“New” Navigator of the Seas Offers Cruises from Miami
Royal Caribbean‘s Navigator of the Seas, fresh from a $115 million “amplification” is now cruising from her year-round home at PortMiami. The refurbishment of this 3,386-passenger ship includes the addition of some really clever or downright thrilling cruise ship “firsts”.
Until May, Navigator of the Seas will set out on five- to nine-day Caribbean cruises. Then beginning in May, itineraries change and will offer three-day weekend cruises and four-day mid-week cruises to the Bahamas. Every cruise will include a day at Royal Caribbean’s private Bahamian island, CocoCay.
Navigator of the Seas refurbishment
- The Blaster – This is Royal Caribbean’s first aqua coaster and the longest waterslide at sea. Riders will travel through 800 feet of dips, drops and straightaways that extend over the side of the ship
- Riptide – The cruise industry’s only headfirst mat racer waterslide. The ride ends as you slide through a translucent tube with a view of the ocean.
- To Dry For – First-ever blow-dry bar at sea. This should be a really popular venue especially after a day at the beach. Stop in for blowouts, hairstyling and other services. Thirsty? There’s wine and champagne for purchase.
- Poolscape – Renovated pool area with a Caribbean theme, it’s redesigned for adults and children, including a Splash Pad for tots. If you’re hungry head over to nearby Johnny Rockets Express or for Mexican “street fare,” stop by El Loco Fresh
- The Lime and Coconut – Three-level signature tropical-themed bar including a “rooftop” deck for a spectacular view and live music.
Read next: How to get to Paradise Island from Nassau cruise port
Dining options
Following this massive refurbishment, you’ll now find several of Royal Caribbean‘s stand-out eateries aboard Navigator of the Seas. Stop in at Hooked Seafood for a New England-style menu that includes lobster rolls. There’s a Jamie’s Italian, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s rustic Italian restaurant.
For quick bites, visit the first Johnny Rockets Express, over at the Poolscape. For Mexican fare, El Loco Fresh serves fish tacos, beef burritos and more.
Beach day at CocoCay
When Navigator of the Seas begins its short cruise itineraries in May, every departure includes a day at the cruise line’s private island. CocoCay, which has been around for decades is undergoing a $250 million refurbishment, too. Once completed and ready for its first ship, Navigator of the Seas, here’s what you’ll find:
- Thrill Waterpark will have 13 jaw-dropping slides
- Daredevil’s Peak sports the tallest waterslide in North America
- Oasis Lagoon will be the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool
- Up, Up and Away, a helium balloon ride that floats up to 450 feet in the air
- Chill Island for just relaxing at the beach
Navigator of the Seas is the third ship in the Royal Amplified upgrade program. The cruise line is investing over $1 billion in modernizing much of the fleet. The refurbishment covers 10 ships in four years. So far, Mariner of the Seas and Independence of the Seas have been upgraded.
