Ensenada’s cruise port got a bit of extra sparkle yesterday with the arrival of the Navigator of the Seas, one of Royal Caribbean’s most iconic vessels. Towering 15 decks above the ocean, this floating resort brought over 3,000 passengers to our charming port city—and we were there to capture it. (Scroll down for our exclusive 360° photo and video!)
The Navigator of the Seas belongs to Royal Caribbean’s Voyager Class and first launched in 2002, though you’d never guess it by looking at her. A major renovation in 2019 gave the ship a full facelift—think laser tag arenas, a blow-dry bar, brand-new waterslides, and a totally revamped pool deck. It’s a resort on water, complete with a three-story main dining room, an ice skating rink (yes, really), and enough food options to keep you full from sunrise to sunrise.
Step into our immersive 360 experience and see the Navigator from the sky like never before. And don’t miss the video to see the excitement unfold in real time:
At over 1,020 feet in length and a gross tonnage of 139,999, this ship is no small visitor. She’s designed to carry more than 4,000 guests at full capacity and operates mainly out of Los Angeles, sailing short trips to the Mexican Riviera, including Cabo San Lucas and—lucky us—Ensenada.
Locals may have noticed the buzz near the Malecón as excited tourists disembarked, flooding the shops, grabbing fish tacos, and hopping onto wine tours to Guadalupe Valley. The ship’s arrival is a clear sign that cruise tourism is alive and well in Baja. Port officials told us the Navigator is scheduled to return multiple times throughout the season, injecting a welcome boost to the local economy.
With ships like this docking in our backyard, it’s safe to say: Ensenada is cruising into the spotlight.
