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.

Sailings are officially open for booking for Royal Caribbean's first west coast cruises in over a decade.

Navigator of the Seas sailings from Los Angeles starting in November 2021 are now available to book via Royal Caribbean's website.

The new sailings include mostly 3-, 4- and 5-night itineraries to Catalina Island, California and Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – plus, select winter holiday 7-night sailings.

The new bookings are available to book immediately, beginning with the November 19 sailing. Sailings between November 2021 and January 2022 are open for booking.

You can view the full list of sailings here.

Royal Caribbean had to delay the opening of the new bookings by a couple weeks after the cruise line revealed it would start sailing from Los Angeles earlier than planned.

Instead of beginning in summer 2022, Royal Caribbean will now begin offering sailings in November 2021.

A return to the west coast

The new sailings are the first for the cruise line in over a decade.

The last ship to sail from Los Angeles regularly was Mariner of the Seas in 20211.

Royal Caribbean pulled out of West Coast cruises due to a combination of violence in Western Mexico, and did not return primarily due to concerns over profitability of routes there.

Royal Caribbean's absence on the West Coast did not go unnoticed by cruise fans, who perennially asked when sailings might restart.

In a statement, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley shared how proud he was for a return, "California was calling us home once again, and what better way to reintroduce Royal Caribbean than to bring our next-level cruise vacations to the City of Angels and make it a year-round adventure starting just in time for summer."

Royal Caribbean will start its West Coast cruises earlier than expected.

The first Navigator of the Seas sailings will begin sailing year-round from Los Angeles, California as of November 2021. 

When Royal Caribbean announced its return to the West Coast, initially the cruise planned to start sailing in June 2022, but will sailing now significantly easier.

Travel agents were notified of the change, which may explain why were there was a delay in the sailings going on sale last week.

These new itineraries will open for sale the week of April 12, 2021. 

Royal Caribbean will offer 3-, 4- and 5-night itineraries to Catalina Island, California and Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – plus, select winter holiday 7-night sailings.

Navigator of the Seas will depart from Los Angeles' World Cruise Center in San Pedro.

The announcement that Navigator will begin cruises in November 2021 confirms the dates that were originally posted on the Port of Los Angeles website prior to Royal Caribbean's announcement.

In March 2021, the Port of Los Angeles website had sailings listed in November and December 2021.

After posting the information on this blog, the listings were removed shortly thereafter.

Returning after a decade

Royal Caribbean's announcement that it will cruise from Los Angeles regularly after more than a decade is significant, as industry insiders have speculated about its West Coast return for years.

While other cruise lines returned, Royal Caribbean stayed away, claiming it was able to make more money elsewhere.

In 2015, Freed pointed out the low rates competitor cruise lines were getting. "We always look at the West Coast. But we continue to look at the rates that the other cruise lines are getting, and we offer an experience that we can't afford to be selling at those low rates.

"If and when we see the rates start to bounce back, and we feel we can get paid for what we offer for our product, then we’ll be back there. But right now, unfortunately, it's a bath out there. They're selling four-day cruises at $199 per person, and we’re not just talking Carnival.

"We spend more on food, more on entertainment and more on our overall onboard experience [than other lines], and so we cannot be the low-price leader out in any market."

The line also cited the logistical challenges of returning its ships to the West Coast, much of which had to do with the rise of cruise popularity in other areas of the world, such as Europe and China. Sending ships to those locations meant fewer ships to go to other ports. (The West Coast has always been a seasonal market for ships repositioning from other regions.)

There has been so much cruise news over the last couple of weeks that you might think you missed Royal Caribbean opening up bookings for West Coast cruises in 2022, but that is not the case.

When Royal Caribbean announced it would return to the west coast after 10 years with Navigator of the Seas sailing from Los Angeles, the cruise line said the new sailings would go on sale the week of March 29, 2021.

That week has come and gone without any of the new sailings available to book.

UPDATE:  These new itineraries will open for sale the week of April 12, 2021. 

There has not been any update on when these Navigator sailings from L.A. might become available to book, nor an explanation of the delay.

It is not unheard of for new sailings to be announced to go on sale, only to be delayed later.

Royal Caribbean will offer 3-, 4- and 5-night itineraries to Catalina Island, California and Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – plus, select winter holiday 7-night sailings.

Read more: Royal Caribbean will cruise from California for the first time in a decade

What happened to the sailings?

Some RoyalCaribbeanBlog readers have reported calling into Royal Caribbean and been told there is in fact some sort of a delay.

Twangster shared what he was told from a phone agent, "Latest agent I spoke with said an internal announcement went out announcing the delay.  The announcement doesn't mention a new release date but he said there are rumors it will be closer to the end of April."

Johnt83 was also told by a phone agent there is a delay, "The lady I spoke to was very nice, she did confirm that there has been a delay in getting the Nav sailings out of LA posted on the website as they are still working on some critical details."

RoyalLaker was able to get some more details on the first sailing after calling the Crown and Anchor Society phone number, "First sailing out of LA is June 10th 2022 3 nights day 1 LA day 2 sea day  day 3 Ensenada no pricing was available. Asked when they would go sale no timeframe was given just said a announcement would go out once they are open."

What should you do if you are waiting for these sailings?

No one can book anything until Royal Caribbean is ready to release the new sailings, so it appears it will take a bit longer than expected.

In the meantime, it is a good idea to talk with your travel agent about which type of sailings you would be interested in, and the timeframe for sailings to book.

Read more: How far in advance should I book a cruise to get the best price?

It is also a good idea to look at a deck plan and get a sense of stateroom category and location you would be interested in.

Doing this now makes booking the actual sailing later much faster, which is important when new sailings are announced to lock in the best possible rates.

One of the best strategies for getting a good price on a cruise is to book as early as you can.

Read more: What are the different types of cabins on a cruise ship?

Moreover, certain popular stateroom categories, such as suites, are the first to be booked up by savvy cruisers who know which cabins have the highest demand.

Royal Caribbean will base a cruise ship in California after a 10-year-long hiatus.

At a webinar on Wednesday, the line announced that recently refurbished Navigator of the Seas will homeport in Los Angeles, beginning next year, offering a series of Mexico sailings.

The voyages will vary in length, featuring three- and four-nighters with calls on Ensenada and Catalina Island; five-night cruises visiting Cabo San Lucas; and seven-night sailings with stops at Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.

"We are going back to the West Coast," said Vicki Freed, Royal Caribbean's senior vice president of sales and trade support & service. "Los Angeles, here we come...."

This will be the first time the line has based a ship in the Golden State since Mariner of the Seas left Los Angeles back in 2011 due to violence in Mexico and dwindling profits.

Earlier this month, Royal Caribbean Blog speculated that the move was coming after spotting the ship listed on the Port of Los Angeles' website. Navigator of the Seas was also blatantly missing from Royal Caribbean's list of upcoming itinerary offerings.

Oddly, the port's website lists Navigator of the Seas' sailings beginning as early as September 2021, but Royal Caribbean has said they will run from summer 2022 through spring of 2023.

"California was calling us home once again, and what better way to reintroduce Royal Caribbean than to bring our next-level cruise vacations to the City of Angels and make it a year-round adventure starting just in time for summer," Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said in a statement.

Read more: Navigator of the Seas Tips & Best Things To Do

The ship, which received $115 million in enhancements in 2019 as part of the Royal Amplified program, boasts a refreshed pool deck, featuring a tropical theme with three pools and two new water slides: Blaster, the longest at sea, which offers one- and two-person rafts; and Riptide, the only headfirst mat racing slide at sea, which includes a see-through section for added thrills.

The vessel has also seen the addition of Playmakers sports bar, complete with drinks, pub grub and plenty of TVs; the Lime & Coconut bar, which serves up signature cocktails and rises three decks, comprising lounge seating and a rooftop sun deck; and Hooked, an intimate New England-style raw bar seafood restaurant.

Hooked first debuted on Symphony of the Seas, and Navigator of the Seas is now the only other ship in the fleet on which it's located.

Bookings for Navigator of the Seas sailings, which will depart from Los Angeles' World Cruise Center in San Pedro, are scheduled to open at the end of March 2021.

Read more: Top 10 Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas hidden secrets

Returning after a decade

Royal Caribbean's announcement that it will cruise from Los Angeles regularly after more than a decade is significant, as industry insiders have speculated about its West Coast return for years.

While other cruise lines returned, Royal Caribbean stayed away, claiming it was able to make more money elsewhere.

In 2015, Freed pointed out the low rates competitor cruise lines were getting. "We always look at the West Coast. But we continue to look at the rates that the other cruise lines are getting, and we offer an experience that we can't afford to be selling at those low rates.

"If and when we see the rates start to bounce back, and we feel we can get paid for what we offer for our product, then we’ll be back there. But right now, unfortunately, it's a bath out there. They're selling four-day cruises at $199 per person, and we’re not just talking Carnival.

"We spend more on food, more on entertainment and more on our overall onboard experience [than other lines], and so we cannot be the low-price leader out in any market."

The line also cited the logistical challenges of returning its ships to the West Coast, much of which had to do with the rise of cruise popularity in other areas of the world, such as Europe and China. Sending ships to those locations meant fewer ships to go to other ports. (The West Coast has always been a seasonal market for ships repositioning from other regions.)

This was the big announcement?

The day before Royal Caribbean revealed its plans to return to Los Angeles, Freed told travel agents to expect a big announcement, referring to it as "the news we've all been waiting for."

While cruises from the West Coast are significant, many readers were disappointed the news was not worthy of the hype preceding it.

Because several travel agents reported being told by Royal Caribbean that the big announcement was being delayed or canceled, we suspect that larger news was originally on the docket.

During a question and answer session, listeners specifically asked about test cruises, Alaska sailings and whether the line's restart date will be pushed back further.

Freed and her team said that there is currently no date set for test voyages, but the line continues to work with the CDC. There has been no change to indicate that Alaska cruises from Seattle will happen, but officials remain hopeful. As for the resumption of sailings from the U.S., the line maintains that it has no plans to push cancellations into June at this time.

If you are among the many that dream of Royal Caribbean returning to the West Coast of the United States, there is a brand new juicy rumor perfect for you.

The Port of Los Angeles website shows regular sailings for Navigator of the Seas in November and December 2021.

Mostly three and four night sailings are listed (with at least one 7-nighter in late November), with sailings beginning October 29, 2021 and going through the end of December 2021.

The Port of Los Angeles schedule does not have the 2022 schedule online yet.

Royal Caribbean has not made any announcement about returning to Los Angeles, but the schedule might shed light onto what could be coming.

Furthermore, Navigator of the Seas has been conspicuously absent from any of the new 2022-2023 itineraries that Royal Caribbean has released thus far.

Want more circumstantial evidence?

Royal Caribbean tweeted out a photo on March 1 of El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, on Mexico's west coast.

Some places just hit different. pic.twitter.com/DX6JiHQJWs

— Royal Caribbean (@RoyalCaribbean) March 1, 2021

It has been 10 years since Royal Caribbean offered regular sailings out of Los Angeles. Mariner of the Seas was the last Royal Caribbean cruise ship to be based in Los Angeles, and she was repositioned in 2011 due to bigger profits elsewhere and violence in Mexico.

Before we get too ahead of ourselves, this is not the first time the Port of Los Angeles website has shown a Royal Caribbean ship on the schedule.

Back in January 2020, Voyager of the Seas appeared on the schedule beginning in June 2021 and running through December 2021.  Those sailings have since been pulled down, and Royal Caribbean never confirmed plans for Voyager to call Los Angeles home.

Why isn't Royal Caribbean cruising from the West Coast?

It has been 10 years since Royal Caribbean offered regular cruises from somewhere in California, so why is that?

There are a few reasons, but it mostly has to do with logistics and profits.

During the 2017 Royal Caribbean's President Cruise, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley answered this exact question about returning to California.

He talked about the challenges of offering cruises from the west coast.

"When you look at, for example, consumer research on how people view some of that, some of these destinations, which we do, then there's a little bit of concern over going to some of the destinations that we can go to if we sailed out of L.A."

"To move the ship through the canal around South America, leaving it in California to sail out of, say San Francisco going north, we don't think there's enough demand for that."

"We think it would work for one or two cruises. But you've got to move the ship back. And, you know, we've got big ships. So they believe the costs of operating these ships is phenomenal."

Eagle-eyed cruise fans have spotted what could potentially be the first Royal Caribbean cruise ship to test sailings.

The PortMiami vessel movements calendar lists Navigator of the Seas as in port two times in October, indicating the ship may arrive for a series of test sailings.

• October 15 to October 19
• October 24 to October 28

Each time Navigator of the Seas is at PortMiami, she is scheduled to move between different terminals. On October 17, from Terminal A to Terminal D; and then on October 26 from Terminal A to Terminal G.

This was first reported by CruiseCritic.

Test cruises without passengers

Royal Caribbean has said before it begins offering cruises to the public, it will conduct a series of test sailings to work through the variety of new health protocols.

Executives have said they will start slowly by training crew and embarking on a series of non-revenue test sailings, where Royal Caribbean can rehearse and we can validate the new protocols.

The results will be evaluated by independent observers before a few short sailings begin again.

If those test sailings go well, then short cruises with limited destinations and controlled shore excursions will be offered.

Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley recently spoke about the idea of using employee-only cruises first, "I said that the first cruise that we will operate through, Royal Caribbean International, will be an all employee cruise, a little bit like a shakedown cruise, because then we can test and take a look at in real-life operations all of the protocols that we're putting into place. And so our first cruise is going to be an employee cruise."

More recently, Royal Caribbean Group Chairman Richard Fain said on Tuesday that test cruises will be first, "We're going to start with test cruises, I think, and and then a few shorter cruises and and gradually build up as we build up our experience. But I do think that's going to start this year. I'm highly optimistic."

Navigator of the Seas offers short cruise vacations to the Bahamas, and between its getaway sailings, recent ship wide update, and low price point, there is a lot to love about her!

Weekend sailings, visits to Royal Caribbean's private island, water slides and great dining are just some of the fun things you can find on Navigator of the Seas.

If you have a cruise booked on Navigator, or are considering booking a cruise, here are my favorite things about this ship and tricks for making the most of your vacation!

Water Slides

One of the new features added to Navigator of the Seas are the Blaster & Riptide water slides, and these are an instant hit with everyone.

Royal Caribbean has begun to embrace having water slides on their cruise ships, and these are two types of water slides not available on any other Royal Caribbean ship.

The Blaster is Royal Caribbean's first aqua coaster, and it is also the longest water slide at sea.  You hop into a raft and race down more than 800 feet of dips, drops and straightaways that extend over the side of the ship.

On Riptide, you can go on a headfirst mat racer slide that provides a completely different perspective on the way down. Just try to keep your eyes open the whole time!

Water slide tips

Pack your bathing suit in your carry-on luggage on embarkation day so that you can take advantage of the slide being open with much shorter lines.  Most guests do not have their bathing suit in those first few hours onboard, which makes this the best time to ride the slides with minimal waits.

Don't be afraid to say excuse me. The stairs leading to the top of the slides are shared between both slides, but often some guests will congregate together while waiting and block the way. Be sure to politely ask to move past them if you do not see the end of your line.

Bamboo Room

Tiki bars are all the rage, and Navigator of the Seas features the largest edition of the Bamboo Room onboard.

Serving a South Pacific vibe, the Bamboo Room offers a great variety of cocktails, many of which are unavailable anywhere else on the ship. In fact, there is a wide range of drinks to choose from.

There are even a few food items on the menu, if you choose to indulge.

The Bamboo Room is the perfect spot to meet friends and family for a pre-dinner drink, or round out your evening, and it really stands out from the usual bar and lounge scene onboard.

Bamboo Room tips

Ask the bartenders for suggestions. The cocktail menu has a lot to choose from, so do not hesitate to ask the bartenders and waiters for what they prefer or which beverages are the most popular.

Check out the decor. Being a tiki bar, the Bamboo Room has a lot of kitsch to it, including a parrot that appears periodically in the digital art.

Your drink package works here. Just like any bar or lounge, your drink package covers beverages ordered at the Bamboo Room!

Family fun

One of the areas Royal Caribbean targeted for updating on Navigator of the Seas in her 2019 refurbishment was the family areas onboard.

Adventure Ocean and the Teens Club have been transformed, with a new approach to these areas. Adventure Ocean has been reworked with more free play space. The Living Room (teens club) has been reimagined, complete with a backyard hideaway area. If you have younger children (under 36 months), there is a nursery onboard as well.

When the kids are not in the club, you can challenge them to a round or three of laser tag. Located in the ice skating rink, teams face off in the Battle for Planet Z. It is another complimentary offering, and a very popular sea day activity.

Navigator of the Seas also features an updated mini-golf course on deck 12 that is a fun challenge for all ages.

Family fun tips

Register kids for Adventure Ocean on the first day. There will be an open house held (usually in the early afternoon) of the first day of the cruise, so be sure to go up to meet the staff and meet the staff. Plus, it will save you time later.

Try mini-golf at night. Not only is it not nearly as hot during the evening, but a round of mini-golf after the sun sets is a great evening activity.

Specialty restaurants

Navigator of the Seas features some of my favorite specialty restaurants on any ship! While there is plenty of great complimentary food onboard, sometimes you just feel like indulging a bit with something different.

Sushi lovers will really enjoy Izumi, which is among the most consistently good restaurants across Royal Caribbean's fleet. There is a good variety of sushi and Japanese specialties, including the popular hot rock options.

Jamie's Italian was added in 2019 and serves up an inspired menu of fresh takes on classic Italian dishes. The creation of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, it is must-eat whenever I am onboard.

If seafood is more your thing, Hooked Seafood has a lot of compelling choices, including lobster, muscles and more.

Don't overlook the other great specialty dining on Navigator of the Seas, including Chops Grille, Playmakers Sports Bar & Johnny Rockets. Having all of this variety is one more reason why Navigator of the Seas stands out as a great choice.

Specialty dining tips

Buy a dining package. If you know you want to try more than one specialty restaurant, your best bet is to purchase a dining package.  Dining packages will absolutely save you money compared to trying to dine at the same amount of restaurants and paying the cover charge individually.

Try the sushi making class. A really fun activity offered onboard is the sushi making class.  One of Izumi's chefs takes you through the process of how to make a few different kinds of sushi rolls, and you get to eat all of your creations after! Be sure to come hungry, because it is basically a meal.

Escape Room

Royal Caribbean has been adding escape rooms to many of its cruise ships, and the escape room on Navigator of the Seas is a must-do!

The Observatorium is one of the most challenging escape rooms I have tried across the fleet. If you have never done an escape room, you have one hour for you and a group of other guests try to solve a series of clues, puzzles and patterns that will lead you to unlocking the solution to the larger puzzle.

I have found escape rooms to be a completely different kind of thrill, because it pits your wits against the clock to solve them all. You will have to work with your team to figure it all out, and the sense of accomplishment if you manage to escape in time is an amazing feeling.

Escape Room tips

Pre-book if you want to try it. Spots for the escape room go quickly, so be sure to pre-book it on Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner site before the cruise.

Don't be shy. You will be grouped with other guests, but the key to beating the escape room is communication. You need to talk with each other, and in some cases, split up and assign tasks. They key is maximizing your time and having groups work together to figure it all out.

Lime & Coconut

The entire pool deck was revamped on Navigator of the Seas, and it is home run with all the changes that have been added, including the Lime & Coconut bar.

First and foremost, the pool deck has been re-done with casitas, loungers, more hot tubs and a very inviting poolscape. As soon as you see the pool, you know exactly where you will want to go everyday. 

The crown jewel of the new pool area is the Lime & Coconut bar, which is a triple level bar scene that is a combination of bar, party spot and place to be seen.

The first two levels of Lime & Coconut have their own bars, and the third deck is a rooftop sun deck that is great for relaxing, and chilling.

Pool deck tips

Get up early for a casita. Those awesome looking casitas are reserved early, so if you want one, set your alarm early and then catch up on sleep after you grab yours.

Watch the sunset from the Lime & Coconut. Royal Caribbean designed this new space to have a nightlife to it, and I think it has the best vantage point for catching a beautiful Caribbean sunset.

Try the signature drinks. The Lime & Coconut bar features its own selection of drinks not available elsewhere, so be sure to grab one of the menus and try them all (and they work with the drink package)!

Try El Loco Fresh. No day at the pool is complete without some grab-and-go Mexican food from El Loco Fresh. Located near the pool, it is easy to grab chips, quesadillas, tacos and more to bring back to your chair.

Perfect Day at CocoCay

Sailings on Navigator fo the Seas will include at least one visit to Royal Caribbean's completely revamped private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

While Navigator is where most of the focus is right now, CocoCay is worthy of booking any cruise and will become an absolute highlight of any sailing.

Your visit at Perfect Day at CocoCay can include time at the beach, pool, or water park, and you can tack on a zip line or helium balloon ride, fantastic dining or even a cabana or day bed.

All cruise lines throw out words like "paradise", but CocoCay really hits all the high-notes for a fun day.

Perfect Day at CocoCay Tips

Check out our Do's & Don'ts of Perfect Day at CocoCay!

Plan what you want to do before the cruise. Like so much of Royal Caribbean, you stand to greatly benefit by pre-booking as much as you can. Many things sell out, and booking in advance will be cheaper than waiting to book onboard.

Don't skip the food. CocoCay does not have just typical private island food. There is a tremendous variety, and almost all of it is complimentary! Be sure to try the crispy chicken sandwich and mozzarella sticks at the Snack Shack!

Drink & WiFi packages work at CocoCay: If you buy an unlimited drink package or internet package, those benefits extend to your time at Perfect Day at CocoCay. It greatly enhances the value of these packages by having a full day of use here.

Jamie Oliver visited Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas in Miami on Monday for a stopover at one of his namesake restaurants onboard.

Photo by Linken D'Souza

Navigator of the Seas is home to one of Oliver's restaurant at sea, Jamie's Italian.  The specialty restaurant's menu is based on tasty, simple Italian food, made from fresh ingredients with a casual dining experience, designed to be welcoming to everyone. 

Since the launch of Quantum of the Seas in 2014, Royal Caribbean has offered guests the opportunity to dine at  Jamie's Italian specialty restaurant on many of its ships.