My MARINER REVIEW 5/22-29...Gonna be a LONG one!

Well, our long awaited week on the Mariner has come and gone. It was really too short, and I could have used another Sea day or two to really enjoy the ship!

The four of us, Jacquelyn, 45, Patrick, 45, Ryan 12, Jonathan 11, are veteran cruisers, but this was our first try with RCCL. After perusing these boards almost daily since last August, I was a little wary of my choice. The treatment of passengers during the hurricane cruises, tales of non-working key cards and pursers not willing to help, and stuck window washing machines put me a little on edge. I went on thinking optimistically that our trip would be great. As it turned out, it was!

SATURDAY:PRE CRUISE

After my 5th and 6th graders ended the school year on Friday, we packed our van for a Saturday depature. I am a compulsive planner, and I had a chart already planned out from previous Compasses (thanks Radio! :) ), but I'm not a person who gets crazed if everything dosen't go as planned. My "ducks started getting out of their rows" from the time we left, two hrs later than I planned. We weather was cloudy and a cool 66 degrees. We made good time on I-75 out of Atlanta. We stopped in Calhoun, Ga at Calhoun Produce. http://www.calhounproduce.com/ I had researched the web and found this place sold Vidaila Onion Relish, a requested product by Tom from Paradise Beach in Cozumel. They also had Strawberries in season and planned a stop on our way home.

We ran into small patches of rain down I-75 and I-10, but it really was bad on I-95 out of Jacksonville. It was almost 5pm when we got to the Radisson, too late to see the ships sail by Grills. We decided to try the place anyway. We had to wait almost an hour for our table. During that time my son's got to watch them "prep" the day's catch from on of the fishing boats. They had never seen fish gutted before! :eek: I had the Mahi Grilled, my DH had the Seafood Alfredo, son's the snow crab and ribs. I have to agree with those on the board who have said the food here was OK, nothing to write home about, but the service was acceptable.

We went back to the Radisson where my son's hit the pool and I went over to Walmart on Merritt Island, about a 10-15min drive from the Radisson. I had not had time to do alot of clothes shopping for myself, so I bought a couple of outfits, some odd and ends I relized I had forgot to pack, like my thermal coffee mug, and a six pack of Mich Light. We had a standard room at the Radisson, normally $129/night, but "bought" it with the Goldpoints incentive program they participate in. The room cost: $0, 30,000 points. We also left the van there for the 7 day cruise, saving us $70. (Don't worry, the money WAS spent later!) Took our Bonine and went to bed.

SUNDAY - Day 1

Did our usual Mickey D's breakfast run before getting heading over to the cruise terminal, about 9:45am. The guard at the gate mentioned "You are early, but go around to the left". We had to be careful not to run into the debarking passengers! We got the luggage in then went to the terminal. My DH went thru the x-ray machine with our six pack, and nothing was said at all! Check in was a breeze, just about 10 minutes, hardly any line at all. I noticed the boys had holes prepunched in their cards. We went to the WindJammer for lunch and I had one of the shrimp salad sandwich wraps. They ARE very good! Bought my DS a soda card, but my DH had tried to buy one also, so we returned one, and they did credit our bill. About 10 after one, on to Cabin #9320. It was just off the Aft Centrum elevators, only two decks up to walk to WindJammer. We went by the Adventure Ocean area, then I went to the Spa to schedule the Hot Stones massage for my DH (he had been complaining of a tension headache since last night), and a Seaweed wrap and massage for me. We also checked out our table seating. It was in the Rapsody in Blue dining room, but it was at the room tucked back in around to the left. It was a table for 12, so we would have table mates. Back at the cabin about 2:30, I called on the phone and made the ressies at Chops and Portafinos. We met Curwin, our room steward from Trinadad and Tobago. He was a very plesent fellow. I did give him an "advance" tip and asked him to keep ice in our small square cooler we had brought for drinks. He did this very well all week.

The luggage finally arrived about 3:15pm, and we quickly got the bubble guns to use on the sail away party. We went out to the helipad deck and felt that "top of the world" feeling! But it was quite windy. We also walked the pool deck, "bubbling" all the way! We got to dinner a little late and there was on family of 4 at the table already, a group from Kansas City, Missouri on their first cruise. The other family arrived just after we did, a family from Orlando, FL. We all made plesent conversation during dinner.

We did more ship exploring after dinner, going to Adventure Ocean with the kids and signing them up. They DON'T do the points program for them to earn "gifts" anymore. They do get a laynard (reason for the punched holes in the SeaPass cards) and the chance to win a raffle on the last night. We played a few rounds of foosball together (my youngest DS 'smokes' everybody!) and went back to the cabin to finish unpacking. My DS's put on their suits and hit the pool, while we went to the Expo. On the Elevator, someone mentioned "Oh, you are the bubble people"! Not even on the ship 8 hrs and had a reputation already!

The Expo was nice, and I fell in love with a white gold Tanzanite and opal inlay ring. Thought I would compare it with what I found on the port stops. I also discoverd the "shopping book" and found if you show it at Bingo, you got an extra Pack of single bingo cards, plus a color change bag from Del Sol. I had bought a bag like this on our trip to St. Marteen for about $15 a couple of years ago. So I picked up a book. It has coupons for all the caribbean ports, eastern and western. They also said you can "trade in" the book for a 'new' on on a future cruise. (we will see!) My DH loved the pasta samples, and the flavored Vodkas were good too!

Tired from the day, we hit the bed looking forward to our Sea day!

Jacquelyn :D

Great review so far. cantw8 for the rest.

I am really enjoying reading your review. We are on the Mariner on June 19th (Western) and have three sons ages 11, 13, and 15. Will you be posting the Compasses and Kid's program compasses? Thanks.

Thanks for the great review. I'm looking forward to reading the rest!

Lisa

I love all the details. We are on the Mariner in December so I just can't read enough trip reports!

Great review looking foward to reading more.

I love this review .. thanks!! We (myself, DH, DS-15, DD-11) will be on the Mariner July 24. :D

More Sunday thoughts:

I don't remember anyone mentioning that they have an area in the floor of the elevator that put the name of the "day" so you can see it when you get on. My comment was, "Well, when it gets to Sunday again we have to get off!"

My DH did hit the Black Jack tables, but he commented the casion was VERY small! He ended the week up $350, and I made about $50 on slots.

At the Expo there was a BINGO table there. The rep gave out red JACKPOT card they would activate if you bought a $35 6 pack. They also had a schedule of what prizes would be available on what days.

No towel animal tonight! :(

Monday - Sea day

I had put on my "cruise plan" to go to the 7:30am stretch class if I felt like it. With out the alarm, I woke up at 7:10. I decided I may not gain "as much" weight if I get my butt out of bed and excerise a bit. They still do the ship-shape dollars where you can earn key chains, towels, water bottles, t-shirts, a gym bag and others. The class was taught by the female instructor and was a good class. I did 20min on the treadmill too. You can see out the back of the ship while you work out, which is cool.

Off to the Windjammer to check out the breakfast offerings. The is the only thing I "do" for my kids on a cruise.....bring them breakfast in the cabin! GREAT! They have the hash browns they like to eat, carved ham, waffles with strawberry and blueberry topping, and omlets made to order. Loaded with two plates full, I head back to 9320.

One of the best things I brought: The Roll-a-Table and two Roll-a-stools. All 4 of us were able to sit on the balcony and eat breakfast together! This is a feat we never accomplish at home, for breakfast anyway!

Went to the library to look for they trivia sheet, but could not find it. Went up to the sports deck. The previous Compass I had mentioned a Mariner Dunes golf tourney, but it listed as "Fun fitness & Sports Court" today. If you did anything, play golf, ping-pong, basketball, you got a ship-shape dollar. So I played a round of golf. I was a better course than I expected. It is well maintained and the ball runs fairly well, if not too much! The pars are very generous, and I finished the course 5 under par.

About 9:40, headed down to Studio B to get the Ice Show Tickets. They had lines divided by dinner seating times. The line moved quickly and I got the 9pm Wed tickets. Then I did something I shouldn't have done....Went to the Shopping Talk! I discovered I was intrigued by the Philip Stein watch from Oprah, the Opal/Tanzinite collection from Archer, Black Coral and Ammolite. Since I knew the rarest stone was Alexandrite (which I have one already) I won a straw hat from Cozumel. Morning Bingo was for Excursion tickets, but I passed.

Gathered the crew for Lunch at the Windjammer, 12:15pm Family Bingo and the CC M&M at 1pm. We had 75 sign up, but about a dozen or so showed up. Hi to Bill, Andy, Caroline, Michael and familes! They raffled an Aqua Mouse (it was neat!). They also gave us nice laynard pouches for our SeaPass cards. I already have our 97 cent Wal-mart version and liked it better.

DH and I went to the Salsa class taught by the ships dancers (more ship-shape $$) Then to the afternoon Bingo session for a Grand Suite Upgrade. They had "7" winning cards!! They called 1 more number and only 1 card had it. Nope, it wasn't mine!

After dinner, we went to the Cap't Johnny's welcome Speach! He is very funny! I can still hear his "Good Morning/Evening" said 3 times before each shipwide announcement! I'm not a Beatles fan, so DH and I hit the Casino, DH up in BJ and I lost $10 in slots. Tired by 10pm, went off to bed.

Towel animal: A Scorpion! Made of beach towel and washcloth for head.

Tuesday- Labadee

Set the clock for 7:15 because DH had his hot stones massage scheduled for that day. Did get the port discount for this, $150 instead of $199 (NEWS FLASH! Wait till Thursday, they reduced it to $99!!!) He said he enjoyed it, but no relief for his headache! Did the morning stretch class, but the male instructor did this one. He was much more intense that the female one, pushing me to an "ouch" on a couple of positions! Got Bkfst for the kids and I, then gathered gear for Labadee. I signed up the boys for the 10am Aqua Park. They seemed to enjoy it. They started serving lunch about 11:30, the BBQ and burgers were tasty, along with a coconut chess pie dessert! Went in search of the 12:30pm Juggling class, put on by the cruise comics! Started late, but never quite mastered it! Avoided the Markets!

Back to the ship about 2:30pm, and went to the GC talk. Saw the PS watch again, I'll have to check the price, but probably $$$! Back to the cabin to get ready for dinner. We were the only family there that night. I'm not sure if our servers were very new or just our location in the "back room", but they never "got it together" like I've seen others do. Most other cruises they "learn" what you like to drink and provide it without asking. My DH had to ask for tea 3 times! The head waiter DID visit us nightly, which was a first for us. He was nice and cordial, and we did mention that our waiter duo was somewhat slow, but accomidating.

We did make it to the "late seating" Front Row show, and it was very good! Since we had a couple of hours to kill before Quest, we hit the Casino again! They have a neat entrance way... encased under glass! I hit a slot machine that liked me...Made 1111 in quarters (my birthday, a sign to STOP!), about $70. DH was also up at the tables, and I played a while also. At Quest, we got there just as they started, so we just watched. Very interesting show, expecially the video replay! :o

Off to bed! Towel Animal: A rabbit! From a beach towel and "washcloth" ears! (no use of sunglasses the entire week!)

Jacquelyn :D

Forgot: Tuesday Bingo was for Diamond and Gold raffle.

Wed - Jamaica

Went to the stretch class, then got the family to go for a quick breakfast at WJ. We docked while we were eating (about 8:45am) and I got everyone off the ship at about 9:25. It's a bit of a walk to the end of the pier where the "other" tour groups meet. I had a copy of my letter that Peat Taylor had e-mailed me, confirming our tour. I didn't see anyone from his tour and after waiting about 15min, I started asking around to the lt. green shirted "Jamaican Tourism Authority" (or something like that) folks. After being shuttled to two or three folks, someone finally called Peat on his phone. HE HAD ALREADY LEFT!! He did send another driver named Kevin. He had his own van. By now it was 10:15 and I knew Dunn's river would be packed. I showed him our reservation and he asked "Where did you want to go?" River tubing and Dunn's Falls, I replied.

He took us to the River Tubing first. This is where I made the "oops'! I was thinking that they took credit cards at Jamaica and GC, but it's only GC! Had to go to a Jamaican Teller Machine for funds! Went back and did the tubing. It was very fun and my DS's and DH all seemed to enjoy it! (The young Jamaican man who was the guide didn't have an ounce of fat!) At the end Kevin was waiting for us, as promised, but fast asleep! We then went to Dunn's river where we happened to Meet up with Peat Taylor's group! He apologized for not waiting, but said said some else in the group "said" they were us. (Hmmm...) Oh well, we did get our "admission ticket" and went in. We rented a locker and I took my water proof Canon Elf on the falls. I tucked the locker key and the rest of the Jamacian money in the camera case.

This is were the fiasco began. There were about 5 guides trying to start all at the same time up the falls. There were folks going thru others hand to hand line, 2 or 3 lines right next to each other, it was a MESS!! In the midst of this, my 11yo DS is terrifed and crying while climbing the falls. My 12yo DS is behind me, lets go of my hand and in his attempt to retake my hand he grabs the camera case instead! AND, you guessed it, down the falls it went. My 11yo and I got out at the first take out point to check on the case. At the end of the fall are Jamaican men smoking "wacky weed" (informed my son that's what it smelled like, not a lesson I intended to teach!) and told them all I wanted was the case, but they claimed they didn't see it. What I lost was the cost of the room at the Radisson, so I guess I didn't get it "free" afterall. :( Lucky for me, they had another key to the lock on the locker so we waited for my DH and other DS. We finally hooked up (after dealing with the path thru their 'market' saying "No, Thanks" about 20 times) and went back to the ship.

I showered quickly and took off to the Taj Mahal shopping center. Found a beautiful trillion cut (triangle) Tanzinite w/ opal inlay ring (no diamonds, which I prefer). Looked at the Philip Stein watches, and they were $$$ with a 6 or more in front! Decided I didn't like them much and kept shopping. Found a good deal on a 18 inch reversable Omega chain, and a heart pendant with opal inlay for my mom. Got back to the ship with 30 minutes to spare, but my DH was doing the "foot stamp" saying the ship was about to leave me! I said the ship all aboard wasn't untill 4:30pm. He said he heard 4pm. Then I found out he still had the headache. :rolleyes:

Tonight we had our ressie at 6:15pm Portafinos. (Kids went to Johnny Rockets) The food and service was excellent! I'm not a big Italian eater, but this was great! The white truffle Choc. cake was to die for! I was so stuffed after dinner I went back to the cabin and took a nap before the Ice Show! I agree with other posters, it's amazing they can pull off a top quality Ice Show on such a small rink! Went to the Love and Marriage show afterwards. The oldest couple was a hoot!

Bingo of the day: Spa prizes

I went back and crashed, but DH went back to the tables.

Towel animal: An Elephant!

Jacquelyn :D

Jacquelyn

I am loving your review. It is so full of details. Very interested in your finds on the jewelry as my brother is planning to propose to his girlfriend on the ship and wants to buy either a tanzanite or something else she likes while cruising. Curious how the prices on the ship were for that stuff on the first day or if they are ridiculous.

My dd is 15 and my ds 12 (both had bd's this week) and I can't wait to see what your kids thought of adventure ocean. My friend is also going with her 9 year old.

Please continue.. can't wait to hear the rest!

Donna

Looking forward to reading more. Thanks for the great review!

Me too. What a great review. Thanks.

I am loving your review! I will be on the Mariner in 9 DAYS!!!!

I do have a few questions for you. I will be in an E2 balcony on deck 6 and was wondering how big the roll away table was. I don't know if my balcony will be big enough for one though.

Keep the review coming! It is how I am surviving for the next 9 DAYS!!!!!!!!

I am loving your review! I will be on the Mariner in 9 DAYS!!!!

 

I do have a few questions for you. I will be in an E2 balcony on deck 6 and was wondering how big the roll away table was. I don't know if my balcony will be big enough for one though.

 

Keep the review coming! It is how I am surviving for the next 9 DAYS!!!!!!!!

We'll be on 6/19 Mariner as well as on deck 6! Small world! we're in 6350 and the rest of our family is at the other end! 6 should be wonderful for taking the stairs anywhere. Location,location,location!

Karen

"Gumbert Family Cruiser"

We are 6618! Right next to the stairs!

Thanks For The Review - It Sounds Like Fun. I Am A Littlewary About This Ship Also, As I Do Not See That Many People On This Ship For The 8/28/05 Cruise. We Took That Week Because Last Year We Where On Carnival When The Hurricanes Hit And We Had A Ball.

Actually Got An Extra Week Cruise Because The Ships Could Not Get Into Port, I Hope We Have A Good Time This Time

Jacquelyn, GREAT review!!! :D

I am looking forward to hearing more about how your kids enjoyed Adventure Ocean, mine will be in the 11-year-old program in August. Any comments?

Thanks for sharing all the details and can't wait to read more!

Some details on our cabin:

We Could see the entire lenght of the ship from the balcony. Our two boys (11 & 12) that had the sofa bed. It was a regular sized sofa bed, almost a queen. Our bed was next to the balcony door and was a modified queen/king. The only time it got cramped was at night when the sofa bed was out.

I usually bring the "over the door shoe holder" but forgot it this cruise! But there is ample storage/shelves in the closet, drawer space and 'cubby' space behind doors on either side of the mirror. Also a medicine cabinet in the bathroom. Double night stands next to the adult bed. 2 large hooks just before you walk out the cabin door on the wall.

The location is just outside the elevator entrance. No having to walk the hall to get to the cabin. And it was VERY quiet!

Main downsides: There is NO outlets next to the bed. They had to bring an extra extension cord for my DH C-PAP machine. The curtain between the beds only goes 1/2 way accross the cabin, just enough to "hide" behind while dressing! NOT enough to "hide" any other activity!! ;)

I guess my 12yo DS is more "mature" than I give him credit for. I tried to get him interested in Adventure Ocean, but he just didn't get into it. His 11yo brother was the same. Believe it or not, they spent a couple of evenings just riding the elevator up and down, pressing buttons for folks. They DIDN'T press all the buttons on each floor, (like some older kids did!) or they would have had their fannies parked in the cabin for the rest of the cruise. They even got "$tips$" for helping folks! They are making money for my retirement already!! :p

I don't have a scanner yet, but I have copies of the 9-11 and 12-14yo compasses. Will try to post what's on them.

Thursday - Cozumel

Determined not to be left today, I skipped the stretch class and did the "gather the breakfast at the WJ and eat on the balcony" route. It was very humid but a nice view. We watches as other ships came in closer to anchor. We were on the first non-tour tender to GC. We had 4 other ships in port that day. We were on the tender with 2 couples that were getting married on the beach there! While a church wedding was nice, just doing it by yourselves is really all thats needed!

We found Sharon with her Native Way sign by 8:45 ship's time. She mentioned we were early and asked us to wait in the small, fenced gazebo off to the left. At the time, it was crowded, and with my DH headache still a problem we opted to stay under the larger area until about 15 min till 9:30. I checked the shops across the street but they were still closed. About 9:20 we saw Sharon walking with her sign up the street so we joined the group. It turned out her other driver had the van full so we rode with her in her car. She is from NYC originally and has a tough time with the "hey, no worries" attitude of her husband and his crew at times. She told us tales of Capt Marvin (who happens to be her brother-in-law) Leaving his appointments at the dock, or not leaving in time to get them back to the ship! She was constantly on the phone assuring that the boats would wait for us.

We did see a lot of devestitation from Ivan still evident along the way. Sharon said their boats were shifted about 500 yards from the dock, but thankfully were not damaged. We got on our boat and rode about 30 min to the stingray area. I was wondering if my 11yo DS would want to participate after his Dunn River falls experience. You can truely stand flat footed and watch the rays swim around you. We all got out and my DS put some squid in his hand and the ray "sucked" it up! After that he was hooked! We got a "ray massage", kissed the fin for good luck, and had our pic taken with a ray lifted behind us! They are magnificent creatures to watch from above and below the water. Later we went to the reef. My 12yo DS and I snorkeled for a while. We saw some fish but not alot. They had water and fruit punch to drink.

We had and extended family on board with us (mom, dad with 3 boys, 9,6, and 3, nana and gramps, auntie and family, plus another couple. The 3yo got real fussy on the drive back until mom took him, then he finally went into a peaceful (for us!) nap he had been fighting.

My "boys" went back to the ship but I stayed and shopped a bit. THey had a fresh water pearl set available at Columbian emerlds for $49 that I picked up. Got my Del Sol bag. Went to the Bernard Passman gallery and got some black coral earings. They had a cosmetics/perfume shop where I picked up a large bottle of Obsession for $48 ($52 on the ship, $60 back home!) I looked at the Ammolite and was very facinated by the shimmering blend of colors, so yep, I bought some! The tag line for the Mariner's Discover Shopping Guide named Dean was "If you find something and like it BUY IT!!" I'm not one who spends alot on herself at home, but for some reason on a cruise I let my conservative guard down and my "methodist jewish" side says "FIND THE BARGAINS!"

Back in the "right" tender line by 2:45, the cruise director staff reminded the folks "if you are on the Rapsody, PLEASE don't get on this tender! Your new cabin will be in the lifeboats!"

We had ressies for CHOPS tonight. (The kids went on their own to the Wind Jammer and Promanade Pizza) Also an Excellent meal! Great french onion soup, shrimp cocktail and filet. DH got the prime rib and loved it! We hardly touched the sides we ordered, mushrooms and creamed spinach. And the Mississippi Mud Pie sent us to Chocolate Heaven! We sat by a very plesant couple from from Jacksonville. She was a cardiac nurse and we had alot to converse about.

After that "complete stuffing" of a meal my pillow called to me for another nap. Vacations ARE the time you are supposed to practice REST and RELAXATION! I just took it to heart! My DH let me sleep for 3 and 1/2 hrs! BUT I was able stay awake for the Gala Midnight Buffet! We got there about 10 minutes after the doors opened and we saw folks coming out with plates FULL of chocolate covered strawberries, 20 or more to a plate! When we got inside to get a few bites for ourselves, there wasn't a chocolate covered strawberry to be had! I didn't deal with Chair Hogs, I dealt with FOOD HOGS!! They did bring out some more a bit later and I did get my 4 and left.

BTW, we did hit the Seaside buffet Wed night next to the pool. Good ribblets that night!

Pleasantly full again, I fell back into peaceful sleep! :)

Jacquelyn :D

Great review Jacquelyn, keep 'em coming!!! Can't wait to read the rest!

Great review........

We have an aft cabin on the Mariner next summer and really looking forward to it.

Your review is great- Thanks a bunch. It sounds like you had a great time. My husband & I are on the Mariner leaving 8/7 with our three sons 21, 18 & 14. The TA suggested the ship to us and, truthfully, after booking and reading these message boards, I was beginning to worry. Not anymore after reading your comments.

Can't wait to hear the rest of your story...

JeweliM

Love reading your review, love all the details, can't wait for more!

DH and I will be on the Mariner in January with his sisters and their husbands.

I enjoy reading all the reviews, I know we're going to have a wonderful time on the ship! I'm kind of glad we've already been to Cozumel and Grand Cayman, I'm sure the others will get off the ship at those ports but I doubt DH and I will. We'll use them as more "sea days" to enjoy all the ship has to offer, and it won't be as crowded!! :)

Great review! Makes me want to book the Mariner again real soon.

We found Sharon with her Native Way sign by 8:45 ship's time. She mentioned we were early and asked us to wait in the small, fenced gazebo off to the left. At the time, it was crowded, and with my DH headache still a problem we opted to stay under the larger area until about 15 min till 9:30. I checked the shops across the street but they were still closed. About 9:20 we saw Sharon walking with her sign up the street so we joined the group. It turned out her other driver had the van full so we rode with her in her car. She is from NYC originally and has a tough time with the "hey, no worries" attitude of her husband and his crew at times. She told us tales of Capt Marvin (who happens to be her brother-in-law) Leaving his appointments at the dock, or not leaving in time to get them back to the ship! She was constantly on the phone assuring that the boats would wait for us.

Didn't you just love Sharon? We love Nativeway and have used them twice. I had no idea that Captain Marvin was their relative. I had to chuckle at her comments about him, though. On our first excursion with Nativeway, they left a couple at the dock themselves. Sharon radioed Eldon to wait and she hurriedly drove the couple out to the Yacht Club where we were waiting.

I am very much enojoying reading this review. Thank you so very much. Strawberry Hogs? I hate it when people cannot leave anything for those who come later. Just sad.

Love the reveiws, thanks for taking time to write them.

Kathy