Just Off Mariner - Excellent Getaway! Feel Free to Ask Questions

[CruisinCrow]

53 minutes ago, TomC21 said:

From what I understand, you don’t get your Sea Pass Cards until you’re able to access your cabins around 1:00pm. What do you use if you want to get a drink prior to that time? Your printed Set Sail Pass? It’s been awhile since we’ve sailed Royal.

thanks

Tom

 

Yes, we used our set sail passes.

[seabeew]

On 8/5/2019 at 4:33 PM, Evilgrin72 said:

Did you spend any time in the casino?  Looking specifically for video poker options and whether or not they have the blackjack games with the video dealers and the "Shoot to Win" bubble craps machines.  TIA if you can answer, if not, glad you had a great time!

The casino had a few video poker machines. At least four. I can’t tell you what options were available on the machines. 

[Artemus]

On 8/6/2019 at 12:24 AM, Mikew0805 said:

Just off the ship today as well. The answer to your questions about the casino is... no & no.  Sorry. 

Are you sure❓ Seems odd, no video poker. Saw some vp on a YouTube video.

[Artemus]

29 minutes ago, seabeew said:

The casino had a few video poker machines. At least four. I can’t tell you what options were available on the machines. 

Thank you. Just saw your post.

[Mikew0805]

48 minutes ago, Artemus said:

Are you sure❓ Seems odd, no video poker. Saw some vp on a YouTube video.

Yep... I am sure. Was on again on September 16th. There are no blackjack games with the video dealers or the "Shoot to Win" bubble craps machines. That is what I responded to, not video poker. 

[brillohead]

50 minutes ago, Artemus said:

Are you sure❓ Seems odd, no video poker. Saw some vp on a YouTube video.

You can ask Mariner casino questions on Royal Caribbean Dude's thread -- he's a casino host currently working on Mariner and should be able to give you detailed information about what is and isn't available in the casino.

[dv71617]

How about the shows ?

 

[StlGal]

Has anyone had experience with using the UDP on the 3 night (Nassau, Coco Cay) itinerary?  Specifically, are lunches included with UDP since there are no sea days?

[styxfire]

On 8/5/2019 at 12:26 PM, flhokie said:

DD (8), my mom and I just got off a 3 day sailing on Mariner. I submitted a review, but I'll give a summary here and feel free to ask questions.

 

The embarkation in Port Canaveral was the quickest and easiest we've experienced! 

 

The upgrades to the ship are great! The Windjammer never felt crowded (and the food was good). The waterslides, Flow Rider, climbing structure, sky pad and swings/hammocks were fun experiences. 

 

Despite what some crew members say, you do need reservations for laser tag. There is a standby line, but you can wait a long time in it. We asked about making reservations on embarkation day and were told you couldn't make reservations. 

 

We ate in the dining room each night. Service was great and so was the food. 

 

Our cabin attendant (Benny) was excellent. 

 

CoCo Cay is amazing! We did the water park and it was well worth it. 

 

Disembarkation was easy. They're using the facial recognition for customs/immigration. We just got our pictures taken and were on our way. 

 

Would highly recommend Mariner for a short getaway! 

 

 

Thanks so much for your comments about Mariner.  I’m curious about the ship, because for at least the last 12 months it’s  been Royal’s second-highest-ranked ship on the US news travel page.  Considering the age of mariner, I’m puzzled by this.  What am I missing?  I’m under the impression they don’t have the Broadway shows on mariner...

 

Thanks in advance for any tips/thoughts.

 

[poncho1973]

Did you use the Diamond Lounge?  It looks like they've put in what was the game room when I last sailed on the old Mariner.

[brillohead]

On 11/3/2019 at 3:08 PM, styxfire said:

Thanks so much for your comments about Mariner.  I’m curious about the ship, because for at least the last 12 months it’s  been Royal’s second-highest-ranked ship on the US news travel page.  Considering the age of mariner, I’m puzzled by this.  What am I missing?  I’m under the impression they don’t have the Broadway shows on mariner...

 

Thanks in advance for any tips/thoughts.

Broadway shows don't appeal to everyone, so I wouldn't even consider that in the mix for popularity. 

Mariner is popular with families -- proximity to Orlando is one factor there, plus the "amped" items -- the jumping pad, the water slides, Flowrider, etc.  

 

 

[flhokie]

A few things we found that could be the cause of the high ratings....

 

- Easily accessible Port Canaveral.

- Ship was recently updated and is well kept up/clean.

- There is a lot to do for a 3/4 day sailing. 

- Staff is very friendly. 

- Some new options, like the laser tag. 

- CoCo Cay is wonderful. 

 

I just think it's the best 3/4 day option we've encountered and would sail again. DD has been on Harmony & Allure and she loved Mariner. 

[styxfire]

Whoa, I didn't realize Mariner had received the SkyPad & Flowrider.  And w/ the improvements to CocoCay (haven't seen them yet, just read about them), I can see why people would think highly of this weekend option.  I guess the #2 rating would make sense.

 

That's really a world of difference over the previous option of sailing Majesty or Enchantment  to the old CocoCay (which I also liked).

[Paulette3028]

On 8/5/2019 at 7:50 PM, OceansOfTravels said:

I am going on the Explorer, but they're in the same class and have the same build, so I will just ask my question here.

 

I am wondering, did you find the pools to be crowded on sea days? We have four sea days on our cruise, and will likely want to spend some time on deck, so we are wondering how crowded the pools will be. What about other things, like the Flowrider and sports areas? Were they packed as well? Just trying to plan some sea days! 🙂

We did a B2B on Mariner when she was down in S. FL before her relocation to Port Canaveral.  The pool will be somewhat crowded on sea days, nothing can be done about that.   I did however find a great way to enjoy the waterslides without much wait time.  In the afternoon they opened at 2pm, so I went over there around 1:50 and me and a few others (children) were the only ones on line and as soon as it opened, we went up and down several times before the line got longer than I wanted to wait. 

 

It is a wonderful ship, made better with the addition of the waterslides. 

[b&wcruiser]

Is there still a sauna available for everybody? On the Navigator there was no sauna available, only for spa guests.

Edited November 15, 2019 by b&wcruiser

[Clarea]

5 hours ago, b&wcruiser said:

Is there still a sauna available for everybody? On the Navigator there was no sauna available, only for spa guests.

 

Yes, Mariner was spared the destruction of the Fitness Center that Royal performed on Navigator. 

[Scotty G]

On 11/7/2019 at 1:13 PM, poncho1973 said:

Did you use the Diamond Lounge?  It looks like they've put in what was the game room when I last sailed on the old Mariner.

 

The Diamond Club has not been moved. The Suite Lounge is where the Game/Card Room was previously.

[b&wcruiser]

10 hours ago, Host Clarea said:

 

Yes, Mariner was spared the destruction of the Fitness Center that Royal performed on Navigator. 

Thanks,

Hope they leave it like it is on the Explorer too after the May refit, but seeing the new layouts on the deck plans I'm afraid they will be gone!

[Clarea]

47 minutes ago, b&wcruiser said:

Thanks,

Hope they leave it like it is on the Explorer too after the May refit, but seeing the new layouts on the deck plans I'm afraid they will be gone!

 

Yep, I don't think Royal can resist cramming more staterooms onto the ship.