Review and photos from 5 night cruise on Mariner Of The Seas, 2 January 2014

[donna10]

Before I go in to my daily recount of our activities I just have one word to say, that is "WOW"! This was our first cruise, yes we were cruise virgins. Dear husband and I were totally blown away, not literally, from the moment we boarded. We must have looked ridiculous with our chins dragging on the floor as we tried to take in the magnificence of this vessel. The sheer enormity of her is just phenomenal. I'de been trawling CC since I booked, making heaps of notes, taking in all reviews from experienced cruisers. I took everyone's reviews under consideration without being influenced by anyone's opinion too much.

 

I really wanted to do a review as I myself found it difficult to find reviews on Mariner of the Seas since her move to Singapore. Also, I've experimented and I just can't seem to work out how to load decent size photos, so they're smallish but it's the best I can do. So here it goes.

 

We decided to take part in this particular cruise as it departed on the 2nd January which was the day DH turned the ripe old age of 50.

 

Day 1 (embarkation)

 

From dropping off our luggage, then going through immigration, obtaining our seapass was effortless. It probably took us about half and hour to forty five minutes. The longest part was actually going through immigration. There were heaps of cheerful happy faces around from boarding crew to passengers.

 

As it was only about 12.30 the cabins weren't ready and we weren't particularly hungry so we went to the Pool Bar and had the first of our many drinks.

 

 

I had pre-purchased the Premium Package and DH had the Select Package. Throughout the whole cruise we didn't have any problems with using our packages. All the hard working bar staff from all areas were friendly and cheerful. The bar staff at the Pool Bar and Sky Bar were extremely tolerant of some very rude 'bar flies' (those who sit at the bar all day and do nothing else but drink and and hurl sarcastic and demeaning comments at the staff). I wonder at what stage the staff can refuse to serve them. Don't get me wrong, we love to have a drink and have a good time but there comes a point when enough is enough.

 

Anyway, I digress. Before we knew it, it was time to find our cabin. As we weren't planning on spending much time in the cabin we decided on an inside cabin. The cabin was what I expected size wise and I was surprised by the amount of storage cleverly hidden throughout the cabin and bathroom. We had plenty of places to store our gear, in fact more room than a rather expensive hotel room in Singapore. We took the advise of CC writers and put the little coffee table in the wardrobe which opened up the floor space a little.

 

 

 

I also have all the Cruise Compasses and shore excursion brochure which I could post if anybody would like to see them.

 

My husband was able to unpack as his bag had already been delivered to our room but mine wasn't there yet. I wasn't too concerned about this as it was still quiet early but later when I returned to my cabin my bag still hadn't arrived. Sure enough it was in the naughty room as they'd found a near empty 250ml bottle of vodka. We both agreed I could get drunk on that so they let me go. Phew! While DH was at the pool I decorated the inside and outside of our cabin with decorations which he loved. I must also say that our cabin attendant was Darwin and he was very friendly and helpful without being obtrusive.

 

Have to also mention that we took along a couple of lanyards for out seapasses which we had punched at Guest Services.

 

We decided that the crowd would have settled in The Windjammer but soon realised this was not the case. We were very impressed with the variety and freshness of food, it was alway being replenished. This was the only day we had lunch in The Windjammer as we had shore excursions every other day. I don't really have much to say about The Windjammer.

 

We also had muster which for us was in one of the dining rooms. DH was disappointed he didn't get to try out one of the lifeboats but the crew said they could always organise that for him! We all had a big laugh over this.

 

We missed the Dreamworks Parade as we were still poolside enjoying a swim and cocktails with the Welcome Aboard Music DJ.

 

 

We dined 'my time dining' and had booked a table for 8pm, we did the same thing for the next night but after that we just rocked up whenever we were ready and a table for two was always available for us in a similar area each evening. I didn't take that many photos of the food but must say that all meals were excellent, perfect portion sizes, tasty and varied. My philosophy when I eat out is that anything is better than me having to decide what to cook, cook the meal and clean up, so I was happy.

 

Throughout the day whenever and wherever possible I told everyone it was my husband's 50th birthday, trying to make it special for him. Of course I had to tell our waiter during our dinner and we exchanged secret winks and gestures meaning that he would arrange something special for him. So during dessert DH received a piece of cake with a candle and a chorus of 'happy birthday' sung by the waiters and other dinner guests. He was pleasantly surprised.

 

After dinner we wandered around familiarising ourselves a little more then it was time to retire - it'd been a long day.

 

... And that's it for day 1 ... Tomorrow day 2...

[windjamming]

Great start! We see so few reviews of the Mariner since she's gone to Asia. Looking forward to the rest of review!

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[BettyPC]

Great start! Do you reside in Singapore? Or did you have to arrange airfare?

 

Looking forward to reading the rest of your voyage!

[anandaindonesia]

Good review. Thanks for sharing.

 

Happy birthday to your young husband! :)

[Jtd724]

I cannot find anywhere on the whole wide interwebs a picture of the new "Golden Room" for VIP Casino Royale Players on the Mariner. It is where the second floor of the nightclub was. Anyone have any clue whats in there?

Edited January 19, 2014 by Jtd724

[Clarea]

I cannot find anywhere on the whole wide interwebs a picture of the new "Golden Room" for VIP Casino Royale Players on the Mariner. It is where the second floor of the nightclub was. Anyone have any clue whats in there?

Not exactly, I just know that they made a room for high rollers. I would assume live table games.

[Jtd724]

Not exactly, I just know that they made a room for high rollers. I would assume live table games.

 

Yeah definitely just curious how it looks and what if anything else may be in there. Pretty amazing, ship has been refurbed quite awhile ago and not 1 picture is floating around. Must be dead serious in there.

Edited January 19, 2014 by Jtd724

[Clarea]

Yeah definitely just curious how it looks and what if anything else may be in there. Pretty amazing, ship has been refurbed quite awhile ago and not 1 picture is floating around. Must be dead serious in there.

I'm guessing that as long as the ship is dedicated to the Asian market, we won't see much here on Cruise Critic. This is one of the very few reports I've seen on Mariner since she's been in Asia.

Edited January 19, 2014 by clarea

[springaussie]

I'm guessing that as long as the ship is dedicated to the Asian market, we won't see much here on Cruise Critic. This is one of the very few reports I've seen on Mariner since she's been in Asia.

 

The reason we are not seeing reviews of Mariner is nearly all cruises are charters while not in Singapore catering to the Asian market. Voyager of the Seas percentage of charters is not as high in these waters, but still well over 60%.

[mummasaurus]

Ah very excited to read the rest of your review as we'll be on her in 3 weeks. And I would find the cruise compasses very interesting!

[donna10]

Great start! Do you reside in Singapore? Or did you have to arrange airfare?

 

Looking forward to reading the rest of your voyage!

 

BettyPC, we are from Perth, Western Australia so we arrived in Singapore on 30 December and spent New Year's Eve and day in Singapore, did the 5 night cruise then spent another 5 nights in Singapore when we returned.

[donna10]

I cannot find anywhere on the whole wide interwebs a picture of the new "Golden Room" for VIP Casino Royale Players on the Mariner. It is where the second floor of the nightclub was. Anyone have any clue whats in there?

 

Hi Jtd724, there is a high rollers room in the casino which seemed reasonably busy. As you can't take photos in the casino I didn't get any. I noticed that there was maybe 3 didn't tables in there I think. I didn't take much notice as we're not gamblers.

[donna10]

Ah very excited to read the rest of your review as we'll be on her in 3 weeks. And I would find the cruise compasses very interesting!

 

Mummasaurus, you'll have a brilliant time, 5 nights just wasn't enough time to take advantage of all she has to offer. I'll try to post compasses for you.

[donna10]

I have heaps of photos so if cruisers are interested I'll post as many as I can of this magnificent ship.

[TonRin]

About bloody time someone did a review of Mariner from Asia! Great work Donna (Although my ex-wifes name was Donna and she was a right cow!! But I am sure you are a lovely lady and your husband is a very lucky man!!! :D) so bring on the review.

 

My new wife and I are on Mariner on the 12th Feb for 10 nights doing a B2B. Actually there will be quite a few of us from Australia on the second leg (7 nights - Thailand & Vietnam) so I am sure you will get heaps of questions from them aswell..

 

Did you find it very biased towards the Asian market at all?

 

If you get a chance, can you send me the cruise compasses and shore excursion brochures!! ti2680@gmail.com

I'm sure our Meet & Mingle group would love to see them. mummasaurus is one of our M&M group aswell! Hi Casey!

 

Which destinations did you go to?

 

Can't wait for day 2!!

 

Cheers

Edited January 20, 2014 by tincoll

[timtam2]

hi - so glad to see this thread - I did a 4 night on Mariner out of Singapore last June and I have a 13 night B2B coming up in a few weeks time!

 

I am also happy to hear that the drink packages were no problem, as I have purchased the Royal Replenish on both cruises.

 

When I was last on board, they were still doing the renovations of the Royal Promenade with all the boards still up. I would love to see some photos of how it looks now -

 

Have they put back in a shop that sells resort wear, costume jewellery etc (not the designer brand stores)? During the refurb, they packed all that stuff away and only had a small kiosk selling souvenir clothing etc and only sold costume jewellery and hand bags on tables at certain times in the Royal Promenade - I have the feeling that they may not put the fashion boutique back in , in favour of the expensive jewellery stores. The cosmetics and perfume store was open then and it was very good, but I missed the usual range of 'sparkly' evening wear.

 

have the added any classes such as Zumba onboard? - Mariner was very new to the area when I was last onboard and there were some settling in issues regarding activities and entertainment.

 

I would love to hear more of your experience!

[donna10]

About bloody time someone did a review of Mariner from Asia! Great work Donna (Although my ex-wifes name was Donna and she was a right cow!! But I am sure you are a lovely lady and your husband is a very lucky man!!! :D) so bring on the review.

 

My new wife and I are on Mariner on the 12th Feb for 10 nights doing a B2B. Actually there will be quite a few of us from Australia on the second leg (7 nights - Thailand & Vietnam) so I am sure you will get heaps of questions from them aswell..

 

Did you find it very biased towards the Asian market at all?

 

If you get a chance, can you send me the cruise compasses and shore excursion brochures!! ti2680@gmail.com

I'm sure our Meet & Mingle group would love to see them. mummasaurus is one of our M&M group aswell! Hi Casey!

 

Which destinations did you go to?

 

Can't wait for day 2!!

 

Cheers

 

Hi tincoll,

 

More than happy to oblige with posting Cruise Compasses. I'll post day 1's here then post the others with each days review. I will email them to you too as they might be easier to read in this format. I have shore excursion brochures too so I'll do the same. Our ports were Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur), Penang and Phuket which I'll report in my daily reports as well.

 

In my further reports I do talk a little bit about 'catering to the Asian market' but I'll answer your question a little bit now too. We dined mostly in the MDR and in the menus there was a slight Asian influence in some of the dishes or options but not overly so. On the table there was some Asian condiments, eg soya sauce, a chilli sauce and something else which I can't remember. In The Windjammer there was the Jade restaurant part of the buffet so obviously that was Asian and at breakfast there was congee but also they still cater for the 'English' style breakfast as well as 'European' style breakfast with cold meats etc. There were high end shops on The Promenade but never having cruised before I'm not sure whether this is the norm anyway. At bigger productions/performances and muster there was often a Chinese (mandarin or Cantonese) introduction as well. So overall I wouldn't say there was biase to the Asian market but more an accommodation to their needs. I was also interested what this would be like prior to taking this cruise, so it's a good question to ask.

 

B2B including Vietnam, WOW I'm jealous. I'm sure you've got it all sorted but I thought I read somewhere that you need a visa for Vietnam.

 

 

 

 

[donna10]

The CC photos didn't work out too well so I'll email them shortly to you

[TonRin]

Thanks Donna,

Your absolutley right in that Aussies need a visa for Vietnam.. I have mine already but you can get them on the ship aswell! My wife is from the Philippines so she doesn't need a visa for anywhere in Asia (except China).. Lucky duck! :)

Our B2B starts with a 3 day Valentines Day cruise around to Port Klang aswell! Only 1 day there but we have CK (A very reliable tour guide from Tripadvisor) picking us up for the day so will be great!

I look forward to hearing the next chapter of your jaunt!:D

 

Cheers

[donna10]

hi - so glad to see this thread - I did a 4 night on Mariner out of Singapore last June and I have a 13 night B2B coming up in a few weeks time!

 

I am also happy to hear that the drink packages were no problem, as I have purchased the Royal Replenish on both cruises.

 

When I was last on board, they were still doing the renovations of the Royal Promenade with all the boards still up. I would love to see some photos of how it looks now -

 

Have they put back in a shop that sells resort wear, costume jewellery etc (not the designer brand stores)? During the refurb, they packed all that stuff away and only had a small kiosk selling souvenir clothing etc and only sold costume jewellery and hand bags on tables at certain times in the Royal Promenade - I have the feeling that they may not put the fashion boutique back in , in favour of the expensive jewellery stores. The cosmetics and perfume store was open then and it was very good, but I missed the usual range of 'sparkly' evening wear.

 

have the added any classes such as Zumba onboard? - Mariner was very new to the area when I was last onboard and there were some settling in issues regarding activities and entertainment.

 

I would love to hear more of your experience!

 

Timtam, I'm happy to answer your questions as I too found it difficult to get info on MOTS.

 

There was no resort wear shop, there was a small souvenir shop I think it was on deck 3, no costume jewellery shop only high end (real gems and gold), there was a handbag shop with Michael Korrs, Coach, Guess etc (I bought a Guess bag and matching wallet and smaller Guess bag for USD190approx). There was a cosmetics and perfume store as well as the Swarovski elements, watch, bag sales on the Royal Promenade throughout the cruise.

 

I had intentions to use the gym but never got there - just too busy hahahaha! I was just looking through the CC's and didn't see any Zumba classes but there were some fitness classes in the gym.

 

Enjoy your B2B, I'm sure you'll have a great time.

[donna10]

Day 2

 

Early start today as we'd booked a shore excursion to Kuala Lumpur. The ship docks at Port Klang which is about an hour and a half from KL. We chose to do 'Kuala Lumpur On Your Own' tour which was 7hours. By the time you get to KL, allow enough time to return to the ship we only had about 3-4hours. We were dropped at Bukit Bintang, wandered around the shops in this area, had lunch, it was then time to return to the ship. It was a fairly uneventful shore excursion, we'd probably not do a shore excursion again in KL if we did this cruise again but rather, enjoy the facilities on the ship.

 

Port Klang

 

 

 

 

 

Before cruising I always wondered how they organised how passengers getting on and off the ship. I have to say it was all so well organised, it never ever felt like there were 3000 people moving on and off with Seapass clocking on and off, going through security screening it was all so easy.

 

Backtracking a bit, we had breakfast in The Windammer. Again there were lots of people, I suppose that's to be expected when there's about 3000 passengers on board. We managed to find a seat and had a sufficient breakfast. I have to also mention that there were the Purell pump stands at the entrance to all dining venues but I didn't notice any 'washy washy' people (yet).

 

As we didn't have our kids with us we spent most of our leisure/swimming time in The Solarium as it was also much quieter. It was never too busy there either. The staff enforced the no children rule too which I thought was brilliant. I also noticed the staff going around picking up towels from seats of chair hogs.

 

The Solarium

 

 

 

 

 

Tonight was 'formal night' so everyone including the cabin crew dressed formally. It took some talking to get DH to accept that he needed to take a suit. We're used to beach holidays so no real dressing up required and DH usually dresses formally for work so wasn't too keen but once he saw how well people dressed for formal night, he was glad he did too. When I was reading everyone's reviews on CC there was quite a bit of discussion about dressing for formal night. So in our case DH wore a lounge suit with a long sleeved shirt, cuff links and tie. I wore a black, just below the knee dress with my Mimco heels. I wore my good jewellery gold and pearl necklace and earrings. I noted some men wore tuxedos, three piece suits, dress pants with open necked shirts or chinos and casual shirts, so really anything went and I didn't feel as though anyone was out of place with what they chose to wear. I saw women dressed in floor length cocktail dresses, below the knee or above the knee dresses, dress pants with a dressy blouse or top. Again, it was lovely to see ladies all dressed up with their partner and/or family. I have to say that there were some really cute children dressed up gorgeously as well.

 

DH dressed up for formal night

 

 

My 'chicken dish' main course

 

 

Some dining room pics. We had My Time Dining in The Sound of Music dining room. We were seated in the same general area each night and receive excellent service every night.

 

 

 

 

Being formal night it was 'Captain's Welcome Aboard Reception' so naturally we joined everyone on the Royal Promenade for free flowing champagne and champagne cocktails, had our photo with Captain Yngvar then off to dinner we went.

 

I have to mention at this point that I'd never found time to read the Cruise Compass, we were just too busy. By day three, I made the time as it was just pure luck that we actually saw some of the events we'd already seen and I didn't want to miss out on the ice show or larger entertainment performances.

 

So after dinner we dropped by The Schooner Barn where there was a piano player but just as we were warming up to him he finished - darn!

 

Grey Goose Martini

 

 

 

But alas, we heard noise coming from the Royal Promenade so we headed there to find a 70's Dancing In The Streets show was in full swing. It was brilliant with heaps of crowd participation. I actually managed to catch one of the T-shirts they were throwing into the crowd, so that was a lovely souvenir. I can't quite remember but I think we ended up in Ellingtons overlooking the pools sipping another cocktail. I had to, I was thirsty after all that dancing in the street!

 

70's street party

 

 

Off to bed we went, it had been a long day with an early start again tomorrow as we would be waking up in Penang.

 

Before falling to sleep I made a point of reading The Compass for day 3 and turned the TV on and turned it on to channel 40 something (can't remember) so could see what the day looked like when we woke up in Penang.

 

Oh I nearly forgot, we received our first towel animal

 

 

...and this is a pic of our cabin door decorated for DH's birthday

 

 

See you all tomorrow for day 3...

[mummasaurus]

Donna my dear, im so sorry to be a pain but could you possibly email me the cruise compasses as well! (caseyxann@hotmail.com) I may be young but there is no way my eyesight is good enough to read the forum photos!! Thankyou.

[donna10]

Donna my dear, im so sorry to be a pain but could you possibly email me the cruise compasses as well! (caseyxann@hotmail.com) I may be young but there is no way my eyesight is good enough to read the forum photos!! Thankyou.

 

Yeah I know, they're shocking. I'll email them all to you.

[lifeboatcaptain]

Hi Tincoll, saw you mentioning about m&m for the 12th feb cruise. How many people do you have in the m&m?

 

My DW and I could probably drop in on you guys. She's right now on board Mariner, will come back home in 3 days time.

 

I've sent her to ask when is the formal night for 12th, as well as for your b2b second leg to Vietnam!

 

Right now, Mariner is on her way to port klang, probably done 47 n-miles already.

[TonRin]

Hi Terrence,

Theres no m&m on the cruise that we are on sailing the 12th mate as its only a 3 night cruise. We have a m&m on the cruise sailing on the 15th which is the 7 night cruise. So far the guest list is 49 ppl.. Its going to be an awesome m&m. Im sure we will meet up on our cruise on the 12th though! Thanks for getting Elaine to check on the formal night for me! :)

 

Cheers!