Mariner OTS December 1st brief review

[auntie.emily94]

Hey Ya'll!

 

Wanted to share some photos and thoughts after being home for a few days.

Some background, DH and I took this trip with a small group from his company, a nice mix of newbies and seasoned cruisers to see different perspectives.

 

Starting off with our room, 8642 Spacious Balcony

 

Very similar to a recent stay on Indy OTS this year.

Something about these older boats feels like bigger rooms. 

 

Oh and we were on the boat by 11:15. Maybe a new record for us.

Rooms were ready by 1:30

 

First stop was the Flowrider, hubby checked in with the team there to get his white band, signifying he was cleared to do the stand up sessions the whole cruise. This was helpful later on when they had special sessions for "advanced" riders only. Spent about 20 minutes surfing with out a single other guest there. 

 

New to us was the Bamboo Room, aka the Tiki Bar on the promenade. Quickly a favorite spot on the ship for our group. If you heard us playing aggressive games of Rummy cube in the evening. Sorry not sorry. 

 

 

Nice little hidden gem is the spot to look down into the bridge. It was particularly windy this day so no one else was up there, also has a couple screens to see your location and sea conditions. Honestly wish we went up there more.

 

Room attendant opened our balcony door to our friends room next door, nice little perk of having a neighbor you know. Room service coffee and morning chats were so nice.

 

 

Back at full capacity obviously but still plenty of seats on the deck above the pool deck on sea day.

 

 

Ellingtons was a great view and fairly quiet if nothing was being hosted at the time.

Best espresso martini I've had on a ship too.

 

 

I heard she is slated for dry dock in 2023, will be intresting to see what changes.

General wear and tear was there, but nothing out of the ordinary.  Everyone in our group regardless of cruising history had a great time with no real negative issues. 

I don't think the service was quite up to the levels of most of our previous cruises, but it was never bad service either.

I think in direct comparison, Indy I liked slightly better. But I wouldn't hesitate to book on Mariner again.

 

 

[Biker19]

9 hours ago, auntie.emily94 said:

Spent about 20 minutes surfing without a single other guest there. 

Don't ever expect that to happen again.

[myacuna]

@auntie.emily94 how do you get to the bridge view? I think my son would love that!

[auntie.emily94]

On 12/12/2022 at 11:26 AM, myacuna said:

@auntie.emily94 how do you get to the bridge view? I think my son would love that!

You can get to it by going up to deck 12 forward and walking outside towards the front, like you're walking in front of the gym/spa

[CruisingNole]

Was the MDR food as mediocre as it was on the cruise prior to yours (which I was on). I think I did 6 Royal cruises this past year and Mariner’s food was by far the worst.

[Oceansaway17]

On 12/12/2022 at 11:26 AM, myacuna said:

@auntie.emily94 how do you get to the bridge view? I think my son would love that!

it is called the pee a boo bridge and it is in front of the spa.

Not really advertised a lot but once you find it, it is fun.  Have to be outside and take a few steps to get to the lookout.  sometimes it can be closed.  Was closed a lot on my recent Adventure of the seas.

I did enjoy it on Explore though back in 2016

[auntie.emily94]

On 12/14/2022 at 5:44 PM, CruisingNole said:

Was the MDR food as mediocre as it was on the cruise prior to yours (which I was on). I think I did 6 Royal cruises this past year and Mariner’s food was by far the worst.

I actually feel it was better than Indy this year. Not as good as I've had on previous longer cruises, especially Oasis class, but noticeably better than Indy. 

[Husky1987]

On 12/16/2022 at 3:00 PM, Oceansaway17 said:

it is called the pee a boo bridge

 

Interesting 🤣😉

[Oceansaway17]

39 minutes ago, Husky1987 said:

 

Interesting 🤣😉

i meant to say PEEK a boo bridge.  oopsie