Experienced cruisers have these first-timers wondering if we made a mistake???

[njreindeer]

Hi everyone,

DH and I are booked for our very first cruise on Mariner in August, and until today it was the only thing we could talk about, we just couldn't wait. But reading post after post about cold food and poor service in RC's dining rooms, overworked cabin stewards, incompetent and expensive medical care, omnipresent chair hogs, etc., we're wondering if we made a mistake in selecting RCCL or even in booking any cruise at all. We understand that, as experienced cruisers, your expectations and probabably very high (as I'm sure they should be), AND we understand that we're hearing the opinions of a very few on ships of thousands, BUT......

Can some happy and satisfied cruisers please post about cruises they were satisfied with? We don't expect anyone to candy-coat their experiences, but I'm hoping that some of you can support our decision to go with RCCL and Mariner. Anybody?

Thanks so much!

Time 'til Mariner on 8/29/04 - our first cruise!
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[nyer]

I have not been on the Mariner, but I have taken two cruises with RCCL and am about to take my third. I love their ships and have had a great time on both my cruises. I have also taken two Carnival cruises and prefer RCCL. I don't think that you have made a mistake in booking the Mariner. You will make of your vacation what you want. My DH and I also go with the attitude that we are on vacation and don't sweat the small stuff.

I know that I have not had big problems like some cruisers have, so I can't compare my experience with theirs. But, on my first cruise I had the flu, which then devoloped into bronchitis, and I still managed to have a great time.

Go and enjoy yourself!

[nyisles]

My wife and I are looking forward to our 3rd RCI cruise and we haven't had a complaint yet. Some people just like to complain and some cruises don't live up to people's expectations. I'm sure you'll have a great time. RCI is by far our favorite cruise line.

Ken
______________________________
Home Lines Oceanic 1986
Home Lines Homeric 1987
Home Lines Homeric 1988
Celebrity Meridian 1990
Celebrity Horizon 1993
Celebrity Horizon 1998
Princess Grand Princess 1999
RCCL Voyager of the Seas 2000
RCCL Explorer of the Seas 2001
NEXT - Voyager from Bayonne, NJ 8/2004

[bnldavis]

njreindeer...

I don't believe you have made a mistake. I believe you will have the time of your life! I have been on the Mariner (and going again this fall) and it is a great ship. Will there be service issues? Maybe. Will you get some food you don't like? Maybe. I'm confident it won't be the norm. Each cabin attendant is different so service is different - some more friendly and personable, some more efficient, etc. Each person has different expectations as well - some people are VERY demanding and therefore rarely satisfied.

The folks mentioning all the negatives are for the most part folks who have been on other cruises and the latest one had some issues (for them). I'm sure you'll have a great time and will enjoy your week on the Mariner.

Enjoy yourselves and when you get back tell us about it!

Ben

[Blizzard54]

We have sailed on 43 times on 28 ships.
That my itself should show that we enjoy it.
17 of the trips have been on RCCL.

Occasionaly, not everything is perfect but we never let it spoil our vacation.

On some trips we get into everything that is going on around the ship and sometimes we just kick back and relax.

We recently spent a week in Las Vegas and decided it was nice but once was enough.

It is back to cruising...

John

10/3/4 Explorer of the Seas

NCL, RCCL, HAL, Carnival, Regency, BSL, Costa, Cunard, Princess, Celebrity

[Donnaluv2cruise]

As many negatives as you hear there are also that many positives. There are some great reviews out there for The Mariner. Don't focus on the bad stuff. Look forward to the good. I'm looking forward to The Serenade in January...

[lmmn]

No matter what...some people just complain about every little thing. You will LOVE your cruise...and NO you did not make a mistake. You will only be disappointed you didn't start cruising sooner! Just like any vacation, sometimes problems occur...but go with a positive attitude and a sense of humor! Honestly, if the food is not absolutely perfect, who cares! You don't have prepare, serve or clean up. You are just there to have a great time. Enjoy!

Explorer of the Seas ~ 10/02
Majesty of the Seas ~ 1/03
Majesty of the Seas ~ 8/11/03
Navigator of the Seas ~ 10/11/03
Serenade of the Seas ~ 1/31/04
Caribbean Princess ~ 8/14/04
Adventure of the Seas ~ 1/30/05
Serenade of the Seas ~ 7/10/05

[TomCat32174]

My wife and I have taken 2 cruises on Voyager-class ships (like Mariner) w/RCCL and have really enjoyed both of them. We are in our late 20's. Both previous cruises (and our upcoming cruise this November) we were accompanied by the wife's parents (in their 60's). Just know these things about big-ship cruising: you can be as scheduled or unscheduled as you want to be, there will always be plenty of choices in things to do/try (especially on a Voyager-class ship), and no one will be pleased all of the time with all of the services. There are so many options in the dining room, entertainment, ship settings----you are certain to enjoy yourself. Seek out what you find most appealing. If you love ice skating shows, then by all means be prepared to stand in line for the free tickets and wait for the doors to open at the show to get those really good seats. (We do.) However, we don't mind sitting up in the rafters of a comedy show/musical revue, so there is never a rush to get to the theatre early. We make a schedule of daily activities that interest us and stick to it fairly closely, It works for us, and we would never sail any line but RCCL. Go enjoy your vacation, make the most of everyday. Don't forget that you are making the memories, buy the wife a rose, get up early for sunrise and nap mid-morning by the pool deck, take a chance in the casino. Bon Voyage!

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=4169e1&cdt=2004;11;07;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]

Until Mariner of the Seas


Navigator of the Seas 11/03
Explorer of the Seas 11/02
Royal Majesty 12/95
Costa Riviera 8/89 & 12/89
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GET OUT THERE!

[NYDee]

We have taken 7 Royal Caribbean cruises and have 2 more booked. We have never experienced poor service, bad food, cold food, jeans in the dining room, etc. From time to time we have met a grumpy person, or obnoxious one. But haven't even been bothered by drunks or kids. We do cruise while school is in session. We love the ships.

[cyscopup]

My wife and I have taken four cruises with rccl in the past 18 months and we have two more booked for the next 6 months. Needless to say we have been extremely pleased with rccl and quite honestly have no complaints whatsoever. I think you guys will have fun.

Radiance of the Seas Feb. 03
Monarch of the Seas May 03
Voyager of the Seas Dec 03
Majesty of the Seas April 04
Empress of the Seas Dec 04

days until we cruise again:
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[Ocean Boy]

I have been on both Explorer and Mariner. I can't reallly add more to what those above have posted. They have said it well. If you go with the attitude that you are going to have a bad time you will.

Just enjoy the anticipation of your upcoming time aboard Mariner as it will all be over way too soon and stop second guessing your decisions. You are going to have the week of your life.

[truffles2]

Some people would complain no matter what. Do I like chair hogs? NO! Do I let it ruin my vacation? No. If it is really bad, then I would speak up--to the pool patrol, the chair hog, guest relations, etc. Go with an open mind...you will have a great time. We cant wait to go again!

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00ff00&cdt=2003;8;4;17;0;00&timezone=GMT+0100[/img]
until
Serenade Inaugural Transatlantic August 3, 2003
Until Grandeur Repositioning~ Bermuda to San Juan Oct. 31, 2003

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until Mariner E Caribbean~Jan. 18, 2004


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until Serenade S Caribbean~Feb. 28, 2004

Time by Escati~~[url]www.escati.com[/url]
Thanks Escati <center>
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RCI 17, Celebrity 1

[Florida Beach]

We just came back from the Mariner of the Sea. The whole family (including teens) were very happy with everything about the ship.

You will always run into grumpy people who can't find anything in life to their satisfaction. That's their choice, it's up to you to select yours.

Enjoy your cruise. We did [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]

March 28, 2004 - Mariner of the Seas
July 4, 2004 - Sapphire Princess - Alaska
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[raydon]

Heck no...don't cancel because a few people like to complain...We have been on about 20 cruises, all lines including RCCL and still love it. Are some better than others...sure...is everything perfect always...of course not. It is a wonderful vacation.....go and enjoy it!

Radiance of the Seas
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[jagmanss1]

I would have to agree with what all the above poster's have said, And say with a BIG FAT NO, You did not make any sort of mistake booking a cruise with RCCL.... First off you will be in such AWE over the ship, food and entertainment You won't even no if you are getting poor service anyway, Which I have never had. Second, IF And that is a BIG IF you have bad or cold food You would not be dissapointed as you can order something else or all of the menu... I for one have NEVER had bad food on a cruise, Something that i didn't Really care for.... Sure... Just order something else, That is the beauty of it all.... NO WORRIES MATE...... You will have a blast and the time of your life.... It is like no other vacation on earth.... Do 1 and you are hooked.... You will see...... Have a great cruise.....

[img]http://community.the-underdogs.org/smiley/happy/icon_beer.gif[/img]
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UNTIL OUR NEXT ADVENTURE

Adventure of The Seas 11/14/04
Enchantment of the Seas 11/1/03
Sovereign of the Seas 11/28/02
SS Oceanic (Big Red Boat) 10/98

[TexasTwoSteps]

Ditto to all the above. We are going on the Mariner on the 4th of July and no matter what you hear or read the cruise will be a dream experience.

I will warn you of one thing though and it could be a BIG negative. You will most likely get "HOOKED on CRUISIN".

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[Annieeee]

You are going to have a wonderful time! Don't let a few dissatisfied folks convince you otherwise. For some reason some will only remember the cold food, or the long lines or not so funny comedian and they forget the wonderful experience they had like meeting other folks, the excursions, the great service, the different ports and just generally a wonderfully relaxing vacation.

You will be so happy that you finally took your first cruise and chances are you will be hooked like the rest of us.

Oh and by the way you did notice that the folks that are doing the complaining continue to book cruises, so surely it can't be all that bad.

Sea ya

Annieeee



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[njreindeer]

Hi again everyone,

Well my hubby and I are sitting here with smiling faces again, reading all of your replies. You've all made us fee SO much better, about cruising and and RC. You're right - and we've always believed this too - life is what you make of it, and since we tend to see the glass as half-full, AND since we always have a wonderful, fun time whenever we're together, we're sure this will be a wonderful cruise. You're all so right, why listen to the complaints of a few when even they continue to book cruises with the same cruise line?!

And as soon as we get back, believe me, we'll write a review filled with first-timers' impressions of this magnificent ship.

Thanks again for taking the time to remind us of what an amazing vacation we have coming up! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Time 'til Mariner on 8/29/04 - our first cruise!
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[DChabira]

Please read my review of the "Adventure of the Seas" May 2nd sailing. Here is the link.

[url="http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=408097554&m=319108602"]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=408097554&m=319108602[/url]

We have been on fourteen cruises, eight have been with RCI. Every single one has been a fantastic voyage.

This board is an incredible tool and you can get a great deal of very valuable information from it, but take a lot of it with a grain of salt.

I work at one of the finest resorts in the world, Bellagio, and people are a pain in the #&*$. They love to complain. I have never had a bad experience or an uneatable meal on any cruise and my standards are pretty high. I have been in the entertainment business my entire life and have toured all over the world.

I love to read the board and exchage stories but a great deal of what's on here is BS.

[pcur]

You can't please all the people all the time...just remember the people on this board are a teensy minority compared to the number of people cruising right now.

Look at my signature, and it tells you all....AND we've been on 4 other cruise lines, too!

You will LOVE your cruise, I'm sure.

Peggy - RCI since 1973

[CSW]

njreindeer,

Consider yourself an addict-in-waiting [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

You should have a blast.

CSW

[yarlenna]

I have been on 30 cruises. I like to cruise. I don't like to complain. That doesn't mean that every cruise is perfect.
The nature of the mass market cruise industry is changing. Some economies are being made. It will take a while before all the kinks are worked out.
I HAVE experienced mediocre food and lapses in service. Why do I write about them? Because they are news. They used to be rare things. They are less rare now.
Cruising used to be an exercise in being spoiled. It isn't any more. I almost envy the newbie. They won't have the sense of something missing because it will all be new to them.
Will I cruise with RCI again? Maybe. I would say "for sure" if RCI were to return to a reasonable staff to stateroom ratio. Do I think you should cruise? Of course. Even with the shortcomings, it is probably the most wonderful way to spend a week.

Work like a dog. Live like a pauper. Save all your money. Then Cruise!
My gif kitties have gone to cyber heaven so that dial up cruisers don't have a problem getting their posts read.

[travellady]

I'm glad to see these positives. I too was very excited with booking my Voyager cruise to Canada and then read the recent reviews and the excitement started to wane and even have started researching Carnival Victory as an alternative. I must cancel by Wednesday if I'm not to lose any money but so far, am thinking I won't. I'll plan to have fun no matter what.

[jagmanss1]

njreindeer, I envy you, Your 1st cruise.... WOW [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img] Glad to hear you are in better spirits now.... We will be going on our 4th cruise, 3rd with RCCL on the AOS in November and can't wait and this will be our longest and biggest ship yet and we will feel like 1st timmers again on this MEGA ship as we have never done a 7 nighter or a ship this size. I already know we will be in AWE of the size and things to do on this one and to boot our 1st balcony..... I am already looking for our next one in 2005. We are going on one in 2006 with our friends who have not been yet for their 10th Anniversary and their 1st, But can't wait that long, I need to have one booked before that, Can't wait till 2006... With that said check out this thread about having the cruise blues..... You more than likley will be one of these people when you get back from your cruise and back to the real world again..............
[url="http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=408097554&m=168105032"]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=408097554&m=168105032[/url]

[img]http://community.the-underdogs.org/smiley/happy/icon_beer.gif[/img]
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UNTIL OUR NEXT ADVENTURE

Adventure of The Seas 11/14/04
Enchantment of the Seas 11/1/03
Sovereign of the Seas 11/28/02
SS Oceanic (Big Red Boat) 10/98

[SCGirl]

NJ-

Someone may have posted this as I haven't read all through this post yet..If this is your first cruise, you will love it! You must remember that a lot of these fine people have been cruising for MANY years. We only compare things to what we know. If you haven't done this than you have nothing to compare it to. You will be fine and you will have a great time.
I just got back with a group of 20 people, most had never cruised. I was nitpicking this and that and they were just AMAZED and in shock of the entire experience.
However, I loved the Mariner and my family did too!