What do I need to know about the Mariner?

[collegekid]

Can anyone please share thoughts on the Mariner? We're booked in a PR & E2. How do the alternate restaurants work? How is the pool deck situation? And, any thoughts on the Western ports?

 

Thanks :)

[Gator0178]

collegekid,

 

Have you been on a voyager class ship before with RCCL? The Mariner is great! You will love her! the prominade cabins are cool, but just remember to close your curtains. The people in cabins across from you as well as people walking on the prominade will see in your cabin! The E2 is what we had Rm 8336. We loved it! It was nice to have breakfast on the balcony or drinks after dinner.

 

The alternative rest. you need to make a resv. I suggest you do so as soon as you get aboard. The choice days and times fill up fast. They cost $20 pp extra. From what I have seen on the boards they are great. I personally didn't use them since I was with a large group of people.

 

The pool deck situation? Not sure what you mean..... They have an adult pool and the main pool. There is plenty of chairs as long as you are willing to use the uper deck that overlooks the pool. I never use the pools because they are salt water, and I have a pool at my house. I don't cruise to swim in a pool.

 

Western ports are cool, especially if you haven't been there before. I don't know what you like to do, but I can tell you what we did. You also may want to go to the ports of call on the boards to see what everyone else did.

 

Labadee- Cool views. very hilly. I wouldn't call them mountains. We lounged around on a mat, and got massages in a cabanna that overlooked the cove where the ship anchors. There are some locals that run a market, but they are pretty pushy. There are some neat stuff there, just be prepared to haggle.

 

Jamaica- We did early Dunn's River Falls. Very nice, but go early. later it gets really crowded, and you will have time to shop in the outdoor mall near the ship. They have a Margaritaville there. The river tubing and canopy zipline are great excursions too. Just be careful becasue Jamaica has some VERY bad areas.

 

Grand Cayman- We did scuba diving and shopping.

 

Cozumel- We did the Catameran, snorkel, beach party. Snorkeling was ok, very good service and drinks, very relaxing. The area was still recovering from 3 days of hurricane winds last year. Most of the trees are gone, but had some of the most beautiful water.

 

Hope this helps:)

[sanditoes4]

we were on her last Jan. (06)!!!!! LOVED her, she is huge and beautiful!! Very easy to get around, we found it easiest to go through the promanade...our cabin was forward and everything we did was aft, we were on deck 7, 10-15 steps away from a landing area that overlooked the promanade!!!

 

We didn't use the alternative dinning either?? The dinning room was amazing enough for us!!!

 

I didn't spend much time at the pool either, I spent my water/tanning time on the beaches!!!

 

We went with some family, so we did a lot of the family scheduled programs during our time on the ship...bingo, scav. hunts, dances....all kinds of family fun!!

 

All the stops were amazing!!! Here is what we did!!!

Labadee: sat on the beach, walked around a bit, and had the BBQ lunch!!! When you get off the tender find the beach cove you want to go to and get settled...then walk to the other side, I have to say WOW!!! I am from MN so we don't get those views ever, so this was an eye opener for all of us!!!

Ocho: kids did dolphin cove, we all did the Fall's and then we went back to the ship, we didn't have time to shop in town??

Cayman:we all did the town tour and then did the Sting Ray City!!! That was incredible!!!!! I would do it again whenever and wherever I could!!! then we wondered our way back to the ship!!!

Cozumel: My sister and my two 13y.girl's went horseback riding, the hubby's and two 10y. boys went deep sea fishing, myself and my 5y nephew went to Paradise Beach!!!! We all meet up at the beach when done and went back to the ship, was a great day and only 3 months after the hurricane from hell came through!!!!

 

I sure hope this helped, any questions ask away!!! or email me...I have tons of pictures, maybe I will have ones you want to see??

jksteiskal@hotmail.com

[wraithe]

Have you thought to look at any of the reviews that have been posted by professionals and other CC members. There's a link in my sig to the review that I wrote for CC, and you can get from mine to several hundred more.

[Browneyez]

Wraithe,

 

Loved your review of the Mariner....I'll be there in May with 4 other females. We are so looking forward to it. Meeting up with them in Florida next week to talk about it and plan. Just a little early.

[jules815]

You are going to absolutely love the Mariner! It was our first cruise, and we're doing it again (this time with 3 other families) in June.

 

I just re-read Wraith's review, and I have butterflies thinking about it. To me, cruising is the absolute best vacation you can take. :)

 

I wish I didn't have to wait so long!

[FFVictor]

My husband and I just got off the Mariner and really enjoyed it. We did not feel like the food in the dining room was as good as we expected. We dined at both Chop's and Portifino's twice and the food and service were both exceptional. Shows were very enjoyable. There is always something to do. We found that everything closed a bit earlier than we would have liked...I guess we were having a good time. Enjoy your cruise!!

[wraithe]

Wraithe,

 

Loved your review of the Mariner....I'll be there in May with 4 other females. We are so looking forward to it. Meeting up with them in Florida next week to talk about it and plan. Just a little early.

 

You are going to absolutely love the Mariner! It was our first cruise, and we're doing it again (this time with 3 other families) in June.

 

I just re-read Wraith's review, and I have butterflies thinking about it. To me, cruising is the absolute best vacation you can take. :)

 

I wish I didn't have to wait so long!

 

Thanks for the kind words. Trust me, you're going to love the Mariner. She's fabulous, and I believe that if I sailed her again, it would just be better because I know more what to expect. I have to agree with you Jules, there's no better way to vacation than cruising. If you have any specific questions, don't hesitate to ask me, or email me, I've had quite a few email me to ask about the dancing and dining. Good luck with your planning!

[whitsmom]

We did not feel like the food in the dining room was as good as we expected.

 

Can you explain? We will be on the Mariner in Nov. and this will be our 4th cruise with RCI and we have always great dining room food.

 

Thanks,

Whitsmom

[jules815]

I believe that if I sailed her again, it would just be better because I know more what to expect.

 

Exactly! I never thought I could be more excited than I was before I went on the Mariner (it was our first cruise), but I am. I know more of what to expect, won't be flipping out over whether I'm packing the right type of clothing, etc. Also, this time our most fun group of friends (3 couples) and their children will be joining us, so I'm very much looking forward to sharing the cruise experience with them.

[collegekid]

Thanks for all of the great reviews! Wraithe, thanks for that link. :)

 

As for the pool situation, I just was wondering if the areas were large enough for a ship of that size, and if it would be too crowded? I realize there will be 3000 people on the ship, but I just hope the areas can handle it all.

[I<3Cruises]

Hey college kid,

 

I was on the Mariner 2 years ago as a college graduation present to myself with my best friend (two single ladies at the time)...best cruise ever...loved her so much....here are somethings that might help you as i am kinda close to the same age as you.

 

By the first night we made friends that we still talk to this day, so dont be shy it will only make your cruise that much more memorable

 

The ports are great loved labadee...used that as our beach day and just kinda lounged around...super hot so make sure you wear your sun screen and keep cool in the water

 

Jamaica was awesome...went horseback riding...dont know if thats your sort of thing but we had a great time

 

Grand Cayman...favorite place in the whole world (didnt go there on this cruise...diverted due to a hurricane but got there on a different one) I did stingray city and would do it again even with the recent event

 

A great party port is Cozumel...most of the younger crowd goes to Carlos and Charles...i have actually seen people be carried back to the ship due to excessive drinking (i had to carry a friend that we met back...ha)

 

The club is great and when it closes at 2am (around then) everyone goes to the pool deck to the pools and jacuzzi...we did that every night and it seemed thats where all the night owls go (same age as us too) Dont know if they still keep them open so late but they did when we were there

 

I hope this helps...and if your going to a group the same age as you then you will have blast

[cb at sea]

The pools are small and shallow--but fine if you just need to take a dip to cool off! There are plenty of lounge chairs on deck--they just all can't be within 4 feet of the pool! You can find chairs almost anywhere there is an open deck, so don't worry about that too much! 1 and 2 decks above pool level have lots of open spaces, generally. The very little children tend to stay in their own pool area (thank goodness!!!), but you will have some in the main pool. The solarium is Adult only, so that's nice.

[ronandannette]

Hi Collegekid,

 

I'm not sure where you're from or when you're sailing, but being just back I think it bears mentioning that Orlando and all the ports are hotter than the surface of the sun:eek: and compared to where we live the humidity is just beyond comprehension! Each place was hotter than the last and you really need to be prepared if you're not used to it.

 

We were busy every day and really enjoyed each island and Cozumel (all quite unique in many ways). The extreme conditions however, wiped us out to the point that we couldn't enjoy everything we might have liked to on the ship in the evenings (totally zonked by 10:00:o ). Good planning for downtime indoors out of the poaching dampness would really help the stamina if you want to survive into the wee hours.

 

As to the crowds at the pool, even on sea days we NEVER felt pressed and could always find a chair and bar service when we wanted it. DH and DS played in the pools a couple of times in the evening (between dinner seatings) and were very comfortable.

 

Lots more could be said about the Mariner herself, so if you have any more specific questions please ask.

 

Happy Sails,

 

Annette

[brigittetom]

Hi, I have a specfic question. The largest ships we have been on were the Summit and the Splendour. We loved both but ususally cruise on the smaller ships. We loved the Radiance also and I'm guessing she was approximately the same size as the Slendour.

 

Are we going to be overwhelmed? I was just thinking that we simply would find the things we like to do, get acclaimated to those and leave the rest to chance. Obviously we would do that after taking a tour of the whole ship. Thanks. :)

[wraithe]

Hi, I have a specfic question. The largest ships we have been on were the Summit and the Splendour. We loved both but ususally cruise on the smaller ships. We loved the Radiance also and I'm guessing she was approximately the same size as the Slendour.

 

Are we going to be overwhelmed? I was just thinking that we simply would find the things we like to do, get acclaimated to those and leave the rest to chance. Obviously we would do that after taking a tour of the whole ship. Thanks. :)

 

Nope, you won't be overwhelmed. You won't be able to do everything most likely, but won't be overwhelmed. You're exactly right about figuring out what you want to do and leave everything else. My wife and I don't really care all that much about ice skating, so I never even saw Studio B, and didn't miss it. On the other hand, we have been taking dance lessons and thoroughly enjoyed running from one club to the other and dancing all evening.

[collegekid]

How warm will it be in the islands in January? I figured the weather would be a little milder in the winter.

 

Also, in the dining rooms, are there many tables for 4? And are the any differences between the dining rooms?

 

Thanks!

[McFarlane]

I sailed the 5th sail of Mariner. WOW what a ship. Ya it's crowded. Ya it's big, Ya it took us all week to drink in every bar. Pool was crowded on Sea days. Food was wonderful. Can't say enough about this ship. All cruises are what you make of them. I have never had a bad trip. Leaving tomorrow for my cruise on Navigator. Weeeeeee

[DHADEN]

You are going to absolutely love the Mariner! It was our first cruise, and we're doing it again (this time with 3 other families) in June.

 

I just re-read Wraith's review, and I have butterflies thinking about it. To me, cruising is the absolute best vacation you can take. :)

 

I wish I didn't have to wait so long!

 

Jules;

When in June are you going? We are booked for June 3, '07

[brigittetom]

Nope, you won't be overwhelmed. You won't be able to do everything most likely, but won't be overwhelmed. You're exactly right about figuring out what you want to do and leave everything else. My wife and I don't really care all that much about ice skating, so I never even saw Studio B, and didn't miss it. On the other hand, we have been taking dance lessons and thoroughly enjoyed running from one club to the other and dancing all evening.

 

Thank you Wraithe. Good for you about the dancing. Much more economical than the casino. :D

[Reijo]

My husband and I just returned yesterday from the 9/3 Eastern Caribbean sailing of Mariner. It was our second trip on this beautiful ship and it was, as expected, WONDERFUL!!!

 

After checking this board for input we decided to give the Promonade Cabin a try. We were lucky to get #7557 which was exactly where I wanted to be since it overlooked the Cafe Promonade. We were told that the parades can be noisy. Also that if you are on the 6th floor especially in an area over bars that it also could be noisy. While we were not located over a bar, there was a lot of noise during the parade..........mainly constant drumbeats. It wouldn't have been so bad if you could REALLY hear what was going on. Regardless we were watching the parade from our room so that wasn't a problem for us.

 

What WAS a problem was that on Thursday we had some rain, nothing too bad but bad enough that "Dancing Through the Decades" rock and roll party was relocated to............The Royal Promonade. It didn't start until 10:45 PM. My husband and I were really tired that night and knew that there wasn't a chance that we would be able to get much rest. Finally close to midnight it got quiet enough for us to go to sleep. Since we're early risers, Friday wasn't a good day.

 

We went on the cruise to get some rest but our particular room was noisy enough that it proved to be difficult. Different things go on in the Promonade during the day also. In the past we were never in our room to see how much really went on.

 

This said, we enjoyed the room also. Being able to sit in the window seat and people watch when you have those few minutes was great. Watching everyone on formal nights was interesting also. Women wearing 4 inch heels on a moving ship can REALLY cause problems and also be quite comical.

 

I'm not sure that I would book another PR cabin BUT for the right price, I would consider it. The noise at the Cafe was never a factor even though it was open 24 hours a day.

 

Enjoy your trip. It will be great!

[ronandannette]

How warm will it be in the islands in January? I figured the weather would be a little milder in the winter.

 

Also, in the dining rooms, are there many tables for 4? And are the any differences between the dining rooms?

 

Thanks!

 

I think you're right about the weather. Friends of ours went to DisneyWorld just after Christmas and were MUCH more comfortable than we were in August. I'm sure:) it will still be plenty warm and sunny everywhere though.

 

As for the dining room(s), it's actually one BIG :eek: dining room on three levels with an open centre space and a beautiful staircase at the rear. Each level also has it's own foyer on the separate decks of the ship. They give each level a different name and each has a (somewhat) distinctive decor:

 

Deck 3 - Rhapsody in Blue

Deck 4 - Top Hat & Tails

Deck 5 - Sound of Music

 

We actually ate on both Deck 3 & 4 as we requested a re-assignment of our original table. Coincidentally we were also after a table for 4 which we did not get. There are not that many of them; apparently it's actually easier to get a table for 2. I'd suggest you try to have your travel agent hook you up early by requesting a SMALL table which is how RCCL classifies tables of 4 or 6. Some consolation for you if you do get a 6 top - on such a port intensive itnierary and with Portofino and Chops available it's very rare that your table mates (if any) will show up every night. We sat at an eight top and between us dining elsewhere and them dining elsewhere we actually only ate together 3 times all week.

 

Happy Sails,

 

Annette

[burnsie]

We are going on the Eastern in Nov. the more I read the more I get excited! We have a PR and I am looking forward to people watching.

 

When we went to Cozmel we went to Paradise Beach for part of the day. Loved it, there was something for all ages to do. Then went to Carlos n Charlies. That is an experience in itself and the place to be to party. After reading the boards we made sure we were back on the ship in time to see the runners. It is it's own little comedy show.

 

Enjoy your cruise you'll have a great time and I'm looking forward to reading about it so please post.

 

burnsie

[collegekid]

Couple more questions! What time can we board the ship in Canaveral?

 

Is soda free in the dining rooms? If not, can I use the soda card there? Where else can I use (or else, where can I not use) the soda card?

 

What time does the ship debark in Canaveral? We have a 1pm flight out of Orlando.

 

Anyone have a room service menu? (I guess I'll ask, can I get soda with the soda card?)

 

Anyone know how far Senor Frogs is from where the tenders come in in Grand Cayman? I was hoping to hit up SF's in GC, then Carlos & Charlie's in Cozumel.

 

Thanks! I'm sure I'll have many more questions. :)

[wraithe]

Couple more questions! What time can we board the ship in Canaveral?

 

Is soda free in the dining rooms? If not, can I use the soda card there? Where else can I use (or else, where can I not use) the soda card?

 

What time does the ship debark in Canaveral? We have a 1pm flight out of Orlando.

 

Anyone have a room service menu? (I guess I'll ask, can I get soda with the soda card?)

 

Anyone know how far Senor Frogs is from where the tenders come in in Grand Cayman? I was hoping to hit up SF's in GC, then Carlos & Charlie's in Cozumel.

 

Thanks! I'm sure I'll have many more questions. :)

 

1) We were onboard ship before lunch, around noonish if memory serves me correctly

 

2) Soda isn't free anywhere, yes you can use soda cards in the dining room

 

3) I think you can easiy make a 1 pm flight

 

4) Sorry, didn't use room service, the dining room is too much fun, and enjoyed the buffets for the other meals.

 

5) Don't know the answer to this one.

 

Enjoy!