RCCL mariner of the seas? or Carnival splendor

[melika091900]

im trying to decide between RCCL Mariner of the seas and Carnival splendor for our vacation next year, weve been to mexico already a few times so im trying to decide mostly by ship, we will be traveling with our daughter whos 8 and my mom whos 66..

 

its a toss up, i was kinda excited seeing the promonade rooms on RCCL , but i also love carnival..

 

any opinions?

is RCCL wheelchair friendly? and how is the casino? activities? food ? etc

[melika091900]

anyone?

[wwinfl91]

We were on the Mariner last year and really liked the ship. We feel RCL is a much better line than Carnival as our only experience on an actual Carnival ship was not a good one and we would never go on another Carnival cruise. We have been and continue to go on lines that Carnival owns such as HAL or Princess.

 

Have a great next cruise whichever one you choose.

[velvetred]

Hi Melissa, you helped me out on a thread when I was looking for a Mexican Riviera cruise in 2007 and we enjoyed the NCL Star just as you said we would. Maybe I can return the help. I have not been on Carnival yet (but have two Carnival cruises booked based on the feedback on CC) but I have been on Mariner's sister ship the Explorer of the Seas. Explorer is a beautiful ship but IMHO the food was not as good as on the other cruise lines we have been on. Windjammer has limited hours for the buffet and more than once when we were hungry the Windjammer was closed. Of course, we could have ordered room service as it was always available. We also did not like paying for Johnny Rockets. It was 3.95 per person for the burger and fries and the milkshakes were an additional charge. We had two teens along and needless to say, we spent quite a bit of money at Johnny Rockets because it had the type of foods they like to eat. We also experienced a lot of waiting for elevators. Our balcony cabin was very comfortable on the Explorer. Owen, our room steward, was great overall (teens loved the towel animals and Owen showed my son how to make one). I did have a snafu in the shower with the shower chair collapsing under me but I took it all in stride. The ice show was fantastic. The bridge viewing area was a plus. Our teens did not get much mileage out of the rock climbing wall and they (boy and girl, both 15 at the time) complained about being bored and not liking the teen's club. Of course, this could have been because of the time of year we sailed (early January) and the lack of a lot of other teens on board. The promenade area was nice (just like your hometown mall) but I find I prefer a ship with more views out to the sea. Bottom line, we paid more on RCI for our cruise and, while our cruise was great, I did not feel the we received the same value as on other cruise lines dollar for dollar. That being said, we would cruise RCI again for the right price and a desirable itinerary.

 

Also, from what I have read on these boards, I am expecting a more relaxed, casual atmosphere on Carnival (similar to NCL without the multitude of restaurant choices) and that is what we are looking for on a vacation - you may prefer something different, of course. I also looked at the Splendor when booking our upcoming January cruise for the Eastern Caribbean - we wound up booking the Valor because of the ports and the great balcony military rate but I would cruise the Splendor in a heartbeat over the Mariner after my Explorer experience. Regardless, have a terrific cruise!

[DonnaK]

Mariner is one of the best ships in the RCI fleet - it has an indescribable magical aura onboard. The two Captains command a certain respect from their crew, and inspire a camaraderie amongst them that trickles down to superb customer service. I've never cruised with such a friendly and upbeat crew!!! The ship is gorgeous, the amenities/activities are plentiful, the food was excellent, and the level of service was stellar!

 

On the contrary, the one Carnival cruise we've taken (Miracle in 2004) doesn't even come close to the experience onboard Mariner. I wouldn't recommend Carnival to my friends, and I will not sail on a Carnival ship again.

[melika091900]

we loved carnival pride, so im sure we will like the splendor, but the mariner does look great, im worried about the huge ship and pushing mom around in her wheelchair...

 

anyone else have any thoughts? Its so hard to decide they are basically the same price, so the price isnt my concern, its the ship, .... errrrrr hee hee

[wwinfl91]

We were on the Mariner last fall and loved the ship. My wife was recovering from some cancer treatment and wasn't as mobile as she normally would have been so we had wheelchair assisted boarding although she was able to walk about on the ship. She didn't get to take part in everything the ship had to offer but we both agreed it was a beautiful ship and that the food and service was excellent.

 

We have only done one Carnival cruise and will never do another. If you haven't tried RCCL give them a try. We had an average experience on our first RCL cruise but have had excellent experiences on our last two.

 

Have a great next cruise which ever line you choose.

[Boo Boo]

Haven't been on Carnival (so cannot compare), BUT I have been on Mariner and it is a BEAUTIFUL, very well run ship...

 

Have a great trip, whatever you choose :)

 

Boo

[firefly333]

I would do the RCL ship too, if I had a choice and the prices were at all similar.

 

Handicapped cabins on RCL are much larger than the regular cabins, they are huge, a friend of mine had one with his wife. Carnival they might be a tad larger but not that much larger like RCL does. Hands down RCL wins here.

 

As far as the comment above about Johnny Rockets charging $3.95. Once you have been on only ONE RCL cruise, then after that you get a coupon book and the cover charge is free. There is also a free grill where you can get hamburgers.

 

The ice show on RCL is really good, even if you dont do the free skating. We had a special russian skater doing triple toe loops about 6 ft in front of our faces, close up and personal. Very nice way to spend a afternoon.

 

RCL perks for repeat cruisers are much better. If you intend to cruise again, they will start making it worth your while after one cruise, with the coupon book, a gift and they put on a great M&M party with drawings for free gifts. Carnival does nothing after your first cruise.

 

You mentioned PR cabins, we have one on Voyager next April and cant wait, I have to admit, we are people watchers, so this is perfect for us. You can watch the two parades from your own window seat instead of joining the crowd. The cafe in the promenade where everything is free is wonderfull. They have all the soft cookies and you can grab pizza as it comes out of the oven. Carnival it sits around more often than not.

 

I just got off a Carnival ship and the food was great and so was the service, except for problems mostly the pursor's desk, because of Ike and they didnt rise to the task, didnt help people book, and dropped us off in a strange city, me with two disabled pax. RCI I believe would have given us internet time and helped with dedicated lines like they have done before to reach car rentals etc. Carnival said if you didnt book air with us, too bad, you are on your own, we wouldnt help.

 

It comes down to if you want a prettier ship and better service, or Carnival does have good food with a little better hours, but their ships dont have the wow factor.

[momofmeg]

I would do the RCL ship too, if I had a choice and the prices were at all similar.

 

As far as the comment above about Johnny Rockets charging $3.95. Once you have been on only ONE RCL cruise, then after that you get a coupon book and the cover charge is free.

 

I think the poster comments about Johnny Rockets meant that their teens ate there several times and the charges added up. Repeat crusiers get a coupon for ONE free meal at Johnny Rockets.

[Cruising89143]

If you read the RCI board, you will find that the Mariner continues to be one of the most popular ships in the fleet. Many, many RCI regulars love this ship and are very sad to see the Mariner leave the east coast along with Captain Johnny.

[melika091900]

thank you all for responding !! its such a hard decision!! maybe ill flip a coin.. JK ...

but seriously, they both seem like they have a lot to offer, and the ice show sounds great for our 8 year old, along with all the other things, i think im leaning towards mariner, but ill let everyone know soon hopefully, hee he

thank you all again

[firefly333]

I think the poster comments about Johnny Rockets meant that their teens ate there several times and the charges added up. Repeat crusiers get a coupon for ONE free meal at Johnny Rockets.

 

They sang for us in a line at least 3 or 4 times on the SOV, none on the Voyager, we must have hit a dead time.

 

 

 

I admit to being puzzled by the folks upset at the $3.95 charge on a optional restaurant. Folks pay probably at least $1000 a person for a 7 day cruise, and then get upset about a charge for $3.95, but then if they had a lot of children who went daily it would add up Im sure. We go for the onion rings.

[boss_lady]

I have some friends who live in Florida and just took a cruise on Mariner. They said it is the best ship out there. They are going to miss her. Good luck on your decision. Either way I am sure you will enjoy your cruise.

[138east]

Are you looking at a handicapped cabin? On the Mariner these tend to be near the aft elevators which is really important to minimize the amount of wheelchair pushing. The aft elevators will give you easy access to all the food, the pool deck, the rock climbing and sports area, the ice show, the Promenade, etc. The only ship destinations that will require a hike are the theater, the spa and the solarium.

 

Can your mother ride a scooter? You may want to look into renting one so your mom can get around on her own.

[momofmeg]

They sang for us in a line at least 3 or 4 times on the SOV, none on the Voyager, we must have hit a dead time.

 

 

 

I admit to being puzzled by the folks upset at the $3.95 charge on a optional restaurant. Folks pay probably at least $1000 a person for a 7 day cruise, and then get upset about a charge for $3.95, but then if they had a lot of children who went daily it would add up Im sure. We go for the onion rings.

 

You know, I did enjoy using my coupon and eating there, but there are two reasons why that is not a big deal for me. 1- I have that option at the local mall where I live, and-2- honestly, that is the worst food I can eat for my health issues. (diabetes)

 

Of course teens and young adults are not worried about their health-they think that they will never be 50 with health issues because of their bad diet, if only I could go back 35 years.

 

I did eat a couple of onion rings, I just couldn't resist, which is why once was enough for me. My daughter ate there several times, but she also paid, we bought her the cruise, but she paid for her on board account.

 

To the OP, the ice show is nice, but if you live near a large arena and enjoy seeing shows such as Disney On Ice, it is nothing like that. The skaters are talented, but the rink is very small in comparsion to an ice rink at a large arena,for example, Phillips Arena in Atlanta. I mention that, because that is the one I go to to see ice shows. Since we do that every fall, I was disapointed in the ice show.

 

So I would consider that also when I considered the differance in cost-perhaps you may simply want to take your child to Disney On Ice and to Johnny Rockets one evening at home, if the Carnival cruise is $100 per person less.

 

One thing I would like to add, have you thought of Princess? Princess is "nicer" than Carnival, but less expensive than RCI.

 

Another thing you could do if you pick RCI-and you feel your child may want to do Johnny Rockets more than you are willing to pay for-is put a limit on their sign and sail card. I recommend that, especially after overhearing an irate man yelling at his wife in the elevator about their kids charging up $800 for the gourmet ice cream, arcade, etc.(he was a real jerk-you would have thought they were not HIS kids) -for that matter, if your kids can't keep up with what they spend and stay within a limit-I would do that-no matter which line you pick.

[firefly333]

One thing I would like to add, have you thought of Princess? Princess is "nicer" than Carnival, but less expensive than RCI.

 

Probably depends on the ship? I spent $1100 plus (for just me) on a group cruise on the Caribbean Princess, when it was a newer ship, but spent quite a bit less on the Grand Princess which I didnt like as well. I thought the Grand was a bit tired looking.

 

We had a Russian guest skater on Voyager is why the show I saw was so special, but it was his last show, he was a limited engagement.

 

I agree Johnny Rockets sure isnt health food and milk shakes are extra on top of the cover charge, but again its optional.

[momofmeg]

Probably depends on the ship? I spent $1100 plus (for just me) on a group cruise on the Caribbean Princess, when it was a newer ship, but spent quite a bit less on the Grand Princess which I didnt like as well. I thought the Grand was a bit tired looking.

 

We had a Russian guest skater on Voyager is why the show I saw was so special, but it was his last show, he was a limited engagement.

 

I agree Johnny Rockets sure isnt health food and milk shakes are extra on top of the cover charge, but again its optional.

 

When I used my coupon I got a diet coke and it covered that an dmy burger. Now perhaps without the coupon you have the $3.95 cover charge and extra for the drink-not sure-or perhaps just the milkshakes are extra.

 

You know I found the ice skaters did an excellant job on ship-it was simply that they could only do so much in that small rink. Besides Disney on Ice, I have also been to a ice show that had former olympic medalists- this was probally close to 10 years ago- there was that Kristi whats her name- the American that was on Dancing with the Stars, and also that gal from the Eukraine that made gold 4 years before her, plus that Amercian guy I forget his name, but he had cancer and survived it. So, I have seen great skaters in a GREAT rink before. BIG DIFFERANCE.

[Kristi Williamson]

The Mariner is probably the most beautiful RC ship on the ocean, right now. It's simply beautiful. The promenade is stunning!

 

The activities are also great. Lots to do!! And as far as wheelchair friendly, if you get a handicap cabin, you'll be just fine!

 

Also, I have four kids and they all agree that RC is their favorite. We're taking a Carnival cruise next because the kids have never been to the Western Caribbean and this one worked well with our schedule, but we'll probably venture back to RC after this one.

 

And as someone else mentioned, the perks for repeat RC customers can't be beat. Carnival doesn't even come close!

[WEELYNCRUZER]

The best part of the Mariner is Captain Johnny. He will spend timewith you if you see him sitting in the sun on the deck or any where else. He is friendly and really funny. He has his yelloe Harley on board and takes it out at each port. The man is not a typical Captain. The ship is nice but the Freedom class is even better. That class will be replacing the Mariner and the Mriner is going to the st coast. I hope Johnny stays with the newship that will leave from port evergalades. If your in a w/c RCCL IS MUCH BETTER THAN CARNIVAL.

[Aquahound]

im trying to decide between RCCL Mariner of the seas and Carnival splendor for our vacation next year

 

If your signature is accurate, you have yet to try RC. You should give Mariner a try. In my opinion, there are no ships afloat that can compare to the Voyager and Freedom Class ships. Mariner really is a jaw-dropping ship.

 

Hopefully you are taking these opinions with a grain of salt. There are people that use these comparison threads as an exucse to bash a particular cruise line. Many of us know them because they show up every single time. Ignore those people. To complain about Johnny Rockets, the ice rink, etc is just stupid. They are options......and options that other cruise lines do not have. Also, you mentioned the Promenade Rooms. Other lines do not have rooms in that class to even compare.

[melika091900]

You know, I did enjoy using my coupon and eating there, but there are two reasons why that is not a big deal for me. 1- I have that option at the local mall where I live, and-2- honestly, that is the worst food I can eat for my health issues. (diabetes)

 

Of course teens and young adults are not worried about their health-they think that they will never be 50 with health issues because of their bad diet, if only I could go back 35 years.

 

I did eat a couple of onion rings, I just couldn't resist, which is why once was enough for me. My daughter ate there several times, but she also paid, we bought her the cruise, but she paid for her on board account.

 

To the OP, the ice show is nice, but if you live near a large arena and enjoy seeing shows such as Disney On Ice, it is nothing like that. The skaters are talented, but the rink is very small in comparsion to an ice rink at a large arena,for example, Phillips Arena in Atlanta. I mention that, because that is the one I go to to see ice shows. Since we do that every fall, I was disapointed in the ice show.

 

So I would consider that also when I considered the differance in cost-perhaps you may simply want to take your child to Disney On Ice and to Johnny Rockets one evening at home, if the Carnival cruise is $100 per person less.

 

One thing I would like to add, have you thought of Princess? Princess is "nicer" than Carnival, but less expensive than RCI.

 

Another thing you could do if you pick RCI-and you feel your child may want to do Johnny Rockets more than you are willing to pay for-is put a limit on their sign and sail card. I recommend that, especially after overhearing an irate man yelling at his wife in the elevator about their kids charging up $800 for the gourmet ice cream, arcade, etc.(he was a real jerk-you would have thought they were not HIS kids) -for that matter, if your kids can't keep up with what they spend and stay within a limit-I would do that-no matter which line you pick.

 

 

carnival is actually about 250$ more, and i just noticed mariner stays in cabo longer,

we just did princess to alaska, and it was fine, but nothing spectacular, i liked carnival pride better than princess. just my thoughts though, any cruise is a good cruise , we arent picky at all, i just wondered about the TVs on mariner? can you look at your bill on them ? thats one thing i loved on carnival, hee heee

i think our daughter would love RCCL , i think it would wow her ..

thank you everyone for responding :D

[melika091900]

If your signature is accurate, you have yet to try RC. You should give Mariner a try. In my opinion, there are no ships afloat that can compare to the Voyager and Freedom Class ships. Mariner really is a jaw-dropping ship.

 

Hopefully you are taking these opinions with a grain of salt. There are people that use these comparison threads as an exucse to bash a particular cruise line. Many of us know them because they show up every single time. Ignore those people. To complain about Johnny Rockets, the ice rink, etc is just stupid. They are options......and options that other cruise lines do not have. Also, you mentioned the Promenade Rooms. Other lines do not have rooms in that class to even compare.

 

I agree, i just like to hear what people think about certain ships. we are easy to please though, i think our daughter would really get the WOW factor on mariner... hee heee

thanks for responding

[melika091900]

The Mariner is probably the most beautiful RC ship on the ocean, right now. It's simply beautiful. The promenade is stunning!

 

The activities are also great. Lots to do!! And as far as wheelchair friendly, if you get a handicap cabin, you'll be just fine!

 

Also, I have four kids and they all agree that RC is their favorite. We're taking a Carnival cruise next because the kids have never been to the Western Caribbean and this one worked well with our schedule, but we'll probably venture back to RC after this one.

 

And as someone else mentioned, the perks for repeat RC customers can't be beat. Carnival doesn't even come close!

 

are any of your kids 8? our daughter is 8 and i was wondering about the kids programs, are there set times, like 12-2p, and then 5p-? like carnival ?

[glgolfer]

The Cafe promenade is open 24 hours a day for small sandwiches, pastries, cookies, pizza and fruit. They also have coffee and hot tea 24 hours.

 

One thing to consider is passenger space ratio. At 112000 tons and 3000 PAX the Splendour is 37. At 138000 tons and 3100 PAX, the Mariner is 44.5. That is a significant different, especially if you need a wheelchair.

 

We've been on Mariner size ships 5 times and only felt crowded a couple times on the Royal Promenade during the Captains party and the parades.

 

The Mariner also has an arcade with what seems like every electronic game made.

 

The gym has all state of the art equipment.

 

We've been on other lines including Crystal and Cunard and found the service to be as good or better on RCI.

 

As you can tell, I would recommend the Mariner.