What Food is Free on Navigator of the Seas in 2024?
I just returned from a fantastic Navigator of the Seas trip with my crew – my husband and our two little kids.
One big question was, “What food is free on Navigator of the Seas?”
We were all about enjoying this trip without constantly reaching for our wallets, especially when it came to eating and cruise dining.
So, we turned it into a little family mission: find all the yummiest spots on the ship where we could eat without paying extra.
This post is all about sharing all the best complimentary Navigator of the Seas restaurants with you.
If you’re getting ready for your cruise vacation and wondering about what Navigator of the Seas dining options come with your cruise ticket, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s dive into the delicious details together!
What Food Is Free on Navigator of the Seas?
1. Windjammer Café:
- Rating: 4/5 Stars
- Location: Deck 11
- Standout Dish: Salad Bar, Avocado Toast (Breakfast), Hand Carved Meat Stations (Lunch & Dinner)
- Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
The Windjammer Café on Deck 11 is a family favorite where the variety truly shines.
It’s the go-to spot for families seeking a laid-back dining atmosphere with meals served throughout the day.
This is Royal Caribbean International’s main buffet and is on almost every cruise ship.
While the abundant choices and flexible dining hours are a big plus, be mindful of peak times as they can get crowded, and the louder environment might not suit those searching for a quiet meal.
Overall, it’s the perfect buffet for families looking to satisfy everyone’s tastes.
Pros:
- Variety: With its wide range of cuisines, the cruise ship buffet menu is your opportunity to try something new. It’s a fantastic way to introduce little ones to different flavors in a no-pressure environment.
- Flexible Dining Hours: The café’s operating hours cater to both early birds and night owls, so you’ll never have to rush to catch breakfast or dinner.
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The laid-back vibe is perfect for families, offering a stress-free dining experience where spills are no big deal, and there’s always a friendly staff member ready to help.
Cons:
- Crowds: During prime dining times, the Windjammer can get really crowded. Finding a table for a larger family might require a bit of patience and timing.
- Overwhelming Choices: Sometimes, the sheer variety of dishes can be a bit overwhelming, especially for indecisive eaters. It might take a couple of rounds to survey all the options before deciding what to eat.
- Noise Level: With its popularity comes a higher noise level, which might not be good for families looking for a quiet meal.
2. The Main Dining Room
- Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
- Location: Decks 3, 4, and 5 Aft
- Standout Dish: French Onion Soup, Crab Cakes, Strip Steak
- Meals Served: Breakfast, Dinner (daily), Lunch (on sea days)
The Main Dining Room is where families come together to share stories and food in a beautiful setting.
It’s our favorite evening spot to spend our evenings, with its rotating menu keeping dinner exciting.
The atmosphere is the fanciest complimentary restaurant on Navigator of the Seas, but it isn’t stuffy.
It makes for the perfect place to make any meal feel special.
Pros:
- Elegant Atmosphere: It feels like a special occasion every time, with the elegant decor and attentive service.
- Adventurous Menu: The changing menu keeps things interesting, offering something new to try each night.
- Family-Friendly Options: Royal Caribbean “My Family Time Dining” option offers more flexibility for families with young kids who don’t want a strict dining schedule
Cons:
- High Demand: It’s a popular spot, so making a reservation is a smart move to avoid waiting if you do end up doing “My Time Dining.”
- Dress Code: There’s a dress code for dinner, so it’s a chance to dress up a bit. This may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
3. Café Promenade:
- Rating: 4/5 Stars
- Location: Deck 5 Promenade
- Standout Dish: Pizza
- Meals Served: Snacks and small bites (Available 24/7)
Café Promenade on Deck 5 is the go-to spot on Navigator of the Seas for anyone craving a small bite at any hour.
It’s where you can grab a slice of delicious pizza or a sandwich, whether in the middle of the night or at the crack of dawn.
My kids absolutely devoured the pastries here.
They were asking for pizza almost every day of our cruise.
It has our favorite pizza of any cruise line.
This café is all about convenience, serving up food around the clock.
Pros:
- Open All Hours: No matter when hunger strikes, Café Promenade is ready and waiting with open doors.
- Perfect Location: Situated right in the heart of the ship on deck 5, it’s super easy to pop in for a quick snack.
- Casual and Quick: A Royal Caribbean favorite spot for a bite without any fuss, perfect for families that need to refuel.
Cons:
- Menu Selection: While the pizza is definitely a highlight, the menu might not have a ton of variety if you’re looking for something different.
- Busy Times: Given its location and 24/7 service, it can get pretty busy, especially when everyone’s looking for a late-night snack after the evening shows.
4. El Loco Fresh:
- Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
- Location: Deck 12, Pool Deck
- Standout Dish: Customizable Burrito Bowls, Chicken Burrito
- Meals Served: Lunch and Dinner
Pair your meal with the stunning ocean views from the pool deck for an unbeatable combo of delicious Mexican food and breathtaking scenery.
The menu’s variety, from quesadillas to nachos and an extensive toppings bar, ensures there’s something for everyone.
My family would stop here for a quick bite after a shore excursion, and my kids loved to pick out the toppings on their nachos.
Pros:
- Poolside Pleasure: Located right on the pool deck, El Loco Fresh offers the perfect mix of sun, fun, and food, allowing you to soak up the rays and flavors all at once.
- Flavor in Every Bite: Who doesn’t like Tex-Mex? The menu and food here are packed with flavor.
- Customizable Options: The ability to customize your meal, especially with the burrito bowls, means you get exactly what you’re in the mood for every time.
Cons:
- Peak Time Popularity: Being such a hit, especially on sunny pool days, it can get quite busy, so you might have to plan your visit to beat the rush.
- Outdoor Dining: While dining al fresco is part of the charm, finding a comfortable spot to enjoy your meal might take a little patience on particularly hot or crowded pool days.
5. Room Service:
- Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
- Location: Right to Your Doorstep
- Standout Dish: Complimentary Continental Breakfast
- Meals Served: All Day (Note: Continental breakfast is complimentary; other items may have charges.)
Waking up on the Navigator of the Seas can be as relaxed as you want it to be, thanks to Room Service.
Our family loves starting the day quietly, with a simple breakfast in our room.
It’s super easy and means no rushing around.
The best part? The continental breakfast comes without any extra charge, so you can enjoy your morning coffee and some light bites while still in your PJs.
Pros:
- Convenience: There’s nothing like starting your perfect day with breakfast in bed or on your balcony, watching the sunrise over the ocean.
- Great for Families: It’s a stress-free way to feed the crew, especially when everyone’s waking up at different times.
- Complimentary Options: The continental breakfast won’t cost you extra, making for a sweet, budget-friendly start to your day.
Cons:
- Charges for Some Items: Just a heads-up: if you’re craving something more than the continental options, there might be a charge. Check the menu first.
- Ordering in Advance: To make sure your breakfast arrives when you’re ready for it, it’s a good idea to order the night before. Just fill the menu card out and place it on the door handle for the dietary department to pick up.
6. Soft Serve Ice Cream Counter:
- Rating: 4/5 Stars
- Location: Near the Pool Area on deck 12
- Standout Feature: Endless Soft Serve Ice Cream
- Availability: Open Daily, Perfect for Anytime Snacking
While not a dedicated restaurant, the Soft Serve Ice Cream Counter is a cruise favorite for families, perfectly positioned near the pool for that quick, refreshing treat between swims or activities.
It’s a hit with everyone, especially my daughter, who looks forward to the ice cream on all our cruises.
Pros:
- Unlimited Access: Who can say no to endless soft serve? You can swing by the ice cream window whenever hunger strikes.
- Convenient Location: Situated close to the pool, I love to grab a cone while watching the kids play in the splash pad or pool.
Cons:
- The Temptation is Real: With such deliciousness just a few steps away, it’s tempting to visit more often than planned.
- Popular Spot: Its popularity means there might be a bit of a wait during peak times, especially on sunny days when everyone is craving a cool treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the specialty restaurants onboard Navigator of the Seas?
Onboard Navigator of the Seas, you’ll find various specialty restaurants, including the Chops Grille for steak lovers, Jamie’s Italian for a taste of Italy, and Izumi for exquisite sushi and Asian cuisine. Consider eating at Johnny Rockets Express for a quick lunch to get hamburgers and milkshakes. All of these restaurants will have a cost billed to your stateroom.
2. Are drinks included on Royal Caribbean Cruises?
Yes, basic beverages like water, tea, coffee, and select juices are included in your cruise fare. However, soda, alcoholic beverages, and specialty coffees are available for an additional cost, or you can opt for a drink package to keep sipping worry-free.
3. Can I make special dietary requests at the dining venues on Navigator of the Seas?
Absolutely! Navigator of the Seas caters to various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more. It’s recommended to make your dietary requests known in advance to ensure your dining experience is both delicious and accommodating.
Final Thoughts:
And there you have it – a little sneak peek into all the tasty spots onboard the Navigator of the Seas where you can grab a bite without reaching for your wallet.
From early-morning coffee runs to late-night pizza cravings, our family’s adventure was filled with delicious food, all without the worry of extra costs.
So, pack your bags and your appetite, and get ready to cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas.
