Navigator Gets Texas-Sized Makeover

When it comes to cruise ship makeovers, all the big companies are busily engaged in making their older ships newer, brighter or even bigger (and sometimes all three!). Now comes news of the completion of a month-long dry-dock revamp for Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, which is primed to resume year-round service from Galveston, Texas, and add some Wow to the Lone Star State.

Part of an extensive fleetwide programme to enhance every Royal Caribbean ship, Navigator will introduce new and enhanced dining options; debut a new FlowRider surf simulator; and offer a glimpse ahead toward the cruise line’s highly anticipated Quantum of the Seas, with new first-at-sea features.

Top of the range is the new FlowRider surf simulator, the centre of attention atop the deck 13 Sports Deck, as well as the debut of Royal Caribbean’s first Virtual Balconies in 81 interior staterooms displaying views of the ocean and destinations. Virtual Balconies were first announced for Quantum of the Seas, which debuts October 2014, and Navigator guests can be among the first to experience this innovation.

Navigator will also feature an expanded line-up of eight different dining options, led by the debut of an all-new modern Mexican specialty restaurant Sabor, featuring a menu of modern Mexican dishes. Diners here also can delight in customised guacamole and salsas, made tableside, as well as an assortment of tacos, quesadillas and burritos, all made with the freshest ingredients. Sabor has a service charge of $25 per guest.

Also on board is the fully revamped and elevated Chops Grille: The New American Steakhouse, which marries contemporary flair to traditional steakhouse offerings. The first among Royal Caribbean’s fleet to offer the new menu, it will feature brand new selections, such as the Veal Chop Parmesan, a Slow-braised Short Rib of Beef with Bordelaise sauce, and a Dry-aged Steak Burger served on a brioche bun and topped with melted gruyere and pancetta. The line's signature alternative dining experience has a service charge of $35 per guest.

The new Izumi Japanese Cuisine (a la carte menu) and delicious classic Italian favourites in Giovanni’s Table Italian trattoria ($15 for lunch and $20 for dinner per guest) are also available, while rounding out Navigator's culinary experiences is the grand, three-storey main dining room, newly renamed Sapphire, the casual-dining Windjammer Café, and complimentary room service from 5-12 a.m.

Other popular concepts from the company's Oasis-class ships have also been introduced, such as new digital signage, bow-to-stern Wi-Fi service, new flat-panel televisions in every stateroom, an oversized LCD movie screen overlooking the main pool, a new Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty member guests, and the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery for the youngest guests ages six to 36 months. Additionally, the ship’s Champagne Bar has been re-conceptualised into Royal Caribbean’s signature, retro-chic R Bar.

Navigator of the Seas will sail seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries every Sunday from Galveston, visiting exciting warm-weather getaways in the Caribbean, including; Cozumel, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; Falmouth, Jamaica; and George Town, Grand Cayman.

More info: call 0844 493 4005 or visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk.

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