Embarking on a Royal Caribbean cruise promises an unforgettable escape, and the choice of stateroom significantly shapes your experience. On the majestic Navigator of the Seas, opting for an extended balcony stateroom at the front of the ship offers a truly unique perspective. This comprehensive review delves into what it’s like to luxuriate in one of these coveted accommodations, specifically a room on Deck 11, providing an unparalleled vantage point and ample outdoor space for relaxation and enjoyment.
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Unveiling the Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas Extended Balcony Stateroom
Our recent voyage aboard the Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas led us to a delightful discovery: an extended balcony stateroom located precisely at the very front of the ship on Deck 11. Specifically, our sanctuary for the cruise was Room #1150. This marked our inaugural experience booking an accommodation situated directly in the ship’s bow, and the anticipation was palpable.
Stepping into our room for the very first time, one feature immediately captured our attention and drew us in – the magnificent balcony. Its sheer size was breathtaking, prompting us to bypass all other elements of the room and make a beeline straight for the expansive outdoor space. It was clear from that moment that this upgrade was going to be a highlight of our cruise.
The Expansive Extended Balcony: A Private Oasis at Sea
The transition from the interior stateroom to the fresh sea air is seamless, thanks to a robust sliding glass door that provides access to the extended balcony. There’s a slight step up, a minor detail that barely registers when faced with the grand vista beyond. What truly sets this stateroom apart is the unparalleled spaciousness of its private outdoor area. Unlike standard balconies, which often feel compact, this extended version truly lives up to its name.
Furnishing this impressive space are two comfortable lounge chairs, perfect for soaking up the sun or enjoying a good book, alongside two standard chairs and a generously sized table. This versatile arrangement allows for everything from al fresco dining with room service to enjoying evening cocktails under the stars. The sheer abundance of space means you never feel cramped; there’s ample room to stretch out, move around, and fully embrace the open ocean environment. It truly feels like having your own private deck.
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A thoughtful design element, particularly for its forward-facing position, is the protective plastic covering the top portion of the railing. This ingenious addition acts as a shield against the wind, ensuring a more comfortable experience even when the ship is at speed. Furthermore, sturdy metal partitions are seamlessly integrated to provide privacy from neighboring staterooms, allowing you to enjoy your personal space without interruption.
We experienced the practical benefits of this wind protection firsthand on the very first night of our cruise. The winds were surprisingly strong, so much so that our sliding glass door, despite being seemingly closed, managed to open slightly around 2 AM, causing the curtains to billow dramatically onto the balcony. The protective barrier, however, minimized the direct impact of the gusts, reminding us of its crucial role in maintaining comfort in this unique location.
The Functional Bathroom: Compact Yet Complete
It’s important to set expectations when it comes to cruise ship bathrooms, and the one in our stateroom on the Navigator of the Seas was no exception. To be candid, it is quite small. This is undeniably a functional space designed for efficiency rather than leisurely indulgence. If you’re accustomed to expansive home bathrooms, you’ll quickly notice the difference. Every inch is utilized, providing all necessities within a compact footprint. For guests of a larger stature, this bathroom might feel particularly snug, making movement a bit more challenging.
Despite its dimensions, the shower is thoughtfully equipped with a convenient 2-in-1 body wash and shampoo dispenser, a practical amenity that eliminates the need to pack your own toiletries. A notable improvement over older cruise cabins is the presence of plastic doors that effectively close around you, preventing water from splashing out onto the bathroom floor – a welcome change from flimsy shower curtains. The rest of the bathroom includes a small but perfectly adequate sink, a side storage area for essentials, and a compact toilet. While not luxurious, it successfully provides all the necessary facilities to refresh and prepare for your day.
The Stateroom Interior: Comfort and Functionality
Upon entering the main living area of our Navigator of the Seas stateroom, we found the bedding to be a highlight. We had our twin beds configured into a single, spacious king-sized bed, which felt incredibly inviting. The bedding itself was notably soft and of high quality, contributing to a restful night’s sleep. However, it’s worth noting that the mattress leaned towards the firmer side. If your preference is for a plush, pillow-top mattress, you should be prepared for a more robust sleeping surface. For those who appreciate a firm bed, this will be a welcome comfort.
The bed was adorned with four generously sized pillows, providing ample support and comfort. Adjacent to the bed, a compact nightstand offered a drawer and a small cabinet, useful for keeping personal items close at hand. A minor observation was the absence of conventional power outlets right next to the bed. However, a clever solution was provided on one side: a telephone unit equipped with a built-in USB port, perfect for conveniently charging your smartphone overnight.
The room also featured a small two-person couch. While it looked appealing, we primarily found it useful for storing our suitcases, rather than as a comfortable seating option. Despite trying to relax on it a few times, its firm cushioning made it challenging to get truly comfortable. Nevertheless, it served its purpose as a practical surface.
A dedicated desk area provides a functional workspace, complete with multiple built-in drawers to aid in organization and storage. Above the desk, a large mirror serves as an excellent aid for getting ready, making the space more versatile. Below the counter, a small refrigerator is available, ideal for chilling a few water bottles or your favorite cold beverages. For added convenience, a compact hairdryer is provided within the desk area, saving you the hassle of packing one. This thoughtful inclusion helps maximize luggage space for other essentials.
Storage is always a key consideration on a cruise. Our stateroom included one closet with two doors, offering a reasonable amount of hanging and shelving space. While certainly adequate for shorter cruises, it might not be the most expansive closet we’ve encountered at sea. If you plan to pack an extensive wardrobe, you might consider requesting additional hangers from your stateroom attendant or bringing a few of your own. However, for our 3-day Ensenada cruise aboard the Navigator of the Seas, the available storage was more than sufficient, allowing us to comfortably spread out and organize our belongings.
Overall Review: Is the Forward Extended Balcony for You?
Our experience in the extended balcony stateroom on Deck 11 forward aboard the Navigator of the Seas was overwhelmingly positive, offering everything we needed for a fantastic cruise. While it wasn’t the most spacious cruise stateroom we’ve ever enjoyed in terms of interior square footage, the unique advantages of its location and the generous balcony more than compensated. The trade-offs in interior space are a common characteristic of cruise ship cabins, optimized for efficiency and accessibility.
The bathroom, as noted, was indeed small. Maneuvering within it sometimes felt like a gentle dance, especially for anyone not accustomed to compact spaces. However, this minor inconvenience was easily mitigated by the abundance of public restrooms strategically located throughout the ship, which we often utilized during the day. Our stateroom bathroom primarily served its purpose for showering and evening routines.
The bed size was excellent, providing ample space for a comfortable sleep, though its firmness might divide opinions. For those who appreciate a supportive, firm mattress, these beds will likely be a dream. If you typically prefer a softer, more enveloping sleep surface, it’s something to be aware of.
The true magic of this stateroom, however, lies in its forward-facing position. Waking up each morning to the unobstructed, panoramic views of the ocean stretching before us was truly exhilarating. A particularly memorable moment was witnessing the stunning sunrise over Ensenada as we gracefully pulled into port – an exclusive spectacle only available from the front of the ship. This unique perspective adds an entirely new dimension to the cruising experience, allowing you to feel more connected to the journey.
The strategic location on Deck 11 forward also proved incredibly convenient for accessing various amenities onboard. A short stroll down the corridor and across the pool deck led us directly to the Windjammer Marketplace buffet, making early morning breakfasts or casual lunches effortless. Furthermore, a major elevator bay was situated close to our room, providing swift and easy access to virtually any part of the ship, from the entertainment venues to the dining rooms.
Considering all aspects, we would wholeheartedly recommend and gladly book a forward extended balcony stateroom again in the future. The slight upgrade cost was undeniably justified by the significantly larger balcony, the incredible, ever-changing views, and the overall enhanced experience of being at the very forefront of our floating resort. It’s an ideal choice for cruisers seeking a more immersive connection with the ocean, a private outdoor sanctuary, and the thrill of watching the world unfold from the ship’s commanding position.
Explore More Royal Caribbean Adventures
For those planning their next Royal Caribbean voyage, these articles offer additional insights:
The Epic Guide to Royal Caribbean Drink Packages
Recap of Our Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas 3-Night Ensenada Cruise
Official Royal Caribbean Information: Royal Caribbean Website
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