Smooth Sailing

Mariner of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 29

Overall rating:

4.6 out of 5
Verified Review
Mariner of the Seas

5 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip)

Sail date: October 14, 2024

Ship: Mariner of the Seas

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8352

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 2 months ago

Review summary

Ship smaller than expected but preferable to the megaships. But did miss some of their amenities. May try another larger ship later. Weather good but did have some rain while at sea . Rained( drenching) getting off ship in Costa Maya but later sunny skies. Seas calm. Able to dock at both ports. Wonderful dining room staff, greeter(beautiful smile), reservations/assignment staffers nice, wait staff and Cabin steward. Liked the Crown lounge for the brief visit after we found it.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
No problems. When your requested information is done prior to arrival the agent only has to verify what has been documented.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
Had wonderful servers in the main dining area. Greeter had wonderful smile. Chose My Time Dining option. This was best for us. Did not have to wait long to be seated. Sat in the same area in the dining room which was nice. Sometimes you are seated at whatever table is available if no reservations. Attempts are made to accommodate your request for specific seating. I liked the decor. Vintage clothes on display, Crystal chandelier, wooden curved bannisters, iron railing, climbing stairs. Port theme display. Windjammer staff where nice considering how some of them work the main dining room and then in this area to help. Had the variety expected in trying new dishes. Remember Windjammer is buffet not serviced. You may ask for some things and sometimes you are offered items but there are no waiters regularly. Izumi Hibachi was wonderful. Enjoyed the shows(singing and designs), food, and fellow diners.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5
Enjoyed the ice skating show. If the ship isn't steady their performance can not occur. Disliked that there are poles that blocks your view if you are not able to enter early enough to find good seats. Glad that I didn't have to pre-book for the show. The stage shows were energetic. The lighting allowed you to see the stage and performance. Some aspects of the shows were dim but overall the performers and the stage were visible. But you are forewarned that special effects will be used if you have health concerns that could be affected ( strobe lights, smoke, some sounds). When you are warned prior to shows(comedian/comedy) that if you are easily offended and that the material is for adults and you choose to stay for the show that's on you (use of profanity and couples content). The pianist in the elevator was interesting. Pool deck band was energized. Guest dancing to the rhythm.

Children's Programs

No children

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Abadi/Kaisar; Agnelo/Dwi, main dining waiter/assistant waiters. Didn't have to ask but once for an item. If servers section full you may be placed in another servers area. This is why there are four people. Smiling people make me happy. Thank you. Donald and his partner at Izumi Hibachi were great. Options were given by the waiter to make our dining experience great. Didn't get the spelling of his name so sorry. Aivy our room steward was wonderful. Again, smiling, happy personality. Ask our preferences and was able to accommodate. Always enjoy the towel animals. Royal promenade cafe was nice and provided the food requested either pizza or other delicacies. My husband enjoyed Playmakers and the pool deck bars. Solarium adult section nice. The Doghouse staff were nice. Overall staff encountered were helpful and nice. Able to help with displaying jewelry in the Regalia store. The Royal promenade is one feature we enjoy when cruising. Staff nice and helpful. Cruzin Susan, cruise director, was enjoyable. Made the introductions to some of the programs entertaining. Port shopping guide, Mario enthusiastic about the shopping options. Liquor purchases. Remember there is a liquid restriction for your carry on luggage. Large volumes go in the checked luggage. Check with your airlines before the cruise if you know that's an item you plan to bring back. If you drive no problem.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
This ship was smaller than some and easy to navigate. The common areas were clean and well maintained.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
Cabin clean. Steward was excellent.Typical size. Did not feel crowded. The vanity cabinet in the bathroom needed work. The flusher felt sluggish. Noted the small table was removed. Gave cabin more open space.

Ship tip

Find a focal point that will help you find your cabin. Locate the elevators that will help get you to destinations. The dining rooms, pool deck, Windjammer are usually at the back of the ship. The theater at the front. The cabins are even or odd numbered. Some rooms are decorated on your hall. There are pictures on the stairs. Choose the elevators that will let you off closer to your cabins. Elevators near guest services or the theater.

Ports of call

Galveston, Texas Did not visit port

Flying in on embarkation day and flying out on return..

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

4 out of 5
Did not do excursion. The dolphin experience, bird excursion, relaxation tours are on the pier and not a drive away. Public beach at the pier. Some people don't want jewelry and there are many shop owners trying to make a sale. Have fun but stay safe.Too much of a good thing can ruin your trip if you over do it. The walk back to the ship is long. Would probably opt for the ruin and beach excursion after looking at reviews.

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5
Did the city tour. Guide and driver were nice. Good to be off pier but would opt for different experience if visit again. Preferred this port between the two.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
No problem. Luggage tagged and waiting for pick up. Personnel directing to exit. Wished I'd booked an earlier flight since we were off the ship by 0815. Remember if flying give yourself at least an hour to hour and half to reach airports when choosing your flights.
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8 Comments

Cruisers4Lyfe     2 months ago

Thanks for sharing

Tammytyler     2 months ago

Thanks for an informative review. Don't care for mega ships looks like Mariner will be a good fit for us.

Gwbigdog     2 months ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise

basssacker     2 months ago

Appreciate your detailed review

Noncapisco     2 months ago

WOW on your review of the Mariner. You give others lots of information so, they can decide if Mariner is the ship 🚢 for them.

TiffyTaffy     2 months ago

Thank you for a well informed review. Love it!

javawoody     2 months ago

Appreciate your view

cruising2004     2 months ago

Thank you for your review.

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