Just off Mariner, 5/6-5/13

[shana1022]

We just returned from our week onboard Mariner of the Seas, 5/6-5/13. I have to say that this has easily been our favorite Royal Caribbean cruise, and second favorite overall. We did wonder what it would be like going on the first cruise after drydock, but we did not encounter any issues.

 

Embarkation was great. We got there around 11:00, or maybe a little after, and were onboard in 45 minutes. Very easy and efficient.

 

DH and I were in a Promenade cabin on Deck 8, and we were sailing with my parents who had a D1 balcony also on Deck 8. Both staterooms were immaculate and in excellent condition. New beds were nice, but to us did not seem as comfy as Freedom's beds--maybe because we were the first ones to sleep on them and they were not broken in--either way, not a big deal. We did notice towards the end of the week that the duvets were not on the beds, but honestly did not even realize they were gone. Promenade rooms are a little tight in space, but we got this cruise for 50% off after being on the shortened Freedom cruise in December, so it was an excellent value. Overall we like the Promenade cabins, and being able to look over the Promenade is a great feature. Would get these accommodations again in a hearbeat. My parents' D1 was great, very spacious, and had a great balcony that they enjoyed each day.

 

The ship itself is absolutely beautiful, the artwork around her is great. Only places we noticed a little wear-and-tear were on the carpets in some areas and at the bottom of one of the main pools. Other than that, clean and shiny and wonderful!

 

Can't say much about the ports of call, as we have been to the Western islands a few times before and choose to stay around the pool and enjoy the quiet on port days. Main pools were nice, plenty of chairs even on sea days. We especially loved the Solarium pool and chairs, though. Very quiet and private and no kids. We did notice one day at the main pool one couple took their diapered baby in the water, and stayed in for quite some time. Baby could not have been more than 5 or 6 months. Slowly most of the people who were in that pool migrated to the other one... The signs posted at the pool did clearly say no diapered children, however, the deck patrol did not say anything. We chose to stay at the Solarium after that.

 

People have complained about the food in the past, that it is only average, but we enjoyed each and every night in the dining room. Listened carefully to our waiter's recommendations and stayed closely to them, and were never disappointed. We ate lots of seafood, which was fresh and delicious each time. My father is a VERY picky eater, and he was raving about the food all week. I guess just goes to show how subjective this area is... Our waiter, Vijay, and assistant waiter, Sutarman, were the best we've ever had. They were amazing and we miss them already. We went to Portofino's one night, it was spectacular as usual. My parents also dined at Portofino's, celebrating their 35th anniversary, and they were blown away by the food and the attention by the staff. We had dropped off a wrapped present for them to be delivered during their dinner celebration, and the maitre d' was wonderful, helping us to surprise them, singing to them, and making their evening extra special. Could not have asked for a better experience.

 

For those who ask about the "formal-ness" of formal nights, the first one was definitely more formal than the second. Not sure if this is because the second one is held on a port day or what, but the second night there were times when I actually felt a little uncomfortable walking around the common areas because DH and I were one of a very few who were dressed up. Saw shorts and tee-shirts in the dining room every night, including both formals. And the attire for the ladies ran the gamut from pantsuits to church-type dresses to prom dresses to long gowns.

 

Overall the staff is the best we've ever encountered. Everyone we came in contact with was friendly and helpful. Captain Per was funny and charming and very accessible. We saw him many times roaming around the Promenade, hanging out by the elevators, socializing with passengers. Very nice man.

 

We are not ones to go to all the shows...went to one of the productions, it was OK. Also saw an impressionist (can't remember his name), he was very funny and entertaining. And we saw the ice show, which was excellent. Definitely get tickets to see it.

 

Disembarkation was a bit of a surprise...we were under the impression that we would be able to carry off our own luggage like we did on Freedom. We found out that now they are only allowing people to do self-disembarkation if they have carry-on sized bags, and the literature said that only 2 carry on sized bags were allowed per stateroom. Not sure who can pack for a 7 day cruise in 2 carry on sized bags (that does not even hold all my shoes!), but we quickly realized we could not do that again, and went and requested the earliest disembark they had, and we were in the car and on the road by 8:00.

 

This was an amazing week for all 4 of us, and I would not hesitate to sail her again. I am sure I am missing some things, so any questions, I will be happy to try and help.

[WeirdEyes]

Hi! Sounds as if you had a wonderful cruise. Thanks for your review. :D

[LivetoCruise412]

Thanks for the review, glad you all had a wonderful time. My family & I will be going on May 27, and just can't wait. So close but yet sooooo far.

Again thanks for the info:)

[ravenjls]

What time was the earliest disembarktion? How long did it take to go thru customs? Did you have a car waiting for you or did you have to go pick one up at a rental? Thanks for the report.

[Tia6368]

I enjoyed your trip report. How far in advance should you get tickets to the ice show and how often does the ice show take place? Thanks for any info.

-Donna

[tanneddiva]

Thank you so much for posting your trip report. Do you remember who the guest entertainers were? A couple of years ago the Drifters were onboard and my Dad loved them. Especially being a child from the 50's and 60's.

[Djptcp]

Glad you had a great time on the Mariner. DH and I are thinking of sailing on the Mariner the week of Christmas, so your review is very timely for us. We usually have a balcony cabin on our cruises, but they are terribly pricey during the holiday weeks, so we were thinking of a Promenade cabin on Deck 8. We have two questions for you: Do you experience any noise from the Promenade below and can you see in the window if you have the sheer drapes closed?? If there's a window I want to be able to have the curtains open alot of the time, so just curious about how much one can see.

We loved Royal Caribbean in 2002, but have never found a decent price since, so have sailed other lines and loved them all.

 

Carnival - 1995, 1998, 2006, 2006, 2007, 2007

Holland America - 2004, 2006

NCL - 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003

Royal Caribbean - 2002

[shana1022]

ravenjls-- The earliest disembarkation was self-assisted, which was sometime between 6:30-7:00 (I think around 6:50 or so?). Then they started calling colors just after 7:00a.m. Our color was called just before 7:30 and we were the second or third called. It took about 20 minutes to get off the ship, find our luggage, and get through customs. Our car was parked in the parking garage right outside the terminal as we drove to the pier.

 

Tia6368-- They had 4 performances of the ice show, I believe. Two for early seating and two for late. If I remember correctly, there were shows at both 5:00 and 7:00 on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tickets were made available from 9:00-10:00 on Monday morning, I think you had to stand in line outside of Studio B--we missed this opportunity, so we had to go to guest relations after 1:00 on Monday to get tickets. We ended up getting tickets for the Wednesday 7:00 show, and there were not many left when we got them, so go early if you want to go.

[kittymom65]

Thanks for the review!

I am glad you enjoyed the Mariner, she is a beautiful ship!

[shana1022]

tanneddiva-- We were onboard with the Drifters on Navigator in 2003, too! I remember seeing their show, it was great! Sorry, I don't remember the names of the guest entertainers they had...my Compasses are still packed in my suitcase... One night they had an impressionist who was very talented. He did many different impressions and was very funny. They had one other night with guest stars, but we did not see them. Either way, they were not names I recognized. I can find out for you if you want, after I unpack.

 

Djptcp-- We love the Promenade rooms. We have stayed 3 times in one. The only thing I would say is do not get a connecting cabin, but this is probably true of any category you book. We had a Promenade cabin on Freedom and made the mistake of getting a connecting, and our neighbor was very noisy. This time we booked 8283, which only has a neighbor on one side, and is not connecting, and it was great. No noise at all on either side. We have never heard any noise from the Promenade, but we have always been on Deck 8, so if you are worried about it, I would go there. And yes, you can see through the sheer drapes. Unfortunately we found out the hard way, looking out across the Promenade at our neighbors who were not aware that we could see in... :o

[MINIDRVR]

Thanks so much for the review - DH and I are cruising on her Aug 26 and looking forward to it since it will be our first time on RCCL and only our second cruise.

[Hojo's redbeard]

Shana,

 

Just curious, being your second favorite overall cruise, what was your favorite?

 

Thanks!

[shana1022]

Shana' date='

 

Just curious, being your second favorite overall cruise, what was your favorite?

 

Thanks![/quote']

 

Radisson (now Regent) Paul Gauguin...it was our honeymoon...it was Tahiti...'nuf said... :p

[chelseabear]

Shana1022- My DH and I were on the same cruise and we thought it was great also! I know a lot of people say the food is average, but I would agree that it was really good. We also did Portofino and absolutely loved it! The service is wonderful. We did Chops too, but IMO Portofino was much better.

We agree that the ship was beautiful and the artwork was incredible. The only wear we saw as well were some of the carpets, but that was it. The staff was great, and we thought the cruise director, Graham Seymour, was hysterical! I didn't see the diapered baby in the pool though :eek: . I'm glad to hear you had a great time, just as we did.

 

Tia6368 - To answer your question about the ice shows, they were Wednesday 5:00 and 7:00, Thursday 7:00 and 9:00. Tickets were available starting Monday at 9:00am. I think they do go quick so I would get them asap.

 

Tanneddiva - As far as some of the entertainers, there was a comedian Billy Garan, "singer impressionist" Paul Boland and The Hills Brothers. We saw the first two but not the last one. They weren't bad.

 

Overall it was a great cruise, no complaints. It was our first on Mariner and it is definitely our favorite ship (We've been on Adventure, Explorer and Majesty). I would go again in a heartbeat!

 

Tina

[Robkatcruisers]

This is my very first visit to this site and my first cruise is comming up November 25 on Mariner of the Seas. I finally at 34 obtained my bachelors degree and my father gave my husband and I a cruise. I chose Royal Caribbean out of Port Canaveral because I live 35 miles from it.

 

I have a promenade room on deck 6. I am completely clueless about anything that has to do with cruising. My husband was wondering if there would be noise from other people at night from the promenade? He also was wondering if he really had to wear his jacket and tie to dinner? How does the beverages work as we are not drinkers? We are not gamblers either so what else is there to do? What restaurants are extra money? I really dont know what else to ask. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

Katie

[ken_nyc]

Thank you for the review and glad you enjoyed your cruise on the Mariner. Cannot wait for our cruise!!

[jules815]

Radisson (now Regent) Paul Gauguin...it was our honeymoon...it was Tahiti...'nuf said... :p

 

Very nice, I've read about that ship. Doesn't it have the marina that opens in the back for passengers?

[Tammyg]

Thanks for your reveiw. We're leaving on the Mariner on May 27th and I'm getting so excited. Glad to hear you enjoyed it :)

[OHCruisin]

Hi Tina!

 

Great review Shana. And I have to agree with your assessment. BTW, I did see the diapered baby too. Kind of made me a little sick to my stomach. What I did not notice were a lot of chair hogs.

 

I did see the Hills Brothers. They were very good. Juggling mixed with comedy. Also, the CD Graham did a late night comedy show and he was hilarious.

 

I thought the food was excellent. And always hot. Portofino is oustanding. I ate like a pig. Surprisingly only gained two pounds all week. But I take the stairs all the time. Even from deck one to deck 12.

 

For the record, they did not install flat screen tv's. I thought the bedding was a big improvement, but I too noticed the lack of duvets. Someone said that the covers came late. I'm sure they were putting them in place for yesterday's cruise.

 

I was in the first group after self-disembarkation and was off in about 15 minutes total. BTW, not sure what's up about the luggage for self disembarkation. Everyone I saw dragging their own luggage had full and oversize pieces.

 

I'm booked on Mariner on November 30, 2008 and cannot wait to sail her again.

 

p.s. Love being Platinum, if only because I got to bypass the embarkation lines. I was checked in and on board in, at most, 5 minutes.

[bambam2972]

Thank you for the review!! Only a few days now! :eek:

 

OHCruisin, what time did you get to the port? We're also looking forward to enjoying our Plat. perk of priority boarding for the first time. :D

[bambam2972]

This is my very first visit to this site and my first cruise is comming up November 25 on Mariner of the Seas. I finally at 34 obtained my bachelors degree and my father gave my husband and I a cruise. I chose Royal Caribbean out of Port Canaveral because I live 35 miles from it.

 

I have a promenade room on deck 6. I am completely clueless about anything that has to do with cruising. My husband was wondering if there would be noise from other people at night from the promenade? He also was wondering if he really had to wear his jacket and tie to dinner? How does the beverages work as we are not drinkers? We are not gamblers either so what else is there to do? What restaurants are extra money? I really dont know what else to ask. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

Katie

 

Congratulations!!!! My boyfriend graduated yesterday and we're taking him on a cruise next week (holy cow.. it's next week!).

 

I haven't stayed in a promenade room, so I can't help you.

 

The only time your hubby will need his jacket & tie are on the formal nights. Other than that, khaki slacks & a polo shirt will be fine.

 

Well water (not bottled), lemonade, ice tea (not sweet.. sigh), regular coffee, and juices during breakfast are included in your price. Alcoholic drinks, soda, bottled water, specialty coffees are extra and you purchase them with your seapass.

 

There is LOTS to do, there is no way you can fit everything into 1 week! We don't gamble either, and are not even planning on going into the casino, unless we're passing through :p. There's activities listed all day in your compass which you receive in your cabin every night.

 

The restaurants that cost extra are Portofino and Chops at $20, and Johnny Rockets for $3.95. I've heard that Portofino and Chops are excellent, but I've always been happy with the dining room. I like Johnny Rockets, but have a coupon because I'm a Crown & Anchor member.

 

By the way, while you are on board sign up for the C&A so that you can enjoy the perks on your next cruise. It's free and you receive the benefits even after just the one cruise. Also, go online and "sign in" and print the "Set Sail Pass", it makes embarkation soooo easy!

 

Bon Voyage!!! If you have any more questions be sure to ask, and welcome to Cruise Critic!!!!!!!!

[shana1022]

Very nice, I've read about that ship. Doesn't it have the marina that opens in the back for passengers?

 

Yep, that's the one. It was very cool...they ran all the water activities off the platform. We are already trying to figure a way back to Tahiti... :)

[shana1022]

 

I'm booked on Mariner on November 30, 2008 and cannot wait to sail her again.

 

p.s. Love being Platinum, if only because I got to bypass the embarkation lines. I was checked in and on board in, at most, 5 minutes.

 

Lucky you that you are booked already for another trip! DH and I were saying this is the first time in a while that we got off the ship and were immediately wishing we had another one booked on the same ship.

 

Question for you, since we are now Platinum after this trip...how does the Priority check-in work? What time did you guys get to the pier??

[Linzybrooke]

Thanks for the review!!!!

[OHCruisin]

I arrived at at the pier around 2:00ish. The other lines were long, though not unbearably. And check-in seemed to go pretty quickly for everyone.

 

For priority check-in, there is a sign that states something to the effect of "Priority check-in for suite guests, Diamond Plus, Diamond and Platinum". Just walk on through. There is an RCI rep at the head of that line who should direct you to a check-in agent who frees up first.