Royal Caribbean Makes a Los Angeles Comeback

After more than a decade, Royal Caribbean International’s Navigator of the Seas is back in Los Angeles cruising the West Coast. The cruise line offers couples and families bold and adventure-packed activities year-round now. Choose a long 3-night weekend, or extend your time to 4, and 5, 7 day weekday cruises to Catalina Island, California, Ensenada, and the Mexican Riviera.

Guests will appreciate the $115 million series of enhancements that include a resort-style pool with a Caribbean vibe. The Main Pool offers a variety of seating arrangements from in-the-pool loungers to Key West style casita cabanas. There is live music daily outside at the popular three-level poolside bar known as ‘The Lime & Coconut.’

Oceanview Balcony Cabins

Other outdoor activities include The Blaster, the longest aqua coaster at sea. Thrill seeking guests propel more than 800 feet of dips, drops and turns.

Two other water adventures include Riptide, the industry’s first water mat racing waterslide. Head first riders travel through a translucent tube above the deck that veers off the side of the ship for inspiring ocean views. Nearby is FlowRider, a surf simulator that is fun to boogie board or stand up and surf the curl.

The Solarium Pool is for guests 16+

Raised bubbling whirlpool tubs are popular after a day exploring a port. For a quieter pool experience, the Solarium Pool is for passengers 16 years and up. Afterwards, new to the ship is ‘To Dry For’ the first standalone blow-dry bar at sea. The menu of services includes blowouts, hair conditioning and hairstyling to look your best after a day up on deck or sightseeing.

Tropical hot spot onboard

Nearby The Bamboo Room is Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade offering big-screen TVs showing game-day classics, plus and array of tabletop and classic arcade games. This lively spot offers bar bites, ice-cold beer and zero-proof cocktails.

Located on Deck 3

There are so many fun activities for families onboard the Navigator of the Seas. Spend a morning or afternoon ice skating at Studio B. In the evening, guests are entertained by a dazzling showcase of talented International skaters showing off their best moves and spins to their favorite songs.

Also, The Royal Escape Room: The Observatorium challenges teams of families, friends or fellow travelers to solve mind-bending puzzles before time runs out.

Private Back Deck for teens

Adventure Ocean and teens spaces have been redesigned for free play where young travelers can easily switch between types of activities. Teens have an enhanced dedicated space with games, movies, music and more in The Living Room and a private outdoor patio called The Back Deck.

Johnny Rockets Express

Teens might also want to have lunch and dinner every day at Johnny Rockets Express for freshly grilled burgers, fries and shakes. There is also a soft serve stand near the Main Pool, and Baja California theme El Loco Fresh offering burritos, Agua Fresca’s and other favorite Mexican dishes.

Try your luck in the Casino, try to reach the top at the rock climbing wall or play a round of golf at the whimsical ‘Navigator Dunes’ miniature golf course.

Try to get a hole in one

Another part of the major makeover includes the new reservation only, Hooked Seafood presenting fresh New England-inspired dishes like just-shucked oysters, shrimp and grilled seafood.

Shrimp Cocktail at Chops Grille

Jamie’s Italian, from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is the rustic Italian reservation required fine dining experience. Restaurants that continue to be a passenger favorite include Chops Grille, and Izumi Sushi. The Main Dining rooms and Windjammer Marketplace are open to all without a reservation.

There are several 7-night sailings that visit Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan, Mexico, besides the 3 to 5 day cruises along the West Coast with stops in Catalina and Ensenada. Visit Royal Caribbean’s website.