Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas
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"Is a Perfect Day at Coco Cay really Perfect?"
Welcome to Mariner of the Seas. We threw the idea of either doing a cruise near Christmas or going somewhere cold. Well we kinda got both. We, well mainly I wanted this cruise ONLY because of Perfect Day at Coco Cay. Ever since I saw what they did with the island I wanted to go. We've done a few cruises near Christmas, Ruby Princess and Disney Dream to name a couple. Both weren't stand out cruises for us. We wanted the Christmas feel. So we bought ourselves a small Christmas tree for our cabin and lights as well as some gifts and cards for crew members that we felt stood out.
Getting to the ship we drove over to Port Canaveral. We been here prior with many other ships. Fairly easy to navigate around. Once we parked and headed into the terminal, in no time at all we had got checked in and on the ship. I believe it was around 10:30am, fastest we've ever got on a cruise ever, it was great! We started out exploring our ship, but we still had to wait until 1:30pm for our room, so we walked around and ate lunch at the Windjammer. Later headed to our room to decorate and unpack. Also want to mention in the terminal our lights for our tree were taken away since they were a plug in, anything battery operated was fine, just the plug in was not allowed. Not a big deal.
Overall the ship was something new for us, the ship was built in 2002, and recently updated about a year ago. It is on the larger size as far as ships go, but felt it was very confusing at times to navigate around from front to back. Our room was on deck 2 in the very front of the ship so we had to go in the back quite a bit. Best way we found was to cut across was on deck 4 or 5. Speaking quickly of the room, we were in 2240, which was an oceanview in the very front of the ship, next to the Royal Theater. We were given this room 2 days prior to the sail date, as we booked an interior guarantee stateroom. We thought it would be a bad location and we'd hear so much noise. Actually we were in a great location, never heard a peep the entire time. We actually had a door outside of our stateroom, which was a hallway where it was our room and our next door neighbors room, then the door. So we'd have to use our card for that front door then our door. Making it so much quieter so only us, next door and our stateroom steward was able to access, perfect location.
Onto the ports, first we had Nassau. We didn't really care to come here again. We got off and went to one of the local shops and headed back on, nothing much. Also very windy which didn't make it to enjoyable. Our next port was Coco Cay, it went over a HUGE improvement this year. It was nearly PERFECT! Only downfall was the weather, very, very windy and water was too cold for us to enjoy, which we knew we'd get in December. Other than that, perfection! Highly recommend coming here, also their water park was pretty cool, we checked it out for a little bit.
The entertainment on the ship was very lackluster. We left both shows we saw, which we haven't done in a while. Just wasn't into either of them at all. Which was a real shame since we usually look forward to them on every cruise. Other than that we expected a bit more for Christmas, thought they would do make some gingerbread house making or something like that, just movies and a quick Santa meet. Nothing too crazy. Also a few Christmas movies. Other than that the normal Love and Marriage shows, trivia and Quest, which was actually pretty fun. That was hosted by our CD Marcello, whom we had a while back on Carnival, back then we weren't much a fan of but Royal really fit him well, very enjoyable.
As far as service throughout the ship, dining was our best for dinner. Our waiter and assistant waiters were both AMAZING! Loved them so much, really great people. Had one bad service at breakfast (different person), other than that great. Stateroom steward was okay, saw him here and there. Also felt Royal is cutting back on the little things. One example was the notepad and pen in the room, where was it!?!? Also why are we paying for room service now? Ugh!!!
The food overall was good. Never had anything we didn't care for. Dinner was one of the better meals. I personally feel Royal and their dinners are typically better than most of the other lines we've sailed. Not saying it's the best food, but the food has a better variety and are usually enjoyable. Breakfast in the dining room was pretty good as well. Didn't have any lunch since it was only on sea days. Buffet, ehh. Have to say on their Coco Cay day, eat on the island, we choose to go back to the ship and I feel like they had taken all of the food to the island and we had scraps. So eat there!
Overall, Mariner doesn't have the glam of the newer ships out there but it still has the feel of the older style ships, but on a larger level. Fit right in the middle for us, wasn't our worst, wasn't our best. We honestly feel cruising around or over Christmas isn't really the best vacation to take. This has been the 3rd cruise we've done near Christmas and we've always came back not loving the experience. Mariner was a decent time, felt having the two port days made it a bit worse since we didn't really get to enjoy the ship in it's full capacity, think a sea day would have brought that out a lot more.
Getting to the ship we drove over to Port Canaveral. We been here prior with many other ships. Fairly easy to navigate around. Once we parked and headed into the terminal, in no time at all we had got checked in and on the ship. I believe it was around 10:30am, fastest we've ever got on a cruise ever, it was great! We started out exploring our ship, but we still had to wait until 1:30pm for our room, so we walked around and ate lunch at the Windjammer. Later headed to our room to decorate and unpack. Also want to mention in the terminal our lights for our tree were taken away since they were a plug in, anything battery operated was fine, just the plug in was not allowed. Not a big deal.
Overall the ship was something new for us, the ship was built in 2002, and recently updated about a year ago. It is on the larger size as far as ships go, but felt it was very confusing at times to navigate around from front to back. Our room was on deck 2 in the very front of the ship so we had to go in the back quite a bit. Best way we found was to cut across was on deck 4 or 5. Speaking quickly of the room, we were in 2240, which was an oceanview in the very front of the ship, next to the Royal Theater. We were given this room 2 days prior to the sail date, as we booked an interior guarantee stateroom. We thought it would be a bad location and we'd hear so much noise. Actually we were in a great location, never heard a peep the entire time. We actually had a door outside of our stateroom, which was a hallway where it was our room and our next door neighbors room, then the door. So we'd have to use our card for that front door then our door. Making it so much quieter so only us, next door and our stateroom steward was able to access, perfect location.
Onto the ports, first we had Nassau. We didn't really care to come here again. We got off and went to one of the local shops and headed back on, nothing much. Also very windy which didn't make it to enjoyable. Our next port was Coco Cay, it went over a HUGE improvement this year. It was nearly PERFECT! Only downfall was the weather, very, very windy and water was too cold for us to enjoy, which we knew we'd get in December. Other than that, perfection! Highly recommend coming here, also their water park was pretty cool, we checked it out for a little bit.
The entertainment on the ship was very lackluster. We left both shows we saw, which we haven't done in a while. Just wasn't into either of them at all. Which was a real shame since we usually look forward to them on every cruise. Other than that we expected a bit more for Christmas, thought they would do make some gingerbread house making or something like that, just movies and a quick Santa meet. Nothing too crazy. Also a few Christmas movies. Other than that the normal Love and Marriage shows, trivia and Quest, which was actually pretty fun. That was hosted by our CD Marcello, whom we had a while back on Carnival, back then we weren't much a fan of but Royal really fit him well, very enjoyable.
As far as service throughout the ship, dining was our best for dinner. Our waiter and assistant waiters were both AMAZING! Loved them so much, really great people. Had one bad service at breakfast (different person), other than that great. Stateroom steward was okay, saw him here and there. Also felt Royal is cutting back on the little things. One example was the notepad and pen in the room, where was it!?!? Also why are we paying for room service now? Ugh!!!
The food overall was good. Never had anything we didn't care for. Dinner was one of the better meals. I personally feel Royal and their dinners are typically better than most of the other lines we've sailed. Not saying it's the best food, but the food has a better variety and are usually enjoyable. Breakfast in the dining room was pretty good as well. Didn't have any lunch since it was only on sea days. Buffet, ehh. Have to say on their Coco Cay day, eat on the island, we choose to go back to the ship and I feel like they had taken all of the food to the island and we had scraps. So eat there!
Overall, Mariner doesn't have the glam of the newer ships out there but it still has the feel of the older style ships, but on a larger level. Fit right in the middle for us, wasn't our worst, wasn't our best. We honestly feel cruising around or over Christmas isn't really the best vacation to take. This has been the 3rd cruise we've done near Christmas and we've always came back not loving the experience. Mariner was a decent time, felt having the two port days made it a bit worse since we didn't really get to enjoy the ship in it's full capacity, think a sea day would have brought that out a lot more.
Adventure Ocean
Adventure Ocean is the kid area on the ship.
Aquaunats
Children area for ages 3 - 5 years of age.
Art Gallery
This place was in the oddest location. It was right outside of Studio B and made no sense to have it here. It was more annoying than anything else since whenever we had to go to Studio B or the Dining Room behind it we kept having to deal with art auctions or setting up. This was also in a small area.
Arctic Zone Ice Cream
If you're in the mood for ice cream you can head up stairs near the pool deck. Seemed like they had someone running the machine at most times when they were opened.
Bamboo Room
This had to be one of my favorite themed rooms on the ship. It reminded me of the Tiki Room at the Magic Kingdom. It was tropical and even had a talking parrot. However we never noticed anything ever happening in here and the chairs were a bit uncomfortable. This would have been a better option for trivia than Playmakers during a big game.
Barnacle & Barrel Bar
Right in the middle of the Promenade is the Barnacle & Barrel Bar which is their English Pub on the ship.
Boardwalk Dog House
Across from the Arctic Zone Ice Cream stand you have the Boardwalk Dog House, which if you've read our other blogs on Oasis and Allure you will see what they have to offer. If you didn't then it's pretty much a set of different hot dogs, filled with different things. Just a fancy hot dog stand.
Boleros
Here is the Latin-inspired bar, which is a popular venue on most Royal Caribbean ships.
Cafe Promenade
Most ships we've never cared for this spot too much, but on Mariner at least I was a fan. They offered snacks like usual, but also pizza. Now Royal is known for Sorrentos Pizza, which many people like and personally I think it is some of the worst pizza I've had. Now I don't know why there was a difference, or they've upgraded the recipe, but the pizza here on Mariner was some of the best pizza I've had a sea. Most were good, the cheese was my favorite. They also offered some sandwich and dessert options. Also you can grab food here and head across to Playmakers to hang out and eat, no problem.
Casino Royale
I hate the casino. Lost a decent amount on the slots. Other than that, this place was VERY smoky. You can also access the Royal Promenade in the middle via staircase.
Chops Grille
Located right inside the Windjammer Buffet is Chops Grille, which is the steakhouse on board. The thing I didn't care for on the actual location was that one, it had a half wall as soon as you entered (same as Jamie's) and all you heard was the buffet crowd. Second was upstairs nothing but constant running back and forth. Very annoying. Reminded me of the steakhouses on the Carnival Conquest Class ships. For current pricing please contact Royal Caribbean.
Diamond Club Lounge
Next to the Viking Club Lounge is the Diamond Club for Diamond Members only.
Escape Room
The Escape Room was something we wanted to do but never had a chance. From what we heard was that people booked this months in advanced and had hard times doing so. So it wasn't too likely that we'd have a chance to do it. It has its own location on the ship.
Explorers
This is the children area for ages 6 - 8 years of age.
Flowrider
You know you're on a Royal Caribbean ship when you have a Flowrider on it. This is free to use, check your daily Cruise Compass for hours of operation.
Fuel Teen Disco
This is the teen club.
Guest Services
Located at the start of the Royal Promenade is the Guest Services desk. Here to help you 24/7.
Izumi Hibachi & Sushi
On deck four you will find Izumi which is their Habachi Restaurant on the ship. For current pricing contact Royal Caribbean.
Jamie's Italian
Same as Chops Grille on the sound issue, Jamie's is no different. It is right across also located in the Windjammer Buffet. This is their Italian Restaurant on the ship. For current pricing contact Royal Caribbean.
Johnny Rockets
Our first and only time to a Johnny Rockets was on Majesty of the Seas. Back then it was $5 per person all you wanted, except for shakes. Not sure what pricing is now since I did not see it posted. However it was busy when I went during our Nassau day just to check it out. For current pricing contact Royal Caribbean.
Library
Located right inside the Star Lounge is the Library, a nice quiet place away from it all.
Living Room
This is the area for kids to enjoy throughout the cruise.
Main Dining Room
We had anytime dining, we set up a reservation, which we stuck to for the most part. Our waiter and assistant waiter were perfect. Some of the fastest and best services we've ever had. Very nice people. Onto the miss, we had one breakfast with terrible slow service. That was pretty much the only negative, which we rubbed off and were fine with. Food, we had breakfast which was good, they offered where you can order off the menu or have the buffet, you can do both if you wanted. Options were similar, but menu had a few more dishes available. Dinner was good, as far as the food. Out of the other lines (recent memory) Royal we've felt was better as far as food goes. Everything was pretty good, haven't had much we didn't care for at all. Same with this trip, everything was good. Not amazing, but pretty good. Again it's cruise food and you can't expect the best going in.
Main Pool Deck
The main pool was very active for most of the cruise. Despite windy nights. They offered live music and movies. Also plenty of space to relax. Never seemed too busy, again could be due to the weather.
Mariner Dunes
Mariner Dunes is the mini golf available for free on the ship. It isn't too big at all, nice setup but small. Really wish a ship would do this in a lounge, maybe at night do glow in the dark mini golf.
Mariner of the Seas
Here are some random shots from Mariner of the Seas.
Market
The Market is the logo shop on board.
Nassau, Bahamas
Well here we are yet again! This time around we just wanted to get off and head to John Bull, which is just a block away from the terminal, it is a big store with tons of name-brand jewelry, purses and many other things. We did come across one item that we wanted back home and it was more money here. They didn't want to drop the price. So just try and check before you buy anything. Other than they we just went the Christmas shop, again very expensive than at home. Then headed back to the ship. Nothing really new here, they are redoing the entire area in the upcoming years, so we're excited about that.
Next Cruise Desk
Enjoying your cruise? Want to book another? Come down to the Next Cruise Desk to take care of that.
Perfect Day at Coco Cay
The main reason I wanted this cruise was for this port. Royal Caribbean recently dumped a lot of money on redoing their private island. Now was this really a "Perfect Day at Coco Cay"? Well, no. Now the reason I saw that was due to the time of year and the weather. It was very windy, rainy at times and the water was too cold to enjoy. Other than that, the renovations made this a hotspot in the Caribbean. LOVED what they did here. So many places to kick back and relax. The pool looked awesome, the water park looked great and plenty of beach place. Also tons of free dining venues all over the island. They did a great job here and I can't wait to see what other lines do to compete. I do recommend coming in the warmer months, it will be well worth it. Did regret going back to the ship for lunch, eventhough it was free at almost every venue, just the ship food lacked big time. Overall we loved the Perfect Day at Coco Cay, highly recommend coming here during a better part of the year. They did everything right here. Royal Caribbean has an entire list of what is included and not included on their site. Also want to mention that we had another ship (Navigator) at port with us, never felt crowded at all at any point. Warmer times I see this becoming a slightly higher issue.
Full Video Tour of a Perfect Day at Coco Cay (Click Here)
Full Video Tour of a Perfect Day at Coco Cay (Click Here)
Perfect Day at Coco Cay: Thrill Waterpark
Welcome to the Thrill Waterpark, which is home to the tallest waterslide in North America. Also a ton of other slides and a wave pool. All were too cold for us to enjoy, but looked awesome! This is NOT included in the cruise cost, check with Royal Caribbean on current costs.
Full Tour of Thrill Waterpark (Click Here)
Full Tour of Thrill Waterpark (Click Here)
Perfect Storm Water Slides
If you didn't get a chance to enjoy the slides at the Thrill Waterpark, no fear your ship has it covered. I never saw this opened the three times I was in the area, so not too sure why. They are some decent looking slides. Free to use.
Playmaker Sports Bar
This was one of our favorite spots on the ship to hang out in. They have some games on each table along with a pool table and some other games. We hung out here to watch some football games. They also have a menu of items that are for an additional charge, such as burgers and wings.
Port Merchants
Here are some pictures from the Port Merchants shop.
Regalia
Here are some pictures of the Regalia Jewelry shop.
Rock Climbing Wall
No Royal Caribbean ship would be complete without a rock climbing wall.
Royal Promenade
The Royal Promenade is the main hub on the ship. I loved just walking up and down it. Now it's not as wide as Oasis Class ships, but still pretty cool. Plenty of bars and shops to check out.
Royal Theater
We spent the most time in here watching A Christmas Story. We went to their first show and after about 15 minutes we left, the show wasn't making much sense at all and we could not get into it. Also it was late since they had only one showing, which was very odd. Next show was a musical trio, also didn't stay long. They were a 70s cover band and it wasn't something we're into. We're big on production shows and were let down on these options. We did watch a Christmas movie which was great. So we had some luck here.
Schooner Bar
What Royal Caribbean ship would be without a Schooner Bar? They held several activities throughout the days.
Shore Excursions
Here you can book your shore excursions.
Sky Climber
The pringle-shaped contraption that is on the top deck is the Sky Climber. Also some hammocks are here to relax and enjoy.
Sky Pad
One thing I wanted to do was the Sky Pad. This is a trampoline with a VR experience built in. Free when opened.
Solarium
The Solarium was actually one of our favorites. Mainly because they offered these huge beds that you could hang out in and relax. We ended up hanging out here and in the hot tub at a few points. Was a bit noisy with the traffic from all of the kids passing in and out constantly.
Solera
Here are some pictures from Solera.
Sports Court
Mariner has a full-size basketball court on the ship. Nice and opened area. I like how this entire area was set up.
Star Lounge
The Sky Lounge is one of the other, larger lounges on the ship. Sometimes showing movies and hosting events.
Starbucks
Yippie a Starbucks. Well it could be worse I guess. The coffee on the ship is TERRIBLE! So this place was welcomed here.
Stateroom 2240 (Ocean View)
We booked a guarantee interior. We were assigned our room about 2 days before leaving. Our room was the furthest in the front that you can get, which was right next to the main theater. So we expected it to be terrible. Honestly one of the quietest locations we've ever had. We actually had a door and hallway of two rooms, making it even quieter. Great location. Room was an oceanview and was decent size. Only bad was they had two outlets in the entire cabin, and one was for the tv. Luckily we brought an extension cord.
Studio B
This is the ice arena on the ship. Our show there was a circus theme, which was a fun show. Other than that they laser tag, which was fun (long wait time) also the Quest game. Tons of things here.
Suite Lounge
Here is the lounge for the Suite members.
Video Arcade
Here are some pictures from the video arcade on the ship.
Viking Crown Lounge
That big round room on the top of the ship is the Viking Crown Lounge, only came here once, wished we did more. Loved this lounge on Vision of the Seas.
Vitality at Sea Fitness Center
So you know those raffles they do during the cruise? Well I won a $75 credit. Never had time to use it but I won!
Voyagers
This area is for children 9 to 11 years of age.
Windjammer
Here are some pictures of the Windjammer buffet, which is included. Not a super big buffet, options were changing every day. Basic at times.
Thank you for checking out our review and tour of the Mariner of the Seas. Stay tuned for our next cruise!
Also make sure to head over to our YouTube channel and SUBSCRIBE!
Here is a list of all of our videos from Mariner of the Seas.
Mariner of the Seas - Vlog (Click Here)
A Perfect Day at Coco Cay & Thrill Waterpark Tour (Click Here)
Mariner of the Seas Ship Tour (Click Here)
Mariner of the Seas Food & Bar Tour (Click Here)
Also make sure to head over to our YouTube channel and SUBSCRIBE!
Here is a list of all of our videos from Mariner of the Seas.
Mariner of the Seas - Vlog (Click Here)
A Perfect Day at Coco Cay & Thrill Waterpark Tour (Click Here)
Mariner of the Seas Ship Tour (Click Here)
Mariner of the Seas Food & Bar Tour (Click Here)
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