Terrific Family Cruise

Item: Mariner of the Seas
Rating: 5
Author: JimM21

Mariner of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

JimM21

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 11

Overall rating:

5 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Western Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: March 25, 2007

Ship: Mariner of the Seas

Cabin type: Inside

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 14 years ago

Review summary

Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas was a wonderful experience. We had four generations with us. From my mother of 87 to our granddaughters of 7 and 10. Everyone enjoyed the experience. Highlights included the Ice Show (Ice Under the Big Top), wonderful food selection, and the personal attenion we received from the crew. My mother is able to walk but the distances involved required the use of a wheelchair. We weren't sure how that would work out but she did fine and didn't miss a single evening's entertainment. Our granddaughters were old enough that they didn't participate in the children's programs. They enjoyed ice skating, swimming, evening entertainment and excursions. The dining room staff gave them a great deall of personal attention including helping them select food and providing them with a plate of cookies to take back to the room.

Ports of call

Labadee (Cruise Line Private Island)

5 out of 5

Beautiful beach and scenery, nice ruins. Barbecue served from ship to everyone. Haitian staff was somewhat pushy with services and at market. Understand the poverty but they wanted tips for everything. Royal Caribbean should make policy clear. We thought only cash required was for purchases but needed small tips for services. Was quite hot!

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: Dragon Breath rock formation

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

Clearly the best port of call. We had been to Cozumel before and went to the mainland to visit Tulum and Xel-Ha. Either of the two should have been an all day excursion. I don't recommend trying to visit both the same day. Tulum was pretty much as expected - Mayan ruins. Our guide spoke with such a strong accent he was hard to understand. Only major Mayan ruins on the coast but not as impressive as interior Mayan cities if you have seen them. Xel-Ha was a pleasant surprise. Beautiful spring fed lagoon with lots of tropical fish that you can snorkel with. With about 2 hours travel time each way leaving only about 2 hours at each of these sites I recommend choosing one or the other.

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: Xel-Ha or Tulum (if you haven't seen Mayan ruins)

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: Xel-Ha or Tulum (if you haven't seen Mayan ruins)

Labadee (Cruise Line Private Island)

5 out of 5

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: Dragon Breath rock formation

George Town, Grand Cayman

5 out of 5

Sting Ray City was a great treat. Having 3 to 4 foot wide sting rays swimming up to you and eating from your hand is a real thrill. Our granddaughters were afraid at first but enjoyed it and fed the sting rays.

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: Sting Ray City

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

5 out of 5

Walked up Dunn River Falls. This should be identified as potentially dangerous. We didn't see anyone hurt but the potential was certainly there. Rocks hidden by rushing water with holes between the rocks. We would have gone anyway but I suspect some people would not have.

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: Dunn River Falls was beautiful

George Town, Grand Cayman

5 out of 5

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: Sting Ray City

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

5 out of 5

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: Dunn River Falls was beautiful

Pros: Food, Entertainment, Excursions

Cons: Leaving the ship