Send the kids to Club Ocean with what Royal Caribbean calls the world's largest youth facility afloat. There is Navigator Dunes, a nine-hole miniature golf course, roller blade course, Jogging track, full-size basketball court, golf simulator and towering 200 feet above the sea a rock climbing wall designed to challenge experts and beginners alike. ( Too scary for us- no guts, no glory )

In the Viking Crown Lounge, we found the Cosmopolitan Jazz Club, a great cosy lounge for drinks and good vibes. There is also a Card Room, 19th Hole Golf Bar and Navigator has a Wedding Chapel that can accommodate 60 guests.

We had a balcony stateroom with twin beds that can be converted to queen size bed, private bathroom, phone, closed-circuit television, mini bar and a hair dryer. No complaints here. The cabin was a good size, though not huge and the balcony really added to the spacious feeling. Nothing beats a view of the sea and the stars at 1:00AM. Very romantic.

There are 1,500+ staterooms of which over 900 are ocean view and of those, 0ver 700 have a balcony/verandah. There are also interior cabins, with over a hundred of those with a window that overlooks the Promenade. The cabins have twin beds that can be converted to queen-size. If you bring your own laptop you can hook-up right in your cabin to internet access at an extra charge. If you are looking to go over the top, check out the Royal Suite: a separate bedroom with king-size bed, private balcony with a hot tub, whirlpool bath, living room, wet bar, dining area, tv/dvd entertainment system and a baby grand piano.

Broadway style show productions at held at Metropolis. In "Now & Forever", the cast performs music and dance from such shows as Dreamgirls, The Producers, and Mamma Mia. An ice extravaganza in Studio B on Deck 3,"Ice Dancin'," features an international cast including Russian, Canadian and American skaters. Great show. You will need a ticket to see the show as space is limited. At other times, there is open skating for guests. There is singing and dancing in The Ixtapa Lounge, and a variety of musical choices at venues throughout the ship ranging from classical, rock, country western, and jazz.

A really fun to watch experience is the Mardi-Gras Parade where -- jugglers, comics, costumed characters and other performers parade through the Royal Promenade and perform for you.

Adventure Ocean, Royal Caribbean's youth program is a great expereince for your kids. There is a 22,000 sq.ft.area that includes computer stations with activities divided into age groups:(1)three to five year olds,(2)six to eight year olds,(3)nine to eleven year olds, and(4)teens; twelve to fourteeen and fifteen and seventeen. You will find an art studio, large play area, themed events, and science programs. Adventure Art by Crayola projects...and a lot more activites, too numerious to mention here.

Navigator has an outdoor area for teen parties with music and food service. Fuel is the teen disco, complete with dance floor and Internet Caf?. Teens also can hang out at The Living Room....or play games in the video arcade.

Baby-sitting is available.

Overall, we give Navigator of the Seas an 8 ( out of a possible perfect 10 ). We think Navigator is a great for honeymooners, couples and families and especially for groups. There's plenty of room and lots to do for everyone.

Travel Professional