I'll start off with the disclaimer that I am comparing this to all of our previous family cruises in non-suite staterooms. We were fortunate, however, to get into the family suite for a reasonable price by booking early. With that said, our 4 night adventure on Mariner of the Seas was outstanding.

This was my first time on Mariner of the Seas, but I have been on other Voyager class ships before. I think these ships are the perfect size to offer a variety of things to do without feeling crowded or rushed. Fortunately, the folks at RCI coupled that with a nice mix of entertainment and activities that were aptly timed to blend with the itinerary. We had a couple opportunities for laser tag and it was a blast. We had time for the Flowrider and water slides without lines that were discouraging. We had time for shows, movies in the theater, movies on the pool deck, sun time, and more without feeling rushed! We got to experience a lot of what the ship and ports of call had to offer without compromising much needed relaxation time in between.

If you have read any of my previous reviews, you know that I have somewhat high expectations when it comes to service. This cruise defined what great service is. Yes, the room was kept clean and drinks were served promptly and courteously. There was never really a long wait for anything. I could go on and on, but I would rather recognize two specific individuals that went above and beyond to ensure everyone in our party knew that they were valued guests on board Mariner of the Seas. Read more