Cruise Addicts searching for a short getaway are in for a double dose of adventure. Royal Caribbean International is amping things up on 3- to 4-night Caribbean cruises with new, record-breaking experiences coming to a reimagined Navigator of the Seas. With a $115 million modernization, Navigator will offer vacationers a lineup of firsts and Royal Caribbean favorites, including an awe-inspiring Caribbean poolscape, two daring waterslides, the first blow dry bar at sea, Insta-worthy nightlife and dining, and thrilling activities for the whole family. Travelers can max out on every moment of their precious time off as soon as February 24, 2019, when the amplified ship sets sail on her first cruise from Miami. Beginning May 2019, Navigator will offer short Caribbean itineraries that will visit the cruise line’s highly anticipated private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
“Each Royal Caribbean ship brings a new adventure uniquely designed to deliver on our guests’ preferences from A to Z,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “After launching our Royal Amplified modernization program with Independence of the Seas and then redefining short getaways with Mariner of the Seas, we are challenging ourselves to take it to the next level. Every detail matters, and we’ve mapped out an unmatched combination of innovative features and experiences for this top-to-bottom transformation of Navigator of the Seas.”
Over-the-Top Deck
Navigator’s top decks will be the center of this unforgettable weekend escape with adrenaline-inducing and feel-good moments from bow to stern.
Travelers can take a beat or the whole day to unwind under the sun with a completely reimagined poolscape infused with Caribbean vibes. The standout resort-style deck takes on a new look with more pool for everyone – even a Splash Pad for tots – and all the ingredients that make for a perfect weekend. New to the scene is The Lime and Coconut. The two-level signature bar will sweeten sunsets with cocktails as pool days transform into pool nights with extended hours, live music and a “rooftop” deck for a bird’s-eye view. When hunger strikes, the weekend goes uninterrupted with casual grab-and-go spots on deck. Guests can conveniently choose from tasty Mexican street fare at El Loco Fresh and American classics at the first Johnny Rockets Express.
Dining and Nightlife
Having originally debuted on Voyager Class, the cruise line’s signature Royal Promenade will tout new restaurants, retail and nightlife. After a day in the sun, travelers can swing by To Dry For, the first standalone blow dry bar at sea. Offering blowouts, hairstyling and polish changes, plus a selection of wines and champagnes, the new space is the perfect stop for a quick beauty fix before a night out. The Bamboo Room, first introduced on Mariner of the Seas, is the cruise line’s Polynesian-themed watering hole with kitschy-cool cocktails and unique tiki-chic décor. For those looking to catch the big game or host game night, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade features 50 big-screen TVs, tabletop games, tournaments, trivia, a new Owner’s Box VIP room, and a menu of classic bar fare with a twist alongside ice-cold brews.
Every palate will be pleased when popular Royal Caribbean restaurants join a refreshed Chops Grille steakhouse. Guests can go for Jamie’s Italian to get a taste of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s rustic Italian dishes made with seasonal ingredients and homemade pastas crafted in-house daily. Foodies angling for fresh seafood and ocean views in a casual setting will find New England-inspired dishes, from lobster and crab claws to local fish and just-shucked oysters, at Hooked Seafood. Also new on board will be Starbucks, with an extensive menu of drinks and pastries.
Family Adventure
Beyond the action-packed top decks are more Royal Caribbean hits, including glow-in-the-dark laser tag with Battle for Planet Z in Studio B, mini-golf and the Royal Escape Room: The Observatorium, where family, friends and foes team up to solve new mind-bending puzzles before time runs out.
Younger kids will enjoy Royal Caribbean’s new take on the Adventure Ocean youth program in a newly designed open, free play space. With trained staff and the cruise line’s award-winning programming, the modern concept will let imaginations roam free with activities organized by interests at every corner. The teen areas will also sport updates with a redesigned Living Room, the teen-only laidback hangout, as well as a new “hidden” entrance and outdoor deck that serves up nothing but chill vibes.
When Navigator arrives to Miami after her modernization, she will sail a series of 5- and 9-night Caribbean itineraries. The amped-up ship will then offer vacationers 3-night weekend and 4-night weekday sailings to The Bahamas starting May 2019, becoming the first to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay – the debut destination in the cruise line’s recently announced private island collection. With a $200 million makeover, the ultimate family destination will feature Thrill Waterpark with 13 jaw-dropping slides, like Daredevil’s Peak – the tallest waterslide in North America; Oasis Lagoon, the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool; Up, Up and Away, the helium balloon that floats up to 450 feet in the air for the highest vantage point in The Bahamas; Chill Island for some R&R on the beach; and the action-packed South Beach with sports, paddle-boarding, glass-bottom kayaking and more.
Rooted in research and guest feedback, Royal Caribbean’s investment of more than $1 billion in the Royal Amplified fleet modernization effort spans 10 ships in four years and touches every facet of the guest experience. Navigator of the Seas, the third ship to be reimagined, builds on the program’s success in creating iconic pools and attractions, as well as the elevated dining and nightlife that travelers seek on shorter and more frequent getaways. Introducing a wide range of bold, new adventures meant to appeal to every generation, Royal Amplified reflects the cruise line’s passion for innovation, relentless attention to detail and commitment to delivering unforgettable vacations.
For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers should call their travel agent; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.
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