Enjoyed but did not live up to expectations

Item: Mariner of the Seas
Rating: 3.8
Author: tcombs26

Mariner of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

tcombs26

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 49

Overall rating:

3.8 out of 5

4 Night Bahamas (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 08, 2019

Ship: Mariner of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 1690

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

We had purchased the Keys program as an upgrade for our trip. Overall I guess it was worth it but again the internet package was a total hassle. The keys was disappointing for the special hours for the activities like the flow rider. Our teenage sons were 2 of 4 key members that showed up for the special keys member hour on the flow rider so the attendants working the flowrider opened it up to the rest of the ship. My kids felt ripped off because what was the point of having a special hour for keys members if you are not going to honor it. Buyer beware on that add on. Room service was a disappointment the entire trip. One morning when we were in port for Bahamas we ordered room service and it never came (we waited 45 minutes then bailed and went to Buffett quickly before our excursion). The next morning our order was incomplete and when we asked about it we were advised they ran out of some of the items. Lack of communication was a big issue. Overall we had a good trip it just would have been nice to not have had some of the frustrations we experienced.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Had the keys program and it went extremely smooth.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Main dining room service and food was great. Wait staff could not have been better. Specialty restaurants visited were Chops Grille and Playmakers both were enjoyable and food was good and reasonably priced. Buffett had plenty of selection but food was very bland, that is probably a function of having to create food options for large groups of people with different dietary needs. Ok option to fill yourself up in a hurry. Would opt for the main dining room if you have the time.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

Flow rider, water slides and game shows were all fun and easily accessible. Could not get in for laser tag or escape room.

Entertainment

4 out of 5

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

Wait staff in all areas of the ship were very pleasant and friendly. Our room steward was top notch and helped in every way possible.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Design was good, we were on deck 10 which definitely showed it's wear and tear in the main stateroom hallways our room the sofa had rips and stains on it as well.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Room size was good and plenty of storage options offered, was very clean and balcony size is one of the best being at the back of the ship. Again interior is dated and some of the furnishings definitely show the wear and tear.

Ship tip

If you purchase the internet be prepared to be aggravated trying to get all your devices to connect. We seven people in our party traveling together with multiple staterooms all having wifi being purchased. We spend the greater part of the first two days trying to get everyone's phones to connect correctly. Save yourself the money and go old school and do walkie talkies

Thumbs up