I spent today exploring Nassau, our first port of call. My first port day in Nassau last August was a bit of a mess due to lack of planning and rain, so I felt more prepared today.
Prior to my cruise, I purchased a day pass to the Warwick Paradise Island from Resortforaday.com. Resort For A Day allows you to purchase day passes to hotels and resorts in popular Caribbean, Mexican, and American destinations.
The Warwick is an all-inclusive, adults-only hotel located on the harbor side of Paradise Island. A full, in-depth review of my experience there will be published next week, but here is a brief overview:
I got off the ship around 10AM and grabbed a taxi to Paradise Island. The taxi ride to the Warwick was around 10 minutes long and I paid $12. Once I checked in as a day pass guest, I began to explore the resort.
The first thing you will notice at the Warwick is the huge pool area. There is one large pool, a small hot tub, and ample seating areas throughout the property.
As the Warwick is located in the harbor, it does not have open ocean views like you would get on the other side of the island. It does have a small beach, though, as well as hammocks and a volleyball net on the sand.
Unfortunately, today's weather in Nassau was less than ideal. The wind was intense and with temperatures of around 70 degrees, I was pretty cold. Unsurprisingly, the pool remained empty throughout the day!
One benefit of the Warwick is that it is all-inclusive, so there was no need to worry about choosing food or drink options under a certain amount of money.
There are two lunch options at the resort: the food near the pool and the buffet located inside. However, the buffet was closed for lunch today, so I went to lunch at the pool and ordered quinoa salad and conch fritters. The food was quite good and I liked how they had options to fit many different diets.
After lunchtime, I grabbed a piña colada and swung in a hammock on the beach for a few minutes before the rain came back. Shivering in the hammock as raindrops fell on me, I concluded that while the resort was really nice, today was simply not a beach day.
I took a taxi back to downtown Nassau. Last time I was in Nassau was in August and it was way too hot to comfortably walk around the city. So even though today was not the best day to go to the beach, it was a perfect day to walk around Nassau.
First up was a trip to see the Queen's Staircase and Fort Fincastle. This historical staircase is located in the fort's complex in Nassau and consists of 66 steps in a lush walkway. The stairs lead directly to the Fort, which is the highest point in Nassau. There were local guides available at the fort and staircase. While I walked there myself, Royal Caribbean offers shore excursions that visit these two places if you would prefer to be on an organized tour.
I also grabbed a coconut from two friendly Bahamians on the side of the road near the top of the Queen's Staircase. One of my favorite parts of traveling is chatting with locals to get to know them and their culture, so we chatted for a few minutes before I continued on with my walk.
If you have never tried fresh coconut water or are dehydrated from walking around Nassau in the summer, be sure to grab a coconut from these guys!
Overall, I much preferred exploring the staircase and fort to walking around the touristy streets right outside the cruise port. I headed back to the ship in the late afternoon.
Dinner tonight was at Izumi Hibachi. This is one of my favorite things to do while on a cruise because of the energy it brings to a dining experience. I also love how it brings the whole table of passengers together. It is much more social than dining at separate tables!
Today our hibachi chef was funny, upbeat, and had excellent talent at building a "volcano" out of onions. Yes, an onion volcano. Whenever I order vegetable hibachi, I always get a different type of dish (I guess each chef has a different 'go to' for a vegetarian option). Today our chef cooked vegetable and tofu udon which definitely hit the spot.
Also, shout out to our waiter Dan for being a Royal Caribbean Blog fan!
After dinner I went to Studio B to watch Freeze Frame, the ice skating show on Independence of the Seas. The ice shows are my favorite type of performance to watch onboard. Due to an injury, though, the entertainment was altered.
Instead of the regular show, several cast members were brought to the ice and briefly interviewed about their background and skating experience by the Cruise Director. Following their "get to know you" session, the cast member skated for the audience. At the end of the show, five cast members performed together.
While it was not the normal show, I really enjoyed the revised production they performed tonight and it was fascinating to learn more about the cast.
I ended my day at Star Lounge for a Big Band jazz performance. It was a relaxing way to end a busy day in Nassau and onboard.
Tomorrow is the last day of our cruise and we will be at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Stray Observations:
Many cruise passengers stay on the ship while in Nassau, but I think New Providence Island has a lot to offer beyond jewelry shops and Atlantis. I am looking forward to finding more authentic experiences there for my next cruise. If anyone has any recommendations, please leave a comment below!
Izumi Hibachi/Teppanyaki is an excellent dining option for a solo cruiser. The tables seat eight people, so you will be seated with other passengers who also may not know each other. Tonight there were four different groups of people and we chatted the whole dinner!
Today is a sea day and my second day onboard Independence of the Seas. We were originally supposed to be at Perfect Day at CocoCay today, but will be there on Thursday instead due to weather conditions.
I woke up early this morning hoping to catch some sun on the pool deck, but unfortunately it was wet and windy! This is the Caribbean, though, so I was hopeful that the weather would improve as the day went on.
For breakfast this morning I decided to go to the Main Dining Room. I had never eaten in the Main Dining Room for breakfast, so I was excited to try it out. I love the ambiance of the Main Dining Room on Voyager and Freedom-class ships. The architecture and decor is elegant and ornate, and it reminds me of a movie set!
The woman at the table next to me was traveling solo and we chatted with each other throughout breakfast.
This is my first solo cruise and, I have to admit, I was a bit nervous beforehand. Would I be bored? Will I not talk to anyone for days? What will dining be like?
Now that I am on my second day, though, I realize I had nothing to worry about. It is easy to be social when cruising solo, and I’ve found that both passengers and crew are eager to strike up a conversation.
The weather seemed to be improving after breakfast, so I took a walk around the outdoor Promenade deck and Helipad. One of my favorite parts of Independence of the Seas is the huge amount of outdoor deck space. The Promenade deck spans the entire length of the ship and is a calmer area to walk around compared to the pool deck.
I spent a couple hours before lunch editing videos for the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube channel. Lunch today was in the Windjammer. As soon as I sat down, though, I realized the weather outside was beautiful, so I quickly ate and went out to the pool deck.
Ice cream in one hand and camera in the other, I explored the pool deck and Sports Court for a while as I filmed the full ship tour of Independence of the Seas, which will appear on our YouTube channel in a few weeks.
As a Freedom-class ship, the pool deck on Independence is long and has a full kids area including Splashaway Bay, two main pools, and five whirlpools. That’s not even counting the Solarium, which has its own pool and two large whirlpools that stick out over the side of the ship.
While still windy, it turned out to be a gorgeous afternoon, and I was delighted to finally have a sunny day at sea! My previous two sailings were to Alaska in October and a foggy sailing from Los Angeles in November, so I fully appreciated the sunshine today. It’s definitely more comfortable than the snowstorms we had a few weeks ago at home!
After hanging out on the pool deck, I went to Schooner Bar for “Where in the World” trivia. Being a geography nerd, I expected to do better than 10 answers right out of 15, but it was still a fun way to break up the afternoon outside.
Following trivia, I relaxed in my stateroom before heading to the Royal Theater to watch Grease: The Broadway Musical. Independence is my first cruise that offers a Broadway show, so I was looking forward to checking it out as I have heard a lot about the Broadway shows onboard.
Once the show started, though, I was quite confused! While there were a few lines of acting and dance moves here and there, the cast was mostly stationed at the microphones singing a concert. Where was the dancing? The acting? The Broadway aspect of the show? Why was it over after 45 minutes?
Little did I know that, due to unforeseen circumstances, Grease got changed to Grease: In Concert instead of the full-length performance. In the Cruise Planner, the show was listed as Grease: The Musical with a length of 90 minutes, so it must have been a recent change. I also admit that I had not been paying attention to the Entertainment Director at the beginning of the show, so he may have mentioned this to the audience beforehand.
Nonetheless, I still really enjoyed the performance and energy the cast brought to the stage! The performers were super talented and the set designs and costumes were well done. I am hoping that the full Broadway show is being performed when I sail on Harmony of the Seas next week.
Walking up, down, and around the ship all day while filming wore me out, so I had a small dinner at the Windjammer before going back to my stateroom for an early night.
Tomorrow we will be in Nassau, our first port of call. I will be spending the day at a resort on an all-inclusive day pass, and I am excited to share my experience there with you all tomorrow!
Stray observations:
All passengers are following the mask protocols and distancing well. I feel safer onboard than I thought I would. That being said, I am still trying to avoid crowded indoor areas. I also sat far away from most passengers today in the Royal Theater as an extra precaution.
While I didn’t end up seeing the full Broadway show, I love how Royal Caribbean offers Broadway musicals onboard its ships. Sometimes I find the regular shows to lack an easy-to-follow storyline, although the dancing and singing is always great.
After five cruises, my conclusion is that the best food venue Royal Caribbean offers on the pool deck is El Loco Fresh.
Today is my first day onboard Independence of the Seas for a 4-night Bahamas and Perfect Day cruise. This is also my first time on a Freedom-class ship, so I woke up this morning especially eager to get onboard!
I was able to snag an early check-in time by monitoring when my sailing would open for check-in on the Royal Caribbean app. I boarded quickly at 11:30AM and headed to the Windjammer.
After a delicious lunch of Indian curry, I was off to explore Independence of the Seas.
Independence was recently amplified in 2018 and is fit with many of Royal Caribbean’s newest venues and activities. Recent additions to the ship include waterslides, a Sky Pad, Escape Room, large Splashaway Bay, Playmakers, Izumi hibachi, and Sugar Beach.
Cabins were ready at 2PM. I am staying in an interior cabin on this cruise. I did not select my own stateroom when I booked and was assigned to a studio cabin. Studio cabins are slightly smaller than a regular interior room, but offer enough space for a solo traveler.
I caught up on work at Cafe Promenade before heading to the pool deck for sailaway. The weather was on and off throughout the afternoon, and around sailaway the wind was quite intense. However, I still managed to get some nice views of Independence of the Seas sailing out of Port Canaveral.
This is my fifth cruise, and my goal for this sailing is to try activities that I have not done so far on a cruise ship. Today's activity of choice was ice skating in Studio B.
Sign ups for ice skating begin 30 minutes prior to the start of the activity. I went to Studio B as soon as sign ups began and there was no line, so I signed up for the first spot available.
Time slots for ice skating were in twenty minute chunks. They did not appear to be allowing many people to sign up for each slot due to limited capacity, so the ice rink was nearly empty for my turn.
It was really enjoyable and, despite a few close calls, I didn't wipe out on the ice! I think I have a new appreciation for the talented figure skaters that perform onboard. I cannot even imagine doing a triple axel or backflip on the ice!
Dinner tonight was at Playmakers. The Playmakers on Independence of the Seas is huge! It must be nearly double the size of Playmakers on other ships I have sailed on. There is ample seating, a ton of TVs, and arcade games.
Because it is so large, the venue feels more like its own restaurant and bar on land as opposed to a small venue like on Mariner of the Seas. And while Playmakers is a specialty restaurant, I think the prices are more than reasonable.
I ordered the Pile on Nachos, which is one of my favorite appetizers at Playmakers. Loaded with guacamole, tomatoes, jalapeños, and cheese, it was delightful! I will most certainly be back at Playmakers this week for one of the best desserts on any Royal Caribbean cruise, the Campfire Cookie.
After dinner, I walked around the Royal Promenade. As a Freedom-class ship, Independence of the Seas is similar to a Voyager-class ship, but is longer, thus allowing for more space and venue options. I’m not sure if it is because the ship has limited capacity or because it was still dinnertime, but the Promenade was pretty empty this evening.
I do feel that while the Promenade on Independence of the Seas is longer than on a ship like Navigator of the Seas, it has a more relaxed atmosphere. I think this is because, unlike on Navigator, the venues within the Promenade on Independence are quieter. Since Playmakers is not located in the Promenade and Vintages is in place of The Bamboo Room’s spot on Navigator, it definitely feels more tranquil.
After walking around and filming for the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube channel, I decided to call it a night in order to get some rest for another fun-filled day onboard tomorrow.
Perfect Day at CocoCay and our sea day got flip-flopped due to weather, so tomorrow will be a sea day.
Stray observations:
Independence of the Seas is sailing with a capacity of around 1700. It does not feel crowded and everyone seems to be adhering to protocols well. I have been avoiding really crowded areas as a precaution.
There do not seem to be any cancellations in entertainment offerings onboard. Both Grease and the ice skating show will be happening this week, and I am excited to check the two shows out.
I am really craving my favorite drink onboard, the Banana Colada, but there is no Bamboo Room on this ship! However, there is a Vintages wine bar, so that will suffice!
A Freedom-class ship feels almost identical to a Voyager-class ship. In fact, I may not have even noticed anything was different if I hadn’t known ahead of time!
As someone who enjoys learning languages, I love the global environment that crew and passengers create on a cruise. Getting a chance to practice my Portuguese skills with a crew member from Brazil is always fun!
Outlets can be hard to find in public areas onboard. There is a set of outlets in the corner of Cafe Promenade if you need to charge a device or get some work done.
Going on a cruise vacation is undoubtedly more exciting than your daily life at home. Each day on a cruise brings you to a different place packed with new views, experiences, and memories to make.
There are, of course, some everyday things that you will do both at home and on a cruise. But what everyday things are better on a cruise ship than at home?
Waking Up
The start to your day on a cruise ship is a lot more enjoyable than at home. You don't need to set an alarm, rush to get ready for work, and drop the kids off at school. You can wake up when you want with no obligations planned for your day.
Waking up on a cruise ship is even better when you have a balcony room. With a balcony, you will wake up to the sun shining through the window and sound of the ocean breeze. Our recommendation is to order room service for breakfast at least once on your sailing. Enjoying fresh fruit, pancakes, eggs, and toast on your own private balcony is a relaxing way to spend the morning on a cruise ship.
Plus, waking up on a cruise is especially exciting. Rather than waking up to prepare for your normal daily routine, you are waking up ready to explore and experience new things. It's a lot easier to get out of bed in the morning when you have a new island to explore!
Dining
Dining at home is much more complicated than on a cruise. From making a shopping list to going to the grocery store, meal prepping, and cooking, it can simply be a lot of work.
On a cruise ship, however, dining is exciting, dynamic, and stress-free. Say goodbye to sad leftovers at the office and say hello to endless dining choices with no cooking required.
Royal Caribbean cruises offer both complementary and specialty dining, which gives you the chance to try a variety of cuisines, dishes, and flavors.
Those looking for a unique dining experience may wish to try the peculiar dishes available at Wonderland. If you’re looking for something really fun, book a dinner at Izumi Hibachi, where you can watch your meal being cooked right in front of you.
Dining on a cruise ship may also be more elaborate than your usual meals at home. Whether in the Main Dining Room or at a specialty restaurant, meals often come with three or four different courses. Whereas dining at home may be a quick event, dining on a cruise ship always feels like a special occasion.
Another benefit of dining on a cruise ship compared to at home is the ability to try new foods without worrying about whether you will like them or not. While eating at a restaurant on land, you may be nervous to order a dish you’ve never tried before for fear of disliking it. After all, you’ll be paying for each dish you order!
On a cruise ship, though, there is no harm in ordering something new to try. Dishes are included in your cruise fare or dining package, so if you do not like something, you can always order something else.
Finally, did we mention that there is unlimited soft serve ice cream?
(Lack of) cleaning
Everyday life involves a fair amount of cleaning. Whether doing the dishes, laundry, vacuuming, yard work, or cleaning the kitchen, housework is a daily chore that many people really dislike doing.
One of the best parts of a cruise vacation is the service you receive while onboard. Once you board the ship, you can forget all about chores at home and enter vacation mode. Cooking, cleaning, and maintenance will now be dealt with by Royal Caribbean crew members.
On a cruise, your stateroom will be cleaned not just once, but two times per day. Did you leave your clothes on the floor? Are your dirty room service dishes on the desk? Did you run out of clean towels? No need to worry. Your stateroom attendant will come through to put your cabin back to picture-perfect condition.
After a big dinner at home, your kitchen sink is probably full of dirty dishes. On a cruise ship, you don’t have to worry about doing the dishes! You just eat your meal and a crew members take away the dishes for you.
All this being said, even though someone is going to be cleaning up after you, you should maintain common courtesy. And of course, be sure to leave gratuities to your helpful crew members!
You should also be aware that going home after your cruise and suddenly having to do these household chores again will feel very hard.
Entertainment
At home, it is unlikely that you are attending live musical events and theater performances every night. Your daily entertainment at home probably includes your couch, TV, and Netflix! This could not be more different than being on a cruise ship.
One of the biggest myths about going on a cruise is that you will be bored. People new to cruising may be nervous about feeling “stuck” on a cruise ship with nothing to do.
Once you get onboard, though, you’ll quickly realize that there is always something exciting happening on the ship. Royal Caribbean plans its days at sea or in port to be packed with entertainment, events, music, fitness, crafts, lectures, dance parties, and more.
Entertainment on cruise ships is nothing short of exciting. Depending on the ship, you can see full-length Broadway shows, ice skating shows, live music, comedians, and AquaTheater performances, to name a few.
Another plus of being on a cruise is that unlike at home, entertainment on a cruise ship is included in your cruise fare. You won’t have to shell out pricey tickets to view a Broadway show or musician, and you can view as many performances as you want while onboard.
To find out which events are happening on your sailing, browse through the daily calendar on the Royal Caribbean app. It is a good idea to make reservations for shows in the Royal Theater, AquaTheater, Two70, and Studio B in advance to ensure that you have a seat.
Working out
Let’s face it: going to the gym can often feel like a chore. Whether before work, after work, or on the weekend, there is probably something you would rather be doing than going to the gym.
However, working out on a cruise ship is a whole lot better than on land. Royal Caribbean’s ships have excellent fitness facilities, and they design the gym so that most equipment is facing windows. This leads to unbeatable views as you sail through the ocean, making a strenuous workout a little more enjoyable.
While onboard, complementary and paid fitness classes are available. For complimentary offerings, take a look at the Cruise Planner each day to see what classes are available. You may find that there are complimentary guided stretching classes in the morning or dance lessons in the afternoon.
Some fitness classes come at an additional cost, including spinning, yoga, and pilates. These can be purchased individually. If you plan to attend several classes, though, you may want to purchase a class package in Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner prior to your sailing.
There are a variety of fitness opportunities outside the gym, too. One of the most popular places to get active onboard is the Sports Court. Here you can test out your strength on the rock climbing wall, practice surfing on the FlowRider, and play basketball, pickleball, soccer, or volleyball on the basketball court.
On select ships, you can also get your daily exercise in by roller skating, ice skating, or even trying out the flying trapeze at circus school!
And lastly, are you just looking for a simple run? Enjoying sunset views over the ocean while on the jogging track is much better than running on the treadmill at home.
Commuting
Commuting is a part of the day that most people do not enjoy. Traffic, increment weather, and long commutes are simply not very fun. On a cruise ship, commuting is much more exciting. Your "commute" will be more unique than sitting in a car on the freeway.
Going to Alaska? Board the White Pass & Yukon Railway for a commute up into the mountains. Visiting Cabo San Lucas? Step onboard a tender boat and make your way from the ship to Baja California's coast for a full day of whale watching, beaches, and tacos. How about Europe? Try exploring Croatia's coast in a sailboat, Copenhagen via bicycle, and Rome by foot.
No matter where you cruise, your commute as you explore a new port will certainly be more enjoyable than back at home.
Meeting new people
Whereas at home you are usually surrounded by the same community every day, a cruise vacation brings ample opportunities to meet passengers and crew from all over the world.
A great way to meet new passengers is, unsurprisingly, at the bar. Heading to the Pool Bar or the pub is a nice place to strike up a conversation with fellow passengers. If it isn’t busy, get to know the crew! Royal Caribbean’s crew is extremely diverse, and getting to learn more about where they come from provides a nice insight into their culture and background.
Shore excursions can also be a fantastic way to mingle with other guests. It is easy to strike up a conversation with a stranger when traveling to a destination on a bus, taking a walking tour, or touring a historical site.
Kids and teens will have an enjoyable time meeting new peers, too. On the first day of your cruise, be sure to enroll your kids in Adventure Ocean, the kids programming onboard. Adventure Ocean is broken up by ages (3-5, 6-8, and 9-11) and is filled with games, crafts, science experiments, and more.
If you have a teen who doesn't want to hang out with their parents the whole cruise, you’re in luck. Teenagers can go to the teen club onboard, where passengers aged 12-17 can meet and hang out with each other. The teen club also organizes group activities specifically for teenage passengers, including events like pool parties, dedicated time at the Flowrider, guitar hero, and themed dances.
Amazing views
At home, the views mostly stay the same. The view out of your bedroom window might change slightly from summer to winter, but nothing changes drastically. You likely spend most of your time in an environment with the same views.
This could not be more different when at sea. On a cruise, you will see a different view from the ship each and every day. One day you might see palm trees and sand in St. Maarten, the next day a view sailing into CocoCay, and the next day mountains in St. Lucia.
Beautiful views don’t only happen in port, though. One of the best parts of being on a cruise is looking out at the ocean around you on a sea day. Whether it's whales swimming near the ship in Alaska or sunset in the Mediterranean, views from a cruise ship are much better than at home.
Trying new things
Going on a cruise vacation is the perfect time to try something new. A Royal Caribbean cruise is packed with activities, events, and entertainment. The majority of activities offered are included in your cruise fare, meaning that you can get outside of your comfort zone to try something completely different than what you would normally do at home.
Have you ever tried indoor skydiving? RipCord by iFLY is a popular cruise activity on Quantum-class ships. After a brief demonstration, you will have the opportunity to try to fly in the skydiving chamber. If the thought of jumping out of a plane terrifies you, RipCord by iFLY is a nice alternative!
How about ziplining? Oasis-class ships offer a zipline that goes over the ship’s Boardwalk neighborhood. Trapeze? Check out the circus school in the Seaplex. Bumper cars? Surfing? Karaoke? Sushi making class?
Needless to say, there is surely something onboard that you have never experienced before, so give it a try!
Miami is the busiest cruise port in the world and is home to some of Royal Caribbean’s newest and most popular ships. As the hub of the cruising industry, Miami is a convenient port option for those looking for various options of ships and itineraries.
Royal Caribbean sails year round from the Port of Miami, officially known as PortMiami, and offers primarily Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean cruises. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or are planning your first cruise vacation, here is what you need to know when sailing from PortMiami.
How to get to the Port of Miami
Royal Caribbean opened Terminal A, a brand new, 170,000 square foot terminal at the Port of Miami, in 2018. Nicknamed the “Crown of Miami” due to its unique shape, Terminal A is where all Royal Caribbean cruise passengers will depart from when sailing out of Miami.
PortMiami is located on its own island, Dodge Island, just east of downtown Miami. The address of Terminal A at PortMiami is Dodge Island, 1015 N. America Way, Miami, FL 33132.
Whether you fly or drive to Miami, make sure to arrive the day before your cruise (or earlier if you plan to explore the area).
Flying to Miami
Passengers arriving by air have two main airport options.
Miami International Airport (MIA) is the closest airport to the Port of Miami. This is the most convenient option for travelers, as the airport is located just a fifteen minute drive away from the port.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is another airport option if you are sailing out of Miami. The airport is around a 45 minute drive away from the port, but could be longer depending on traffic conditions. We recommend choosing Miami International Airport due to its proximity to the port. Whether upon arrival or catching your return flight after the cruise, flying out of MIA is less of a hassle than traveling to and from Fort Lauderdale.
As the terminal is located on an island, the simplest way to get from the airport or a hotel to the port is through a ride sharing app, such as Uber or Lyft, or a taxi.
Driving Directions
If you are driving to PortMiami, there are a few different options to choose from.
From the north, via I-95:
Take I-95 South to Exit 2D toward I-395 E/Miami Beach.
Merge onto MacArthur Causeway.
Use the left 2 lanes to take the exit towards Port of Miami Tunnel and follow the signs for your pier terminal.
From Miami International Airport (7 miles):
Via Port Tunnel: Take 836 East through the toll.
Continue onto FL836 E/I-395 E, then keep right to merge onto MacArthur Causeway.
Use the left 2 lanes to take the exit towards Port of Miami Tunnel and follow the signs to your pier terminal.
Via Port Bridge: Take 836 East through the toll.
Exit at US1 N.E. 2nd Avenue/Biscayne Boulevard, proceed straight through one light, and then turn right at the second light onto Biscayne Boulevard (US1).
Stay in your left-hand lane and turn left into the Port of Miami on N.E. 5th Street.
Drive across the bridge and follow signs to your pier terminal.
From Ft. Lauderdale International (26 miles):
Via Port Tunnel: Take I-95 South to Exit 2D toward I-395 E/Miami Beach.
Merge onto MacArthur Causeway.
Use the left 2 lanes to take the exit towards Port of Miami Tunnel and follow the signs for your pier terminal.
Via Port Bridge: Take I-95 South to Exit 3B, N.W. 8th Street.
Turn left onto 5th Street and continue straight until you reach the Port of Miami entrance.
Drive across the bridge and follow signs to your pier terminal.
Get on FL-836 E in Miami from Departures, NW 21st St and Exists 2-3-4
Parking
For those driving, parking is available at the Port of Miami at a rate of $25.00 per day for regular sized vehicles. There are both multi-level parking garages or open-air parking lots available. Oversized vehicles will incur an additional fee and are only able to park in Lot #2, which is adjacent to Terminal E.
There are independently-owned lots with lower daily rates located a few miles away. However, the official parking at PortMiami is the most convenient parking option as it is located adjacent to the terminal. No taxis or rideshares are needed when parking in the official lots, and there are free shuttles available to quickly take you from the parking area to the cruise terminal.
Parking rates are payable by cash, credit card, or traveler’s check. It is important to note that debit cards are not accepted as a form of payment.
Where to stay the night before your cruise
One of our most important pieces of advice when planning a cruise is to fly in the night before your cruise departs. This gives a time buffer in case of any travel delays that may occur as you make your way to Miami.
There are no shortages of hotels and places to stay in Miami the night before your cruise. Most passengers will opt to book a room in downtown Miami, many of which offer views of the ocean and cruise terminal.
We have written several detailed reviews of hotels in the Miami area, and RoyalCaribbeanBlog readers have also offered their hotel recommendations. Keep in mind that these are recommendations, so we cannot guarantee that your experience will be the same as someone else’s.
You can find more hotel recommendations and other tips for your next cruise from our readers on the RoyalCaribbeanBlog message boards.
Several hotels offer shuttle service to the cruise terminal. However, we recommend against using a shuttle service and instead opting for a taxi or rideshare. Using a shuttle service means that you are tied down to the shuttle’s schedule instead of your own. Taking an Uber, Lyft, or taxi gives you complete flexibility on the time you travel to the terminal.
Which Royal Caribbean ships sail from the Port of Miami
Freedom of the Seas calls PortMiami home and offers 2, 3, and 4-night Caribbean sailings. Her 2-night sailings visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, while the 3 and 4-night sailings visit both Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau. The 4-night sailings also include a sea day.
Jewel of the Seas will sail from Miami until April 2022, offering 5, 6, and 8-night Western and Eastern Caribbean sailings, visiting ports including Cozumel, Puerto Costa Maya, Bimini, Nassau, Belize City, Antigua, Puerto Plata, and San Juan.
Oasis of the Seas will sail from Miami until June 2022, offering 3, 4, and 7-night sailings visiting ports in the Western and Eastern Caribbean, including Perfect Day at CocoCay. After the summer season sailing from Cape Liberty, she will return to Miami to restart cruises in November 2022.
Oasis of the Seas will also offer a 10-night Eastern Caribbean Holiday sailing in January 2023, visiting St. Thomas, Antigua, Barbados, St. Kitts, and St. Maarten.
Grandeur of the Seas will begin sailing from PortMiami in November 2022, offering 9-night Southern Caribbean sailings visiting destinations including Puerto Plata, St. Croix, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, San Juan, and Labadee.
Grandeur of the Seas will also offer shorter, 5-night Western Caribbean cruises, with most sailings visiting Key West and Labadee.
Explorer of the Seas will begin sailing from Miami in late April 2022 and will offer primarily 6 and 8-night Western and Southern Caribbean cruises, along with one 5-night and one 9-night sailing. There are two options for 6-night sailings. The first will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, Jamaica, and Labadee. The second will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, Jamaica, and George Town, Grand Cayman.
There are also two options for 8-night Southern Caribbean sailings, visiting Labadee, La Romana, Willemstad, Curacao, Oranjestad, Aruba, and Kralendijk, Bonaire.
Symphony of the Seas has called Miami home since its inaugural sailing in 2018, and she will continue to sail from Miami in 2022 and 2023. While Symphony of the Seas will offer two 8-night cruises, the majority of her sailings are 7-night Eastern or Western Caribbean cruises with a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Depending on the sailing, Symphony of the Seas will visit Puerto Costa Maya, Roatan, Cozumel, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Labadee, and San Juan. Each sailing will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Harmony of the Seas will be sailing from Miami starting in March 2023, offering 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises that include a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Other than CocoCay, Harmony of the Seas will visit St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel, depending on the sailing.
What time should I schedule my flight home after my cruise from Miami?
One mistake some cruise passengers make is scheduling their flight home too early or too late on disembarkation day. Rushing to the airport to catch an early flight can be stressful, whereas waiting at the airport all day for a late flight is also not ideal.
Here are some things to consider when selecting a flight home:
Are you flying from Miami or Ft. Lauderdale?
What time will the ship arrive in port, and what time will disembarkation begin?
What time of day will you be traveling to the airport?
It can be tempting to select an early flight on disembarkation day. After all, you may look at your itinerary and see that you arrive in Miami at 6AM. However, the time that a ship arrives in port and the time that passengers actually begin disembarking is not the same. A good estimate is to assume you will get off the ship around two hours after the ship’s scheduled arrival time.
Therefore, when cruising from Miami, we recommend booking a flight no earlier than 11:30AM for flights out of Miami International Airport and no earlier than 12PM for flights leaving Ft. Lauderdale. Doing so will give you a little wiggle room in case of any unexpected delays.
The Royal Caribbean app is an integral part of a cruise experience. Most passengers onboard will find themselves using the app multiple times a day to reserve shows, see what dining venues are open, check their account balance, and much more.
The Royal Caribbean app is free to download and is available on both Android and iOS devices. To download the app, simply head to the App Store or Google Play store. Once you have the app downloaded and opened, you will be prompted to sign in with your Royal Caribbean account. You do not have to have an internet package to use the Royal Caribbean app.
Knowing the ins and outs of the app’s features can make your cruise vacation a lot smoother. Let's jump in and take a look at the features on the Royal Caribbean app.
Calendar and Planner
When you open the app, you will be brought to the main page which is home to your daily planner, calendar, and helpful information for your cruise. This page is the main hub for the app and is where you can see the daily schedule of activities onboard.
To view the schedule of activities and events, swipe up on the words “Daily Planner”. Here, you can scroll through each day to view everything happening onboard. You can also select the “filter” button to filter by category, such as entertainment, fitness, and activities.
If you see an activity that looks interesting, you can press “Add to Calendar” to add it to your own personal calendar within the app. This can be a great way to keep those activities that interest you organized, and you will also receive a notification on your phone thirty minutes prior to a scheduled event.
Another thing you can do in the Daily Planner is reserve activities, shore excursions, and entertainment. Our recommendation is to open the Daily Planner shortly after embarking the ship and look for any activities or entertainment that require a reservation.
Popular activities like the North Star and RipCord by iFLY offer both complementary and paid options, but the complimentary reservations usually fill up very quickly. Shows can also fill up quickly, so it is a good idea to make reservations early to help ensure you can see and do everything you want on the ship.
Royal Caribbean usually adds activities to the Daily Planner in the days leading up to your sailing, so it may appear blank if your sailing date is further away.
Also located on the main page of the app are buttons that bring you to pages where you can access check in, safety, health, dining, and account information. Here is a brief overview of each of those pages:
Safety
The safety page is very important, as this is where you will complete the eMuster drill prior to sailaway. Royal Caribbean’s new eMuster is a three step process in which you watch a safety video, listen to the emergency horn, and visit your muster station once onboard the ship.
Our recommendation is to complete the eMuster as soon as possible once onboard. You may even choose to complete the first two steps before arriving at the terminal so that all you have to do once onboard is visit your muster station.
Check out our full article on the new eMuster drill for a more in-depth look at the process.
Health
Royal Caribbean is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy experience for every passenger. The health page lists information on embarkation requirements, onboard protocols, and port and shore excursion limitations. It also provides information on what to do if you are feeling unwell onboard.
This is a great place to browse prior to your sailing to ensure you are aware of all current protocols and documentation requirements. Protocols can change frequently, so knowing what is required of you before you show up at the terminal will make sure you do not run into any unexpected surprises.
Royal Caribbean will also send out regular emails detailing current protocols and health information, so checking your email frequently can be another way to stay updated.
Check-in
The check in page is where you can complete the check in process prior to embarkation.
On this tab, you will input your documentation and contact information, as well as select an arrival time at the terminal for embarkation day.
Before you check in on the app, be sure to have your passport and vaccination card on hand.
Account
The account page is where you check your account balance throughout the cruise. It can be a good idea to check this page periodically to ensure you are aware of how much you are spending onboard and that there are no mistakes.
If you notice any unexpected or incorrect charges, you can get them resolved at Guest Services.
Dining
Feeling hungry? The dining page is the most convenient way to learn about which dining options are available onboard.
You can see which restaurants and venues are open, make dining reservations, and view restaurant menus.
Digital key and stateroom controls
Select Royal Caribbean ships offer a digital key option, where you can choose to open your stateroom door using your app in addition to your SeaPass card.
In addition, some staterooms may offer stateroom controls, where you can control the temperature, lighting, curtains, and television through your app.
Virtual Reality Games
Depending on the ship, there may be other pages available to you in the app.
For example, on Quantum class ships, you can use the Two70 button to participate in Expedition Two70: An Augmented Reality Feature.
On Oasis class ships, you can click on the games button, head to the Boardwalk neighborhood, and point your phone’s camera at game posters near Playmakers to launch various games on the app.
Deck Maps
Another useful feature on the app, especially on the first day of your cruise, is the ability to view the ship’s deck maps. You can access this page by clicking on the small ship icon near the top of the screen.
The deck maps page offers detailed, deck by deck plans of your particular ship. We recommend browsing through the deck maps prior to your cruise to familiarize yourself with the ship’s layout and offerings. Whether you need to meet at a restaurant for dinner, find the Escape Room in time for your reservation, or you simply get lost, the deck maps can point you in the right direction.
Also located on the deck maps page are buttons for activities, dining, entertainment, shops, shore excursions, spa, fitness, and services. Each of these selections will bring up a list of what is offered onboard in each category, along with where on the ship a particular place is located. If you click on the Windjammer, for example, you can read a description of the venue and click the “Find on Deck” feature to see exactly where the Windjammer is located on your ship.
Profile Page
The avatar icon near the top of the screen brings you to your individualized page where you can access information on your profile, stateroom, check in, reservation, dining, internet, and recent charge activity. You can also access your SetSail Pass from this page, as well as switch between sailings on the app if you have multiple cruises booked.
Chat Feature
In the top right corner of the app, you will see a message icon. This is how you access the app’s chat feature. The chat feature allows you to chat with other guests onboard without having to purchase an internet package. This can be a good option for large groups who need a way to contact each other throughout the day. However, this feature is not free and comes at an additional cost of $1.99 per passenger, per day.
Do I need to use the app?
Some passengers may not own a smartphone or are hoping to shut their phone off for the duration of the cruise. While the app is not required, it offers a much more convenient way to access your cruise information, upload and view documents, and reserve activities.
If you’re not using the app, you can make reservations in person, print your SetSail Pass, and browse the paper Cruise Compass to view daily activities, but this will often be more of a hassle than using the Royal Caribbean app.
Those who are looking to stay disconnected on vacation may want to consider using the app but not purchasing an internet package. By doing so, you won’t be distracted by your phone, but will still be able to utilize the app’s features.
Royal Caribbean’s plans to purchase the Grand Lucayan resort in Freeport are off, but the company plans to participate in a new bid process.
The sale agreement of the Grand Lucayan was canceled this week after the new administration in The Bahamas determined that the way the sale was structured was ‘not in the best interests of the Bahamian people’. Concerns of clarity on how quickly the project would be advanced were mentioned.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation Chester Cooper stated that “The government was frankly not satisfied with what was proposed or that the project would be advanced in the short or medium term. We were not willing to continue on without clear timeline for completion and were of the view that many of the terms were not in the best interest of the Bahamian people.”
In early March 2020, Royal Caribbean announced plans to purchase the Grand Lucayan resort in Freeport, Bahamas. Bahamas Ports Investments Limited (BPI), the joint venture of ITM Group and Royal Caribbean Group, spent months negotiating the sale of the resort, which is owned by the Bahamian government, to transform it into a popular port destination.
Plans included a transformation of the Lucaya Property into a beachfront destination, which would include a 526-room hotel, shopping village, spa and wellness center, water and adventure park, convention center, adventure activities (such as ziplining), restaurants and bars, and entertainment. The resort would be a popular attraction for both land and cruise guests.
There were also plans for a major enhancement project at Harbour Village, the cruise ship terminal in Freeport. Enhancements would include shopping and dining venues and a transportation hub. However, BPI was unable to finalize a deal with Freeport Harbour Company. As the purchase of the resort was contingent upon reaching an agreement with the port, efforts were delayed.
The Bahamian government still plans to sell the property, noting that new investors of the Grand Lucayan will more than likely not depend on development of the port. Mr. Cooper mentioned that coupling the port and resort together was a bad idea, as it led to significant economic delay as Royal Caribbean and ITM Group struggled to reach an agreement with Freeport Harbour Company.
Royal Caribbean still plans to participate in the new bid process for the resort, though. After ITM Group’s withdrew from the acquisition, Royal Caribbean began searching for a new partner in the land-based hospitality industry.
“We look forward to participating in the new public bid process for the purchase of the Grand Lucayan once a bid is issued by the government of The Bahamas. The transformation of the Grand Lucayan into a premier entertainment resort will complement our plans for the development of a world-class cruise ship port facility in Freeport to re-establish Grand Bahama as one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations.”
Royal Caribbean will also be investing in the $450 million transformation of the Grand Bahama Shipyard, where it holds a 40% stake. They have stated that they remain committed to supporting the government’s vision for transformation of tourism offerings in Grand Bahama.
Navigator of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s amplified ships, and is currently sailing out of Los Angeles to visit destinations in Baja California and along the Mexican Riviera.
Navigator of the Seas is the fourth ship in Royal Caribbean’s Voyager Class. The ship was built in 2002, but was recently refurbished in 2019 to feature upgraded amenities, restaurants, and attractions that are found on Royal Caribbean’s newest ships.
Navigator of the Seas has capacity for 3,990 passengers and, from 2002 to 2005, was the world’s largest cruise ship. She has fifteen decks filled with pools, waterslides, bars, diverse dining options, and activities for all ages.
If you are considering booking a cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, be sure to read this planning and overview guide so that you have no surprises and are ready to explore once you get onboard.
Let’s get started!
Popular Areas On Navigator of the Seas
While at first glance Navigator of the Seas can look big, getting around the ship is very straightforward. Royal Caribbean designs its ships to have popular areas and attractions conglomerated into certain areas.
The two main hubs on Navigator of the Seas are the Royal Promenade and Pool Deck.
Royal Promenade
The Royal Promenade is the main thoroughfare on Navigator of the Seas. Spanning the majority of Deck 5, the Royal Promenade features bars, shops, restaurants, and lounges. Whether to grab a coffee, purchase a souvenir, or enjoy a drink, most guests will find themselves walking through the Royal Promenade several times per day.
Here are the venues located within the Royal Promenade:
Food and Beverage:
The Bamboo Room - A Polynesian-themed bar with tropical drinks and small bites
Playmakers - Royal Caribbean’s classic sports bar and eatery, featuring televisions and games like pool and shuffleboard
Copper & Clover - An English-style pub which offers a live guitarist at night
R Bar - A no-frills, quieter spot to grab a drink
Cafe Promenade - A cafe with quick bites, pizza, and a coffee/ice cream bar
Shopping and Lifestyle:
The Collection - The Royal Caribbean logo store where guests can purchase Navigator of the Seas apparel and souvenirs
Regalia Fine Jewelry - The jewelry shop onboard
Port Merchants - The place to purchase duty-free liquor along with snacks and toiletries
To Dry For - Offered only on Navigator of the Seas, To Dry For is a blow dry bar that offers blowouts and hairstyling
Other:
Guest Services - The place to go to have any issues or questions resolved related to your cruise experience
Shore Excursions Desk - If you have questions about a shore excursion or need to book one, you can speak to a representative here
Pool Deck Area
Following the 2019 amplification, the pool deck on Navigator of the Seas was fitted with the Caribbean-style pool deck common on Royal Caribbean’s newest ships. The pool deck has two pools and one whirlpool in its main area, as well as two additional, larger whirlpools which overlook the pool deck on the jogging track deck above.
Children in diapers are not permitted in the regular pools onboard. Because of this, Navigator of the Seas offers a small splashpad area on the pool deck. The space is not as large as the Splashaway Bay that you may find on other ships, but still offers fun splash areas for babies and toddlers.
The pool area also features casitas, which are small, covered daybeds with padded pool chairs. Casitas are a great option for those guests wanting a comfier, shaded spot to relax by the pool. There is no additional cost to use a casita, although they are first come, first serve. However, on Odyssey of the Seas, there is an additional cost to reserve a casita, so the casita policy on Navigator of the Seas may change in the future.
Also located on the pool deck are two dining options: El Loco Fresh and Johnny Rockets Express, as well as Sprinkles Ice Cream.
One of the main additions to Navigator of the Seas’ amplification was the addition of The Lime & Coconut on the pool deck. The Lime & Coconut is a tropical-themed bar that spans three decks, offering fantastic views of the pool deck and entire ship. The bar offers comfy lounge chairs and tables and is a popular spot to watch sailaway. Located right next to The Lime & Coconut is the pool band, giving an upbeat and tropical vibe to the venue.
Up one deck from the pools, you will find the jogging track which has a variety of comfy chairs and additional casitas. This area can be a good spot to grab a chair as it is generally less crowded than the main pool deck.
Next to the main pool deck is the Solarium, the adults only pool area onboard. The Solarium on Navigator of the Seas is not completely indoors, but has a combination of covered and uncovered areas. The Solarium features one pool, two large hot tubs, and the Solarium Bar. One added bonus of spending time in the Solarium is that the pool chairs are padded, which offers more comfort to guests. There are also a few complimentary daybeds available.
The pool deck area also extends to the aft and forward of Navigator of the Seas, where you will find the Sports Court and Navigator Dunes mini golf course, along with more seating areas.
Navigator of the Seas Dining and Restaurants
Like every Royal Caribbean ship, Navigator of the Seas offers a mix of complementary and specialty dining options.
A complimentary restaurant is included in your cruise fare, so there is no additional cost to eat there. There are also no limits on how many times you can eat at a certain location, so you are free to go back as much as you would like. A specialty restaurant comes with an upcharge. Some venues have a set cost for a meal whereas others follow a “pay as you go” model, such as Izumi Sushi.
Here are the dining options onboard Navigator of the Seas:
Complimentary Dining:
Windjammer Marketplace
El Loco Fresh
Main Dining Room
Cafe Promenade
Sprinkles Ice Cream
Specialty Dining:
Jamie’s Italian
Chop’s Grille
Playmakers
The Bamboo Room (small bites)
Izumi Sushi
Hooked Seafood
Johnny Rockets Express
Starbucks
Many passengers on Navigator of the Seas will start each day with breakfast in the Windjammer, which is a buffet that offers a range of both American and international cuisine options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Likewise, those passengers opting to eat complimentary meals may often find themselves eating in the Main Dining Room. As a Voyager Class ship, the Main Dining Room on Navigator of the Seas is 3 stories with elegant decor. We recommend eating at least one meal in the Main Dining Room to experience the venue’s atmosphere. The Main Dining Room on Navigator of the Seas is open for breakfast and dinner every day, as well as lunch on sea days.
Specialty Dining options on Navigator of the Seas are varied and include restaurants common on many Royal Caribbean ships, such as Chop’s Grille and Jamie’s Italian. The ship also offers Hooked Seafood, a restaurant found only on Navigator and Symphony of the Seas. One important thing to note is that Navigator of the Seas only offers Izumi Sushi and not Izumi Hibachi. However, the Izumi Sushi menu includes choices other than sushi, such as ramen and a hot rocks cooking option.
Choosing whether to eat only at complimentary restaurants or to expand your dining options with specialty restaurants is a decision all passengers will have to make. You can have a fantastic cruise by eating solely at complimentary venues, as Royal Caribbean takes pride in curating diverse menu options and presenting high quality food at any dining venue onboard.
Eating at a specialty restaurant, though, allows passengers to have a wider range of dining options, with cuisines and meals that may not be found elsewhere on the ship. Those looking to eat at specialty restaurants may find value in purchasing a dining package. If you plan to eat at specialty restaurants, our recommendation is to purchase either the 3-night Dining Package or Unlimited Dining Package.
Things to do on Navigator of the Seas
Shows & Entertainment
Navigator of the Seas offers complimentary shows, music, and activities for guests to enjoy.
The signature theater production on Navigator of the Seas is Showgirl! Past. Present. Future. Located in the Royal Theater, this production takes a look at the journey of a Showgirl throughout time through choreography, music, and elaborate costumes and set design.
In Studio B, the ice skating arena onboard, Navigator of the Seas offers iSkate: Reach for the Stars Ice Show. iSkate uses a combination of drones and figure skaters to dazzle the audience with freestyle skating to the performers’ favorite music.
Our tip for seeing the shows onboard is to ensure you make reservations early. Making reservations is easy to do in the Royal Caribbean app, as you can select the time and date that works best for you. If you forget to make a reservation and there are no more spots available, head to the Royal Theater or Studio B prior to the show and wait to see if there is room for extra guests. Guests often make reservations and forget or decide not to attend, which makes space for those without reservations.
You don’t have to attend a show to find great entertainment onboard, though. Navigator of the Seas offers live music throughout the day in its bars and lounges. In Boleros, guests can enjoy a live band playing Latin music (with a small space for dancing). Those in the Royal Promenade can stop at the Copper & Clover pub to listen to the acoustic guitarist present most evenings. Other music options onboard include piano tunes at the Schooner Bar, Caribbean-style music on the pool deck, and an evening DJ at the Cosmopolitan club.
Outside of shows and music, there are other activities to enjoy such as comedians, trivia, karaoke, and game shows. Our recommendation is to check your Cruise Compass or the Royal Caribbean app every day to see activities are happening onboard.
Signature Activities on Navigator of the Seas
Water slides
When you first catch a glimpse of Navigator of the Seas, there is one thing you will notice: the waterslides. Royal Caribbean did not skimp on the ship’s water slides during her amplification, and the Perfect Storm water slides are a thrill for all ages.
The Blaster is an “aqua coaster” and is the longest water slide at sea at over 800 feet. Riders on The Blaster use a 2-person raft as they are blasted down and around the entire sports court area, including a stretch that is suspended over Navigator of the Seas with nothing but the ocean below.
The other water slide onboard is Riptide, a headfirst water slide where guests lay on a mat and are zipped around the ship. Riptide has sections of the slide that not only suspend over the water off the side of the ship, but are clear, meaning that you see directly into the ocean below.
Sports Court
Other than the waterslides, the Sports Court is home to several other active activities, all of which are included in your cruise fare. A full sized basketball court is available, where guests can shoot hoops or participate in other activities on the court such as pickleball. This is often a hub of activity on sea days, with tournaments and free play throughout the day.
Also in the Sports Court area is the rock climbing wall. Guests of all ages can test their strength by climbing up the wall, which offers both beginner and more challenging routes. There will often be special events held at the rock wall like speed climbing challenges and night climbing sessions.
In the back of the Sports Court, you will find the FlowRider Surf Simulator. Guests can try their skills at boogie boarding and surfing as rushing water shoots out from the FlowRider.
Additional Activities
Beyond the Sports Court, there are many other activities to choose from onboard Navigator of the Seas. On the front of the ship is the Navigator Dunes, a complimentary mini golf course. Inside the ship guests can enjoy ice skating in Studio B.
One popular activity that does come at an extra cost is the Escape Room. Guests can reserve times to challenge themselves to complete this interactive puzzle in the Royal Caribbean app.
Wellness & Relaxation
While Navigator of the Seas offers exciting waterslides, shows, music, and more, some guests are looking for something a little more tranquil. Luckily, there are several ways onboard to fulfill your wellness needs.
The Vitality Fitness Center on Navigator of the Seas is larger than the space on other Voyager Class ships and offers free weights, cardio machines, and weight machines. It also features a spacious room where workout classes, like yoga and spinning, are offered. The majority of equipment faces large windows which allow for views of the ocean while working out.
If you’re looking for a more peaceful experience, the Vitality Spa & Salon on Navigator of the Seas will do the trick. There are a wide array of spa treatments to reserve including massages, facials, and nail treatments. Our recommendation is to take the complimentary spa tour on the first day of your cruise to learn more about the treatments available.
Those looking for quiet spaces to relax onboard should explore the Promenade deck located on deck 4. The Promenade deck is an outdoor walking area that spans the entire circumference of Navigator of the Seas. In addition, the Helipad can be accessed from the Promenade deck which is a peaceful spot to relax or watch the ship make her way through the sea.
Navigator of the Seas staterooms
Navigator of the Seas has a mix of staterooms including interior, outside view, balcony, and suite cabins. Here is an overview of the staterooms you can choose from when booking your cruise:
Interior
Interior rooms on Navigator of the Seas are, as the name implies, located in the interior of the ship. These rooms do not have a window or balcony. Interior rooms can be a good option for passengers on a budget and those who do not plan to spend much time in their stateroom.
Interior Promenade
If you’re looking to upgrade from an interior room but don’t necessarily want to splurge on a balcony, an interior promenade view is an option to consider. Interior promenade rooms are interior rooms with a window overlooking the Royal Promenade, which can help you feel more connected to the ship from inside your cabin.
Outside View
Outside view staterooms are most commonly located on the lower decks or front of the ship. Each outside view stateroom comes with a porthole offering views of the ocean. These rooms are generally more expensive than an interior stateroom, but less expensive than a balcony.
Balcony Room
Balcony rooms are extremely popular cabin choices for cruise passengers. Whereas in the past cruise ships were constructed with few balconies, nowadays new cruise ships are lined with balconies on each side of the ship. Balcony rooms on Navigator of the Seas are a great choice for those looking for a private, outdoor space. Not only do balconies allow for wonderful views of the ocean, but they also increase living space in a stateroom.
Junior Suite
A junior suite is a more spacious room than those mentioned above and also boasts a larger balcony space. In addition, junior suites have a full bath tub, upgraded bathroom amenities, and offer double Crown and Anchor Society points. As a junior suite and not a regular suite, though, some benefits differ. For example, junior suites do not include access to the suite lounge or complimentary room service.
Suites
Navigator of the Seas offers several types of suites for guests including the 2 Bedroom Grand Suite, Royal Suite, and Owner’s Suite. These staterooms are very spacious, with separate living, dining, and sleeping areas, as well as extra large balconies. The Royal Suite on Navigator of the Seas is particularly spacious, with a living room, mini bar, dining table, piano, two bathrooms, and master bedroom. Suites on Navigator of the Seas come with an array of benefits, including Suite Lounge access, concierge service, priority dining and spa reservations, complimentary room service, and reserved seating at shows.
Choosing which stateroom to pick can be a difficult decision for some guests. What works best for one passenger may not work for another, so it’s important to look at your vacation style and budget before selecting a cabin.
Do you plan to only be in your stateroom to sleep and shower and are traveling on a limited budget? An interior cabin may work best for you. Do you enjoy the privacy and extra space you can get with a balcony? Are you looking for the enhanced cruise experience you can find in a suite? Asking yourself these questions can help narrow down your stateroom options.
You may also wish to place a bid in the RoyalUp Program. RoyalUp is a bidding system in which guests are able to bid on an upgraded stateroom prior to their sailing. Using a sliding scale, you can choose how much, per person, you would like to bid.
The chances of your bid winning can depend on a variety of factors such as the ship’s capacity and your bid amount. Generally you will receive an email inviting you to participate in RoyalUp about a month before your cruise.
Preparing for a cruise to Alaska can seem a bit overwhelming. Whether selecting a ship or planning your time in port, you don’t want to miss out on all of the outdoor and cultural activities Alaska has to offer.
It’s best to research what activities fit within your interest, fitness level, and budget. Some passengers may want to view as much wildlife as possible whereas others may be looking to learn more about Alaska’s history and culture.
Here’s a look at some of the best things to do on an Alaskan cruise.
What to do in port
Explore nature
Alaska’s nature is colossal. As the biggest state in the US, it can be difficult to comprehend just how vast the nature in Alaska really is. If you’re hoping to explore the outdoors, there are excursions to fit any interest and fitness level.
In the warmer months, consider a Bike and Brew tour in Juneau, where you will bike along a series of trails through the Mendenhall Valley and Tongass National Forest with a visit to Mendenhall Glacier. And, just as the name implies, these bike tours end with a stop at a brewery in downtown Juneau.
If you like hiking, check out what day hikes are available in port. Ketchikan, as an example, has several hiking trails of various difficulty. If you’re up for a challenge, push yourself to reach the top of Deer Mountain. With three thousand feet of elevation change over seven miles, it is certainly not easy, but you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Alaska in every direction.
There are plenty of ways to explore Alaska’s nature without breaking a sweat, though. After all, most excursions and activities focus on exploring the outdoors. For something relaxing and scenic, book a ticket on the White Pass & Yukon Railway in Skagway. This is a train ride that travels from Skagway into the mountains, passing through dense pine forests, waterfalls, and snowy mountain clearings.
Another less strenuous outdoor adventure is a whale watching tour. Whales are commonly spotted in Alaska’s southeast coast during the summer months. While you may be able to spot whales from the cruise ship, booking a whale watching tour allows you to get up close and personal with these magnificent sea creatures.
A helpful tip when looking for a shore excursion is to filter by “Activity Level” on Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner website. You can filter excursions by mild, moderate, and strenuous. This can be helpful to ensure an excursion fits within the fitness capabilities of yourself or your group.
Grab a drink at a saloon
Whereas the Caribbean has tiki bars, Alaska has saloons. In many Alaskan ports you will find a historic or western-themed saloon. These establishments can be a great place to eat and drink after a shore excursion or relax in before heading back to the ship.
A popular spot to visit in Juneau is the Red Dog Saloon. The saloon was established in the height of the city’s mining era and has been recognized as Juneau’s oldest man-made tourist destination. Walking into the saloon is like walking back in time to the early 1900s. The establishment is eclectic, with frontier-themed decor as well as some more funky decor such as a collection of dollar bills and business cards posted on the walls.
The saloon offers very reasonably priced drinks as well as standard American and Alaskan fare. Make sure to try some of the saloon’s special drinks, such as the Alaskan Duck Fart shot and draft root beer. Or cozy up with a warm Irish coffee as you listen to live music from a local guitarist.
Luckily, the Red Dog Saloon is located only a few blocks away from the ship, so if you happen to have a few too many drinks, it won’t take very long to get back onboard.
Consider a land tour before or after your cruise
Cruises to Alaska primarily visit the state’s southeast region. Many of Alaska’s most iconic landmarks, such as Denali National Park, are located further inland and inaccessible by a cruise ship.
Royal Caribbean recognizes that many passengers want to visit Alaska’s inland destinations. Thus, they offer Alaska Cruise Tours.
Alaska Cruise Tours are a combination of a one way cruise and a land tour of Alaska. Both pre and post-cruise tours are available, meaning that you can decide to fly one-way to Alaska, do a land tour, and take a cruise back to Seattle or Vancouver, or do it the other way around. Land tours range from an extra 2-5 nights on land in addition to your time on a cruise ship.
Land tours offer a mix of guided tours and independent exploring. All accommodation and transportation is organized by Royal Caribbean, making your time on land worry free. Activities and excursions on a land tour may include boarding the Wilderness Express scenic train ride to Denali, cruising the Chena River in Fairbanks, and enjoying a scenic ride on the Turnagain Arm Drive near Seward.
What to do at sea
View the scenery from public areas
Many cruises to Alaska offer a few hours of sightseeing in destinations like Hubbard Glacier and Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier. On these days, the ship reaches a glacier and slows down, traveling along the glacier and turning the ship 360 degrees to ensure that passengers will get a chance to view the scenery from anywhere onboard.
Many passengers will opt to view the scenery from the comfort of their balconies, but this is not necessarily the best spot to do so.
Balconies usually only face one direction. If the ship is sailing past Hubbard Glacier, you will spend a significant amount of time there facing the opposite direction of the glacier from your balcony.
Viewing the glacier from a public area onboard, such as the pool deck, allows you to keep your eye on the scenery the entire time the ship is there. The glacier is on the ship’s starboard side? Simply walk over to that side of the pool deck. Now the best view is from the aft? Take a short stroll to the back of the ship.
A recommendation, especially if you do not have a balcony room, is to scope out the ship’s best areas for viewing the scenery when you get onboard. You may find a few “secret” areas, like the Solarium bridge wings or the outdoor seating area at the Windjammer, that offer fantastic views with fewer crowds.
Do nothing!
Funny enough, even though this article is about the best things to do on an Alaskan cruise, some of the most memorable moments onboard will be when you are doing nothing except relaxing and looking at the scenery around you.
A cruise to Alaska is less about the activities offered on a specific ship and more about the destination. Royal Caribbean takes very scenic routes through Alaska’s inside passage, meaning that a day “at sea” can also mean a day of sightseeing.
While some Royal Caribbean ships traveling to Alaska will offer more activities onboard than others, don’t let this be a deciding factor in which ship you choose. You may find that you spend less time doing activities indoors, anyway, and more time relaxing with a great view.
On the whole, an Alaskan cruise offers activities that fit various budgets and interests. And while the “best thing to do” on an Alaskan cruise might be relative, these options can be a great starting point for planning your trip.
If you’re looking for more inspiration on what to do on an Alaskan cruise, read our live blogs from Alaska on Explorer of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas for more ideas. In addition, don’t forget to check out our full ship tour of Ovation of the Seas if you will be sailing her to Alaska next summer.
The second and final day of our Navigator of the Seas media cruise brings us to Ensenada, Mexico.
This morning, I woke up early to walk around the running track on Deck 12 and catch some great views of the ship on its way to Ensenada. I ended up walking around the pool deck and promenade deck for around an hour, and I enjoyed the calm seas and slightly chilly weather.
I also ventured to the Helicopter Pad down below. The Helipad is only available to guests on Radiance, Freedom and Voyager class ships, and is one of my favorite places to go to have some peace and quiet while watching the ocean.
We ordered room service for breakfast this morning. One of my favorite things to do when I have a balcony room is to enjoy a nice, private breakfast on the balcony. Our room service arrived right as the ship docked in Ensenada.
Ensenada is south of Tijuana and Rosarito in Baja California and it definitely has a different feel compared to Royal Caribbean’s stops in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Whereas Cozumel is very green, humid, and flat, Ensenada is dry and mountainous. And while the Caribbean side of Mexico is known for its beaches and Mayan ruins, Ensenada offers different activities such as winery tours, horseback riding, and whale watching excursions.
Navigator of the Seas docks near downtown Ensenada. You can get to the main part of town via a short shuttle bus or by taking a stroll along the boardwalk in the harbor. We opted to go on foot, and it was an easy five minute walk to town.
We had nothing planned for our day in Ensenada, but we knew we wanted to experience a more local side to the city. Uber conveniently works in Ensenada, so we grabbed a ride to Mercado Los Globos, a large local market about ten minutes away. I love exploring markets in whatever country I visit, as it gives a great perspective into the local culture, cuisine, and traditions.
When we arrived at the mercado, our time in Ensenada quickly turned into a food tour. The market was packed with fresh produce, restaurants, and juice stands. We started off our food tour by tasting fresh fruit and snacks.
For lunch, I grabbed a Jamaica juice from one stand in the market and chilaquiles from another. It’s hard to go wrong with Mexican food, and the offerings at Mercado Los Globos are varied and authentic.
Following lunch, we continued exploring the market before taking an Uber back to the main tourist strip in Ensenada near the port. There, we walked around the shops to pick up a few small souvenirs to bring home.
Ensenada is filled with street food vendors, though, so our food tour continued! First up was ceviche at La Guerrerense, a famous spot for locals and tourists alike. In fact, Anthony Bourdain named La Guerrerense one of the best street food carts in the world! If you like fresh seafood, this is a great place to try in Ensenada.
We ended our food tour with my personal favorite, churros filled with chocolate and dulce de leche, before heading back onboard Navigator of the Seas.
After a short walk around the promenade deck, I headed to the pool deck to watch the ship sail away from Mexico.
Sailaway happened right at sunset, and tonight’s sunset was magical. With vibrant colors and smooth seas, it may have been the best sunset I’ve ever seen while at sea.
I originally planned to attend tonight’s ice skating show, but the sunset was so beautiful that I couldn’t make myself leave the pool deck! I did, however, run down to Studio B to check it out for a few minutes and the show was quite impressive.
I especially enjoyed the synchronized drones that lit up at the start of the show.
After watching the sunset, we went to Playmakers to play pool, shuffleboard, and Mrs. Pac-Man while enjoying a sampler of wings and truffle french fries.
Playmakers is one of my favorites venues on Royal Caribbean, and tonight the space was packed with guests, creating the energized ambiance that every sports bar should have.
After a brief rest in my stateroom, I spent some time listening to the pub singer at the Copper & Clover, which is always a relaxing way to end a busy day on a cruise.
Due to the extensive food tasting in Ensenada, I wasn’t very hungry for a big dinner, so I grabbed some pizza from Cafe Promenade. While not as fancy as last night’s dinner at Chops Grille, it definitely hit the spot.
Lastly, I headed to the theater to watch Showgirls before going to bed.
This two night cruise went by quickly and I’m sad to say goodbye to Navigator of the Seas tomorrow. At the same time, I’m excited that the ship will continue to sail out of Los Angeles and add more Royal Caribbean presence on the west coast.
Royal Caribbean Blog is an unofficial fan blog written for other fans of Royal Caribbean International. The Royal Caribbean Blog is not affiliated with Royal Caribbean International
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