After a decade-plus gap, Royal Caribbean is back sailing from LA

The ship departed Friday on the first of a year-round season of three-night weekend and four- to five-night weekday cruises to Catalina Island, Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas.

Several seven-night sailings visit Mexican Riviera destinations like Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán.

'As a native Californian, it’s exciting to see Royal Caribbean back to sailing from Los Angeles for the first time in more than 10 years. Our guests and travel partners spoke, and we listened,' said RCI's Vicki Freed, SVP sales, trade support and service.

$115m renovation in 2019

Navigator of the Seas was 'amplified' to the tune of $115m in 2019 and now has features like the longest waterslide at sea and a standalone blow-dry bar.

The Blaster aqua coaster propels riders over more than 800 feet of dips, drops and turns, while To Dry For offers services from a quick blowout to transition from a day out to a night out to hairstyling.

The redone resort-style pool has vibrant colors, a variety of seating — from in-pool loungers to casitas — live music and the three-level poolside bar The Lime & Coconut.

The Bamboo Room, a tiki-chic bar and lounge, serves handcrafted drinks and shareable bites, while Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade invites families to a spot with 50 big-screen TVs, tabletop games, classic arcade hits bar bites, beer and zero-proof cocktails for the kids.

Adventure Ocean

Kids 11 and younger have a redesigned Adventure Ocean venue with an open format made for free play and where they can easily switch between types of activities. Teens get an enhanced, dedicated space with games, movies and music in The Living Room and a private outdoor patio, The Back Deck.

An escape room, The Observatorium, offers a challenge for teams of families, friends or fellow travelers to solve puzzles before time runs out.

Also new to Navigator as part of its 2019 makeover are Hooked Seafood, Johnny Rockets Express, Starbucks and Jamie’s Italian.

Returning features include the FlowRider surf simulator, rock-climbing wall, Studio B ice-skating rink, Far East flavors at Izumi and a new mini golf course.

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