Mariner of the Seas

Mariner of the Seas is a second generation Voyager Class ship and joined the Royal Caribbean fleet in 2003. 4252 passengers and crew costing $650 million to build she is going into dry dock in Singapore next week for a 10 week refit and will be then homed in China. The exterior did look a bit worse for wear and the balconies paintwork flaking off I did feel she was ready for this. However, although the carpets were worn everything else was in tip top condition.

The Royal Promenade was most certainly the main place to be and at times did get very crowded and noisy I did think I was glad I had not booked a promenade view cabin as the music never seemed to stop. The shops along here were very high end with the likes of Michael Kors, Coach, Pandora, Swarovski and many more. There was an English type pub, coffe shop and cafe and also the main reception/guest relations etc

Plenty of eating and drinking venues although the names had changed from Champagne Bar to Bolero and Viking Crown Lounge to Ellington’s . It was still the same to me with fab views over the pool deck and out to sea.

Our balcony cabin was spacious and an amazing comfy bed. Good size bathroom and a nice hot shower. What did surprise me was tea and coffee making facilities in the cabin. We opted for My time dining although we did book a 730 time for most evenings and had the same table and waiting staff. We did try Chops Grill one evening and really enjoyed it and felt it was excellent value for money but not as much variety as Crown Grill on Princess.

Royal Caribbean was the first cruise line I ever sailed with so will always be special for me and I was not disappointed in standard and service we received. Obviously there are cut backs but all lines are doing this. It all comes down to value for money which I felt we most certainly had.

Next week ports of call which was the whole reason for this cruise.