Hooked Seafood is a specialty restaurant that debuted on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas. During the renovations to Navigator of the Seas, this up-charge venue was added to the ship. In 2018, we tested out the venue on Symphony of the Seas and were wondering how this version of the restaurant stacked up to its predecessor. We are back with all of the details in our Navigator of the Seas Hooked Seafood Review.
Navigator of the Seas Hooked Seafood Review
Inside Hooked Seafood on Navigator of the Seas
On Navigator of the Seas, Hooked Seafood is located on the port side of Deck 4. It is directly across from the Schooner Bar. On Symphony of the Seas, the restaurant is located on the top decks, above the Solarium Bistro, giving it a much more open feel. This version on Navigator of the Seas did feel a bit cramped and closed off despite the large windows.
Sill, the nautical theme and decor were similar to the previous version of the restaurant. The tables and chairs have the same color palette and design as well. There is also still the raw bar in the center of the restaurant, albeit much smaller.
Overall, the restaurant had a familiar feel and look as the original, even if the location was a bit less desirable.
Related Post: Navigator of the Seas Ship Scorecard Review
Dinner at Navigator of the Seas Hooked Seafood
For this review of Hooked Seafood on Navigator of the Seas, our reservation was for 6:30 pm on the final evening of our 3-day cruise. It was a bit busy when we arrived. After waiting for a few moments, we were escorted to a small table for two at the far side of the restaurant. Our waiter was quick to come over and introduce himself.
After ordering drinks, a pair of the warm butter biscuits were delivered to the table. Of course, I was quick to dive into this dish.
For starters, the restaurant does deliver a pretty authentic version of New England Clam Chowder. Any rendition that meets the Princess’ approval, especially on a cruise ship, is worth noting.
I started with the fried calamari. While it was a step above the main dining room, I still felt the version at Jamie’s Italian was far better. On suggestion from our waiter, I also ordered the Oysters, sampling each kind. These were a mixed-bag, with the Rockefeller being my favorite.
For entrees, I went with the Captain’s Platter, which included a shrimp skewer, lobster tail, and a fresh fish filet. Honestly, I took one bite of the fish as there were more tempting seafood options.
The Princess ordered the Surf and Turf, opting for the grilled chicken instead of the steak. Of course, she let me borrow her lobster tail! The lobster was better than I recalled when we ate here eight months ago but still not much better than lobster night in the main dining room. Overall, I was happier with my selections this time around though.
We ordered a few sides as well. For the most part, these were just average though. We were both feeling the cruise weight from three full days of eating, so we only lightly grazed these selections. Of course, we had to save some room for dessert.
Hands down, the best dessert is the whoopie pie. Taking our waiter’s advice once again, we ordered the whoopie pie, one with the cream filling and one with vanilla ice cream as the center. Game. Changer.
Honestly, the dessert was probably the highlight of the dining experience. If we dine at Hooked Seafood again, we would certainly opt for this version of the dessert.
Recap of Hooked Seafood Navigator of the Seas Review
We liked the addition of a seafood restaurant to Royal Caribbean’s specialty dining line up. When compared to other cruise lines with a dedicated seafood restaurant, the appeal of Hooked is that it is more casual and family friendly. The restaurant is also included in the Royal Caribbean Unlimited Dining Plan which gives cruisers extra value if you have pre-purchased this package.
Related Post: Our Review of the Unlimited Dining Plan
As New England residents, we feel that Hooked Seafood does its best to capture the atmosphere of a seaside restaurant on a cruise ship. When compared to a similar restaurant on land, the food does fall a bit short however. The clam chowder and shrimp skewers were the bright spots of our seafood selections.
When it comes to the lobster tails, we are not sure if they were worth the up-charge. The oysters varied in quality and taste as well.
Adding this Hooked Seafood to Navigator of the Seas gives cruisers more dining options. For those looking for a specialty restaurant with a seafood-centric menu, this restaurant certainly delivers. If we were to return, I would try the Whole Maine Lobster next time. For this experience, the restaurant fared on par with our visit on Symphony of the Seas. However, we do give props to our waiter for being friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable of the menu.
Given the short nature of cruises on Navigator of the Seas, Hooked Seafood is only open for dinner on these sailings ($42.99 per person, pricing does vary). If you like seafood, we would suggest giving the restaurant a try for yourself. If you have the unlimited dining package, then it’s an even better value.
Comments
Have you dined at Hooked Seafood on Navigator of the Seas? Do you enjoy this addition to Royal Caribbean’s specialty dining line-up? Drop us an anchor below with your review of this specialty restaurant.
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