth.
There's a set of unmarked doors that you can simply open up an you will be let out right next to the helipad.
This is especially helpful if you have a stroller or are in a wheelchair and stairs are a problem.
4. Find the Stowaway Piano Player
One of the best not-so-well-known entertainment options that Royal Caribbean has recently added is the "stowaway" piano player.
The idea is there is a piano player with a far-out piano that will move around the ship and perform for guests but encouraging guests to not report him.
The piano is no ordinary piano. It has hidden compartments and functions and can dispense various things, such as lollipops for kids or appear to overheat because of "intense" piano playing.
This neat form of street theater will appear around the ship at different times during the cruise.
5. Balcony dividers can be removed
If you happen to have connecting balcony staterooms, most Voyager-class ships cannot have their balcony dividers removed. However, on Navigator of the Seas that is not the case.
If you're interested in opening up balcony dividers on Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas, the balconies are attached to the ships' hull and cannot be removed. But on sister ship Navigator of the Seas, the balcony dividers aren't attached and can be removed.
6. Enjoy the view from Cosmopolitan Club
It is really hard to beat the views of Navigator of the Seas' upper decks from the Cosmopolitan Club.
Located on deck 14 at the aft of the ship, the Cosmopolitan Club offers guests sweeping views of the upper decks and the ocean.
To get to Cosmopolitan Club, you must use the aft elevators and go up to deck 14.
7. Try the blender bike
In front of the Lime and Coconut bar on deck 11 is a special blender bike, that allows guests to make mixed drinks with pedal power!
Ask the bar staff for your chance to sit on the blender bike and spin the pedals as fast as you can to mix a frozen concoction. It is fun and the reward comes when the drink is fully mixed!
8. Grab a casita
Throughout decks 11 and 12 are casitas along the pool deck that are available on a first come, first served basis.
These casitas have no additional cost, and are available for guests to enjoy at their leisure. They feature comfortable lounge chairs or day beds, and make for the perfect spot for your group to chill, nap or just relax between dips in the pool.
9. Ride the water slides on embarkation day
Perhaps no feature on Navigator of the Seas will be as popular on your sailing as the two water slides, the Blaster and Riptide. If you want to beat the crowds, head to deck 13 aft as soon as you board.
The first day of the cruise is a busy day, and most guests do not have their bathing suits with them when they board. Bring your swimsuit in your carry on luggage (or wear it to the ship) and then head to the slides in the afternoon.
Most other guests onboard will not have their swim suits or even be aware the water slides are open. It is the perfect time to get multiple rides in without little or no wait! This is also a great strategy for the nearby FlowRider.
10. USB outlets at the bar
Did you know some of the popular bars on Navigator of the Seas offer convenient USB outlets for charging your devices while you hang out there?
We spotted USB outlets at the Lime & Coconut and Playmakers, which means all you have to do is remember to bring your charging cord and then plug in while you enjoy drinks, music or the company around you.
Did we miss any Navigator of the Seas secrets? Share them in our comments!
