8 Day Mariner OR 7 Day (B2B 3 Day/4Day) Independence?

[surfjock27]

As stated in the title, would you choose 8 day on Mariner (2 overnights in Bermuda) or 7 day (3/4 b2b) on Independence, with a repeat itinerary?
 

A few things to note: I have been on Indy several times, never Mariner. I love Vintages on Indy and see Bamboo Room replaces that on Mariner. Also, I have never been to Bermuda and the Indy essentially repeats the itinerary during the b2b, Coco and Nassau. Lastly, I would have to switch rooms during the b2b because (casino comp) one is JS and the other is Balcony. Whereas, the entire Mariner would be a JS for the entirety. 

I know it seems like a no brainer, choose Mariner! But I am looking to see if anyone has an opinion on why they would choose Indy. For me, it's comfort. I have been on the ship 5-6 times and know it like the back of my hand.

 

Thanks in advance. 
 

[Sunshine3601]

I vote for Mariner.  An 8 night sailing is so much nicer than doing a 3/4 night b2b.   

 

If you have never been to Bermuda, I highly recommend going.  It is much different than caribbean islands.  We Love Bermuda.

 

Plus having a JS for 8 nights is way better than having to pack and switch cabins for short cruises.  

Why go through all that when you can be nice and relaxed for 8 nights.

Always fun to try a ship you haven't been on yet.

Edited September 6, 2023 by Sunshine3601

[OCSC Mike]

Freedom class (Indy) is almost identical to Voyager class (Mariner). Freedom class was just stretched to be a little bigger so the promenade is longer, allowing Sorrento’s to split off from Cafe Promenade (amongst other things). Other than the different venues, the layouts are nearly identical.

 

Given all that… take the 8 nights & don’t worry about the difference in ships.

 

Also agree with the reasons in the post  above, just figured I’d address your particular concern.

[VirginiaIsForCruisers]

I understand wanting to be on the familiar ship, but I'd vote Mariner. She's a nice ship that is easy to get around. I'd also rather do Bermuda than a repeat itinerary.

 

Really, the only thing I don't like is that the location of the library on Mariner is down on deck five. I normally stay on deck seven and have enjoyed spending time in the library when it is close to my cabin. However, I think I'm one of the few who feel that way.

[SilkySal]

Your 7 days on Adventure really ends up being a little over 6 days since you'll be losing at least half of a day or maybe more, in case of a delay, when you must exit the ship and then get back on; lots of wasted hours there. Mariner gets my vote; they have a great Playmakers staff too!!!

[Coralc]

8 night! 8 night! 

[orville99]

Bermuda, hands down, no contest.

[deliver42]

Definitely Mariner

[Another_Critic]

12 hours ago, surfjock27 said:

I know it seems like a no brainer, choose Mariner!

It IS a no brainer.

[JsMom2]

8 nights on Mariner!  Also some of the loyalty amenities kick in at 5 nights (like the free laundry), so if I'm doing a B2B I try to avoid shorter cruises.

 

Plus, in addition to spending a vacation day disembarking and embarking again,  you'd have to put down twice as much money for deposits if you book 2 cruises, which means twice the penalties if you change or cancel.

[OCSC Mike]

13 minutes ago, JsMom2 said:

8 nights on Mariner!  Also some of the loyalty amenities kick in at 5 nights (like the free laundry), so if I'm doing a B2B I try to avoid shorter cruises.

 

I've already agreed Mariner is a no-brainer in this case. However, some D+ loyalty perks are actually BETTER on a 3/4 B2B. A couple would get free internet for the entire cruise (if they share like we do) and could use their BOGO dinners 4 times if they wanted.

 

There's no right or wrong, just noting that there are benefits to choosing a short/short B2B.

Edited September 6, 2023 by OCSC Mike

[JsMom2]

15 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

 

I've already agreed Mariner is a no-brainer in this case. However, some D+ loyalty perks are actually BETTER on a 3/4 B2B. A couple would get free internet for the entire cruise (if they share like we do) and could use their BOGO dinners 4 times if they wanted.

 

There's no right or wrong, just noting that there are benefits to choosing a short/short B2B.

Very true!

[PhillyFan33579]

15 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

 

I've already agreed Mariner is a no-brainer in this case. However, some D+ loyalty perks are actually BETTER on a 3/4 B2B. A couple would get free internet for the entire cruise (if they share like we do) and could use their BOGO dinners 4 times if they wanted.

 

There's no right or wrong, just noting that there are benefits to choosing a short/short B2B.

I was going to reply Mariner is a no brainer, and I still think that is the case, but you do bring up some good points. I have done several 4 day cruises on both Freedom and Independence this year. I never purchase WiFi on these cruises because of the D+ benefit. I can use my phone normally on Monday until early in the evening. I go Tuesday without WiFi access. Then I use my two free days on Wednesday and Thursday. But other than D+ benefits, I don’t see any reason why someone would pick a 6.5 day cruise over an 8 day cruise, not to mention Mariner is a much nicer ship than Independence in my opinion (I still miss the days when Mariner did 3/4 day cruises out of PC). 

[firefly333]

1 hour ago, orville99 said:

Bermuda, hands down, no contest.

After I move to florida it's on my list. Had I seen one to Bermuda I would have jumped on it. Now I'm waiting until the next release of dates coming up for one to Bermuda. I got a 8 day southern and 8 day eastern to new ports. But missing bermuda. 

 

Prices also would be a consideration which I'd pick but if the same price bermuda easy. 

[surfjock27]

Thanks for all of the advice! I booked Mariner on 9/15. I’m excited for the new ship and Bermuda! 
 

I’ll update everyone when I get back. ❤️

[OCSC Mike]

23 minutes ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

I have done several 4 day cruises on both Freedom and Independence this year. I never purchase WiFi on these cruises because of the D+ benefit. I can use my phone normally on Monday until early in the evening. I go Tuesday without WiFi access. Then I use my two free days on Wednesday and Thursday.

 

We're not D+ until after our next cruise but since there's 2 of us and we don't mind sharing, it's the same scenario at D (2 free days between us) and we did something very similar on the 3/4 B2B and 4-nighter we did on Indy last year. Once we're D+ it will of course be totally free without skipping any days.

 

All that said, we almost never do short cruises, but at some point it will come up again, I'm sure.