Mariner of the Seas

OK - those who know the RCCL ships will wonder why the Mariner of the Seas (same size as Explorer) is fourth on my list. True, it is newer than the Explorer and offers the same amenities as the other ship. Probably I'm not being fare judging this ship because of the time of year we cruised.

We chose a Thanksgiving week cruise with a Western Caribbean itinerary. The ship was full with many families onboard. Lots of teenagers and children with most of them allowed to run wild. The noise level in the cabin area was increased, and typical pranks were being pulled (such as pushing all the elevator buttons creating problems, cutting into lines especially at the midnight buffet, and other little annoyances like that).

The captain (Capt. Johnny) was very visible and friendly with the passengers. He has quite a wonderful personality that was apparent when you met him and through his announcements. The cruise director at that time was Becky Thompson and she is great! Her wit and humor made for a great time.

With Mariner, you get the Royal Promenade area, rock climbing wall, sport court area, inline skating, ice skating, and generous sundeck. The staff does a wonderful job with activities for all. The food, shows, and entertainment were good.

Like I said, probably the time I cruised on Mariner had a lot to do with why it is listed #4, but still a great vacation!

De Mariner of the Seas beschikt over een aantal attracties die u op geen ander schip aantreft. Naast de bekende klimmuur kunt u hier uw schaatsen onderbinden op een echte ijsbaan. Daarnaast is er een 9-hole mini golfbaan, een golfsimulator en een volledig volleybal- en basketbalveld. Het centrum van het schip wordt gevormd door de Royal Promenade, dat vier dekken hoog is en 120 meter lang. Langs deze indrukwekkende promenade treft u winkeltjes, restaurants en bars aan. Het theater is zelfs vijf dekken hoog en voorziet u van wervelend entertainment, waarbij gebruik wordt gemaakt van de modernste apparatuur. Naast het grote, drie verdiepingen hoge restaurant, zijn er nog 5 alternatieve eetgelegenheden.