Stay and Cruise on board Navigator of the Seas
We flew direct from Leeds Bradford on Jet2.com to Rome’s Fiumincino Airport to be met by a pre-organised taxi, which took us to Civitavecchia, approximately 30mins. After check in at our delightful 4 star very Italian hotel call the Sunbay Park (English is spoken by most of the staff ) we were shown to our rooms, double beds with ensuite facilities, beautifully tiled, with wrought iron balconies overlooking the harbour, filled with pristine white yachts and speedboats bobbing about in the water.
The hotel had two swimming pools with plenty of sun loungers and parasols and a veranda restaurant with amazing sunset views offering a gorgeous menu. Also offered by the hotel is a full programme of activities including watersports, spa treatments and keep fit.
On the second day we took a local taxi to Aquafelix, a water park providing all day entertainment. Lockers were provided and we had a great day.
Sunday was our departure day, check out was very efficient and a taxi ordered, which took us to the very busy port. Ferries continuously arrive and depart for various parts of the Mediterranean, as well as a number of cruise ships. Our destination was Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, a voyager class of ship, one of the largest ships afloat, carrying 3,000 passengers and over 1,000 crew members, with 15 decks of gleaming white façade - her presence dominates the skyline.
Having already checked in online, embarkation was very straight forward and within one hour of leaving our hotel we were sat on deck, admiring our home for the next 7 days.
Each evening we received in our cabin, a newsletter detailing the following day’s activities including: arrival and departure times, suggested dress code for evening meals, shows, dances, ice skating performances, basket ball tournaments, climbing wall times, cinema screenings, casino lessons, and many more items.
We particularly liked the fact that we had the freedom to do as much or as little as we liked.
All cabins were beautifully decorated, offering a light and airy environment, with ensuite facilities, plenty of wardrobe space, dressing table, TV, telephone and some can sleep up to 8 people. Due to the size of Navigator of the Seas, it allows the space to host many facilities.
The Royal Promenade was just amazing; 4 decks high is a street in the middle of the vessel, with shops and bars, just like a resort. Not too be missed are the Mardi Gras Parades. But get there early for the best viewing. My favourite spot is from the balcony at the front of the ship on deck 6.
The Casino Royale is the largest 'at sea' and the other other facilities were just phenominal. There was 'Ship Shape' heath and fitness centre with its all important hairdressers and spa, a full sized sports court for basketball and volleyball, in-line skating track and a 9 hole Mini Golf course. After all the food consumed these areas are important.
In addition to this we could choose from 3 swimming pools and 7 jacuzzi’s, and the sundecks had plenty of space and loungers, even at sea days.
And as for Dining…. Where to start?
Windjammer –this was the buffet style restaurant open from early mornings to late evenings, and the food changes continuously throughout the day. We were spoilt for choice!
The main dining room offered waiter service and there were also a selection of speciality restaurants to choose from:
*Portofino’s (Italian) *Chops Grille (steakhouse)
The food at both of these is exceptional, well worth the cover charge*. And the table is yours all night.
*Johnny Rockets, a 50’s style diner, (very well attended by my daughter and friend)
Midnight Buffets held out on deck, the ice carvings are beautiful.
Room service for the 3 o’clock nibbles (morning or afternoon)
All this included in the price. We certainly made the most of this and the food was everything we could have wanted and more!
After dinner we enjoyed the West End style productions and musicals. These are performed daily, but my favourite was the spectacular Ice Show. It was amazing that, there we were at sea, watching mainly ex –champion skaters delighting us with triple salcoes and outstanding feats of balance.
We sailed the sparkling blue sea’s of the Mediterranean calling in at a number of ports:
Messina in Sicily (not to be missed is the 5 minute walk to the Duomo for the 12 o’clock chimes) Piraeus in Greece (10 minute walk to the railway station, 4 euros for a return ticket and you are in the centre of Athens) Kusadasi in Turkey (very large bazaar, good shopping, be prepared to barter) Heraklion in Crete (interesting fishing port)
One highlight not mentioned in the brochures is cruising past the active volcano “Stromboli” - an unbelieveable experience!
As a family, normally we got off in the mornings to walk around, exploring the surroundings areas, do some shopping, call into a local café and in the afternoons we would hunt out local beaches.
At the end of the 7 days cruise we transferred to Rome airport arranged by the cruise company for our flight home.
It was agreed that the holiday had been a fantastic success, the Sunbay Hotel excellent and Navigator of the Seas had exceeded all expectations, the ship was spotlessly clean, the crew very professional and friendly. Overall very good value for money.