Short review on my Mariner 9-14-08 cruise

[meggie711]

We just got back yesterday from an awesome sailing of the Eastern Caribbean on the Mariner of the Seas. Our itinerary was Port Canaveral, Coco Cay, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and back to Port Canaveral. We were a little nervous, considering all of the crazy weather that we'd been seeing in the past couple of weeks. However, everything on our cruise went as planned. We made ALL stops, and had beautiful weather, except for the occasional rain shower.

We normally get to port around 11:30 and get on the ship relatively fast. Last Sunday, however, we got into town an hour late, and had quite a wait for parking. No worries though, as we got on the ship within an hour of arriving. The ship was absolutely beautiful, and so full of character.

 

The Promenade was a bit of a shock to the system, as it was so big.. so bright.. so beautiful. There were some great stores for shopping (cosmetics, perfume, general store, RCCL souvenier shop, and a store that had bags, jewelry, swimsuits, resort wear, etc.) at the Promenade. Also at the Promenade, there was the cafe which offered coffee, pastries, breads, etc. The Ben & Jerry's was located in this area. The Wig & Gavel and Vintages (wine bar) were here also. We did not go to Vintages, but spent some time at the Wig & Gavel. Again, full of character. Make sure to stop in and say hello to "Indy". He's an awesome bar tender, and will remember your name in a heartbeat. The 70's party took place at the Promenade. We only caught the tail-end of this, as we had been in the casino, but it looked (and sounded) like a good time.

 

The food was great! We never went hungry the entire trip, and had plenty of opportunities to try plenty of tasty, new foods. There seemed to be an offering of Indian food on the menu every night at dinner, and Diana (our waitress), would bring a plate for hubby and I to try along with our dinner. Formal nights were Monday night and Friday night, lobster being served on Friday night. Room service was wonderful. We would order over the phone, as we couldn't get our TV to cooperate. It was always less than an hour before they would have it to you, and they would call ahead first to make sure you were awake and dressed before they came knocking (lol). We tried everything from the bistro burger to pizza, chili dip (a MUST), and wings. Johnny Rocket's is one of my favorite restaurants. Gotta love a cheeseburger in paradise. ;) We got seated quickly both times that we went (once with the Gold coupon, once just using our seapass). They were very entertaining, dancing frequently, but never stopping the flow of food out of the kitchen. Their service was wonderful.

 

I wish I could speak about activities for the children, but I went with 5 other adults, and no children. I can say that there were not a LOT of children on the ship, but that those who were there were very quiet and well-behaved. There was no running around the ship, banging on doors, etc. (at least not anywhere that I saw). The only bad behavior I saw was from a group of approximately 6 or 7 adults who got into a near-knock down, drag out in the Dragon's Lair!! That's a story in itself, so I'll spare you the details. However, I can now say that adults worrying about bad behavior among "young people" should know that these over-grown children were over 50, but acting like a bunch of immature pre-teens at the school dance. I hope they didn't let it ruin their trip... can't imagine spending a vacation fighting. Oh well, on with the review!

 

The Dragon's Lair! If you like dancing, people watching, AND a place to talk in a cozy environment, check out the Dragon's Lair. Hubby and I spent a lot of time here. There were some very talented fellow cruisers who looked like they belonged on America's Best Dance Crew or Dancing With the Stars. Very entertaining to watch! There was a good mix of music - everything from "Mickey" (hello 80's......) to "Cupid Shuffle". There's a cool area on the 2nd floor of the Dragon's Lair (climb the pretty staircase, or use the elevators outside to go to the second level). You can look down on the dance floor, and there are plenty of cool areas to sit and chit-chat with your travelmates or new people that you've met.

 

For the football fans, we did catch part of the FL/TN game in our room on Saturday. I've been told that it's difficult to get these games the further that you are from Florida, but we had no problems accessing it in the room.

 

Entertainment - There was some GREAT entertainment on our ship. I can't find my COMPASS to tell you the names, but the headliner comedian on the first night was hilarious. He's been on Comedy Central, and he had a family show, and then a late-night show for adults only. We also watched a juggler, and a man from south (or central, can't remember) America who were both fun to watch. We went to opening night of the new singers/dancers show, and had a good time. Although I thought they were very talented and entertaining, I didn't care much for the actual show that they did. I would have rathered different music, etc. But, either way, we had a great time.

 

We went to Quest for the first time ever. NOW I see what we've been missing all this time. I don't think I've ever laughed this hard in my life. One thing, however, that was not so enjoyable at Quest... There was a couple who appeared a little to obsessed with Quest. She brought a fanny-pack loaded down with different items that might be called for. Any time an item was announced, she ripped it out of the fanny-pack, flung it at the captain, and got their points. I didn't care about winning or anything like that. It just seemed to take a little of the fun out of their group. I mean, the whole point is to see what you can find, and enjoy the actual QUEST. It's not called Quest of the Fanny Pack for a reason.. ANYWAY, if it weren't for "What happens at Quest stays at Quest".. oh the stories I could tell. ;)

 

We went to the ice show on Friday night. We didn't have tickets, but were told by the employees at the door to "Come right in". We really enjoyed the show and were very glad not to miss it! I even got teary-eyed once. lol It took around an hour, and finished in time for us to get to dinner, second seating.

 

Activities on board - I CLIMBED THE ROCK WALL! Yes, wimpy old me! Hubby did as well, although he was much quicker than me. I highly encourage you to give the wall a try if your health permits you to. They give you a great deal of help, and you get to see a beautiful view that most people won't get to see! :) We went putt-putting as well. Went around midnight one night, as they're opened all night. It was a good time to go. Only one other family was out there. It felt great with the nice breezes, and not having the sun frying you. A couple of the pools and whirlpools are now opened 24-hours. We spend most nights in the whirlpools from around 2am to 4am. Even took a chilly late-night swim one night!

 

Ports - Coco Cay. This was my third visit to Coco Cay, and was as enjoyable as the first time. I love this place because it's a beautiful beach. You can sit with the crowds near the shops and bars, or you can go further down the beach if you're looking for a little more privacy and quiet. There were plenty of activities and excursions. As always, I recommend the Coco Loco!!! We didn't do any excursions on this trip, choosing to go it alone. I believe I actually like it that way, and may not do as many excursions through the ship in the future (unless it's something like a catamaran snorkle, or something similar).

 

St. Thomas - This was our first time going to St. Thomas. We found the people to be very friendly. They were not pushy when it came to shopping, taxis, etc. We first took a taxi to Magen's Bay. This was an approximately 20 minute cab ride from port. It gaves us a nice tour of the hilly area, however. I can't remember exactly, but it was right at $20 one-way for a couple. It was $4 to get into Magen's Bay. Once let out, we walked all the way to the right. Much less foot traffic in this area. There are public restrooms and changing areas, and there's also a bar with a gift shop nearby. We did not go to either. I recommend taking mosquito spray, as I did not, and got bit to hell and back. Didn't bother everyone though. Just me and one of my travelmates. The water and views were gorgeous. We then took a cab back to the ship. From there, we walked to the Sky View, where we rode up to Paradise Point. It was a fun ride, and well worth it. $19/each, round-trip. We rode to the top, and saw beautiful views of the ship and the islands. It was a little misty and foggy, but still beautiful. We had drinks at the bar at the top. I HIGHLY recommend the Bushwacker. It was so yummy! Came in a souvenier mug that was very cute. After this, we rode back down the mountain, hit some shops, and then went back to the ship. There were some on the ship who did not like St. Thomas. I, however, enjoyed it, and would love to return again for a longer visit. There was a bartender at the bar who was on a cruise years ago, never returned to the ship, and has been working there ever since. She has a cool story.

 

St. Maarten - Again, never been to St. Maarten. We LOVED it! There's a lot of culture, extremely nice people, and beautiful views. We first hit Orient Beach. Just a quick FYI for those who haven't been to a beach like this before.. it's clothing optional. The further you walk to the right, the more skin you are likely to see. It is extremely rude to walk down to that area just to gawk, giggle, point, and judge who should or should not be wearing clothes, take pictures of people in Speedos, etc. We talked to a nice group of people who were staying at the resort at Orient, and enjoyed this mostly-quiet area of the beach. The water was beautiful, the sand SO soft. We wanted beach chairs at Orient, but didn't know who to pay. An employee walked by and we asked him. He said that if an attendant comes by, he will collect money from you, but that if he doesn't come by, "Oh well". We fell in the "Oh well" category, as nobody came by to collect our money. Free beach chair rentals! :)

We then hopped a taxi to Maho Beach, where we hoped to see airplanes taking off and flying into the airport. We did see a small plane come in, but it was nothing impressive. An employee at the bar told us that we had just missed one, and that it looked like it nearly missed the fence as it touched down! (If you don't know what I'm talking about, look up St. Maarten and plane on youtube). The beach was beautiful here. I highly recommend not having little children nearby when planes do take off. Although it's across the road, the force from the jet engines can (and will) knock you over into the water. We shared a taxi with a couple from Australia who told us that we'd just missed seeing him knocked over the rocks and down into the water. They nearly lost their bag that had their passports and iPhone in it. So, just be careful if you're there when the planes take off. We then rode back into Phillipsburg where we shopped the remainder of the time. Make sure to try a Guavaberry Colada. It is really good! Go by Baker's stand. It's right there at the entrance to the port, where all of the shops are. It's $6. Most people in these shops and bars did not take credit cards, so make sure to carry some cash. We were not prepared for all of the taxi-riding that we would do, and ran out of cash. Most trips we took via taxi were around $18/couple/oneway. Make sure to allot plenty of time to get back to the ship, as traffic on these small roads can be crazy!! I do not recommend renting a car, as I saw first-hand how cramped the roads are, and how reckless the driving is.

 

The last night of ship, I heard that they were not using stablizers at all. It damn sure felt like it. We rocked and rolled from around lunchtime until we arrived back at Port Canaveral the next morning. At the farewell show, the curtains went back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. It was very dizzying and nauseating, although I didn't get sick. I went to bed after packing, and let hubby enjoy his last night on the ship without me. Parents.... if the ship is rocking hard and water is slinging out of the pools, get your kids out of the water. This can be very dangerous, as a small child busted her head open at the pool. This was a scary moment for everyone who saw, but most for this child. The child was ok, but it could have been much worse. Always keep the safety of your children in mind (and the safety of yourself)... don't let your vacation be ruined because you don't want anything to get in the way of fun. Just like when the weather turns bad and you may miss a port... safety should always come first. Sorry... *jumping off soapbox*

 

Miscellaneous things... We had a hump balcony on Deck 7. This was the best decision we could have ever made! We had awesome views, and it was nice to not always have to run to another deck to watch us coming into port, leaving port, etc.

Captain Johnny was the captain. We saw him on his Harley, and that was quite a site! Abe was the cruise director, and he did a great job. He reminded me a lot of Ryan Seacrest. He was a hoot at Quest, let me tell ya.

 

The overall feel of the ship.... due to the economy, there were quite a bit of Europeans on the ship. We made friends with 2 couples from Holland, some Brits, and people from various parts of the US. If I came back from anything on this trip, it was a greater appreciation for those who are "not like me". We had amazing discussions about each other's homeland, and got a better understanding of each other's life experience. I think of how different my cruise would have been had I not taken the time to talk with those on the lounge chair next to me, or the tablemates who were not in our group. If I can recommend anything to you for your cruise, it's to open your mind, step out of your comfort zone, take a chance, and be ready for stories to tell your grandkids.

 

I can't think of much else right now.. still unpacking. If you think of any questions, let me know, and I'll be glad to try to answer them for you!

[cruizinmimi]

Thank you for the review. We just got off of this cruise as well. I concur with everything you said.:D ;)

 

We were on Deck 7 as well. We had a fabulous time.

 

Thanks for taking the time to post a review. I just wanted to add one thing. For the ones that have been asking about the 3% charge at the Casino, I can verify that YES, they do charge. They did not charge in July on the Mariner, but this time they did. We got money at the roulette table one night and played with the money that we rec'd at the table, but was still charged a 3% charge. I really think this stinks but hey, what are you going to do.

 

We had a fabulous trip:)

[coastercat24]

Thanks for sharing your review! We leave on the Mariner this Sunday (9/28). Have sailed on Mariner twice before. We love Captain Johnny!! Have never had Abe as a cruise director before, but are looking forward to it from all of the good things we have heard. Can't wait to go.

[masonpips]

Awesome review! We leave on the same ship/itinerary in less than 3 weeks! ~giddy~

[xxbrowns]

Thanks for the review. My parents were on this sailing as well. My mom did mention the rocking of the ship on the last night. Glad you had a wonderful time!

 

Chris

[stephandjim1070]

thanks for the review... DH and I will be doing the eastern DEC 7..... cnat wait.

 

steph

[ERTHDOG]

meggie-thanks for sharing with us. :)

 

very well written, i feel like i was there. we love the mariner and cant wait til our next time on her (4 hundred something days away unfortunately:( )

 

i would like to try eastern itinerery some day as well

 

dave

[mark290]

Great review. Thank you.

[Mickeylee]

Thanks for the review. We are taking this cruise in December. We did the Western last December and loved that. We are very sorry the ship is moving to the West Coast; we'll miss it.

[meggie711]

Thanks for the review. We are taking this cruise in December. We did the Western last December and loved that. We are very sorry the ship is moving to the West Coast; we'll miss it.

 

This was our first trip on the Mariner, so I'm a little sad that she's leaving. Hoping for a great replacement, however! Hoping that will be just as enjoyable in the future! :)

[Lionesss]

Great review, we did the Western in August, but, your review of the eastern, maybe me very jealous

of your trip.

We will miss her when she leaves for the west coast.

You wrote a very nice review.

Thanks

later

[weatherboy80]

Great review, can't wait for our turn in November :)

 

I've read that Mariner is in great shape for being 5 years old. Did you notice any signs of wear and tear in public areas or rooms? I'm taking 4 newbies with me and want everything to be perfect!

[sea-cruise]

Thanks for the review! Good reading! :)

[mikeerdas]

Thanks for the great review. My wife and I will be on the Mariner in less than a week doing the eastern carib.

 

> The last night of ship, I heard that they were not using stablizers at all.

 

Why would they not use stabilizers? Does that save fuel?

[All4fun1]

Thanks for the review. We are taking this cruise in December. We did the Western last December and loved that. We are very sorry the ship is moving to the West Coast; we'll miss it.

 

We will also be on the Mariner in December, and from all the reviews I've read so far, I can't wait. I for one am not sad it's moving to the West coast though, as that is where I live. :D

 

OP, thanks for the wonderful review. Glad you had a great time from the sounds of it. I can't wait to try her out!

 

edit to add: thanks for the warning about the lack of stabilizers and the little girl getting hurt in the pool. I can't imagine not taking my ds out of the pool if the water was sloshing around that much, though.

[tmoret]

This was our first trip on the Mariner, so I'm a little sad that she's leaving. Hoping for a great replacement, however! Hoping that will be just as enjoyable in the future! :)

This ship moving to west cost was the only way my wife could get me to take the 7night mexican riviera cruise she wanted to take. As soon as we found out I said go book it... as long as its on the Mariner.... We have been on the Navigator and love it so we should love the Mariner...

[Shaden1982]

Thank you for taking the time to post your review. I am anxiously waiting for our turn in 48 days.....:D

[kaseyoz]

we will be doing this same cruise at christmas and love all reviews. Yours was especially good so I thank you very much.

[gaileeh]

Thanks for the review. We will be on the Mariner for the first time in October for the western route. Can't wait!

[Sooner-b-Crusin]

[quote=meggie711;

We went to Quest for the first time ever. NOW I see what we've been missing all this time. I don't think I've ever laughed this hard in my life. One thing, however, that was not so enjoyable at Quest... There was a couple who appeared a little to obsessed with Quest. She brought a fanny-pack loaded down with different items that might be called for. Any time an item was announced, she ripped it out of the fanny-pack, flung it at the captain, and got their points. I didn't care about winning or anything like that. It just seemed to take a little of the fun out of their group. I mean, the whole point is to see what you can find, and enjoy the actual QUEST. It's not called Quest of the Fanny Pack for a reason.. ANYWAY, if it weren't for "What happens at Quest stays at Quest".. oh the stories I could tell. ;)

 

Meggie, first of all let me compliment you on a great review. I enjoyed it and I was even on the ship with you.

 

I do have to comment on Quest. I'm proud to say that my section (15) won the game and I was the female team leader. I've been to lots and lots of Quest games, so I do know most of the "items" needed. Let me tell you I about fell out when Abe ask for the first item and NO ONE in our section had one on. It was a whole NEW set of items. Even tho my team won, I didn't have a fanny pack, so I hope you weren't referring to me or my group. So the lady with the fanny pack must have been on the ship the week before also to know the items needed. It's all fun. It's not about the t-shirt or the key chain. It's all about bragging rights.

Sorry I didn't get to meet you.

Pat

[Jax6S]

Thanks for the review. My wife and I were on the same cruise too. Both of us had a great time. We will definately consider RCCL for future cruises (if the price is right) ;)

[DEERINH2O]

Thanks for the review. Loved the Qwest! It is definitly a must do!

 

I am very excited the Mariner is coming to Cali. I live 20 mins from port and it looks like the family wants to change the Ruby Princess in the Caribbean to the Mariner here in April.

 

Can you tell me how the shape of the ship is?

 

thanks,

kathy

[SPF 350Z]

Thanks for sharing your review! We leave on the Mariner this Sunday (9/28). Have sailed on Mariner twice before. We love Captain Johnny!! Have never had Abe as a cruise director before, but are looking forward to it from all of the good things we have heard. Can't wait to go.

 

 

Coastercat24 - we are also on the 9/28 sailing of the Mariner! Come on over and join our Roll Call! We're a fun group - lots of activities planned - including a pre - meet & mingle on Saturday night at the the Radisson!:p

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=628494&page=124

 

Familycruise2006

[lindasuej]

Meggie, thanks for the review. I can't wait until November when it is my turn. However, I feel kind of sad for you. Why you may ask. Well I remember reading a lot of your posts pretrip, (like about the gas prices etc) and how excited you were. I am sad for you because it is over. It went so quick. I hope mine doesn't go as fast as yours did.

 

Linda

[meggie711]

[quote name=meggie711;

We went to Quest for the first time ever. NOW I see what we've been missing all this time. I don't think I've ever laughed this hard in my life. One thing' date=' however, that was not so enjoyable at Quest... There was a couple who appeared a little to obsessed with Quest. She brought a fanny-pack loaded down with different items that might be called for. Any time an item was announced, she ripped it out of the fanny-pack, flung it at the captain, and got their points. I didn't care about winning or anything like that. It just seemed to take a little of the fun out of their group. I mean, the whole point is to see what you can find, and enjoy the actual QUEST. It's not called Quest of the Fanny Pack for a reason.. ANYWAY, if it weren't for "What happens at Quest stays at Quest".. oh the stories I could tell. ;)

 

Meggie, first of all let me compliment you on a great review. I enjoyed it and I was even on the ship with you.

 

I do have to comment on Quest. I'm proud to say that my section (15) won the game and I was the female team leader. I've been to lots and lots of Quest games, so I do know most of the "items" needed. Let me tell you I about fell out when Abe ask for the first item and NO ONE in our section had one on. It was a whole NEW set of items. Even tho my team won, I didn't have a fanny pack, so I hope you weren't referring to me or my group. So the lady with the fanny pack must have been on the ship the week before also to know the items needed. It's all fun. It's not about the t-shirt or the key chain. It's all about bragging rights.

Sorry I didn't get to meet you.

Pat[/quote]

 

Pat,

I remember seeing you, although I don't think we met (unfortunately). I think Quest was the highlight of our trip. lol No, I wasn't referring to you. The lady just aggravated me because it was like she wanted to go ahead and have everything before, instead of playing in the spirit of the game. Didn't ruin the night or anything, just made it a little less fun for that group. It was a GREAT WEEK, wasn't it?? :)

 

To the poster who asked about stablizers, I heard rumors that they weren't used the last day (certainly felt like they weren't). I've also been told that this is to save on fuel. Whatever the case, my guard was let down, so to speak, as I wasn't expecting to spend an entire week on a ship without incident, only to get yucky feeling the last day from all of the motion. Again, didn't ruin the trip, but made the last day a little disappointing for me, as I would have liked to do a little more on my last "real day". Just make sure to watch the kiddies, especially if it starts to get rough. ;)

 

To everyone who hasn't sailed yet - we left her in great condition! I didn't notice worn carpets or anything like that. For all I knew, she was brand new. ;) Have an AWESOME trip!!