Add drunken, unsupervised CRUISES to the legends of Spring Break. Well over 1,000 teenagers embarked the Navigator in Miami. Was this in part because of the policy that legalized drinking of beer and wine for those who looked over 18 was reportedly rarely enforced? Parents who were either unknowing or turned a blind eye to the drinking policy did so with the hope that the ship was a sanctuary away from questionable hygiene in Cancun, the next best place for Freak Week. With advance bookings showing teens dominating the demographics, one would think RCC would beef up security. However, RCC, in their quest for profit, actually often solicited underage drinkers. The effect was dramatic. Our corridor was so noisy at all hours of the night (and day) that several of us called security nightly to seek the quiet necessary for sleep. Forget relaxation.

Experienced cruisers and travelers that we are supposed to be, you might ask why we picked Spring Break and why the Navigator. I fly over 100K annually now for over 10 years consecutively and my wife is a 20 year veteran travel agent making the Silverseas, Seabourne and Crystal our current preferred lines. But, being a part of a group, economics and personal demands forced the date and cruise lines. Let me add that the RCC sales rep and headquarters left s lot to be desired. Specific questions such as how to handle a request by a handicapped member of our party were met with form letters, which didn’t address the question.

The Navigator IS the newest and best-equipped ship on the seas. The activity areas, spa, health club and entertainment areas were excellent. And there were adult only (over 16) areas. While we wanted to take home our Jamaican steward, Emancia, we noted more than occasional morale problems with other employees. Notable was a photographer who wanted us to hurry, a bartender who appeared unresponsive and a bar manager who dressed down a waitress in public view. Shore excursions, as exemplified by our overcrowded and undersupervised Sting Ray Snorkel Tour, seemed to be limited only by the number of people who would sign up and pay. Yet, room service and dining room service were timely even if the food was a little better than average (Johnny Rockets and the pastries/desserts were notably pleasant exceptions). The shows were mediocre. The additional cost specialty restaurants were not a good value. One note for those who enjoy wine: bring it on board and pay the corkage!

The Navigator is physically elegant but lacks the personality and organizational support to pamper adult cruisers.To be sure, if you are over 21 then avoid school breaks.