Why Navigator of the Seas Is Perfect for Families (Even Teens)

We sailed on the three-night weekend cruise from Los Angeles (technically San Pedro) to Ensenada aboard Navigator of the Seas, one of Royal Caribbean’s smaller but mightier ships—and one of our all-time favorites.

For this trip, we originally booked a junior suite but took advantage of Royal Caribbean’s RoyalUp program—and won a bid to upgrade to a one-bedroom owner’s suite. Let me tell you, the suite life is next level. From pre-cruise communication to the moment we stepped onboard, the Concierge Suite Lounge team rolled out the red carpet. Any request we made was met with a smile (and usually a solution). They remembered our names, our drinks, our preferences—and made everything effortless.

Dining was a highlight, thanks to the Unlimited Dining Package. We feasted at Izumi Sushi (our fave), where the pre-fixe menu is so generous you’ll wonder if you need stretchy pants by day two. The buffet was our go-to for breakfast, and we also enjoyed room service one morning—a must-do for our son. For lunch, El Loco Fresh on the pool deck hit the spot with nachos, tacos, and burritos galore. We also had the Deluxe Beverage Package (hello, frozen mojitos) while our son loved ordering mocktails with his Refreshment Package.

Entertainment onboard never disappoints—great shows, stellar service at every bar, and poolside drink servers who somehow remember your drink order after one day. We skipped bingo and some of our usual activities this time, and instead leaned into relaxation mode with a cabana rental by the pool.

What makes this ship especially great for families is the sheer amount of kid and teen-friendly activities. Royal Caribbean has done an amazing job with programming:

• Royal Babies and Tots Nursery (ages 6–36 months).

• Adventure Ocean for kids ages 3–12, with age-appropriate zones and activities.

• The Living Room teen lounge, perfect for older kids who want their own space.

• Video Arcade, rock climbing wall, sports court, mini golf at Navigator Dunes, two waterslides, and the ever-popular FlowRider surf simulator.

They even have a Royal Escape Room experience onboard, which we’ve done on previous trips and loved.

We stayed onboard during the Ensenada port stop this time, and fully embraced a chill ship day, but we’ve done amazing excursions here before—like La Bufadora and horseback riding, both of which we highly recommend.

Whether you want to pack your day with activities or just unplug by the pool, Navigator of the Seas offers something for every travel style—with world-class service and cleanliness at every turn.

RoyalUp upgrade tips: If you’re hoping for a RoyalUp offer, make sure you’re subscribed to Royal Caribbean’s promotional emails. If you’ve unsubscribed in the past, you may not receive the invite—and that’s how you miss out on potential suite upgrades.

Concierge Lounge access: Only guests staying in Grand Suites and above can access the Concierge Lounge. That means Junior Suites do not include this perk—a common misunderstanding!

Cabana rentals: These are a hot commodity, especially on sea days. You can (and should) reserve them ahead of time in the Cruise Planner to make sure you snag one. Totally worth it for the shade, cooler, fruit plate, and overall chill vibe.

Dining plans: The Unlimited Dining Package gives you incredible value, especially if you love specialty dining. We got more than our money’s worth and the food was phenomenal.

Spa upsell alert: Massages and treatments are top-notch, but you’ll likely get a sales pitch for their skincare products afterward. Just smile and say “not today” if you’re not interested.

El Loco Fresh is a poolside must—nachos, tacos, and quesadillas galore. Super tasty and quick for lunch between activities.

Port of Ensenada: While we stayed on board this time, Ensenada has plenty to do! In the past, we’ve visited La Bufadora (the blowhole) and done horseback riding, both of which were a blast.

This three-night itinerary is perfect for quick weekend getaways, family fun, or cruisers looking for a more intimate ship experience without sacrificing amenities.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.