Just back from Mariner of the Seas West Carib (my tips)

Hello all,

Still not back home but on the way! We had an EXCELLENT time on our trip and we even met up with some of our Meet and Greet fellow passengers at the Meet and Greet. We only had about 6 or 8 of us show up, we all got a gift for showing up and since there were so few of us, we all won something at the raffle.

My tips:

1. Pack your formal wear in dry cleaning bags and put them at the top of your suitcase, can fold over once..no wrinkles (our ship had no irons and no laundry facilities although you could send in stuff to get laundered, dry cleaned or pressed)..also was tuxedo rental on board.

2. Pack a large duffle with about a case and a half of bottled water (small bottles). You save LOTs of money not having to buy the expensive bottled water on board. We used this water for our shore excursions and when we went to work out (the gym was EXCELLENT with tons of cardio machines, weight machines and free weights, not to mention a hot tub and not crowded aerobics classes). You can then use this suitcase for souveniers.

3. Get only one soda card for two people, unless you drink loads of soda! For two adults, with gratuities they add on there, it comes to just under $100. You will have juices, tea, coffee at bfast...lemonade, ice tea and water at lunch and dinner...we also didn't pay for the kids juices at dinner. I did notice that at non-mealtimes, if you wanted something to drink, soda or juice at any of the bars, I was always asked for my soda card...don't know what the rules are though.

4. Don't waste too much time in the casino..even though we did come out ahead, I guess that ships don't have to follow the same rules as in Vegas (ie payout percentages), so you are really getting ripped off, ie the slots..just do it for fun here and there.

5. On alcohol, you get charged a $9.50 consumption fee for each bottle, whether you buy it on board or bring it on...some people on these boards reported they had no problems bringing their own alcohol on board..some even put their alcohol in water bottles (I think that's extreme). Whenever you leave or come back on the ship, your stuff always gets xrayed and I did notice they were making folks open their bags when they brought back large bottes (and yes they charged the fee). Some guy told us that if your bottle is already open getting on the ship, they cannot charge you that fee...I don't know if he was telling us to unscrew all the bottle tops or what..you decide!

6. You don't need to bring towels for the beach or the pool; will be provided in your room as well as by the pool (they say they charge $20 for every missing towel from your stateroom). Small towels are also in the gym.

7. Be ready for a big bill when you leave. Everything gets put on your Seapass card (which is also your identity card). Then at the end of the cruise, they put that on your credit card..check the charges before the end of your cruise though (you can even do this on your tv in your stateroom). Out of the 8 families we knew, over half of them had something screwed up on their bill. Also keep your receipts (we collected them in a drawer in our stateroom). Things add up, especially when they had the gold and silver chains sale, 50% off sales, etc in the Promenade area every night!

8. Plan for your gratuities. The easiest way to do that is to have it put on your bill at the end..they'll give you a recommended amount for everyone you need to tip and they'll use that..I think it was close to $300 for us. Otherwise, you use the envelopes at the end for everyone who serves you (room attendant, waiter, etc) and you put the money in there and give it to them personally.

9. We did bring one of those nightlights/air freshener things, but didn't hook it up in the bathroom as that plug was for razors only..but it worked fine in our room..we also had a junior suite, so the room was HUGE for the four of us, even a walk in closet and bathtub and a big balcony...the room attendant turned the couch into a bed every night, and yes we did have towel animals and mint chocolates every night as well.

10. The refrigerator was only half stocked, so it was easy to move all their stuff to the top shelf and use the bottom and the door for our water, snacks, etc.

As far as the excursions, I already gave a tip on Jamaica/Ocho Rios for Dunn's River Falls. Go first thing, go on your own in a taxi and you'll get the most out of it (more on the Jamaica board). In Grand Caymen, Stingray City and Coral Gardens was a must! We went with Nativeway, and they were excellent! There was only about 20 folks in our group and we had juice and water (and the crew was constantly serving us)...they went out of their way to show us other things on the route, spent extra time with the non-swimmers (Coral Gardens was about 10-12 feet deep), had all the gear for us and helped us handle the stingrays with plenty of photo ops (about 3 ft deep and just beautiful)! My 7 year old loved snorkeling with the stingrays, and they reminded me of dogs the way they would brush up against you and let them pet you and my husband got a kick out of the way they sniffed around you for food. Coral Gardens was nearby and even the nonswimmers were rigged up so they could "snorkel" and see the coral and the fish. There were TONS of schools of fish and even barracudas and some BIG fish..it was honestly like swimming in a huge tropical aquarium! WE saw other tour operators with just loads of people packed onto their boats..one boat reminded me of one of those trains through India where there was a person sitting on every available space on the boat, including the roof! Shopping was terribly expensive in Grand Caymen, so if you want to do snorkeling, diving, water sports, I would do them there and forget the shopping! A simple tshirt costs about $28, same for a hat! Save your jewelry and trinket shopping for Jamaica and Cozumel, Mexico. Labadee, Haiti was nice for just hanging around on the beach and the water..they also had an inflatable waterpark set up..go early for that as when that's at max capacity, that's it. Lots of folks also did parasailing and jetskis as well. People were friendly (ie natives) and the ship set up a nice BBQ, very relaxed and lines were minimal..also saw folk dancers and of course the popular drink was the Labadoozee. They did have a pseudo Haitian market set up...in the building in front, lots of extremely pushy vendors, most had the exact same stuff...lots of bartering...if you are squeamish about being around people and getting hassled, don't go in there, as you'll get overwhelmed..the building in the back must be owned by someone else and they had different items...tried to haggle a few times in there, every time was a "no go"...they said their prices were fixed. Again, nice beach and time to relax but forget the shopping...also haven't decided yet if I liked that whole artificial environment..considering how poor Haiti is, etc...

Someone asked about Margaritaville..it is right off the place where the ship docks in Ocho Rios..in the Island Village Shops, again an artificial environment with higher prices in the shops..Margartiville souveniers are very expensive I thought..but they will mail a free postcard home for you..food was so-so..and yes, we did see kids in there..their pool area is nice, bring your suits...also the bar scene and wacky adult games and such, dancing with the mc who taught you all the Jamaican dance moves..the Taj Mahal shops down the street..within walking distance..you even see how poor this country is on the way with beggars and children darting out asking for money...stuff here was cheaper than at the Island Village..we didn't venture any further, as the rest of the town was really rundown, police everywhere..just didn't feel comfortable. WE had family who did take some of the tours, and minus the Dunn's River Falls part of the tour, they did get to see some of the island. Our taxi driver also offered to take us on his private tour around...he seemed trustworthy (he was an old guy with a daughter in teh States)...I think these taxis are also somehow licensed (there were two taxi companies at the pier and it was all very organized) and probably safe. He quoted us a price of $80...didn't know if that was per person or for our four person family.

Do bring a light rain jacket or umbrella..I guess it rains alot in Cozumel...it was overcast, thunderstorms and such when we went..lots of shore excursions were cancelled...lots of lightening and as we shopped the electricity did go out and we were told this was typical. Great place for buying silver jewelry we thought and loose stones.

One word on the $20 coupon book you can buy on the ship...if you are going to buy jewelry it's probably worth it...it reminded me of a scavenger hunt as you took the coupons and would go to various shops to get a "free gift"...most were cheap looking trinkets, although I must say the "diamond" as well as the "emerald" earrings didn't look too bad. I did win a diamond tennis bracelet at the shopping talk on the ship (they do this for each location; telling you what shops they recommend)..of course, had to go to the shop to claim it..Diamonds International in Cozumel...had no problem getting the bracelet..of course they want you to trade it in (supposedly a $200 value)...so I played their game (I love white gold)..pointed out one of those and the guy did his figuring on his calculator and figured $700...then we went to leave and he got us before we went out the door, and all of a sudden after speaking to his manager, after more figuring, the bracelet was quoted at $400...so that made us leery...what is that stuff really worth when there can be such a big difference in price from one second to the next? We walked...

that's about it..gotta run for now!

Glad you had a great time! Have a safe trip home:)

Awesome review! Thank you for the tips, I will be on the Marnier Western route in Septmeber. :)

Great review and thanks for some awesome tips!

Thanks for your review and tips. Welcome home

Hi rthiebes,

Thank you for your review and the great tips! DH and I are first-time cruisers, will be on Mariner in late August. Absolutely can't wait!

A couple of questions for you --

- How was the Dining Room food & service, and did you try Chops or Portofino's?

- Also, do you remember which night was Smart Casual night in the DR?

- I've heard that at leats one pool is open 24/7, is that true, even while in port?

- Did you have a favorite watering hole on the ship?

- Any other must-see or must-do things on Mariner? We'ds appreciate any additional info and tips.

Thanks again! :)

Let me see...we were in the Rhapsody in Blue Dining Room (the bottom one)..had an attentive waiter and most days were the only ones at our table (the other family only showed up once). I know we had the two formal days...I think the second night (at sea) and then the day of Grand Caymen (it was a rush to get back to the ship and change because we had 5pm Ice Show tickets..not to be missed...get tickets for another showing). We had the early dinner seating which works great with kids. We talked to folks who ate at teh Windjammer every meal..they said at dinner they got to sample all the entrees, appetizers and desserts we had in teh dining room...but you know, you can always ask your waiter to bring more than one appetizer and entree or dessert..they have no problem with that...plus it feels great to be waited on hand and foot..the waiter and the asst maitre de ALWAYS came over to take lobster out of the shell, take tails of shrimp and cut up meat and veggies for my two young boys..you can actually relax at dinner!

Honestly, we just ran out of time..we had such a great dining experience and rapport with our waiter and the staff in the dining room, we didn't want to leave them to go to Portofinos or Chops! I did hear from others who dined there, that it was definitely worth the $20 surcharge..it was as if you were eating in some elegant home (intimate setting as if you were the only guests) and being waited on hand and foot and being offered all kinds of dishes to try..very personalized service.

I don't remember which night was smart casual..first night was "come as you are" and folks did, whatever they wore when they got on the ship..very few dressed up..second night formal, of course the other formal night...I noticed the last night folks got dressed up...the other nights are a blur and I saw many women with just nice dresses, even pantsuits..oh we had a Carribean night..not too many folks participated...guys wore mostly nice slacks and button down shirt really (except formal nights).

We only got a chance to go on the pool last day at sea..that's how busy we were with activities and things going on, so I can't help you on pool hours..I did notice folks in the main pool at night..even in teh solarium pool (adults only).

Watering holes...we liked the Wig place on the Promenade (as you can really people watch)...also the bar up top (during the day) in the middle of the ship (indoors) that had a view of the pool deck below..again, lots of people watching there...forgot the name. Lots of folks forget that you can go out on Deck 4 (where the shuffleboards are)..also the sports deck on back is fun (hard to get to if you don't know where you're going).

WE also enjoyed the Love and Marriage show and friends had a blast at the Quest game..look out for those in your daily Seapass..and again, the Ice Show do not miss...top rate talent, costumes...just everything about it..I think two of the skaters were from St Petersburg Russia...one skater, a special act, not only skated but twirled and spun himself around on sheets, flying above the ice...he was just amazing..reminded me of Cirque de Sole.

There will be designated times to stand in line for tickets and the wait isn't that long really...again, go for the later showtimes.

smart casual was day three which was.....lemme check the elevator.....tuesday in labadee :)

Great review! Sorry we missed you at the Meet N Mingle, but I think we were running between lunch and our appointment to meet the hostess to arrange our vow renewal ceremony.

We were also on the Nativeway morning excursion -- those guys were really fun! We were very surprised at how few stingrays there were compared to our last visit to Grand Cayman. Two years ago in August there were so many that you had to be careful where you stepped, and they rubbed up against your legs like kittens. When we asked Nativeway if something changed, we were told that there are about 100 stingrays at the sandbar, and that many of them may have already been fed & taken the rest of the day off.

We desperately need to get back on the ship. We didn't discover that you could get steak & coconut creme brulee for lunch in the dining room every day until the last day of the cruise. We didn't find out about the yummy little sandwiches in the Promenade cafe until end of the week, when my kids also discovered that putting chocolate swirl soft-serve ice cream from Sprinkles into hot coffee from the Promenade makes a mocha shake...and I'm sure if I only put one more $20 bill into that slot machine, I'd win something!! I didn't get to buy the Platters' CD after their show, and one of my kids wants to sign up for the learn-to-skate! And I'm sure that there's something in one of the Promenade stores I forgot to buy. . .

Great review!

Did you spend any time at the Schooner Piano Bar? Was Matt Yee there?

We're on this Sunday--cannot wait!

Tammy

Re: your bottles of water packed in the duffle bag....did you carry the bag on or check with your luggage? Granted we aren't cruising on the Mariner until next Fall (for now anyways) but my SO drinks a LOT of bottled water. Even though we're 1 year plus away, I've planned on just buying the shrink wrapped cases and placing them in suitcase to check through.

rthiebes, thanks so much again for all of the info. Very much appreciated! It sounds like you had a wonderful time, and I'm sure we will too.

And Slyder, thanks for info about Smart Casual night. Have been trying to find that out for awhile now!

Is the water okay to drink from the Windjammer, etc.? I have only been on Princess but am looking at RCL for next year. I always took a huge cup and would fill it with ice water for the sea days and did not have to worry about bottles. I did take a few bottles while it port but the cup was fine while on the ship.

Meredith

Thanks for your great review. We are also going on the Mariner's Western itinerary next January...I can't wait! :)

Is the water okay to drink from the Windjammer, etc.? I have only been on Princess but am looking at RCL for next year. I always took a huge cup and would fill it with ice water for the sea days and did not have to worry about bottles. I did take a few bottles while it port but the cup was fine while on the ship.

 

Meredith

i drank water with all my meals and it was fine. pretty tough to avoid as it's used in the coffee, iced tea, and lemonade (mixing this with some pinapple rum makes a nice drink for your balcony :)

sly

5. On alcohol, you get charged a $9.50 consumption fee for each bottle, whether you buy it on board or bring it on...some people on these boards reported they had no problems bringing their own alcohol on board..some even put their alcohol in water bottles (I think that's extreme). Whenever you leave or come back on the ship, your stuff always gets xrayed and I did notice they were making folks open their bags when they brought back large bottes (and yes they charged the fee). Some guy told us that if your bottle is already open getting on the ship, they cannot charge you that fee...I don't know if he was telling us to unscrew all the bottle tops or what..you decide!

 

So, if you buy alcohol in port to take home with you (ie not consume on the ship) , do you still get charged the $9.50 per bottle?

it's hard to add to such a great review rthiebes. nice.

thought i'd bring this back to the top one more time for all the people leaving this weekend.

anyone whose spent some time on these boards won't be in for any surprises.

you'll have a wonderful time. it's a truly beautiful ship with a outstanding crew. they work their tails off to make your vacation enjoyable. remember to add an extra tip to the waiter at the pool who has the best sales pitch, or the waitress at jr's who gives your child a handful of nickels to play the jukebox. the little things are the most memorable.

a few thoughts for any last minute jitters.

smart casual night: sport jacket\polo shirt, dosen't matter. just look nice :)

carrying onboard your own minibar: if you feel a need, go for it. personally, i was on board so fast i didn't notice if they checked anything. you won't want for anything to drink onboard (paid or otherwise). grabbing a glass of lemonade or two for mixers everytime i passed the windjammer worked for me. (isn't that why there's ice and a fridge in the staterooms?)

Florida_chick: no. the $9.50 will only be applied if they stop you when reboarding and you want to drink it in your room. if they don't, enjoy....whenever. i'd have to look but i believe your only allowed to bring one bottle p/p back into the states (two if one was purchased in jamaica)

soda cards: if you or your child drinks a lot of soda, buy one and forget it. it's worth it not to have to sign all day. i wonder why the waitstaff uses those paper reciepts for drinks? some type of handscanner would seem to be more efficient.

bring your smile. everyone else does.

have a wonderful trip everyone

sly

I checked a big duffle bag with bottled water...a case and a half...the case was shrinkwrapped (and yes, the bag was VERY heavy)..no problems as it showed up in our suite with no comment. Ice water is served at all meals..it is safe to drink (we did drink that too). Water from the faucet in your room is potable as well.

One thing I want to add...recently, I started taking acidophilus tablets...comparable to yogurt with live yogurt cultures in it (ie good bacteria). I used to have stomach problems and I was a bit worried on this trip. I am happy to report that I had no problems whatsoever, even eating food in Cozumel at the El Shrimp Bucket...even now, after all the travelling..no problems...will continue to take them (two pills a day). I took this advice from someone else on these boards who starts taking them 2 weeks before every cruise and after dozens of cruises, has never had a problem with any kind of stomach illnesses...something to keep in mind. Acidophilus does have to be refrigerated after opening, although I did find a brand, think it was at Walmart that did not need refrigeration.