This is our second time on mariner. It was great. I would like to try another ship to see if the food/activities were better. I do love Royal Cruise line. I never liked to cruise before but I really enjoy it now. I can't wait to book the next one.
Embarkation
2 out of 5
Ease of getting on cruise was fine. Although we were in the suites line that should have gone super fast. Family members were traveling with us but in the other line got in and on ship before us. In our line, we had wheelchairs. I believe they should have another line OR not have them come up first with all their members of their family getting in front of others such as my family as it made the line longer. Part of the suites perk is to go faster than the normal line which it did not.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Overall great food. Last cruise on Royal, I said their should be different foods as it seemed like the menu was the same every night with the exception of a dish. Buffets at Windjammer are ok. Tried to avoid as much as possible. The steak was fatty but the good parts you got were amazing. kids menus should have more of a variety. Maybe include Pizza as my 6 yr old did no like the grilled cheese so we had to go to the promenade each night to get her pizza. It should also include maybe a hot dog as well. Definitely missed a few of our favorites from last trip like the cheese tortellini dish (that was our fav last Jan 2023) and the pavlova I believe was the dessert we were looking forward to but wasn't there this cruise, the eggs scrambled was AWFUL! They need to be less runny. I liked the variety of different themed nights of the menu this cruise. Last cruise they had breakfast sandwiches at Promenade, this time not. It would have been nice to have on an excursion day or last day when you don't have time to stop at the buffet. I think they should have Guava juice. The apple juice and strawberry kiwi on cruise and perfect day is watered down. The soda machines hardly worked and were flat. I would really like a refund on that...
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
My 6 yr old was able to finally get on the rock wall and LOVED IT! I feel there should have been more hours for that. Pools were ok but crowded. Waterslides my 11 yr old loved and my husband. We missed the Sky pad. Having corn hole in place of that is a waste of space. That should have had something better. We wanted to do laser tag but it was sold out so could not do. It was also great that it was free. There was little time for ice skating we were not able to get and would have love to have gone. Flow rider is also but such long lines especially when only one line was working.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Ice show was great! My dad saw the comedian? said one night was amazing. Other 2 nights was not. Great Caribbean music. We also saw the gallery theater performance. It was okay better at times. Sleepy at others. We ended leaving in the middle of it.
Children's Programs
Did not go to kids clubs
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
DERBY was INCREDIBLE! He was really the best waiter. Very nice conversations with our table. FUNNY and recommendations for food was on point! Kenneth who got drinks for us was okay. Only went around the table 1 x for drinks so my husband actually went to get drinks from the soda machine because he was so thirsty. Also to save glasses, we never drank the water. I think ask people if they want water before pouring. The last few nights service was a bit slow. We were trying to get to a show but could not make it 2 nights in a row. Sewana cleaned our room great. Fresh towels. Cute towel animals. 2 of the times we went back to our room we have a fruit place and cheese plate. That was a nice touch.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
ship layout was nice. no complaints.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
I love this room. I love how the kids have bunk beds in their own area. I feel like they slept in which they NEVER do at home or in any room where we share the room. There was a lot of space which we all loved. We had the one cabin next to us last January and it seemed to have this stench. This one did not. It was very clean. This is one of my favorite rooms.
Ship tip
I've sailed Mainer 2x. I'd like to try another royal to see different foods, activites, etc
Cozumel is not my favorite port. Although it could have been the excursion. We did one through cheap cruises and I have to say...I am very upset about it. I feel like the reviews were misleading. I feel like we went to a very poor part of Cozumel. Bathrooms didn't have lights or even toilet paper. The jeeps were beat up and didn't have power steering. We didn't get to do Some of the things our tour guide said, I looked up and were false. I was looking forward to this day and it was such a let down. Still upset I paid all that money for that. My dad on the other hand went to an excursion at Piya Mia? and had the best time and such a beautiful view and really got to take in Cozumel. Very upsetting. I say given my excursion, I wouldn't go back to Cozumel. I wish I could get a refund on that...
What can you say other than Perfect Day at Coco Cay! I think the shops are EXPENSIVE! The snack shack was my FAVORITE. We didn't even go to the buffet. WE loved the food there especially the funnel cake!!! I think they should have Guava juice. The apple juice and strawberry kiwi on cruise and perfect day is watered down. South Beach is my favorite. This was a first time at that beach and it was great. I love all the activities you can do at the beach. My 11 yr old loved the soccer pool!
Great review. Mariner was our first cruise back in 2005. We've been on it a couple more times since. We've sailed many different ships on RCCL and one of the things we love most about cruising, is even when you're on the same ship, even only 6 to 9 months later, little things change to keep it new and exciting.
It keeps a good variety, and someday, you might find your tortellini dish on another ship! Glad you had a great time!
Next time, if you don't see something on the menu, ask! A lot of times, the staff will go down and get your kid pizza and bring it to the table. RCCL is always so accommodating to our children.
Thanks for sharing your cruise experience. Glad you enjoyed your family cruise. Have fun planning your next cruise vacation. There are many wonderful ships to choose from.
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