Christmas Cruise - Never Again

[LEMJMcC]

Taken by itself, the cruise on Mariner of the Seas over Christmas was okay.  No doubt it would have been better without having to deal with masks - I really found them to be quite an annoyance and they took much away from our experience.  Mariner seems to be a tired ship needing some much needed maintenance and upkeep - which I realize is a challenge when the ship docks and redeploys in one day, week after week.  Still, you'd have thought that RCI would have taken the opportunity to do some much needed maintenance and "brightening" of their fleet while it was not sailing.

 

Though not at full capacity it still seemed crowded, especially the promenade and the track on deck 12; we did find a pleasant walking experience on deck 4 thouogh with the exception of the smoking area on the port side.  The Windjammer was crowded and just seemed really busy each time we visited it.  We did like having crew handle the serving of the food!  We felt much less cramped on Oasis back in 2018.

 

Speaking of food, our food in the MDR was quite good and this is the dirst cruise that we took all of our evening meals in the MDR.  Service was good and we had very amenable and pleasant dinner mates.  The quality of the food was above good, but not quite great, except for the Beff Stroganoff and the Oso Buko which I found to be delectable!

 

The crew was for the most part very friendly, though I did run across a few who seemed almost annoyed to serve; I felt like I was I was inconveniencing them when it came my turn at the counter; particularly at bars.  Our cabin attendant and waiters were all very good; top notch I must say.  We enjoyed one lunch at Johnny Rockets and Vlad was a hoot!  The only downside was that I became a bit ill in the stomach after that one meal and didn't feel like eating agani until the following evening after returning from Cozumel.

 

Now, as far as Christmas is concerned, it was more like Christless.  Everything was over the top secular with not a hint of the sacred.  Not one traditional Crhistmas song was played on Mariner - though when docked alongside Brilliance at Cozumel we did hear some on that ship!  Nor did we see one manger scene or anything that referred to the reason for the season.  For some perhaps this is not even a consideration, and my wife did ask me what I had expected.  Perhaps I did have unrealistic expectations, but I would have thought that somewhere on the ship the whole reason we have the High Holiday of Christmas would have been acknowledged in some public manner.  They did have Catholic Mass, but as we are not Catholic, we did not attend.  We feel like we literally missed Christmas this past year, though as Dickens states, we try to honor it in our hearts all the days throughout the year regardless.

 

In summary, we will never again take a Christmas cruise; but will likely embark on cruises at other times during the winter seasons to come, once Covid and all its variants are just bad memories.

 

Regards.

[Ptroxx]

17 minutes ago, LEMJMcC said:

Taken by itself, the cruise on Mariner of the Seas over Christmas was okay.  No doubt it would have been better without having to deal with masks - I really found them to be quite an annoyance and they took much away from our experience.  Mariner seems to be a tired ship needing some much needed maintenance and upkeep - which I realize is a challenge when the ship docks and redeploys in one day, week after week.  Still, you'd have thought that RCI would have taken the opportunity to do some much needed maintenance and "brightening" of their fleet while it was not sailing.

 

Though not at full capacity it still seemed crowded, especially the promenade and the track on deck 12; we did find a pleasant walking experience on deck 4 thouogh with the exception of the smoking area on the port side.  The Windjammer was crowded and just seemed really busy each time we visited it.  We did like having crew handle the serving of the food!  We felt much less cramped on Oasis back in 2018.

 

Speaking of food, our food in the MDR was quite good and this is the dirst cruise that we took all of our evening meals in the MDR.  Service was good and we had very amenable and pleasant dinner mates.  The quality of the food was above good, but not quite great, except for the Beff Stroganoff and the Oso Buko which I found to be delectable!

 

The crew was for the most part very friendly, though I did run across a few who seemed almost annoyed to serve; I felt like I was I was inconveniencing them when it came my turn at the counter; particularly at bars.  Our cabin attendant and waiters were all very good; top notch I must say.  We enjoyed one lunch at Johnny Rockets and Vlad was a hoot!  The only downside was that I became a bit ill in the stomach after that one meal and didn't feel like eating agani until the following evening after returning from Cozumel.

 

Now, as far as Christmas is concerned, it was more like Christless.  Everything was over the top secular with not a hint of the sacred.  Not one traditional Crhistmas song was played on Mariner - though when docked alongside Brilliance at Cozumel we did hear some on that ship!  Nor did we see one manger scene or anything that referred to the reason for the season.  For some perhaps this is not even a consideration, and my wife did ask me what I had expected.  Perhaps I did have unrealistic expectations, but I would have thought that somewhere on the ship the whole reason we have the High Holiday of Christmas would have been acknowledged in some public manner.  They did have Catholic Mass, but as we are not Catholic, we did not attend.  We feel like we literally missed Christmas this past year, though as Dickens states, we try to honor it in our hearts all the days throughout the year regardless.

 

In summary, we will never again take a Christmas cruise; but will likely embark on cruises at other times during the winter seasons to come, once Covid and all its variants are just bad memories.

 

Regards.

Sure seems like it was a good trip.  Good food good service  for the most part.  
your cruising during a pandemic.  The staff is being worked to no end with other crew member catching covid.   Your the first one I’ve heard about the Xmas music.  Everyone I’ve read said the music was over the top and too much.   
maybe a Xmas cruise wasn’t a good idea if you value that holiday as much as it sounds you do.     
Happy Holiday.  

[flamingos]

19 minutes ago, LEMJMcC said:

Everything was over the top secular with not a hint of the sacred.  Not one traditional Crhistmas song was played on Mariner

And if they had played sacred music and traditional carols, there would have been complaints about it being too Christian.   Not everyone can be happy.  I am surprised that you did not attend Mass, which is open to all faiths except for the actual communion rite.  

 

I would never expect there to be a religious celebration on board, at any time.  They have them when they happen to have an officiant on board.

[Ferry_Watcher]

A cruise is a commercial enterprise.  A cruise at Christmas must appeal to the masses that are there for sun, fun and alcohol (as well as family and friends).  You shouldn't be surprised that the ship didn't display a manger scene, or other evidence of "the reason for the season".  Even your wife seems puzzled at your disconnect between commercial Christmas and traveling on a cruise ship for the holiday (as opposed to the Holy Day).  Even though you are not Catholic, you may have found what you were looking for on that day, and you certainly would have been welcomed. 

 

So if you are ever tempted to cruise on Christmas day again, try a European Christmas Market River cruise, or better yet, just stay home and enjoy your own traditions.  Merry Christmas, my friend

[yogimax]

23 minutes ago, flamingos said:

I am surprised that you did not attend Mass, which is open to all faiths except for the actual communion rite.  

Precisely.  That's why a non-denominational service would have been better which would have been inclusive and allowed FULL participation for all Christians.

[flamingos]

3 minutes ago, yogimax said:

Precisely.  That's why a non-denominational service would have been better which would have been inclusive and allowed FULL participation for all Christians.

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/does-royal-caribbean-offer-religious-services-onboard

 

[yogimax]

2 minutes ago, flamingos said:

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/does-royal-caribbean-offer-religious-services-onboard

 

Simply not true. 

 

The first sentence is:  "Royal Caribbean ships offer one interdenominational service (for all faiths), per voyage."

 

We have not experienced any interdenominational services in years.

[flamingos]

Just now, yogimax said:

Simply not true. 

 

The first sentence is:  "Royal Caribbean ships offer one interdenominational service (for all faiths), per voyage."

 

We have not experienced any interdenominational services in years.

Then contact Royal and express your disappointment with them. If they have not had them 'in years' and there have been no complaints, it appears they might not be missed.

[BND]

4 minutes ago, yogimax said:

Simply not true. 

 

The first sentence is:  "Royal Caribbean ships offer one interdenominational service (for all faiths), per voyage."

 

We have not experienced any interdenominational services in years.

John and Katrina Blair lead one on the ships they're on, but those are the only times we've seen it.  They've been our CD and AD on 3 or 4 cruises out of Baltimore.

[nelblu]

52 minutes ago, LEMJMcC said:

 

Now, as far as Christmas is concerned, it was more like Christless.  Everything was over the top secular with not a hint of the sacred.  Not one traditional Crhistmas song was played on Mariner - though when docked alongside Brilliance at Cozumel we did hear some on that ship!  Nor did we see one manger scene or anything that referred to the reason for the season.  For some perhaps this is not even a consideration, and my wife did ask me what I had expected.  Perhaps I did have unrealistic expectations, but I would have thought that somewhere on the ship the whole reason we have the High Holiday of Christmas would have been acknowledged in some public manner.  They did have Catholic Mass, but as we are not Catholic, we did not attend.  We feel like we literally missed Christmas this past year, though as Dickens states, we try to honor it in our hearts all the days throughout the year regardless.

 

 

I was on the Dec 4th sail and thought that it was festive. They had a beautiful Christmas tree in the promenade along with Honukkah candles.  Holiday music played a lot by pool and the promenade. 

the video shows a winter scene as you enter the WJ.  Did not expect more since cruising covers many religious sects. 
 

 

I agree with you regarding the ships condition, but my problem was certain areas of the bathroom. 
 

i enjoyed the cruise and even better thst it was free thanks to Royal Casino. 
 

 

[John&LaLa]

Mariner was amped 3 years ago. It was very nice in 2019. What was 'tired' about her?

[bonsai3s]

Our Christmas cruise on the Navigator...

* Traditional Christmas songs played throughout the day.

* Massive Christmas tree on Deck 5 between Playmakers and Cafe Promenade.

* Catholic Christmas mass held at midnight...Father Bob, from Apostle's of the Seas. San Jose, Ca.  Additional services held at 8am every morning.

* Chritmas gift distribution to all children, Studio B.

* A large Christmas gingerbread house displayed in the Windjammer.

* Free egg nog...with, or without liquor.

* Christmas tree lighting and Chritmas carols.

* Chritmas wreaths everywhere.

* Crew members wearing Santa Clause hats.

*  Special Christmal menu in the MDR.

 

[J0Y0US]

2 minutes ago, bonsai3s said:

Our Christmas cruise on the Navigator...

 

Was this a different ship? What ship?

[DCPIV]

I am sorry to hear that you were disappointed, but your expectations were entirely of your own making.  If you look at RC's marketing, you'll find virtually nothing that suggests that their holiday cruises spotlight a religious celebration.  Rather, you find many, many references to the secular, commercial aspects of Christmas (lots of snowmen, gingerbread houses, and Santa) or those that no longer hold much in the way of religious significance (such as Christmas trees and candy canes).

[S.A.M.J.R.]

Just now, J0Y0US said:

 

Was this a different ship? What ship?

It's in the part you quoted... @bonsai3s was on the Navigator.  OP was on Mariner.

 

That being said, looking at the list @bonsai3s posted, aside from "Christmas Songs" and mass, everything else seems secular vs sacred.  If any cruiser needs "traditional Christmas music", nothing is stopping them from loading whatever music they want on their favorite player and listening to it via headphones.  

[J0Y0US]

1 minute ago, S.A.M.J.R. said:

 was on the Navigator

 

Ah ahahahaha

 

I got mixed up our last cruise was on Disney so they call their daily schedule a navigator.

 

Thanks for pointing that out.

[lovesthebeach2]

8 minutes ago, John&LaLa said:

Mariner was amped 3 years ago. It was very nice in 2019. What was 'tired' about her?

I’m curious too, we’re going on Mariner in a few weeks.  We just got off Brilliance this morning and we felt that ship REALLY needs to be updated 

[Tee & Chilli]

We sailed on Mariner in October and didn’t notice any maintenance issues.

[BND]

26 minutes ago, DCPIV said:

I am sorry to hear that you were disappointed, but your expectations were entirely of your own making.  If you look at RC's marketing, you'll find virtually nothing that suggests that their holiday cruises spotlight a religious celebration.  Rather, you find many, many references to the secular, commercial aspects of Christmas (lots of snowmen, gingerbread houses, and Santa) or those that no longer hold much in the way of religious significance (such as Christmas trees and candy canes).

Christmas by definition is a religious holiday.  We have come to not expect anything that even hints of any faith anywhere as people are so easily offended., so we don't expect to see a service onboard.  When there is one, it's a bonus and it's because there happens to be someone onboard willing to lead it.  Actually, candy canes do hold a religious significance.  

 

As for the "tiredness" or missing maintenance of ships that people mention, it usually has to do with normal wear and tear or rust.  You cannot escape rust on a ship and it's hard to stay ahead of all of it.   You can't expect a brand new appearance once the ship leaves the yards.  Anyone who has spent anytime at sea can tell you that.  My DH laughs when people go on about rust as he's a retired Navy Captain and you can't ever escape it at sea.  And the normal wear and tear is to be expected.  Although they do change our carpeting as needed.  And, stained upholstery, well, that's hard when people don't care about it.  A lot of people don't treat the ship they way they treat their home because they think it's someone else's job.  Spills, etc are to be expected.

Edited January 3, 2022 by BND

[cpa09]

29 minutes ago, bonsai3s said:

Our Christmas cruise on the Navigator...

* Traditional Christmas songs played throughout the day.

* Massive Christmas tree on Deck 5 between Playmakers and Cafe Promenade.

* Catholic Christmas mass held at midnight...Father Bob, from Apostle's of the Seas. San Jose, Ca.  Additional services held at 8am every morning.

* Chritmas gift distribution to all children, Studio B.

* A large Christmas gingerbread house displayed in the Windjammer.

* Free egg nog...with, or without liquor.

* Christmas tree lighting and Chritmas carols.

* Chritmas wreaths everywhere.

* Crew members wearing Santa Clause hats.

*  Special Christmal menu in the MDR.

 

My family was also on the Navigator last week and agree with the above.  My kids commented that towards the end of the cruise, they were getting sick of the Christmas songs.  

 

My only gripe was that the water in the pool was too cold.  I wish the pools were heated so we could enjoy them during the winter cruises.  

[nelblu]

18 minutes ago, bonsai3s said:

Our Christmas cruise on the Navigator...

* Traditional Christmas songs played throughout the day.

* Massive Christmas tree on Deck 5 between Playmakers and Cafe Promenade.

* Catholic Christmas mass held at midnight...Father Bob, from Apostle's of the Seas. San Jose, Ca.  Additional services held at 8am every morning.

* Chritmas gift distribution to all children, Studio B.

* A large Christmas gingerbread house displayed in the Windjammer.

* Free egg nog...with, or without liquor.

* Christmas tree lighting and Chritmas carols.

* Chritmas wreaths everywhere.

* Crew members wearing Santa Clause hats.

*  Special Christmal menu in the MDR.

 

I was on the December 4th Mariner of the Sea and it was quite festive so early in the season.  Like the Navigator, they had a wonderful decorated tree in the promenade, wreaths and a Hannukah Candelabra.  Holiday music was played though out the cruise, both in the Promenade and surprisingly by the pool.  3 days into cruise they were putting up a winter scene on a large table with 2 trains running at front of the WJ.  Wanted to attach a video, but was unsuccessful.

 

Other than the MDR many crew members wore Holiday hats.

 

Also, one day for lunch in the WJ they had baked a humongous apple pie for dessert with plenty of ice cream selections.

[OnTheJourney]

1 hour ago, LEMJMcC said:

Now, as far as Christmas is concerned, it was more like Christless.  Everything was over the top secular with not a hint of the sacred.  Not one traditional Crhistmas song was played on Mariner - though when docked alongside Brilliance at Cozumel we did hear some on that ship!  Nor did we see one manger scene or anything that referred to the reason for the season.  For some perhaps this is not even a consideration, and my wife did ask me what I had expected.  Perhaps I did have unrealistic expectations, but I would have thought that somewhere on the ship the whole reason we have the High Holiday of Christmas would have been acknowledged in some public manner.  They did have Catholic Mass, but as we are not Catholic, we did not attend.  We feel like we literally missed Christmas this past year, though as Dickens states, we try to honor it in our hearts all the days throughout the year regardless.

Most interesting for sure. As a Catholic, I know I would have been truly bummed and, as you say, feel that Christ was left out of the picture. However, so much of how our society functions has done just that. Instead, it's all about the frenetic search for, buying, and then opening presents and all that goes with that. In our church, the season extends till next Sunday when the "Baptism of the Lord" is observed. Sad to see Christmas trees thrown out for recycling, etc. like the day after Christmas already. We need to take time - as you allude to -  to honor it in our hearts all year long.

 

Good post...thanks for your candid thoughts! 

Edited January 3, 2022 by OnTheJourney

[A&L_Ont]

Maybe the nativity scene was in need of maintenance and not put out. 🤷‍♂️

[nelblu]

2 minutes ago, cpa09 said:

My family was also on the Navigator last week and agree with the above.  My kids commented that towards the end of the cruise, they were getting sick of the Christmas songs.  

 

My only gripe was that the water in the pool was too cold.  I wish the pools were heated so we could enjoy them during the winter cruises.  

Funny you say that when I sailed the Oasis from Bayonne in early September one of the main pools was heated.  Unfortunately. because of social distancing only 9 bathers at any one time and it was enforced.  Bathers were asked to please leave so others could enjoy the pool.

[OnTheJourney]

13 minutes ago, BND said:

We have come to not expect anything that even hints of any faith anywhere as people are so easily offended., so we don't expect to see a service onboard. 

This is true enough. I probably wouldn't have expected the observance of much (if anything) sacred in nature, but then, as a compensated Catholic organist I don't anticipate being away over the Christmas Sundays!  Wouldn't go over too well.