Royal Caribbean Ship to Undergo $115 Million Makeover

Royal Caribbean has announced that they will be giving Navigator of the Seas a $115 million makeover next year. Updates will include two waterslides, a headfirst mat racer slide, a new Caribbean poolscape area, and the first blow dry bar at sea.

Outside Decks

Navigator‘s top decks will be the center of attention for most guests during their weekend getaways onboard. The Perfect Storm is a bold duo of waterslides, and The Blaster is the line’s first aqua coaster and the longest waterslide at sea. Guests hop onto a two-person raft that will wind its way through over 800 feet of hills, drops, and straightaways. Travelers will plunge down headfirst on mats on the Riptide slide, which ends with a translucent tube for gorgeous ocean views.

The pool area will also be redone with a resort-style deck and more pool for everyone, including a Splash Pad for the little ones. A two-level bar called The Lime and Coconut will see the day’s transition from sunlight to night with extended hours, live music, and a “rooftop” deck for the best views. For quick bites, passengers can grab Mexican street fare at El Loco Fresh or a burger and shake from the first Johnny Rockets Express.

Family Activities

Beyond the top-deck fun, there are plenty of activities for everyone below deck, too. Navigator will be outfitted with a glow-in-the-dark laser tag course in Studio B, mini-golf, and the Royal Escape Room: The Observatorium where friends and family can team up to solve head-scratching puzzles before time runs out.

Younger kids can enjoy the newly designed Adventure Ocean play space, with activities organized by interest in every corner. Teen areas will also receive updates with a redesigned Living Room space, as well as a new “hidden” entrance and outdoor deck just for them.

Dining & Nightlife

The ship’s signature Royal Promenade will boast new restaurants, retail, and nightlife. After a day in the sun, guests can swing by To Dry For, the first standalone blow dry bar at sea. It offers blowouts, hairstyling, and polish changes, plus a selection of wines and champagnes for a quick beauty fix before a special evening. The Bamboo Room, first introduced on Mariner of the Seas, will also be included in Navigator‘s updates. The Polynesian-themed watering hole features unique tiki-chic décor and kitschy cocktails. Those looking to catch the big game can head down to Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, which offers 50 big screen TVs, tabletop games, tournaments, trivia, and a menu of classic bar fare alongside ice-cold brews.

The ship’s Chops Grille steakhouse will be receiving a refresh, and Jamie’s Italian restaurant serving up rustic homemade pastas will be added to the ship. Those who want a seafood fix can find it all at the New England-inspired Hooked Seafood restaurant, which will serve lobster, crab claws, local fish, oysters, and more. Also new onboard will be Starbucks with everyone’s favorite drinks and pastries.

Itineraries

When Navigator emerges from her renovations, she will sail a series of 5 and 9 night Caribbean cruises from Miami. Then starting in May 2019, she will offer 3-night weekend and 4-night weekday to the Bahamas, being the first to visit the line’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay.