This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
One of the largest passenger vessels in the world is about to get even more over-the-top.
On Feb. 24, 2019, Royal Caribbean’s 3,800-passenger Navigator of the Seas will emerge from a $115 million modernization with a litany of new features, including a pool deck inspired by a Caribbean beach, two waterslides, the very first blow dry bar at sea and new family spaces to boot.
Adrenaline junkies will appreciate The Blaster, which is Royal Caribbean’s first-ever aqua coaster and apparently the longest waterslide at sea. On this ride, each two-person raft will be shuttled through 800 feet of ups and downs, including a turn that actually extends beyond the edge of the ship for that “I’m definitely about to launch into the ocean” feel.
There are also a handful of experiences cruising newbies will be shocked to hear are even possible on a boat floating at sea: glow-in-the-dark laser tag, mini-golf and an escape room.
On the family front, Royal Caribbean has definitely dialed-up the focus. The revamped ship includes an updated take on the line’s kids program and, for the slightly older crowd, there’s a redesigned Living Room (described as a “teen-only laidback hangout”) as well as a new hidden entrance and outdoor deck.
At the revised poolscape, parents will find a Splash Pad for the kiddos.
Despite technical issues that resulted in the ship taking on water during a recent cruise, the Navigator is expected to resume sailing and reposition to Miami on schedule. From there, she will sail a series of 5- and 9-night Caribbean itineraries. The line will then offer vacationers 3-night weekend and 4-night weekday sailings to the Bahamas starting May 2019, becoming the first to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay — the debut destination in the cruise line’s recently announced private island collection.
Before you decide on a sailing date, be sure to check out our guides to the best credit cards for booking cruises, cruise line loyalty programs and ways to use points and miles on a cruise vacation.
With some great bonus categories, the American Express Gold Card has a lot going for it. The card offers 4x points at US restaurants, at US supermarkets (up to $25,000; then 1x), and 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com. It is currently offering a welcome bonus of 35,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 in the first three months.
- Earn 35,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $2,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 3 months.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. restaurants. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with The Gold Card at Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Shake Shack, and Ruth's Chris Steak House. This is an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Airline Fee Credit: up to $100 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees at one selected qualifying airline.
- Choose to carry a balance with interest on eligible charges of $100 or more.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
