Fun getaway for our anniversary. Overall an 8/10 of a trip. Would absolutely do this same ship and ports again, though would probably turn the Nassau day into a personal on the ship day.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We were able to get the earliest check-in time of 10:30-11. We basically walked right through to the check-in area where they quickly checked our passports and showed us where to sit and wait to board. We had purchased The Key, so after the Suite and Pinnacles boarded it was our turn. Overall smooth process!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Our favorite experiences when it came to food was in the MDR. Except for the first night, everything was hot and delicious. I loved being able to try so many new things and even get 2 apps or entrees as I desired. I ordered the Royal Chocolate Cake for dinner one day and lunch the next and received two completely different looking things. Both tasted great though! The Windjammer was a hot mess and after 1 chaotic and underwhelming breakfast there we steered clear. The Dog House had the hardest hotdog buns I've ever tried. Cafe Promenade was great for crispy pizza and desserts, but their sandwiches always seemed dry and tasteless.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
There was a nice variety of things to do for all ages. Putt putt on a ship in the middle of the ocean is just such a neat idea. The pools were small but we're only extremely crowded half of the time. The hot tubs were packed with everyone looking like a lobster in a cooking pot.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Would have loved an actual musical or Broadway type of show, but none on Mariner. The rock and roll tribute band did a great job though. Nice variety and sound. The Center Stage show which featured Mariner's own performers was decent, though the juggler they had was rather corny. He was great at juggling but didn't know when to end a comedy bit and instead dragged them to death.
Arcade
3 out of 5
The arcade was great at their selection of games... unfortunately only about half of them were functioning. When we first went on day one, the prize selection for ticket redemption was scarce, but on day two they'd refilled the machine, which was nice. There didn't appear to be effort put into fixing the machines themselves though. Thankfully I'd gotten a great deal on credit to use or else I'd have been more upset. I did win from the Prize Arrow machine and my prize got stuck which led to having to get a tech up there. Found out the slot techs from the casino are who run the arcade so the lack of attention to the broken arcade machines made sense. I overall did enjoy the little play I could do, but I'd love if they could get someone to fully focus on fixing it.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Most staff we encountered were great, a side from a couple of rude ones. One in the coffee shop on the cafe gave me attitude about having my key card and chastised me, when another staff had already told me to get it. Another refused to make a drink I requested, claiming it was impossible to make with no alcohol...yet I'd already had one that day and went to another bar who also made it with no issue. Thankfully most were great though including or MDR waiters and our room attendant. The slot tech who helped in the arcade was great as well.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
I know the ship is older and some say outdated, but I didn't see or have any issues with the ships appearance. The staff seem to do a great job at working with what they have.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Overall we enjoyed the room. It was as big as we expected but the window seat made it appear slightly larger. At no point did we feel tight or cramped. It helped to fully unpack and put our suitcases under the bed and out of sight. The view of the promenade was mainly of the help desk, but that was fine for us as we mainly did it just to have some type of view rather than just four walls. The bathroom is tiny, and as a bigger person I was worried about showering, but I had no issues. I'd book this same room again with no complaints.
Ship tip
Don't stress over the fact it's a smaller ship or an older ship. Go in and just enjoy yourself for what it is, a cruise vacation! If you do have issues, don't be afraid to ask at the help desk or to your room steward for help. It's your vacation and they want to make it as great as they can.
Lots of construction that you have to weave through and very push locals trying to sell things. We did a bus tour booked through Royal that was great. Allowed us to see the city with no worries of driving around ourselves. Nice beach called Junkanoo beach to the right of the ship when you arrive, well within walking distance.
Amazing! Favorite day of the trip. Food was the best we had. Rented a day bed at Breezy Bay on Chill Island and loved it. Not too crazy with people but still close enough to restrooms and food. Snorkeled in the water which was super chilly, but had a blast.
A real breeze! We walked off the ship and from being in line at 7:30 to getting to our car, it was about a 10-15 min process. They really have that down pat.
I’m glad you enjoyed your cruise on Mariner of the Seas. Thank you for sharing your detailed review. We are overdue for a return visit to Coco Cay since we haven’t been back to see the changes. 😎🚢☀️🩴🏝🪸🐠🌺🙏🏻
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