Navigator of the Seas

The 2019 amplification doubled the pool's surface area and gave Navigator a bright, Caribbean-style pool deck. Two good-sized pools sit in the middle with seating all around the edges, plus Baby Bay and Splashaway Bay for the littlest cruisers and hot tubs on two levels. The Lime and Coconut climbs three levels above it all, with bars, a DJ, colorful casitas and a top-level sun deck. An extra-large LED screen shows movies and big games in the evening.

Navigator was the first Royal Caribbean ship with The Blaster, an aqua coaster that uses water jets to push riders up and down, and Royal calls it the longest waterslide at sea. Its partner, Riptide, is a headfirst mat racer that curves out over the side of the ship. Both are included in the fare. The FlowRider surf simulator sits right beside them, with stadium seating for spectators, and the complimentary rock climbing wall is close by.

Up on the sports deck, Navigator Dunes is a themed mini golf course that's open from morning into the evening, and fun for all ages. Next to it, the sports court hosts basketball, dodgeball and tournaments, and it now has three pickleball courts. Danny grew up shooting free throws and playing three-on-three on Royal Caribbean sports courts, and his kids play mini golf here today. The adults-only Solarium, with its own pool and bar, sits just forward of the main pool deck.

The Viking Crown is a Royal Caribbean signature you can spot from far away. Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows look down to the pool deck and out to sea. It works as a multi-use space by day and turns into a nightclub at night, with a DJ booth, a piano and the Crow's Nest Bar. Next door, the Suite Lounge serves guests in Ocean View Panoramic Suites and above, with a suite concierge, light bites through the day and an outdoor terrace.

Adventure Ocean is a drop-off program for kids ages 3 to 11, grouped more by interests than strict age bands, with arts and crafts, science experiments, movie time, video games and gaga ball. Late-evening sessions are available at an extra cost. Royal Babies and Tots cares for little ones from 6 to 36 months, with feeding, changing and a nap area. Teens have their own indoor lounge with a huge TV, foosball and video games, plus a private outdoor deck.

Navigator has a specialty restaurant for most cravings. Izumi is a sushi bar with rolls, sashimi and Japanese dishes like teriyaki. Chops Grille is the classic steakhouse with prime cuts and an open kitchen. Jamie's Italian, from chef Jamie Oliver, serves handmade pastas in a shared, home-style setting. Hooked Seafood has Cape Cod decor, an oyster bar and lobster, open for lunch and dinner most days. All four come at an extra cost, alone or as part of a dining package.

The Royal Promenade runs down the middle of the ship like a city street, with Promenade-view staterooms above. Along it you'll find Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, the complimentary Cafe Promenade, the Copper and Clover pub with live music nightly, the Bamboo Room tiki bar and the retro R Bar. Nearby are the Schooner Bar, Danny's favorite bar on every Royal ship, Boleros for Latin music and dancing, a full Starbucks and the Casino Royale.

Studio B is a real ice rink. Guests can skate during open sessions, and at night it hosts an ice show with world-class skaters and drones, included in the fare. The rink also hosts laser tag and the adults-only Quest scavenger hunt. All the way forward, the Royal Theater stages Broadway and Las Vegas-style revues and guest entertainers, and the Star Lounge hosts karaoke and game shows. The three-story main dining room is one of Danny's favorites in the industry.