Embarking on a Royal Caribbean adventure after more than a decade was an experience we eagerly anticipated, and our 3-night Ensenada cruise aboard the magnificent Navigator of the Seas certainly delivered. This journey marked our grand return to Royal Caribbean, and it was nothing short of spectacular.
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An Unforgettable 3-Night Ensenada Cruise Aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas
Our last journey with Royal Caribbean, a Baltic Sea cruise on the Vision of the Seas, left us with mixed feelings. After a decade, we felt it was time to give Royal Caribbean another chance, particularly to experience one of their more modern ships. The prospect of sailing on the Navigator of the Seas, known for its extensive renovations and exciting features, filled us with both hope and a touch of cautious optimism.
For this much-anticipated getaway, we opted for a Balcony Stateroom on Deck 11, strategically located at the very front of the ship. We specifically upgraded to an extended balcony, eager to savor the unique sensation of sailing from the ship’s bow and enjoying expansive ocean views. This choice significantly enhanced our cruising experience, providing a private oasis with breathtaking vistas.
Seamless Pre-Cruise Preparations
In preparation for our Navigator of the Seas cruise, we utilized the highly intuitive Royal Caribbean App. This indispensable tool made filling out health forms and updating personal information incredibly straightforward. The app serves as a comprehensive guide, ensuring all necessary details are handled well in advance of your sailing date.
Our pre-cruise checklist included a COVID-19 test within three days of boarding, having our vaccination cards and passports readily available, and completing a health screening via the Royal Caribbean App 24 hours prior to embarkation. These steps, clearly outlined within the app, helped ensure a smooth and worry-free start to our vacation.
Mindful of the ship’s renowned specialty dining, we made sure to reserve a table at Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver. This was a restaurant we were determined not to miss, based on glowing reviews. Additionally, we pre-purchased our onboard internet service, taking advantage of a convenient discount for booking ahead of time, which proved to be a smart decision for staying connected.
Effortless Embarkation in Los Angeles, California
Our embarkation experience onto the Navigator of the Seas from the Los Angeles World Cruise Center was, without exaggeration, one of the smoothest we’ve ever encountered across over 20 cruises. We arrived at our scheduled embarkation time, fully anticipating the usual queues and potential delays, but they simply never materialized. We breezed through security, the health screening, and all other checkpoints with remarkable efficiency, finding ourselves on board in less than 15 minutes.
Once on the ship, we completed our muster drill at our own pace, using the Royal Caribbean App, which further streamlined the process. Within approximately 40 minutes of stepping into the terminal, we were already toasting our long weekend with a refreshing Goombay Smash and a classic Mai Tai in hand. This incredibly efficient start set a wonderfully relaxed tone for the entire Ensenada cruise.
Day 1: Exploring the Marvels Onboard
With a noon arrival time, our stateroom wasn’t quite ready when we first boarded the Navigator of the Seas. This was expected, so we made our way to the vibrant Lido Deck, where we settled in with tropical cocktails, soaking in the initial atmosphere of the ship. It wasn’t long, however, before the cost of two tropical drinks (including tips) prompted us to seriously consider the Royal Caribbean drink package.
A fortuitous “buy one, get one 50% off” offer for purchasing the package on Day 1 sealed the deal. After a quick calculation of how many drinks we’d likely consume, we realized the drink package was a smart investment. It wasn’t about excessive drinking, but rather the convenience and peace of mind. Knowing our final bill upfront, without having to tally each drink, was a significant bonus. Moreover, the package encouraged us to experiment with new cocktails, free from the guilt of ordering something we might not entirely enjoy.
By 1 PM, our stateroom was ready, and we eagerly headed to check out our forward extended balcony. This was our first time splurging on a forward-facing balcony, and its sheer size was impressive. It comfortably accommodated two lounge chairs, two regular chairs, and a spacious table, all offering unparalleled views directly off the bow of the ship. After a relaxing interlude on our private deck, we set out to explore the ship, discovering an astounding array of amenities.
Our initial exploration led us back to the Lido Deck for a bite. El Loco Fresh offered a perfect casual snack, where we enjoyed customizable nachos and quesadillas. John particularly relished building his own plate of nachos, piled high with taco meat, cheese, and generous dollops of guacamole.
The Windjammer Buffet truly exceeded our expectations. Immediately upon entering, we were impressed by the prominent handwashing station, diligently monitored by cruise attendants to ensure everyone sanitized their hands. The sheer variety of food was astonishing – from towering shrimp displays to an exotic selection of fresh fruits. I was delighted to find rambutan, a tropical fruit I hadn’t encountered since my travels in Thailand, alongside dragon fruit and other lesser-seen delicacies. A dedicated, 100% gluten-free buffet station with a plethora of choices, and a separate light section offering lower-calorie, fresh meals, further highlighted the ship’s commitment to diverse dietary needs.
We then descended to Deck 5 to marvel at the Royal Promenade. During our visit, the ship was beautifully adorned for Christmas, featuring a giant festive tree on the Promenade and impressive gingerbread houses in the Windjammer Buffet. Our first stop here was The Bamboo Room tiki bar, an absolute gem that transported us to an old Hawaiian paradise, right in the middle of the ocean. John, in particular, was so enchanted he now dreams of building his own tiki room at home! The Bamboo Room offered a delightful mix of classic Hawaiian cocktails and innovative new creations; my personal favorite was the refreshing Saturn Cocktail, a drink so exceptional I’m already planning to recreate it at home.
Next, we ventured into the Copper and Clover British Pub to try a James Bond Martini. Having always been curious, I discovered it was indeed as potent as its reputation suggested! The beauty of the drink package allowed us to try such a distinctive cocktail without concern, even if its strength meant I couldn’t finish it entirely. A wise decision we made early on was to use the Royal Caribbean App to book our anytime dining for dinner, ensuring our evening schedule was perfectly coordinated before we settled into our bar hopping.
Our dinner was served in the Navigator of the Seas’ main dining room, an absolutely breathtaking space. This three-level dining area, elegantly decorated for the holidays, offered a truly refined experience. It was a stark and welcome contrast to our previous Royal Caribbean cruise a decade ago. The food was exquisite, and the atmosphere felt relaxed yet sophisticated. John thoroughly enjoyed the classic French onion soup, perfectly cooked prime rib, and a delightful key lime pie. I savored a cheese plate, savory spaghetti marinara, and an epic crème brĂ»lĂ©e. Our server, Vimi, was exceptional, keeping us entertained while ensuring our every need was met.
To conclude our first day, we attended an incredible ice-skating show. This was our inaugural experience seeing ice skating on a cruise ship, and the “iSkate” program was magnificent. It commenced with an impressive drone production before the talented skaters took to the ice. The entire 30-minute performance captivated us; the precision and artistry, especially on a moving ship, were truly astonishing.
Day 2: A Relaxing Day in Ensenada, Mexico
Our first night’s sleep on the Navigator of the Seas proved to be quite memorable! At one point, strong winds managed to unlatch our balcony door, startling John awake. His query of whether I was on the balcony at 2 AM was rather amusing, though I quickly realized it was the flapping curtains that had been contributing to my bizarre dreams. After securing the door, we managed to get back to sleep, ready for our day in Ensenada.
Having visited Ensenada a few times before, we opted for a tranquil day onboard rather than disembarking. We began with a delicious breakfast in the main dining room, reveling in the serene atmosphere and excellent service.
The breakfast menu featured all the beloved classics. We indulged in perfectly prepared eggs benedict, fluffy French toast, and an array of delectable sides. To truly embrace the vacation spirit, we paired our meal with mimosas and Bloody Marys, a perfect start to our relaxed day. After breakfast, we enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the ship before finding ourselves at the Schooner Bar for a round of trivia. While we’d love to boast about our prowess, we humbly admit our score of 6 out of 15 points wasn’t exactly stellar!
The Schooner Bar, with its inviting and comfortable lounge setting, offered the perfect opportunity to sample a few more popular cocktails. I discovered a newfound appreciation for the Tom Collins – who knew gin could be so delightful in such a refreshing drink? John was equally impressed by the complex flavors of a Brandy Alexander. The drink package proved invaluable, allowing us to venture beyond our usual choices and explore classic cocktails without any apprehension if they didn’t quite hit the mark. Later in the afternoon, we surrendered to one of our favorite cruise ship traditions: a long, incredibly relaxing cruise ship nap.
Refreshed after our extended nap, we returned to The Bamboo Room to further explore their tropical drink menu. My affection for the gin-based Saturn Cocktail only deepened with each sip, confirming its status as a new favorite.
Dinner was an epic culinary journey at Jamie’s Italian. The food was simply outstanding, with generous portions that left us in foodie heaven. From the warm garlic bread to the freshly made pasta of the day and an exquisite pavlova for dessert, every dish was a delight. So impressed were we that we immediately booked a lunch reservation for the following day while still savoring our dinner. Although we had reservations for an evening show, the indulgent four-course Italian meal combined with slightly rough seas encouraged us to opt for a relaxing evening back in our stateroom.
Day 3: A Blissful Sea Day on the Navigator of the Seas
One of the greatest joys of cruising is the freedom from a strict schedule. Despite some rough seas that kept us rocking and rolling for most of the night, we managed to enjoy over ten hours of blissful sleep. While having a stateroom at the very front of the ship offers unparalleled balcony views, it also means experiencing the motion of the ocean more intensely compared to a midship cabin. Thankfully, we awoke to glorious sunshine and calmer seas, ready to embrace our final full day.
After a leisurely morning spent further exploring the ship’s many amenities, from the Flowrider surf simulator to the expansive pool deck and mini-golf course, we headed to the main dining room for breakfast. Although I did check out the buffet’s offerings, the allure of the eggs benedict in the main dining room once again proved irresistible. Nonetheless, I was genuinely impressed by the diverse and often exotic options available at the breakfast buffet, even snapping photos of some items to research later as I’d never seen them before.
The only downside of a 3-night Ensenada cruise is how quickly it flies by. By the time the sea day arrives, you invariably find yourself wishing you had booked a week-long escape to fully immerse yourself in all the ship has to offer.
We dedicated our entire morning to pure relaxation on our extended balcony. We soaked up every ray of sunshine, knowing we would soon return to the snow and cold of Spokane. For lunch, our hearts led us back to Jamie’s Italian. Our dinner experience had been so exceptional that a repeat visit for lunch was a must, and it proved to be just as amazing.
During lunch, we ventured to try a few new dishes, including the rich Truffle Tagliatelle and their legendary Epic Brownies. After our delightful meal, we embarked on a walk around the ship, attempting to burn off a tiny fraction of the calories we’d just consumed. The Navigator of the Seas is brimming with so many attractions and activities that it’s genuinely challenging to experience them all on a short 3-day cruise.
Even simple discoveries, like a public bathroom with an incredible ocean view, sparked moments of genuine delight – I actually exclaimed “WOW” quite loudly upon entering! It was hard to believe this was already the final day of our cruise. Given the brevity of the trip, we hadn’t even fully unpacked. We concluded our evening with a light dinner from the Promenade, still pleasantly full from our epic Italian feast at Jamie’s.
Our final night found us at Boleros, enjoying the lively Latin music. We sampled a few more cocktails, including a fantastic coconut mojito, a robust Dark ‘n Stormy, and a classic Caipirinha. The vibrant music and atmosphere provided a wonderful, relaxed conclusion to our memorable Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas cruise.
Effortless Disembarkation in Los Angeles, California
We woke early on disembarkation day, bracing ourselves for what we expected to be a lengthy and complex process. To our pleasant surprise, it was exceptionally smooth. After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the Lido Buffet – the waffles with fresh fruit were so good I would happily return for them every morning – we prepared to leave the ship.
Disembarkation was seamless from start to finish. We gathered our bags, took the elevator down to Deck 4, and walked directly off the Navigator of the Seas to customs. There were absolutely no delays from the moment we left our stateroom until we cleared customs. The only minor hiccup we encountered was securing an Uber; after a 20-minute wait, the app indicated no drivers were available. Fortunately, I was able to quickly book a Lyft, which arrived promptly. We then enjoyed a smooth 45-minute drive to LAX for our flight home.
This 3-night Ensenada cruise was truly the perfect weekend getaway, and we are already eagerly discussing when we can book our next adventure on a Royal Caribbean ship. It was an experience that revitalized our love for cruising with them.
Navigator of the Seas Cruise Ship Highlights
The Navigator of the Seas is packed with incredible features and amenities designed to delight every guest. Here are some of the standout highlights that make this ship a fantastic choice for any cruise:
- **Thrill-Seeking Adventures:** Experience the excitement of the Rock-climbing wall, challenge yourself on the Flowrider surf simulator, or brave the exhilarating waterslides, including the Riptide℠headfirst mat racer and The Blaster® aqua coaster. The expansive pool deck, complete with refreshing hot tubs, provides ample space for relaxation and fun.
- **Diverse Culinary Delights:** Beyond the Main Dining Room and Windjammer Buffet, indulge in specialty dining options such as the highly acclaimed Jamie’s Italian and the fresh catch at Hooked Seafood. For casual bites, Cafe Promenade offers quick and delicious options throughout the day.
- **World-Class Entertainment:** From mesmerizing Ice Skating Shows on a dedicated ice rink to engaging live music at various lounges and bars, the entertainment options are endless. Enjoy a variety of performances and activities designed to keep you entertained.
- **Recreational Facilities:** Stay active with the Fitness Center, challenge friends on the Sports Court with its basketball court, or test your wits in the Royal Escape Room Challenge – Battle for Planet Z. For a unique experience, try Glow-in-the-dark laser tag.
- **Stunning Views & Relaxation:** Throughout the ship, enjoy unbelievable panoramic views of the ocean. The Spa offers a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation, ensuring you return home refreshed.
- **Accommodations for Every Traveler:** Choose from multiple types of cabins, ranging from interior staterooms to luxurious suites, including the spacious extended balconies, ensuring comfort for every budget and preference.
The Navigator of the Seas truly offers an adventure for the entire family, with something fun and engaging for kids, teens, and passengers of every age.
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