Mariner Drydock, whats she having done?

[Topo Gigio]

Will she get a dedicated diamond lounge?

[Sequim88]

I can see where a Portofino change could be done in a week. Menus could be pre-printed ready to go and just hang a new sign. Re-decorate too if they get ambitious. I would be seriously bummed ff they make that change because was looking forward to the Seafood Skewer. :(

 

Since we planned to eat at Portofino a couple nights I went ahead and started a reservation. No problem at all. In fact when I tried to browse info for Giovanni's after having my reservation number in systme it would not show info at all and kept going back to list of current Mariner options. I wonder when they plan to tell people if it is changing. I'm not really thrilled by the items on the Giovanni menu. Also, the post-May 1 deck plans still show Portofino. So I will still hold out hope for that skewer. :D

 

I had thought the lack of RA plan for Mariner was due to it being A) relatively new and B) already Freedomized as part of the Generation II of Voyager class.

 

I did a search on stabilizers and could find no threads related to Mariner. Navigator had a stabilizer cut off mid cruise back in 2008 and re-attached in 2009 (according to one thread) but no references to Mariner. When did Mariner lose a stabilizer?

[negc]

Will she get a dedicated diamond lounge?

 

Yes, at least that is my understanding after reading all of the releases concerning the Royal Advantage program and the revitalizations that the ships in the fleet will be undergoing in the coming months and years. :)

[rubrrick]

I did a search on stabilizers and could find no threads related to Mariner. Navigator had a stabilizer cut off mid cruise back in 2008 and re-attached in 2009 (according to one thread) but no references to Mariner. When did Mariner lose a stabilizer?

 

The Mariner has 4 stabilizers, and was having a major problem with two.

 

I was aboard in Falmouth when the second stabilizer was removed, by a diving team. It was in interesting experience watching the divers, as they were under our balcony, and even with all bolts off.....the stabilizer refused to budge. Floatation devices were attached, and the stabilizer was moved from it's full outward position to almost it's retracted position, and finally, with a great deal of effort on the part of the divers, and the pilot boat pulling it with a Y harness, it gave way, then fell under the Mariner!

 

So, the floatation devices had to be disconnected, the stabilizer located, before the Mariner finally started out of Falmouth. We moved very gently till we finally were clear of the dock, so as not to disturb the stabilizer, that was resting on the bottom.

 

The following day, the divers that stayed, recovered the stablizer, with a crane, and then it was transported to a freighter that was on its way to Europe where the piece will finally be repaired in Finland.:)

 

I believe that the first stabilizer was removed in Galveston.

 

Rick

[geoblond]

I hope this isn't a stupid question, but does the Mariner seem rougher with 2 stabilizers instead of 4?

[sameness]

I hope this isn't a stupid question, but does the Mariner seem rougher with 2 stabilizers instead of 4?

 

Not stupid if you dont know the answer.

 

Having 4 is the equivalent of carrying a spare tyre. The second set is there in case theres a problem with the first. Hence why they could remove one set for repair and no-one notices anything

[geoblond]

Sameness-thank you so much for your answer. I'm weird in that I love to cruise but I get nervous on the first day or two and all reassurance is greatly appreciated!

[Sequim88]

Thanks Rick for the stabilizer history. It would be nice to have spares for the Atlantic crossing and even in the sometimes stirred up Med.

 

I have sent the following email to RCI customer service (via their web page).

I understand that Mariner of the Seas will undergo drydock work just prior to our cruise. I have heard reports from people who had recently heard the Captain say Portofino will be changed to Giovanni's Table during this drydock visit. Portofino is the only option of the two on the reservation system. I would like to reserve Portofino in advance and know it that will not be switched to Giovanni's Table later. Can you please confirm the status of Portofino for the May 1 sailing? Thanks.

 

Taking my chances on getting a straight answer but if I hear something I'll pass it along.

[joandian]

These items are confirmed by RCL office. Plus they had people on during the cruise on 22nd doing an inspection for the changes.

As well as the usual 'clean the hull' they will be re-attaching the stabilisers they removed recently to send to Finland for repair.

 

There is no "major" dry dock scheduled for 2013-14 for Mariner. Some of the other VY class may be going to DD around then, but Mariner is done for another 5 years after April

 

Well I'm really pleased to hear the stabilisers will be fixed before our TA & BTB Med cruise. Since I get sea sick I'd like as smooth as ride as possible :D

[Topo Gigio]

Thanks Rick for the stabilizer history. It would be nice to have spares for the Atlantic crossing and even in the sometimes stirred up Med.

 

I have sent the following email to RCI customer service (via their web page).

 

 

Taking my chances on getting a straight answer but if I hear something I'll pass it along.

 

Still no answer from RCI customer service?

[Sequim88]

No response at all from RCI Customer Service. Still waiting and watching for one. Maybe I tagged it wrong. I selected "Onboard Services". I might try again and see if there is a "help" option when making a reservation.

[shaggyofwv]

There are a few enhancements being made.

 

Big screen on pool deck, Portofinos into Giovannis Table. Park Cafe. Hot Dog Sand. Starbucks. Refitting lighting and sound gear in theatre/studio b/lounges.

 

 

Sad to hear that they are changing Portofino into Giovannis table. Not because of any dislike of Giovannis, but because my wife and I ate there on our honeymoon cruise onboard the Mariner.

[Topo Gigio]

Will she get Starbucks?

[Sequim88]

Maybe they are obfuscating big time but it "sounds" from the reply I got overnight to my earlier inquiry that they are not changing Portofino to Giovanni's Table.... but they might... but they are still taking reservations for Portofino. A classic "non-answer" response.

 

Thank you for your email. We apologize for the delay in our response.

When a Royal Caribbean ship is refurbished, there are a multitude of different renovations that can take place. Some of these include: carpeting, upholstery, bedding, painting, general maintenance and updating of furniture. Unfortunately, we are unable to release detailed information regarding the changes that will take place. However, at this time, we have no plans to remove the ability to make reservations for Portofino from the Pre Cruise Planner section of our website. Please rest assured, if your reservations need to be changed in the future, an email notification will be sent to you at the time the change is made.

 

Which puts me in a bind because if I reserve for Portofino now I must pay now. While I would get a refund later if I cancel due to them changing to GT they hold the $40-50 until then.

[daljettjockie]

What is Giovannis table?

[Mines]

[quote name='daljettjockie']What is Giovannis table?[/quote]

Giovanni's Table is a new restaurant first introduced on Oasis of the Seas and added to Allure as well. They have had great success with it and are going to put more GTs in the refurbished ships.

We have been to both GT and Portofino and like both - they are more similar than different and you will find an excellent meal in either. GT is a bit more "Tuscany" oriented.

For Sequim88, I would personally leave you booking in Portofino and if they decide to change to GT you can decide on board whether to take your refund or transfer to GT. On a 15-night cruise I would certainly recommend trying GT at least once.

[Sequim88]

[QUOTE]On a 15-night cruise I would certainly recommend trying GT at least once. [/QUOTE]

Definitely would try it once. The menu does not look at all bad and there is a Ciopino type seafood soup that looks interesting. Main reason we go to Portofino twice is once for the Seafood Skewer and once for trying something else once we had have had the awesome skewer. Sorry but when you grow up on Puget Sound but live over 1,000 from the closest salt water (not counting Hudson Bay) sea food takes on a special meaning. :)

[wreckem2013]

I can see them possibly doing some small updates in April. Changing the names of restaurants and the restaurants decor isn't that major of an update.

I am doubting the whole Park Cafe thing. The only ships that have received the Park Cafe(other than Oasis and Allure) are ships that did not have Cafe Promenade. Freedom and Liberty did not get Park Cafe.

But the technology overhaul(touch screens, ipads, wifi improvements) the other ships have received definitely won't be happening in April. Hopefully its not the thing left out with the *less extensive updates.

[wreckem2013]

Oh and I do see them updating the casino in terms of slot machines. They tend to upgrade slot machines on a as necessary basis and sometimes in a piecemeal fashion. Updating the majority of the slots(some are fairly new, the bulk are ancient) is definitely needed.

[Topo Gigio]

[quote name='wreckem2013']I can see them possibly doing some small updates in April. Changing the names of restaurants and the restaurants decor isn't that major of an update.

I am doubting the whole Park Cafe thing. The only ships that have received the Park Cafe(other than Oasis and Allure) are ships that did not have Cafe Promenade. Freedom and Liberty did not get Park Cafe.

But the technology overhaul(touch screens, ipads, wifi improvements) the other ships have received definitely won't be happening in April. Hopefully its not the thing left out with the *less extensive updates.[/QUOTE]

Where did you read it's not going to happen?? Both Freedom and Liberty stayed only 1 week in dry dock and they had it done..-ipad! This ship will be out of service for 9 days, so don't see why it can't be done!

[PeterPan]

[quote name='Topo Gigio']Where did you read it's not going to happen?? Both Freedom and Liberty stayed only 1 week in dry dock and they had it done..-ipad! This ship will be out of service for 9 days, so don't see why it can't be done![/quote]


Because Royal Caribbean says the new features are being added in 2013-2014.

[Topo Gigio]

[quote name='PeterPan']Because Royal Caribbean says the new features are being added in 2013-2014.[/QUOTE]

But if she goes in April to dry dock she won't be going anytime soon again to dry dock.

[PeterPan]

RCL has never said anything about "refurbishment" of Mariner in April. They continue to show "2013-2014" for the refurbishment of Mariner. They have been very vocal about the previous efforts on Radiance, etc., so I don't believe this upcoming drydock is for anything more than prep to move over to Europe. ie., replace stabilizers, clean and paint.

This is only my opinion. I'm not sure why everyone seems to think they are going to perform a refurbishment in only 9 days or less of drydock time....

[Topo Gigio]

[quote name='PeterPan']RCL has never said anything about "refurbishment" of Mariner in April. They continue to show "2013-2014" for the refurbishment of Mariner. They have been very vocal about the previous efforts on Radiance, etc., so I don't believe this upcoming drydock is for anything more than prep to move over to Europe. ie., replace stabilizers, clean and paint.

This is only my opinion. I'm not sure why everyone seems to think they are going to perform a refurbishment in only 9 days or less of drydock time....[/QUOTE]

I'm not saying that she will get a refurbishment(3-4 weeks!), but small things like touch screens and WI-FI can be done during her dry dock. Liberty and Freedom DID got those during their 1 week visit last year, so I don't see why it can't be done in this case. The things that you say that will be done during dry dock are mostly "outside" work. I'm positive that more will be done and not only cleaning on the inside!!! A lot of work can be achieved during a 1 week dry dock. Time will tell shortly.

[05mak05]

We were in quads #8354 and #8356 in December. The mattress in #8356 was beyond worn out. Hopefully bedding will be replaced as I think it's been a while.