Mariner of the Seas questions

[kcbmarek]

We are considering taking our three teenagers (ages 17, 17, and 14 - yes love those blended families with 2 17yo) on the Mariner of the Seas to the Mexican Riviera in August 2009. I have sailed RCL prior but not with teenagers. Is there plenty to occupied two boys and a teenage girl on this ship with 3 days at sea? Any recommendations of cabin locations? Are balcony cabins worth it?

 

Thanks!

 

Kim

[MarinerGroom]

I loved my balcony cabin, but I think you could save money by having 1 balcony and 1 interior room near each other. If the kids want to use the balcony they can come visit. They probably won't be in their room much, anyway.

 

There should be plenty to keep the kids busy, especially if the boys are into sports. There are basketball courts, dodgeball tournaments, etc. I'm not too sure about what there is for a girl, I don't really pay attention to what girls like to do :)

[hazeleyez3]

I would say there is plenty of activities for your kids. If I recall correctly, there was a get together one of the first days for teenagers - if they would be up for that they could meet some others their own age.

[cb at sea]

The 17 yo's will be by the pool most of the time (I would imagine!) checking out the bodies!

The 14 yo will love the AO program. If any of the kids are bored, this would be the last time they cruise!!!!

[rclcruzer]

I have 3 teens and believe me........you will never see them :D;)

I can almost guarantee you that they will have a blast! Since it's summer still, and some schools are not back in session yet, at least most schools out here don't start until after Labor Day, (us, the last Thursday of Aug) the ships should have a good amount of teens.

 

The 14 year old, if not shy, can go to the teen club. Usually by the 3 rd day they run around in packs with new friends. 17 is a bit easier for a cruise because they are still involved in the teen club as well. 18 is a little harder, although they can gamble :p

Love Mariner, had a great time on her! Glad to see her come to the West Coast! Have a great cruise and don't worry, they will have an awesome time!

 

Aa far as cabins: We have our daughter with us in balcony, and 2 son's in an inside stateroom on the same deck. Usually down the hall. You can always do an OV and inside as well, or maybe 2 connecting OV's.

[DonnaK]

My teens are the same ages as yours, and they love Mariner. There is plenty to keep teenagers positively occupied onboard that ship!!!

 

We usually book a balcony for my husband and myself, and an inside cabin across the hall for our teens.

[Lionesss]

We sailed the Mariner in August, and let me tell you our 13 and half daughter had the time of her life. The group activities, dances, parties, and crafts were non-stop. I am so glad I had a picture of my daughter because at times I may have forgotten what she looked like (lol).

Seriously, after cruising Disney and RCI, RCI Mariner wins hands down for young adult activities. From Prom, to dances, swims, scavenger hunts, dinner.

I want you to realize the kids at this age do not have to be signed in and out of any activity. So we set ground rules. Our daughter had to check in every 2 hours. She was allowed to walk in the Casino and let us know her plans, and leave. She left messages on our phone. She knew she was not permitted in anyones, cabin, nor was she to bring anyone to ours. (we had a grand suite, and our cabin attendent kept us updated, he was always arround or in the hall, and he got a big tip!).

The kids were good. She had to tell us if they went swimming (RCI does not have life guards and we would just sit on a chair, and watch the group).

Too wordy, I know.

If she used her sea pass to buy anything she had to bring us the receipt.

I must be blessed our child was well behaved, we met all the parents, and everyone looked out for others children.

Your older kids will have the time of their life. They had more dances, parties (supervised), and a pool contest everyday with prizes. The best one was when all the kids were told the first person to find 75 cents (everyone uses sea passes), would win the prize.

Have the time of your lives

The Mariner is a LADY, and we love her.

Safe travels

Later

[stones902]

We are considering taking our three teenagers (ages 17, 17, and 14 - yes love those blended families with 2 17yo) on the Mariner of the Seas to the Mexican Riviera in August 2009. I have sailed RCL prior but not with teenagers. Is there plenty to occupied two boys and a teenage girl on this ship with 3 days at sea? Any recommendations of cabin locations? Are balcony cabins worth it?

 

Thanks!

 

Kim

 

Balconies vs. other accomodations are just a matter of choice. We have had all types of cabins from an inside cheapest available all the way up to an Owners suite. These days we usually opt for the balcony because the extra $200 pp (with our diamond discount) is worth it in our opinion but there is nothing wrong with an inside cabin either.

 

If you are claustrophobic then I wouldn't get an inside. I have heard of people being uncomforatble without any windows or outside light. Balconies are located higher in the ship which makes it more convenient from your cabin to most public areas such as pools / bars / etc.

 

There is no difference in the amount of space or ammenities between standard balconies and inside cabins. If you need more room you can opt for the Junior Suite or higher.