MIAMI — Royal Caribbean International has rolled out the red carpet for its long-anticipated return to California after more than a decade.

The cruise line’s Navigator of the Seas set sail from Los Angeles on Nov. 19 to kick off its year-round season of cruises to Catalina Island, California and the Mexican Riviera. Cruises include three-night weekend voyages as well as four- and five-night weekday sailings.

Guests onboard the Navigator can enjoy a US$115 million series of enhancements onboard that were unveiled in 2019, including:

• Resort-style pool – Kids and adults alike enjoy Caribbean vibes from day to night, thanks to vibrant colors, a variety of seating – from in-pool loungers to casitas – live music, and the three-level poolside bar known as The Lime & Coconut.
• The Blaster– The longest aqua coaster at sea propels thrill seekers through more than 800 feet of dips, drops and turns.
• Riptide– The industry’s only headfirst mat racer waterslide joins The Blaster and Navigator’slineup of top-deck thrills. A highlight, the exhilarating finish through a translucent tube that goes off the side of the ship makes for inspiring ocean views.
• To Dry For– The first standalone blow-dry bar at sea. For a quick fix to seamlessly transition from a day out to getting ready for a night out on the town, there is a menu of services that includes blowouts to hairstyling.
• The Bamboo Room– Royal Caribbean’s take on the tiki-chic bar and lounge serves up spice-infused handcrafted drinks and shareable bites.
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade– Families can enjoy gameday classics, 50 big-screen TVs, tabletop games, classic arcade hits alongside bar bites, ice-cold beer and zero-proof cocktails for the kids.
• Adventure Ocean and teens spaces –Kids 11 and under have a redesigned venue that sports an open format made for free play and where young travelers can easily switch between types of activity. Teens have an enhanced dedicated space with games, movies, music and more in The Living Room and a private outdoor patio called The Back Deck.
• Royal Escape Room: The Observatorium– A challenge for teams of families, friends or fellow travelers to solve mind-bending puzzles before time runs out

Navigator of the Seas

Also new to Navigator as part of its major makeover are Hooked Seafood, serving up fresh New England-inspired dishes like just-shucked oysters, Johnny Rockets Express, Starbucks and Jamie’s Italian, with a menu of rustic Italian recipes – including fresh pastas – from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. Many returning include the FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, the Studio B ice-skating rink, Far East flavors at Izumi and a new mini golf course.