any tips for mariner

[CrazyCruiseGirl61]

im going on rci for the first time ever and i was wondering if anyone had any must dothing things while on the boat just so i can get a good idea of wht i should plan to do and make sure i dont miss anything fun

[cb at sea]

When you board, there will be a Compass in your room. Read it. Get a feel for what you would like to do! There really are no "must do's!" It's your vacation--do what you wish! If you should miss doing something, you can try it on your next cruise--I guarantee there will be another!!!!!

[jkfreeman33]

Just got off the Mariner last week. Second time on that ship and love her!!

Angela in the Champaign Bar was terrific. If you see her, tell her the 4-some from Chicago said Hi!

We would have a drink there every night before dinner.

Enjoy the Mariner

[Cincy-David]

I took my first cruise on the Mariner in Nov of 2005. She is a beautiful ship and will always hold a dear place in my part.

 

Like the others said, there is too much to do in one cruise, but some of my favorites are:

 

Ice Show This is a don't miss. You have to get tickets in advance, so pay attention to the Compass you get daily and make sure you get the tickets. You have to line up after breakfast. The line will look like a mile long, but it moves really quick.

 

Ice Skating - If you have the ability, it is worth it just to come back and tell your friends and family that you went ice skating on a cruise. Looks like a lot of fun, but if you wear a large size, forget it. Rental skates only go to 12 or 13.

 

Quest - If you are open to a little adult entertainment. This is a not miss. By Adult, I mean only that there will be some mild activity not appropriate for children. Nothing bad, just some mild language and maybe a little more. I would take any kid over 15.

 

Love and Marriage Game - If Becky is still the CD on this ship, this will be a hoot. She does a great job of selecting contestants and running the show.

 

Chops - The alternative dining spot not to be missed. You will end up with a steak to rival anything you have experienced.

 

Piano Bar - The nightly piano show in the Schooner Bar is always fun.

 

Even if you miss all this, you will sstill have a great cruise. The CD does a great job.

 

Enjoy your Cruise

Dave

[katiel53]

In addition to the things already mentioned, we love Portofino. It is the best Italian restaurant! Even if you don't love Italian food, there is steak, seafood dishes and others.

 

We also enjoy the promenade. They have the best small sandwiches and pastries. We have gone there for breakfast rather than going to the buffet or dining room. They have coffee machines, hot water for cocoa and tea, but best of all, there isn't any charge for any of it. The small sandwiches served at lunch and throughout the afternoon are really good. They also have fancy pastry in the afternoon and evening.

 

There are places to sit "outside" on the promenade. (It's not really outside but it's outside the different shops etc.) The tables are great for just people watching.

 

I know you will love Mariner.

 

Katie

[emdia43]

The sailaway party on deck.

The Parade down the Promenade on the first night.

The Ice show (MUST)

Bolero lounge- sit and watch all the beautiful people dancing the Salsa/Merengue.

Pool games- sexy legs/hairy chest etc- hilarious.

Johnny Rockets restaurant- FUN.

[QTMichele]

The Mariner was our first ever cruise! We just got back this past Sunday and LOVED her so much!

 

A few tips...

 

1. Book the specialty restaurants upon boarding (you'll get your pick of days and times) if you wish to dine there. Then go to the Windjammer for lunch.

 

2. Get tickets to the ice show, but get in line about 15 minutes before the announced time (give more time if you're on a full sailing).

 

3. Check your dining assignment (actually, just make sure you have one). We did only because we were touring the ship and learned that we did NOT have a table. We had to wait in an hour line mid-afternoon. If we hadn't checked, then we would have had to wait just before dinner - NOT something I would recommend.

 

4. Don't buy any pictures until the end of your cruise. This *may* help you save money by only buying the best pictures versus all of them.

 

5. If you want to eat at Johnny Rockets, then go on a port day. We had a late lunch there after visiting Grand Cayman - it wasn't busy and had extra special attention from our waiter.

 

6. Don't expect to get a chair by the pool on a sea day. That way, it will be a nice surprise if you do get one! Pool chairs are easily available on port days, even after the ship leaves the port.

 

7. Don't overpack. ;)

 

8. Keep reading Cruise Critic - there are so many great things you will learn!

 

9. Go to http://www.romain-moisescot.com/voyagerclass/ for great pictures, deck plans, etc. on the Mariner and her sister ships.

 

10. Watch for price drops by occasionally looking up your itinerary. If the price is lower, then call your TA or RCCL and have them reduce your price. Also, go to http://www.creative.rccl.com/sales/promowave/RCL.pdf for discounted sailings.

 

12. Send any clothes that need pressed on the first day. Pressing is 50% off the laundry prices and they do a great job.

 

13. Most drinks are the same price as the "drink of the day" so order what you want. With a souvenir glass you'll pay $5.95 plus tip, without the glass you'll pay $4.75 plus tip.

 

14. Room service is 24 hours and free, but don't forget to tip a dollar or two (or three...).

 

15. Go to the peekaboo bridge (deck 12, I think?) and the helipad (take deck 4 all the way forward, climb a set of stairs, continue forward and climb a small set of stairs) - fun to see!

 

16. Sometime after boarding the ship on the first or second day, take a quick tour from the top deck down to get your bearings. You won't get lost if you don't do this, but it is fun to see the ship.

 

17. In the mood for a movie? Go to the screening room. Almost no one is there (it's not really advertised) and they show recent movies.

 

18. Don't overbook shore excursions (unless you want to!). Also, independent excursions (not the ship's) tend to have less passengers and are typically a lot less expensive. Do your homework on the ports of call so you're not overwhelmed!

 

19. Don't sweat the small stuff. Really... if something isn't that way you want it, then let someone know or just shrug it off. Enjoy your vacation - you've earned it! :D

 

That's all I can think of for now, but I'm sure it's more than enough! ;) Have a WONDERFUL cruise!

[lakemom]

there was so much to do I know we hardly got much in..if anything ship bingo - it was fun but took up a lot of time! don,t over pack!

we didn't think portofinos was that much better than the dinning room.

I did get a strawberry Daquiri for 3.75 when i was playing bingo once ..what a great price!

keep in touch here and get on roll call!

have fun.:cool:

[pepsicruiser]

After boarding go to the Promenade about 3:00. Fill out the raffle tickets near the staircase to the casino. They give out great prizes with these raffles. You have to be present to win so stick around. Dinner at Portofinos, spa treatment, lithograph, etc and some not so great... its fun so don't miss it.