Royal Caribbean Nickles and Dimes You for Everything

Item: Mariner of the Seas
Rating: 4.3
Author: miratemkin

Mariner of the Seas Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

miratemkin

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 5

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5

Verified Review

4 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip)

Sail date: October 10, 2024

Ship: Mariner of the Seas

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 7692

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 1 month ago

Review summary

I sailed on RCCL in 2022 and there were many other included dining options that were not available on this ship. On Mariner, there was only the Windjammer, Main Dining Room and pizza place. All of the other restaurants necessitated an upcharge. Way to go, RCCL. They also just increased the amount of tips for the staff. While they charge you ahead of time, you can reduce that amount and they will give credit your account. I also removed the daily tips for the kids. Not necessary.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Windjammer buffet was excellent with lots of choices and it varied everyday.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Hot tub, bingo, mini-golf, music quizzes, volleyball, nightly shows.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

Very friendly and helpful

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Someone was always cleaning.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Loved the junior suite and extra large balcony. Spent a lot of time out on the balcony. Would get this room again.

Ship tip

Figuie out how to communicate with other people in your party as soon as you get on the ship.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Galveston, Texas

5 out of 5

Love Galveston. Did not need excursion. It's enough to just walk around historic downtown.

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Cozumel, Mexico

3 out of 5

Cruise excursions are over the top expensive. Go on one at the pier.

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

3 out of 5

The slowest RCCL one ever

10 Comments

Cruisers4Lyfe 1 month ago

Thanks for sharing

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TXatsea 1 month ago

There have been ZERO changes to included VS up charge dining since 2022

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bonvoyage68 1 month ago

Unfortunately you didn’t do your research of the ship. If you prepaid the gratuities, the rate was locked in even though they didn’t increase yet. And unless there was a problem with staff, why remove the kids tips? There was also a hot dog/sausage place by the pool. Budget better for next vacation

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prepboy1 1 month ago

If you need to be that cheap to cut out gratuities for the folks who clean up after you AND your kids, should be ashamed. Find a different form of travel as it appears you cannot afford cruising. CLEARLY!!!

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Gwbigdog 1 month ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise

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basssacker 1 month ago

Thanks for sharing

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wbahoy 1 month ago

A little research would reveal what dining was free and which had upcharge. Gratuities do not go up until November. Sorry you felt you had to cancel or lower your Gratuities as childrens beds have to be made and their dishes have to be cleared also. 9

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javawoody 1 month ago

Appreciate the feedback

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cruising2004 1 month ago

Thank you for your review.

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HeavySeas 1 month ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise experience

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Other reviews of this sailing

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Spectacular, memorable and an adventure to be repeated.