All Things Mariner Of The Seas

[sredish]

Sounds like like you had a blast! Do you happen to have a current menu you could post? Also were any of your ports cancelled? I am woried about rain when we head out next weekend.

 

I don't have a current menu, but it was all the same as we had last year. Formal nights were Monday and Friday. We ate in the MDR only twice and found we liked the Windjammer more this time. Simply because there was so much to do in the evenings and we didn't want to "waste" an hour and a half on dinner.

 

New show was debuted on board, called something like Gallery of Past. Anyway, it was fabulous!!!

 

No rain or cancellations! We had beautiful weather.

[sredish]

We're long-time Galveston cruisers, partial to Royal Caribbean, and were thrilled to hear that a "new and improved" Mariner will be here when we sail on December 2nd. However, we may well have second thoughts as the date approaches. Here's why:

 

We drink a bit, but don't smoke (my wife has a serious allergic reaction). Our little hideway on Voyager was the Pig & Whistle Pub ... perfect, since it's a non-smoking venue, and we could enjoy the antics of Derek Lewis and his Adult Day Care at Night. We had assumed that with Mariner now in Galveston, he'd be aboard, since he lives in San Antonio ... but noooooooo!! It turns out the the Wig & Gavel (P&W's counterpart) has a "dedicated smoking section" (as if the stuff will stop at the imaginary barrier). I can't understand the difference in regulations on virtually identical ships, and apparently neither can anyone at Royal Caribbean ... no reason for it; just company policy.

 

Derek remains on Voyager out of New Orleans (we were aboard last month for his wedding) since he can no longer tolerate second-hand smoke after over 20 years of performing in "intimate" venues. After the ship leaves NOLA for Europe, the South Pacific and Australia, he wants to return to Galveston following his Alaska gig on Rhapsody, and many of us wish that he would ... he's a one-of-a-kind entertainer.

 

But just as important to us, we'll have no place to have a drink and be entertained after the shows ... there are a couple of "open" bars, but it's not the same, as there's no entertainment after a certain hour (usually before the shows), and the ambience has all the charm of the embarkation "lounge." We'd like to stay up a bit later to enjoy what the ship has to offer, but since every such venue allows smoking, there's absolutely no place for us to go. I know we're not the only such persons, since the Pig & Whistle was packed every night on every Voyager cruise we sailed.

 

Our requests to Royal Caribbean have fallen on deaf ears. With the Crown Princess and new Carnival Magic as options, we're certainly going to explore the other possibilities if Royal Caribbean continues to disappoint us (no, we haven't given up yet). Do any of you have similar issues?

 

We enjoyed the piano man Phil Anderson every night at the Schooner. He takes requests and does just a great show. He started at 9 or 9:30 and would play till 1 am every night. It is a non smoking bar. There was also a band on board called Vybes 4 and they played at several bars and on deck in the evenings. I don't ever remember smelling smoke anywhere besides the Wig and Gavel.

[melika091900]

Sounds like like you had a blast! Do you happen to have a current menu you could post? Also were any of your ports cancelled? I am woried about rain when we head out next weekend.

 

 

heres a good review with pics and menus

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1566271&highlight=mariner+of+the+seas

 

we just returned on march 5 nothing was cancelled

it was a blast!

[Sequim88]

Since this is "All things Mariner" I will note here for the record that effective May 1, 2012 (our sailing) Mariner of the Seas will no longer have Portofino as a specialty restaurant option. I have received confirmation from the Pre-Cruise Planning department at RCI that it will be replaced with Giovanni's Table during the dry dock at end of April. Reservations are not being accepted for either Portofino or Giovanni's Table and they made no mention of how existing reservations for Portofino will be handled. I was told reservations for GT would be availabe onboard if they can't be made prior to the cruise.

 

Apparently the dry dock visit will constitute the Royal Advantage "less extensive" upgrades for Mariner. Strong rumors about it getting a poolside video screen. The rest (other than replacing missing stabilizer and below the waterline machanica) will probably just be cosmetic upgrades.

[sredish]

Since this is "All things Mariner" I will note here for the record that effective May 1, 2012 (our sailing) Mariner of the Seas will no longer have Portofino as a specialty restaurant option. I have received confirmation from the Pre-Cruise Planning department at RCI that it will be replaced with Giovanni's Table during the dry dock at end of April. Reservations are not being accepted for either Portofino or Giovanni's Table and they made no mention of how existing reservations for Portofino will be handled. I was told reservations for GT would be availabe onboard if they can't be made prior to the cruise.

 

Apparently the dry dock visit will constitute the Royal Advantage "less extensive" upgrades for Mariner. Strong rumors about it getting a poolside video screen. The rest (other than replacing missing stabilizer and below the waterline machanica) will probably just be cosmetic upgrades.

 

We were on board last week and the CD and Captain confirmed at the Captains Talk presentation that the pool screen and tot nursery are coming in. There is a press release from Royal also stating new family staterooms and restaurants like Giovani's Table, Rita's Cantina and a few others will be added too. The CD made it sound like it was going to be a pretty big overhaul. Very exciting for next years booking we made!

[joandian]

We're long-time Galveston cruisers, partial to Royal Caribbean, and were thrilled to hear that a "new and improved" Mariner will be here when we sail on December 2nd. However, we may well have second thoughts as the date approaches. Here's why:

 

We drink a bit, but don't smoke (my wife has a serious allergic reaction). Our little hideway on Voyager was the Pig & Whistle Pub ... perfect, since it's a non-smoking venue, and we could enjoy the antics of Derek Lewis and his Adult Day Care at Night. We had assumed that with Mariner now in Galveston, he'd be aboard, since he lives in San Antonio ... but noooooooo!! It turns out the the Wig & Gavel (P&W's counterpart) has a "dedicated smoking section" (as if the stuff will stop at the imaginary barrier). I can't understand the difference in regulations on virtually identical ships, and apparently neither can anyone at Royal Caribbean ... no reason for it; just company policy.

 

Derek remains on Voyager out of New Orleans (we were aboard last month for his wedding) since he can no longer tolerate second-hand smoke after over 20 years of performing in "intimate" venues. After the ship leaves NOLA for Europe, the South Pacific and Australia, he wants to return to Galveston following his Alaska gig on Rhapsody, and many of us wish that he would ... he's a one-of-a-kind entertainer.

 

But just as important to us, we'll have no place to have a drink and be entertained after the shows ... there are a couple of "open" bars, but it's not the same, as there's no entertainment after a certain hour (usually before the shows), and the ambience has all the charm of the embarkation "lounge." We'd like to stay up a bit later to enjoy what the ship has to offer, but since every such venue allows smoking, there's absolutely no place for us to go. I know we're not the only such persons, since the Pig & Whistle was packed every night on every Voyager cruise we sailed.

 

Our requests to Royal Caribbean have fallen on deaf ears. With the Crown Princess and new Carnival Magic as options, we're certainly going to explore the other possibilities if Royal Caribbean continues to disappoint us (no, we haven't given up yet). Do any of you have similar issues?

 

I have exactly the same problem as your wife and cigarette smoke causes anaphylaxis for me. We will be on Mariner for 28 days right after dry dock and I would love if the pub was made nonsmoking.

[estoyer]

I have exactly the same problem as your wife and cigarette smoke causes anaphylaxis for me. We will be on Mariner for 28 days right after dry dock and I would love if the pub was made nonsmoking.

 

 

Lets call for a CC vote!! 2 votes for the no smoking pub!!

Earl & Kathy

[Charles4515]

Lets call for a CC vote!! 2 votes for the no smoking pub!!

Earl & Kathy

 

I am also in favor of making the pub non smoking. It is unusable to me with the smoking.

[Sequim88]

Rita's Cantina

I wonder where they would put it? And what would have to go away to make room. Johnny Rockets? Arcade?

 

Lets call for a CC vote!!

My wife and I both vote for smoke free pub.

[natdalton]

I've never been on a RC or Carnival cruise.. just NCL. But the review for RC have an 88% satisfaction rate and Carnival has 68% satisfaction rate. Is there really that big of a difference? That alone was how i decided on Mariner, especially considering that the Carnival Magic is only a year old. Can anyone give me a comparison betweetn Mariner vs. Magic?

[Sequim88]

Lots of comparison threads from which I've gleaned...

a comparison betweetn Mariner vs. Magic?

Target vs. Wal-Mart

Both have their fans for a variety of reasons.

[jewopaho]

Lets call for a CC vote!! 2 votes for the no smoking pub!!

Earl & Kathy

Of course, we're in on this, too. Thanks for your support. Royal Caribbean is decidedly non-commital at this point ... no immediate plans, but given the upcoming drydock, it could be an opportunity for us to help change policy. Thanks again.

 

A word about Carnival ... no cruise line experience is more ship-specific. I wouldn't hesitate to sail the Magic, Breeze, Dream, or any of the newer ones, but I wouldn't book a cruise on the older ones ... and the smaller relics are definitely out. We sailed the Conquest out of Galveston, and weren't very impressed. Food was surprisingly good, but pretty much everything else fell flat, especially the entertainment. With 24 ships in the water, and the resources to acquire all the other cruise lines they own, they've got to be doing something right ... just not right enough for us.

 

Al

[rickdent]

We smoke, and would therefore NOT be in favor of yet another nonsmoking venue on the ship, but will of course abide by the rules. It seems the rules change depending on the ship and its itinerary, i.e., the same ship having different rules in Europe vs. Caribbean.

Secondly, I am at a loss to understand why any person with a severe allergic reaction to smoke, or "anaphylaxis" in the presence of smoke would come anywhere near it voluntarily. Anaphylaxis is potentially fatal, and other alternatives certainly exist, e.g. Celebrity and Azamara.

I am trying to comprehend, not impose my will or beliefs on anybody.

Rick + Tirza

[KDilly]

Lets call for a CC vote!! 2 votes for the no smoking pub!!

 

Earl & Kathy

 

 

I'm not a smoker either but most smokers drink and many "non-smokers" smoke when they drink. It's a reality I live with. Non-smokers that drink are considered a minority I guess.

 

-KD

[joandian]

We smoke, and would therefore NOT be in favor of yet another nonsmoking venue on the ship, but will of course abide by the rules. It seems the rules change depending on the ship and its itinerary, i.e., the same ship having different rules in Europe vs. Caribbean.

Secondly, I am at a loss to understand why any person with a severe allergic reaction to smoke, or "anaphylaxis" in the presence of smoke would come anywhere near it voluntarily. Anaphylaxis is potentially fatal, and other alternatives certainly exist, e.g. Celebrity and Azamara.

I am trying to comprehend, not impose my will or beliefs on anybody.

Rick + Tirza

 

You may not understand but I live with it and do just fine. Of course it's a dangerous and potentially fatal allergic condition but Following your suggestions, I wouldn't be able to leave my house because there are smokers everywhere. Should I just give up on having a normal life and stay in my home 24/7? Well I choose not too. I distance myself from smokers, I don't go to venues where there is smoking and if anyone who smells of smoke sits/stands beside me, I excuse myself and move away. This works just as well on a cruise ship as it does anywhere else. I have medication and epi-pens with me at all times and know the warning signs. I've cruised Celebrity and love it, especially the Casino but I also choose to cruise on RCI.

[Tucker in Texas]

I've never been on a RC or Carnival cruise.. just NCL. But the review for RC have an 88% satisfaction rate and Carnival has 68% satisfaction rate. Is there really that big of a difference? That alone was how i decided on Mariner, especially considering that the Carnival Magic is only a year old. Can anyone give me a comparison betweetn Mariner vs. Magic?

 

Yes, I can. I did the Mariner in January, got off the Magic yesterday. I took copious notes of the differences between the two so it could be lengthy since I haven't had time to "formalize" it yet. E-mail me at whitlock@alumni.utexas.net if you want the entire "lowdown." Some are "major" differences (Magic has more elevators so there is seldom a wait for one) a lot are minor on down to nit picky like butter in a dish and not wrapped in foil.

 

In a nut shell, I was very impressed with the Magic. The dining room service was better, the food better, the cabin larger. The Mariner has a better theater layout and the Promenade deck which I missed for people watching.

 

I had not been on Carnival since 2001 so it was almost like "you're not in Kansas, Toto" with how much it has improved. Frankly, if it weren't for the Diamond+ perks, I think I would prefer the Magic over the Mariner.

 

Tucker in Texas

[jewopaho]

We had pretty much the same reaction when we took advantage of a last-minute Carnival deal ... hadn't sailed with them in over ten years, but a week away for under $400/pp was tough to turn down. While we weren't impressed with the ship itself (Conquest) or the staff (the CD was a real dud, and most everyone else just did their jobs), we did remark that the food (both quality and selection) and dining room service exceeded what we'd been experiencing on Royal Caribbean in recent years. Staterooms have always been larger on Carnival ships (about 185 sq. ft. as opposed to the "industry standard" of around 160). There is no question that we will sail the Magic, as well as the Crown Princess. Disney is not an option for us, but its presence definitely makes a statement about the viability of Galveston.

 

So Royal Caribbean finally has some pretty significant competition here ... about time! I'm certain that keeping Mariner here after a pretty extensive makeover is no coincidence. Hopefully, it will bring about further inmprovements in the product ... but as long as new cruisers continue to fill the ships, run up their Sign & Sail tabs, and shop at those "recommended and guaranteed" merchants, I'm not holding out much hope.

 

Al

[golfpccc]

For all you Mariner experts I hope you can help me. We have an inside cabin on deck 9, midship. I was thinking of changing to deck 6, cabin 6435 to be nearer the RP and dining room and very close to the elevator/stairs. The deck plan shows empty spaces on either side of that cabin. I asked my CVP what's there and she said nothing but there has to be a reason it's placed that way. We can also save $40 by switching. Not a deal breaker but hey why not? Any first hand info? Thanks in advance.

Bonnie, just off the Mariner & I checked out cabin 6435. The blank area you see in front of this cabin is the hallway--so, the hallway leads into this cabin. The area to the right, as you face the cabin, is a doorway that leads into the Business Services area. The hall was very quiet, don't think there would be any problem with this cabin. Love the 6th deck--very convenient. Actually, I don't think there are any bad cabins on the Mariner, except maybe over the Pub. Hope this helps.

[golfpccc]

We are just off the Mariner on Sun & sailed the Carnival Magic in Jan. I think if you want to compare, think of the Magic as being more Vegas like & the Mariner more Broadway like. Still think the food & service is better on the Magic. The shows on both were good, but I preferred the more up beat Magic shows. The Illusionist show on the Magic--the production of this show was unbelievable. We like both ships--just have to decide what kind of cruise you want to take--a more upbeat or a more subdued. I prefer the ship lay out of the Mariner & the Mariner doesn't feel as crowded as the Magic. We will continue to sail on both ships.

[joandian]

Ok, for all you have cruised on Magic the relevant question for me is what was the smoking situation like? Is smoking allowed in the cabins and are there many non smoking venues/areas?

 

We have often looked for a last minute cruise on Mariner and not been able to find one so thanks for the info so far on Magic.

[MichelleChell]

This is all things Mariner not lets talk about how much we hate smoke. I hate it too but can it be taken to its own thread plz?

[joandian]

This is all things Mariner not lets talk about how much we hate smoke. I hate it too but can it be taken to its own thread plz?

 

No one is talking about how much we hate smoke. We are asking relevant questions about what is smoking and what is not smoking on Mariner and asking comparison questions re Mariner v Magic.

[derf5585]

This is all things Mariner not lets talk about how much we hate smoke. I hate it too but can it be taken to its own thread plz?

 

This thread was limping along until smoking was brought up. All one had to get a thread going is to mention either perfume or smoking

[rickdent]

Lets call for a CC vote!! 2 votes for the no smoking pub!!

 

Earl & Kathy

A vote was called for regarding the venues on Mariner, so we are voting--or is it over?

[dplusd]

Personally, there are many other smells on a ship that bother me a lot more than second hand smoke. What about over the top perfume...can we ban that too?