Carnival Liberty vs Mariner of the Seas

[Lifeguard]

We are a family of 4 (2 adults and one 18 y/o and one 8 y/o at the time of sailing), looking at the Carnival Liberty or the Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas in October. Both are 4 night cruises for about the same price. We are most interested in the pools, food, and entertainment. The Liberty goes to Freeport and the Mariner goes to Coco Cay. Which do you recommend? 

[leaveitallbehind]

Based on your criteria I would choose RCI Mariner.  Note however that the newly developed "Perfect Day at Coco Cay" will not open until November and be fully operational until December, so you will not have the full benefit of all that is planned there in October if that matters.  That being said I would still select Mariner as Freeport is nothing special as a port of call IMO.

[Essiesmom]

Agree Mariner is a better alternative.  I think leavit is being generous in the assessment of Freeport.  Most people take a taxi to a beach.  At Coco Cay, you have beach without having to take a taxi and spend money on lunch.  EM

[George C]

We really like rccl voyager class which includes mariner , great ice skating show and entertainment in general, also like the pools. 

[Aplmac]

If your choice is about the ship itself

Mariner is way more ship than Liberty.

 

I had lunch on Mariner -and it was Wow! in there.

I've also had 3 nites on Liberty, which is a nice enough ship.

 

Here are a few pics of Mariner, ten years ago now - Jan 10th. 2009

That floor of the entrance to the Casino blew my mind.

.

[GTO-Girl]

Hands down.....Mariner!!!

[cruizegal1]

Coco Cay is up and running as of May 2019, the only thing left is the private area with cabanas being built

over the water which will open in December 2019. Check "you tube" for the reviews. Looks like a fun island.

We will be there in June on the Adventure of the Seas and can't wait! Happy Sailing!

[Cruzaholic41]

I’ve cruised both ships and this one isn’t even close. Definitely Mariner. 

[leaveitallbehind]

11 hours ago, cruizegal1 said:

Coco Cay is up and running as of May 2019, the only thing left is the private area with cabanas being built

over the water which will open in December 2019. Check "you tube" for the reviews. Looks like a fun island.

We will be there in June on the Adventure of the Seas and can't wait! Happy Sailing!

Thanks for adding the clarification which I neglected in my post.  It will be a great family fun venue - just be prepared to spend $.