Mariner of the Seas Review
Fresh off a massive $120 million renovation that introduced a number of new features to the ship -- the Sky Pad virtual-reality bungee trampoline, FlowRider surf simulators, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade -- and added dining venues and 40 more cabins, 15-year-old Mariner of the Seas has a crisp, fun "new ship" feel.
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It's also quite lively, with the hub of activity centered on the fabulous Royal Promenade, a bright, colorful and Instagrammable stretch of Deck 5, where something is happening -- '80s-, '90s- or disco-themed dance parties, or live music -- any time of day.
Royal Caribbean went the extra mile to ensure the ship looks great, and it does. On the Royal Promenade, The Bamboo Room -- a new Polynesian bar serving updated Tiki bar classics -- is visually striking with bright, bold, leaf-patterned wall coverings and a retro-chic sign outside. But outside is where the ship's 2018 "amplification" is most apparent. The giant yellow dome of the Sky Pad is unmistakable, and the twin corkscrews of The Perfect Storm racing water slides -- which appear to hang off the side of the ship -- are appealing as well. Everywhere onboard there's something that catches your eye.
Though Mariner of the Seas is a smaller ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, it never felt small. By that same notion, it never felt too large. Space is used well, and it's evident Royal Caribbean spent time looking at how to keep passengers out of each other's way. We floated from place to place, ate, got drinks, played mini-golf and watched movies by the pool, and the only time we stood in line or really even saw lines was at the Sky Pad, FlowRider and water slides, and those moved quickly. Even in Windjammer Marketplace, the ship's buffet, we found there were few issues with wait times.
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Overall, Mariner of the Seas was a delight. Every part of the ship delivered on its promise and our one regret was that our sailing was only two nights. We could have used more time to enjoy the "have fun, you're on vacation" energy that emanated from everyone onboard.
Inclusions
Included with your cruise fare:
- Meals in the three main dining rooms and Windjammer Marketplace, as well as at Cafe Promenade and the Dog House; continental breakfast room service
- Main theater shows
- Most activities and events, except as noted below or in the daily schedule
- Use of the ice skating rink
- Use of the fitness center, but not most classes
- Use of the sports center, water slides, flowrider surf simulator, Mariner Dunes mini-golf course and SkyPad Bungee trampoline
- Daily Adventure Ocean children’s programs until 10 p.m.
- Daily Gratuities, only if you booked your cruise in Australia and New Zealand in AU and NZ dollars
Not included with your cruise fare:
- Daily gratuities ($14.50 per person, per day for anyone staying in a Junior Suite or below; $17.50 per person, per day for Grand Suites or higher)
- Auto-gratuities of 18 percent applied to salon, spa and beverage purchases, as well as most specialty dining reservations
- Drinks excluding water, tea (including iced tea), coffee and selected juices from the Windjammer Marketplace buffet
- Room Service ($7.95 per order) except for continental breakfast
- Most specialty dining
- Most fitness classes and all treatments and services in the spa and salon
- Sessions in the Escape Room
- Activities like bingo, arts and crafts, arcade games, alcohol tastings and shopping events
- Casino play
- Kids Club programs later than 10:00 p.m. in the Adventure Ocean facility
- Shore excursions
- Internet access
- Photos and artwork
Fellow Passengers
The vast majority of passengers on Mariner of the Seas hail from the United States, especially the Miami drive-to market. Expect to hear a lot of Spanish onboard, with signage in English but most announcements provided in English and Spanish. Our fellow passengers were younger, with a good number of young families and millennials onboard.
Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas Dress Code
Daytime: The dress code on Mariner of the Seas is casual during the day, with everyone dressing for the climate of the destination they're sailing in. In warmer climates, you'll see plenty of people in shorts, T-shirts and bathing suits.
Evening: Dress was casual at all times on our sailing, even in the evening; the only exceptions were in the alternative eateries, where the dress codes are smart casual (cocktail and summer dresses for the ladies, nice shirts or even sports coats for men). Expect one formal night on short cruises, or two on longer sailings, where people dress up nicer though rarely in full suits or gowns.
Not permitted: No caps, tank tops or bathing suits are permitted in the main dining room or specialty restaurants, and footwear is always required. Shorts are not allowed during dinner, except in the buffet.
For more information, visit Cruise Line Dress Codes: Royal Caribbean.
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