• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About Us
  • Work With Us
  • Shop
  • Blog Coaching
  • Disclosures
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Amazon
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
I mean c’mon there is not one reason, look at th I mean c’mon there is not one reason, look at this view from the top of the Kloof Corner hike! The biggest way we’re able to afford traveling so much is by letting the deals dictate where we go. Cape Town has been on our bucket list forever but with flights typically costing $1,200-$1,800 it hasn’t been a priority. But when Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going, I don’t like the new name but that’s besides the point) dropped this Cape Town deal for less than half of what it normally costs we jumped on it!

So often I hear “but there are no deals during school breaks”, YES THERE ARE! We went to Cape Town for Thanksgiving and the girls get the entire week off of school so they missed no days. Plus since there seasons are opposite it was late spring and the weather was amazing. Scott’s emails deals directly to your inbox for the airports you choose (we select our home airport and airports we can easily fly direct to and always have cheap flights because sometimes it’s worth flying to a city for a deal (known as a repositioning flight). They offer a free version but you don’t get all the deals so we have the Premium subscription which costs $49 for a year and you can tap the link in my bio and use code TRAVELINGCHILD20 for 20% off. They have an Elite membership level for business class seats. Because someone always asks, yes they give deals for nonstop flights but please remember you can’t fly everywhere nonstop. Beloved if you’re going to Thailand from the US you’re going to have a layover.

Anyway when in Cape Town you must hike, there are so many amazing ones! This Kloof’s Corner hike is perfect for sunset. It’s not stroller or wheelchair accessible as there are stairs but if Jordyn and Kennedy can hike it in 40mins (one way up) I promise you don’t have to be super fit!

P.S. when booking a flight from the US you have 24 hours to cancel & get a refund (on flights booked 7 days in advance). So many ppl told me they hesitated on this deal because they had to see if they could get off work/what dates worked for their travel partners. Always book first, think second & just cancel within 24hrs if you can’t make it work! What’s the best flight deal you’ve booked?
Hello from Cape Town, South Africa! Here’s every Hello from Cape Town, South Africa! Here’s everything you need to know about getting into South Africa (save + share this post):

1. Your passport must be valid for 30 days after your scheduled date of departure.

2. You must have 2 consecutive empty pages in your passport.

3. There is no visa required for US citizens for visits less than 90 days.

4. There are no shots required to travel to South Africa, unless you are traveling from or transiting through yellow-fever deemed countries, then a yellow fever shot is required. You can find a list of these countries online.

5. South Africa has opposite seasons than the US so our winter is their summer. December to February are peak travel due to the weather but if you visit in November like we did you’ll get good weather and avoid the massive crowds of peak season.

Have you visited South Africa? If so, which part? If not, is it on your list?
Because why do y’all do this to us trip planners Because why do y’all do this to us trip planners? Are you the one in your group that plans the trip or do you just show up? If you’re the planner tag your friends 😅. If you just show up do you look at the itinerary or ask all the questions even though the info was given to you 👀?

Original reel idea credit goes to @kryssedeal, sis really nailed exactly how I feel!!
#sponsored Last year we were able to cross some am #sponsored Last year we were able to cross some amazing places off our bucket list. We want you to do the same so we’ve teamed up with @vrbo to give you the opportunity to win $3,500 and turn your bucket list trip into a book-it-list one! 

Just head over to the giveaway post on @vrbo, make sure you’re following them and tag 3 people you’d want to join you on your trip! 

So what is your book-it list vacation this year?

*T&Cs apply – link in bio

 #VrboTogether #BookItList
Things to do in Istanbul (save and share this post Things to do in Istanbul (save and share this post):

1. Visit the various houses of worship like Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque. Suleymaniye Camii, Ortakoy Mosque, Chora Church and the Camlica Mosque

2. Tour palaces like Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace

3. Climb the Galata Tower for amazing views of Istanbul. You can even enjoy a meal here at the restaurant on the top floor.

4. Take a cruise of the Bosphorus to see both the European and Asia side of Istanbul.

5. Visit the cities Bazaars, the Grand Bazaar where you can shop your heart out and the Spice Bazaar where you can eat your heart out. Don’t leave without trying a Turkish delight!

6. If you want to go shopping Istiklal is the place to do so. They have a wide range of stores including international chains like Zara.

7. See a Dervish show at Hodjapasha.

8. Walk across the Galata Bridge to see fisherman at work and then walk under it to taste their fresh catches.

9. Take a day trip to the Princes’ Islands.

10. Experience a Turkish Hammam.

11. Explore the neighborhood of Balet, enjoying the colorful building and have some traditional Turkish tea or my favorite Apple Tea.

12. Turkey has some amazing food so go on a food tour or take a cooking class. If you don’t do either just make sure not to leave without having a traditional Turkish breakfast!

I recommend at least 5 days in Istanbul but you can easily spend a week or more exploring the city.

Have you been to Istanbul? If not is it on your list? For those that have been what was your favorite thing to do?

#istanbul #bucketlistadventures
Our Egypt Itinerary (save + share this post): 3 n Our Egypt Itinerary (save + share this post):

3 nights Siwa: Shali Fortress, 4x4 safari in the Great Sand Sea, sunset on Fatnas Island, emple of Amun and Temple of the Oracle, take a look or a dip into Cleopatra Spring, Mountain of the Dead, House of Siwa Museum, float in the salt lakes.

5 nights Cairo: Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx,  Egyptian Museum, Saqqara, Khal Al Khalil, Old and Coptic Cairo: Hanging Church, Mohamed Ali Mosque, Al Azhar Mosque and the Fortress of Babylon, see an Al Tannoura Egyptian Dance Heritage Show at Wekalet El Ghouri. For a break from the historical things with kids spend a day at Dreamland Park, Kidzania, or Ski Egypt. Stay at Marriott Mena House.

3 nights Luxor: Hot air balloon ride, Luxor Museum, Mummification museum, Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Temple of Karnak, Temple of Luxor, Colossi Statue of Memnon and Hatshpsut

3 nights Aswan: High Dam, Temple of Philae, Nubian Villages, Sail on the Nile by Felucca, Nubian Museum, Abu Simbel

On the way to Aswan from Luxor you can also stop to see the Temple of Horus and Kim Ombo Temple. If you have extra time visit Alexandria, Bahariya Oasis, and White Desert National Park to see the White Desert.

Have you been to Egypt? Is it on your list? There is so much to see outside of Cairo! 

#bucketlisttravel #cairoegypt #luxoregypt #aswan
OUR MOROCCO ITINERARY (save + share this post):

🇲🇦2 nights Chefchaouen- painting class, hiking, enjoying the Blue City and more.

🇲🇦3 nights Fes- Royal palaces, Moroccan dance class, visit the tannery and more

🇲🇦6 nights Marrakech- Majorelle Gardens, explore the Medina, explore the various mosques, stay in a riad, take a Moroccan cooking class and more.

🇲🇦3 nights Sahara Desert- ATV tour, sand boarding, Bedouin experience and more.

For all the details of each trip tap the link in my bio for the itineraries of each city. Have you been to Morocco? Is it on your list?

P.S. the girls were 3 and 5 on this trip

#moroccotrip #thisisafrica #travellingwithkids

The Traveling Child

If kids live there, kids can visit!

  • Affording Travel
  • Destinations
    • Africa
      • Kenya
      • Morocco
    • Asia
      • Singapore
      • Thailand
    • Australia
    • Caribbean
      • Aruba
      • The Bahamas
      • Barbados
      • Cuba
      • Grand Cayman
      • Jamaica
      • Puerto Rico
      • Trinidad
    • Central America
      • Costa Rica
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Belgium
      • Denmark
      • France
      • Italy
      • Spain
      • The Netherlands
    • North America
      • Alaska
      • Arizona
      • California
      • Colorado
      • Florida
      • Georgia
      • Hawaii
      • Idaho
      • Illinois
      • Kansas
      • Louisiana
      • Mexico
      • Nevada
      • New York
      • South Carolina
      • South Dakota
      • Tennessee
      • Texas
      • Utah
      • West Virginia
      • Wisconsin
    • South America
      • Brazil
      • Colombia
  • Travel Tips
    • Tips on Traveling with Kids
    • Trip Planning Tips
  • Reviews
    • Airline Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Product Reviews
  • Lifestyle
  • Buy Our Book
  • Blog Coaching

Navigator of the Seas Review: A Royal Caribbean Ship

January 8, 2020      Caribbean, Destinations, The Bahamas

This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more information. All opinions are my own.

We just returned from our second sail on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas. If you’re looking for an introduction to cruising or can only spare a weekend getaway Navigator of the Seas is your best option. This is because it is the nicest ship out of all cruise lines doing 3 night cruises. Most cruise lines have their oldest ships do these short cruises but Royal Caribbean invested $115 million in renovating Navigator of the Seas in 2019 to fulfill the ships slogan of Weekend Like You Mean It! Here is my Navigator of the Seas review to help you decide if it’s the ship for you.

You May Be Interested in Reading: Tips for Taking Family Vacation Photos

Navigator of the Seas Review: 3 and 4 Night Itineraries

Navigator of the Seas sails from the port of Miami on 3 and 4 night itineraries. The ships 3 night cruises depart on Friday and return Monday morning while the 4 night cruises depart Monday and return on Friday. Both itineraries go to Nassau and the Perfect Day at CocoCay but on the 4 night ones you can choose between two stops at CocoCay or have a sea day. The Perfect Day at CocoCay is on Royal’s private island and it is absolutely amazing, literally non-stop fun. Here’s a video from our visit on Navigator back in May, you can read more about the island here.

Interested in extending your Florida vacation? Read our itineraries for: Orlando, Panama City Beach, Tampa, Fort Myers and Sanibel Island and Miami! 

Navigator of the Seas Review: Things to Do on Board

The reason why Navigator of the Seas is the best weekend cruise is because of all the things to do on board. Most weekend cruises have a crappy pool, one show and that’s it. With everything there is to do on Navigator of the Seas you will have a hard time doing everything during your 3 nights.

The Pool Deck

The pool deck of Navigator of the Seas has the Solarium Adults only pool which is nice and quiet with two hot tubs. Then the main pool deck has two pools, two hot tubs and a kids splash pad. 

There are life guards at every pool and life jackets provided free of charge. Kids cannot enter the pool with swim diapers so make sure they’re potty trained.

The Sports Deck

The sports deck on Navigator of the Seas is where you can find all the thrilling action. Here you’ll find two water slides, the RipTide where you go down head first on a mat and the Blaster which is a two person tube. There is no additional cost for the slides.

For more thrills you can test your skills and balance on the FlowRider. There are two activities here, boogie boarding and stand up surfing. The staff will give you a short demonstration and then you’re on your own to see how long you can last. If you need further instructions you can book a private lesson, while using the FlowRider is free, the private lesson is at a fee. The below video is technically me doing the FlowRider on the Mariner of the Seas since I didn’t get a video this time but it’s exactly the same and in the same spot of the ship. 

This is a photo of the FlowRider on Navigator of the Seas.

If you don’t want to get wet there are still some fun activities on the sports deck for you. There is a basketball court and rock climbing wall. And by chance you just want to relax in this area there are a few hammocks you can lazy around in.

 

Navigator Dunes

While the name isn’t super telling, Navigator Dunes is an onboard outside mini-golf course. There are nine fun holes and the course is open 24 hours a day. The area isn’t manned and you can just grab the clubs, balls and scorecard at your leisure. This activity is also included in your cruise fare.

Arcade

On Deck 12, right next to the Adventure Ocean kids club is the Challenger’s Video Arcade. The arcade is open 24 hours a day but the games are not included in your cruise fare. You can just swipe your sea pass to play and games range from $1-$6. Make sure you’ve disabled your kids charging privileges or have set a spending limit if you plan on allowing them to explore the ship unaccompanied. 

dad playing with two daughters in the arcade on Navigator of the Seas cruise ship racing each other on a racing game

Battle for Planet Z Laser Tag

Laser Tag on a cruise ship? Yes, on Navigator of the Seas you’ll even be able to play Laser Tag! It takes place in Studio B which is also where the ice skating rink is so it’s not available every day and has specific days/hours you can play. Each round lasts 10-15 minutes, with 6 people on each team and it’s quite fun. This is also included in your cruise fare but fair warning the line can get long, especially if it’s only available for one day during your sailing so arrive before it opens to get a spot in line. Closed toe shoes (these cannot be water shoes) are required to play so be sure to pack sneakers and wear them to this activity.

Mom and daughter dressed in laser tag vest to play on Navigator of the Seas cruise ship

Cupcake Decorating Class

If you or your kids are obsessed with baking shows you’ll love that you can take a cupcake decorating class on board Navigator of the Seas. It’s the perfect sea day activity but be aware it comes with a $35 per person fee.

Sushi Making Class

Cupcakes not your thing but love sushi? The Izumi Japanese restaurant on board also offers a sushi making class. Enjoy some sake while you prepare your sushi, it will either help or hurt your chef skills! Check onboard for the price of this class.

Ice Skating

I never would have imagined you could go ice skating in the middle of the ocean but Royal Caribbean is not playing when they say Weekend Like You Mean it! Ice Skating is also included in your cruise fare along with the rental of the ice skates, just bring socks. The ice skating is held in sessions as only a certain amount of people can be on the rink at once so again arrive early to claim your spot.

Mom and daughter ice skating on board Navigator of the Seas cruise ship

Escape Room

Royal Caribbean has really made it so you cannot say that you were ever board on board their ships. The Navigator of the Seas even has an Escape Room! The activity lasts one hour and costs $19.99 per person. You must be 12 years old to participate and there does have to be at least 6 people signed up for the activity to run.

In addition to these activities that aren’t standard on most cruises you’ll also find the typical activities on board. Trivia, karaoke, and game shows can be observed or participated in throughout the day, every day.

Navigator of the Seas Review: Complementary Dining

Cruises are all inclusive so all of your meals, water and lemonade are included in your cruise fare. On board the Navigator of the Seas that means you can dine in the Main Dining Hall (a la carte meals) for breakfast and dinner and eat at the Windjammer, a buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner at no additional fee. While a set number of classic meals remain the same, there are multiple daily specials on the menu in the dining hall and the Windjammer so you always have the option to try something new. There is also El Loco Fresh at the pool deck which serves tacos and quesadilla for lunch, and Cafe Promenade serving pizza until 3AM.

Navigator of the Seas Review: The Speciality Restaurants

While there is a ton of complementary dining there are four specialty restaurants on board are an additional fee. These include the steakhouse Chopped Grill, the Italian Restaurant  Jamie’s, the Japanese restaurant Izumi, and the seafood restaurant Hooked. Other eateries on board not included in your cruise fare are Starbucks, Playmakers Sports Bar, Johnny Rockets, and Ben and Jerry’s.

Jamie’s Italian Kitchen Specialty Restaurant

You can choose to not eat at these restaurants at all, pay per meal if you choose to dine at one for lunch or dinner or buy a restaurant plan. Playmakers Sports Bar, Izumi, Johnny Rockets, Ben and Jerry’s and Starbucks are a la cart while the others are a flat fee for unlimited food during your meal. The unlimited dining package is a flat fee and you can eat at all of the specialty restaurants for one low cost.

Izumi Japanese Specialty Restaurant

For the a la carte restaurants you’ll get a $35 credit per person for Izumi and $25 credit per person for Playmakers Sports Bar, however the credit is per seating so you’ll get the same credit each day. Ben and Jerry’s and Starbucks are not included in the unlimited dining package. If you’re traveling with young kids know that you don’t have to get a package for kids 12 and under. Kids 0-5 eat for free at speciality restaurants and kids 6-12 just pay $10 so need to buy a package, they will add the charge as you go to the restaurants. 

Hooked Seafood Specialty Restaurant

Navigator of the Seas Review: The Gym

If you’re like me and still work out on vacation you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the gym on Navigator of the seas. There are plenty of treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes along with free weights and weight machines.

Royal Caribbean also offers classes like spinning, body sculpture and abs. Some of these classes are free of charge while others have a fee. For a fee you can also hire a personal trainer for your time on the ship. My only con with the gym is that it closes at 10pm, I’m not sure why it can’t be open 24 hours.

Navigator of the Seas Review: The Spa

The spa is quite expensive on board but hey you’re on vacation right! I haven’t personally gotten a spa treatment on Navigator of the Seas but I have gotten one on a different Royal Caribbean ship. They typically offer specials when the ship is in port or late night from 5:00-10:00pm. On the first day there is also a spa raffle where you’ll have the opportunity to win discounted or free spa services.

Navigator of the Seas Review: Adventure Ocean, Royal Caribbean’s Kids Club

If you’re kids want to meet and play with other kids or you just want some kid-free time you’ll love Navigator of the Seas’s Adventure Ocean. They have multiple rooms including the Royal Babies and Tots program for kids 6- 36 months, then a room for 3-5 year olds, 6-11 and 12-17 year olds. Hours vary depending on if the ship is in port or at sea but the program is free until 10PM. From 10PM-2AM there is a small fee of $7 per hour per child so you can enjoy some adult activities while your kids are entertained.

Navigator of the Seas Review: The Shows

Even though Navigator of the Seas operates shorter itineraries there are still a variety of show to keep you entertained onboard. There is a main show, Show Girls, a comedian and my favorite show onboard, the iSkate show. The iSkate show has cast members which are former Olympians and their figure skating is superb. Here’s a quick look into the 45 minute show.

 

Navigator of the Seas Review: A Look Into the Cabins

Navigator of the Seas like most cruises has interior, ocean view, balcony and suite rooms. We’ve stayed in both an interior and a balcony room on board this ship. Since there were four of us staying in the interior room it included two bunk beds for the kids. The cabins are my least favorite part of Navigator of the Seas, I wish Royal Caribbean had spent some of that $115 million updating at least the bathrooms in the cabin. They aren’t horrible but not as nice as on Harmony of the Seas. Here’s a look into both the interior and balcony rooms.

 

Here is a photo of what our interior room looked like once the bunk beds were brought down.

Navigator of the Seas Review Interior room with bunk beds: Cabin 7235

After two sailings on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas it remains my favorite ship for weekend cruises. I hope this Navigator of the Seas review was helpful to you. If it was please share this article to help someone else!

The Traveling Child is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Share57
Tweet
Pin33
Email
Share
90 Shares

Newsletter Subscribtion

 
Join Our Mailing List
You'll get tips on affordable travel, flight deals and detailed itineraries for every trip we've been on (family, girlfriends getaway, baecations and solo) to make your planning process easier.
Thank you for subscribing!

Primary Sidebar

  • Amazon
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
  • YouTube

Hi! We’re The Hambricks

Hi! We’re The Hambricks

If kids live there, kids can visit! That's our motto and you'll often find us exploring destinations most don't find "kid friendly". We've traveled to 35 countries on 6 continents with our children since they were 10 weeks old and share tips to make it easier and affordable. But mom and dad are people too so we also write about solo travel, baecations and girlfriend getaways.

Newsletter

Subscribe to Our Newsletter
You'll get tips on affordable travel, flight deals and detailed itineraries for every trip we've been on (family, girlfriends getaway, baecations and solo) to make your planning process easier.
Thank you for subscribing!

Recent Posts

  • The Best Christmas Markets in Europe
  • The Best Christmas Markets in the USA
  • The 11 Best Eiffel Tower Photo Spots
  • The Best Places to Go for Halloween
  • Things to Do in Southern Idaho

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

Facebook

FOLLOW US ON PINTEREST

Copyright © 2023 The Traveling Child, LLC.