I have not sailed on the Voyager class - have been on all the others but somehow missed the Voyager class - Mariner was like an abbreviated Independence of the Seas! Anyway, I usually dislike weekend cruises because of the hassles boarding and disembarking - lines, crowds, chaos AND the cruise lines typically use older, less feature rich ships. So when I saw the Mariner OS pop up and I found out she has just completed a massive refit - I decided to risk it and go. While the price was no deal, and since I went solo it was double the fare(almost), it was worth it to me to get on the ship. I did receive an onboard credit so I bought the Ultimate Dining Package with it so that as a solo I would not have to navigate the MDR. Upon arrival at the Port of Miami to the new monolithic RCCL terminal , I have to admit I was impressed. While I am Diamond with RCCL it did not matter at all as I was through check-in, security, and on the ship within 15 minutes of hitting the curb - Amazing. No lines, no fuss, no muss.

Once on board at 12:30 Cabins were not available so I explores the ship and went to johnny Rockets for lunch. I must admit my first impression was that the ship was spotless and appeared almost new - everything was refreshed and shimmering. Lunch was ok at Johnny Rockets as I was the first customer I didn't get any of the fun stuff - just a burger and drink.

Rooms became available and I went to my "inside" cabin with a window overlooking the Royal Promenade - I had chose a guarantee rate and this is what I received. It was very spacious and centrally located. I then went looking for the Diamond Lounge and found it on deckk 14 - I love the Diamond Lounge as it can be an Oasis of Calm on these dold out cruises - and it was! I used it extensively all weekend. Read more