We've finally found some warm weather on the Navigator in the Western Caribbean. We left home Jan. 14th seeking warmth and have been cold until now--it was warmer at home most days than it has been in the Caribbean--go figure. We're enjoying the Navigator again--it's like old home week for us. The crew is great as usual and the food has been out of this world--even better than usual. We had a star gazing party last night that was lots of fun and informative. From Cozumel we head down to Belize, Guatamala and Honduras before heading back to Florida. We found out the Navigator will go in for dry dock early next year with a complete renovation and the addition of a Prime Seven. We're happy to hear that--we love this ship.

Hi Peggy, good to hear from you! I am also happy to hear that you are enjoying the food. How cold has it been up till now???

Thanks Peggy, for your report. I'm so happy to hear that you are enjoying the Navigator. We look forward to our upcoming cruise. You've just made me even more excited!

Peggy, happy you and Jerry finally found warmth !! Also nice to hear the Navigator will have a Prime 7 like her big sisters. Will this replace Portofino's ?? Keep having fun !

Well, there you 2 are - we've missed you! Don was thinking that you & Jerry had really "dropped out"! Way-to-go - We're sending warm weather wishes your way.

As for the cold--it's all relative. We tend to think it's cold if it gets below 80 degrees. We were in Key West for several days and it got into the 40s, now that's cold. We're still enjoying the ship--have made some great new friends. Had a problem today though--we're stuck in Cozumel because one of the engines went out and it won't get fixed until tomorrow--I assume we're waiting for a part to get flown in. The good news is--it's nice and warm here and they have Mexican food.

Peggy nice to hear from you. Glad you are getting warm!

Hi Peggy,

Glad you are enjoying the cruise! Happy to hear that Navigator is in good shape.I love that ship too! Say hi to Jerry!

Hi Peggy,
Glad to hear that you and Jerry are having such a good time.

Best
Jan and Fred

It's reassuring to hear that Navigator is going to be updated, and an alternative restaurant added, but I wonder where? Public space is relatively scarce on Navigator. On it's 2002 World Cruise, they had a passenger who was offering very popular classes on the then-new digital cameras, but had no dedicated space to offer him. They allowed him to use the starboard side of the Stars Lounge, which is the entry to the theater, and not very good for a class with slides. I wonder where they will squeeze in the new eatery? Perhaps the upcoming FUN will provide answers.

If the new Prime 7 happens it will be upstairs in that section of Portofinos on the starboard side there that is out of the main area of Portofinos. Where we played Pooch on Samba.

There is some space they can utilize behind that area as well to expand it and not take away too much from Portofinos. There will be a separate entrance and it will be closed off from Portofinos.

I think by adding another dining venue (especially something as good as Prime 7) will help attract people to Navigator for longer cruises.

Marcie I totally agree with you on that one...we liked Navigator for No-Name, but for a longer cruise more dining venue choices will be wonderful! :app:

Peggy, glad to see you and Gerry are cruising again. A Prim 7 on the Navigator will be a welcome addition. I like having choices. Hope you continue having fun and find warmer weather.

Agree 27 nights on Navigator with only CR and Portofino's got old for us - we all have our favorite ships and that's fine - I loved, really loved, the Diamond and some did not - talk about few dining choices BUT 14 nights, our first cruise, it worked!!! We had not cruised V and M so no comparison. And 7 nights, again, (second trip) Diamond trip with LCTers it was magic!!!

Joanna I agree, if I had been on Navigator 27 nights I would have felt the same. But the longest I have been on her is 14 nights, on Ninja, and it was perfect. I think we only went to Portofino 2 nights. What a great cruise that was!

14 nights okay almost a month for us - you miss other eating venues

I've always wondered why they don't utilize the Observation Lounge more on Navigator. When we did the Canada/New England it was only used once for the AMEX party. I think it would be nice to use that more during the day, as well as cocktails in the evening as they do on the Mariner and Voyager. I'm sure there is a logical explanation, but it seems such a wasted space. Maybe with the extensive dry dock, they will figure out a way to also use that lounge more often.

Observation Lounge is now part of the spa area now with exercise equipment.

I think the problems were (a) the room was too small for a general lounge and (b) they did not have a bar set up to offer drinks and with a portable situation it is difficult to provide quality service.

Although I often think of the Observation Lounge on the Song, standing room only at times but they did have a proper bar service area.

With the Navigator returning to Alaska in 2010, it would be nice to have a forward Observation Lounge. Unfortunately, the most likely place currently has Penthouse A suites (deck 11). Looking forward to reading about the changes for next year's dry dock.

Anchored in Belize today. The weather is perfect and the water is crystal clear. Great day for snorkeling. Had dinner last night with cruise director Lorraine--a real treat. But even better than that was the fantastic Dover Sole we had. Food continues to be really good. We've eaten once in Portofinos which was excellent, but I'm perfectly happy in Compass Rose. They've added a couple more entree choices to the menu each day which provides plenty of variety. We were on the Navigator for 47 days on the Discovery cruise--Portofinos changed their menu every 6-8 days to match the area of the world we were in: Indian food, African food, Brazilian food interspersed periodically with the normal Italian. We went several times for diffent menus, but really never got tired of Compass Rose. On to Guatamala tomorrow--one place we haven't been.

When I first heard that the Navigator was going to cruise Alaska, I, too, was concerned that she lacks the Observation lounge for wonderful scenic viewing. Since she is smaller, maybe she can get into some smaller fjord areas, though.

Peggy, Glad to hear you are enjoying the Navigator again. I sure do miss her. Have fun in the craft market in the port area of Santo Tomas. It's really good, especially the jade and coffee. Don't miss the farewell send off from the locals. It's special.

Dinner with sweet Lorraine (Mark has a crush on her!) and Dover sole, can it get any better!?!? I am glad you have having great weather, that really makes such a difference!

Thanks Ngaire - it makes a bit more sense now. Probably will do better as part of the spa, as I do remember walking thru the spa area to get there.

Peggy - give Lorraine a giant hug from me and Frank, we have had her as CD on 4 of our 6 cruises, so she is definitely our favorite CD. I did have a short email from her last week so know she is on Navigator. So as I said, just go up and give her a big hug and tell her its from us.

Have you met the "Crazy Bulgarian" bartender, yet.
I called him "Sophy". He makes excellent drinks, especially Mojitos. Enjoy the rest of the cruise. Thanks for posting.

We're headed to Key West and will have an overnight there tonight. Everything continues to be great on the Navigator. We don't generally go to the shows on cruises, but even we've enjoyed the entertainment this time--it's a step or two above. Neviboy, we haven't me a "crazy Bulgarian" bartender--our favorites are Chris (who is French) and Ricky (who is Australian). "Sophie" may be on vacation or something--or maybe we're not going to the right bar???? I'm looking forward to Tex-Mex lunch at the pool grill today. I'll take it, even though we're getting close to going home and getting the real thing. This has been a really nice cruise--we've even met a couple of our favorite former politicians, we really enjoyed those conversations!!!!

Peggy, so happy you've had such a nice cruise ! We too loved Ricky the bartender...what a sweetheart. Enjoy the tail end of your cruise!

Peggy, I'm catching up on LCT just as you are leaving the Navigator. Sounds as if you've had a great trip. Welcome back home, too!

Hi Peggy, we can see you from the Mallory Square cam :hello1:

:hello1: to Peggy and Jerry!

We did the Duval crawl last night so we're kind of laying low this morning. Love the webcam--if you're looking at the right time, you can see us from our balcony. We have the gentle hint of the packing mat on our bed so that's what we'll be doing this afternoon. We're sad to leave the Navigator--this has been a great cruise, but truth be told, I'll be kind of glad to get home and stay for a little while. We don't leave again until Viking in May--maybe we can get some work on the house done. :)