Day 1/2 Oct 31 Mariner

[callajl]

This is our first non-Disney cruise so I will be doing some comparsions during this review.

We arrived at Port Canaveral on Saturday afternoon. We checked into the Radisson with no problems into room 101. This is the room located directly behind the tiki bar by the pool. It was very convenient but had some noise later into the evening which wasn't a problem for us. We went to Ron Jon and did some shopping then onto Grill's for my DH's birthday dinner. We arrived around 4 pm and were seated inside but with a great view of the water. It was probably the best and most reasonable dinner we have eaten in a long time. Everything was great and what a view. We got to see the Disney and Carnival ships leaving. We were a little misty eyed when the Disney ship left without us though:o The next am we got up and drove over to see the Mariner up close. What a HUGE ship! The outside looks were not impressive other than sheer size. We left and went to McDonalds and then went back to the room. Around 10:20, we checked out and went onto see if we could check in at the terminal. It was open and there were so many people already there! We got the last parking spot in the covered parking garage! They didn't have porters out, so we took our luggage over to the terminal. It was a bit messy and we weren't really sure where we needed to go. It ended up being at the other end of the terminal! We left our luggage with some gentleman outside and then entered the first area of the inside terminal. The x-ray machines and the metal detector then up the escalator to the check-in terminal. We are in a JS suite so we went down to the suite check-in. The man directed us back to the other area (deck 7) check-in. Not a problem but it is different than what I had read on these boards. We were about 7th in line. I inquired about upgrading but was informed that there were no available rooms!

[callajl]

The ship was totally full. Because of a high number of non-US citizens, we didn't get to board the ship until 1:00. Up until here, I felt that Disney was superior in every aspect of what I had experienced so far. This changed once I saw the interior of the Mariner. It is amazing. Words can not describe this ship. Much nicer than Disney- more elaborate, detailed, etc. We came straight to the stateroom to drop off our rolling cooler, then down to WindJammer. The food was great- may options and great service. I will have to continue this later in the day since we are pulling into Nassau at this very moment:D

[pinkrosesdeb]

WE have never done a Disney cruise but love the Mariner, am living vicariously thru you until April! We had a JS also and were not allowed to use the suite boarding. I was wondering when I saw people talk about it on these boards also. They had a sign posted on which rooms got priority boarding and our JS was not one of them but boarding was still quick and painless. We have an OS this time so will see how much difference it really makes. Overall, I think RCCL handles it pretty welll. We did find Pt. Canaveral quite a bit slower and more confused than Miami though. They were not used to handling a ship as big as Mariner at the time. Enjoy the rest of your cruise and don't forget to take a dip in the thalossatherapy pool in the gym, love that place! Be sure to go to the right and sit between the metal bars, it is like getting a massage! Deb

[dad son team]

When I was on the Mariner in April, I got to use the suite check-in and I didn't even have a suite! I was in a verandah cabin on deck 10, a woman asked my cabin number, I told her and she said that is on deck 10 and pointed me to the suite check-in as most cabin on deck 10 are suites. Her mistake was my benefit. IMHO, it didn't make to much of a difference. The line was a little shorter but that was it. I would not even consider this a benefit of having a suite.

[callajl]

We are back from Nassau. Had a great time. I had gone on Expedia and rented a room at Atlantis for $150. This is the thing to do. We used all the slides and enjoyed the morning, then went up to the room to shower and change. Atlantis is truly magical and we would love to go back for the weekend sometime. We did try and use the lazy river but it didn't open until 11 which really wasn't an option for us since we had to be back on the ship by 1:30. It was cutting it too close for us! Taxi cost $4 a person each way- which I didn't think was too bad since it is way to far to walk and there is nothing else in Nassau which interests me. Tonight is the first formal evening. We have main seating- Top Hat & Tails. Our servers are Diane and Joseph. Great team! We also have to go and get our Ice tickets this afternoon between 2-3 for Wednesday night's show. My DD-13 hasn't done the Adventure Ocean yet but she will be tonight. We were really tired and basically came to the stateroom and went to bed after dinner. This is what happens when you spend a couple of action packed days in Disney before you come! I will get back later and complete the 2nd day.

 

Deb- I will definately be trying the thalossatherapy pool tomorrow since it is a sea day!

[maryr65]

We're going to be on the Mariner on 12/12 and can hardly wait. Are you on the eastern or western? Who's the cruise director and captain? Please keep us posted on what nights are the theme/formal nights.

[nosnobunny]

I'm reading every word of your review and can hardly wait until next Oct. Thank you for taking the time to post for us.

 

Beth

[pinkrosesdeb]

Love those sea days! We always go out early and get chairs in the solarium area. I love to use the sauna and steam room on those days too. My skin always looks terrific after a cruise. Enjoy your sea day for the rest of us drooling at home and wishing for a frozen thingee around the pool and some Johnny Rockets fries and rings! Deb

[skiiergirl]

Thanks for taking time to post while onboard. I'm glad you had a great time at Atlantis. It sounds really cool. It doesn't work for us though as there are 6 of us and I understand you get 4 passes with each room so we would need 2 rooms and the cheapest I have found (for the dates we would be there) is $250 per room.

 

If you hear anyone talking aobut other things they did in Nassau, I would be really appreciative in hearing them. I would love to hear what people thought was "fun"/'great", etc. I would also be interested in hearing what we should steer clear of so if you hear any negative comments I would be interested in those too. Thanks.

[4cruzin]

Callajl - What time did the water slides open? It sounds like you have the same length of time that we will in December, I though we wouldn't have enough time to get over there, enjoy the slides and get back to the ship on time.

[ritarussell]

Another option is to get a room at the Comfort Suites. When you stay here, you have access to all the Atlantis has to offer. It's located directly across the street.

[callajl]

I am not sure who the captain is (I can't understand when he says it- way to fast for me!) Our cruise director is Kirk Detweiler. We are on Eastern and had our first formal tonight. Filet was on the menu and was excellent. DD-13 had the duck and said it was very good. The escargot was the best my DH has ever had. The other family didn't show up again tonight, so once again- our little family of 3 ate at a table for 8!

Cabin notes- we are in 7392- which is a JS aft. We love it! The room is larger than the category 4 we had on Disney. The only thing we don't like is the elevators are mid-ship and there are no stairs near us either. We have plenty of storage/hangers, plug-ins etc. I would like a clock and would bring one next time. There is a clock on the phone but it doesn't light up. The balcony is big enough for 2 loungers, 2 chairs, and 1 small table. We ordered breakfast in room this am and it was great eating out there as we pulled into Nassau. Room service menu:

Breakfast-

Continental

cereals: granola, Special K, Raisin Bran w/ milk

Sunrise breakfast: 3 egg omelet or egg beaters omelet w/ hash browns

Country Breakfast: Scrambled eggs/Egg Beaters w/ hash browns, beans, baked tomato

All served w/ breads, pasteries, danishes

Juices, milk, tea coffee & condiments

Lunch-

Salads (tropical, caesar, royal, four season), soup of the day, snadwiches (turkey, spinach wrap, tuna pita)

Entrees (hamburger/cheeseburger, hotdog) w/ chips

pizza (cheese or meat)

Dessert (cheese tray, cheesecake, chocolate chip cookie or of the day

Beverages (coffe, tea, hot chocolate, milk)

[callajl]

Slides at Atlantis were open when we got out there around 9ish. I didn't see any signs but you need to make sure that you get the towels and armbands at the slide area because the other areas weren't open that early. I was told by another couple that they got the day rate of $150. These can't be reserved and you just check in at the Beach Towers at Atlantis. BTW- the cheese tray on Disney was something that we always looked forward too. Amazing! We ordered the cheese tray on Mariner and it lacked! Of course, I am a cheese lover and was disappointed but I still was able to eat the entire tray!:D We had the funniest thing happen in the dining room at lunch today. The only dining room open is Raphosdy in Blue on deck 3- it opens from 12-2 daily. We sat at a large table with about 4 other couples and were enjoying each other's company when dessert was served. About half had ordered Creme Brulee (sp) and the other half ordered cheesecake. The creme brulee (sp) had carmelized SALT instead of sugar on top! No joke. They didn't believe us at first and then the head guy came up and told us it must have been a Carnival employee snuck on the ship and substituted salt for sugar! They were still talking about it at dinner tonight! Tomorrow is our first sea day and the theme is smart casual or 50's-80's attire. Tonight there were many men in tuxes and I didn't see anyone not dressed as suggested. I love the music that is playing in the dining room. Very relaxing and enjoyable.

We went to the casino tonight for the first time and lost $$ like usual. I am just not lucky in that area. In about 40 minutes, I lost $80 dollars.:eek: I wish I had it back and I would buy something nice for myself in St Thomas! Oh well. I guess I had a good time but I won't be going back. Well- it is time for bed. I will post more tomorrow.

[LLM]

It sounds like you are having a wonderful time. You are bringing back so many great memories. We did the Eastern route on the Mariner as well and got off 3 weeks ago. When it was time to leave we wanted to stay so bad. We made wonderful memories and have great pictures to show for an awesome trip.

 

Lisa

[sherry7]

I'm really enjoying reading this. It sounds like you're having an absolutely wonderful time. It's just 2 months before it's my turn to go on the Mariner, but for now I'm living vicariously through you. :D

 

By the way, what is a thalossatherapy pool?

 

We're also staying at the Radisson in Port Canaveral the day before our cruise. How did you like it? Can you tell me if they have in room internet access? If so, a charge for it or not? Thanks. :)

[Elizanessie]

I am drinking all this in,really enjoying reading it live :D

Although we have a year to wait I just cant get enough reading matter on the Mariner and ports. Would love to hear later how you got on at Disney etc as we are having(hopefully) a week in Orlando doing the parks etc before the cruise.

 

I remember from a past cruise that if you ask for Cheese and Biscuits when ordering desserts you will get a nice plateful although it wasnt on the menu at that time we still got it no problem.

 

Sounds like you are really enjoying your cruise,ooh I am so jealous.

 

LIz

[pinkrosesdeb]

sherry, the thalassotherapy pool is just inside the front doors to the gym outside the ladies locker room. It is big and beautiful. One side is bench type seating like the whirlpool but the other has no seats, you place yourself between 2 metal handrails and lay in the water as you hold on as the jets are pretty strong. Feels like getting a massage. I believe the water is actually some kind of mineral water but it feels great. The pool is almost empty every time I go in but I love it. Use it to work the kinks out of my legs and feet after a long day's shopping and excursions.

[nosnobunny]

Could I ask you to do one small favour? We're staying right next door in 7390. Would you mind taking a peek around the partition (when no one is out there of course ;) )and let me know how big the balcony is.

 

Thank you! :)

 

Beth

[callajl]

The deck next to us in 7390 is smaller than our deck but it is still larger than a normal deck. There are 3 chairs (one w/ an ottoman) and small table.

Captain Johnny is on our ship! It was one of the questions at our cruise critic meet. Read on my next post Mariner Day 3/4!:D

[Hans Solo]

We're also staying at the Radisson in Port Canaveral the day before our cruise. How did you like it? Can you tell me if they have in room internet access? If so, a charge for it or not? Thanks. :)

 

The Radisson @ Port Canaveral has FREE High Speed Internet Access. It's not wireless and the RJ cord is at the table/desk.

 

We have stayed in the double bed once which is your standard motel room. We now stay in the two king suite which gives us (2 parents and 2 teenagers) plenty of room. We haven't had any problems during our stay there.

 

http://www.radisson.com/hoteldirectory/hotelbio.jsp?hotelCode=FLCOCOA&key=hoteldirectory.info.&submenu=hoteldirectory.info.highlight.&origin=&backURI=&maintitle=Hotel+Overview

[nosnobunny]

Thank you very much! :) It's going to be a long wait.

 

 

Beth

[sherry7]

sherry, the thalassotherapy pool is just inside the front doors to the gym outside the ladies locker room. It is big and beautiful. One side is bench type seating like the whirlpool but the other has no seats, you place yourself between 2 metal handrails and lay in the water as you hold on as the jets are pretty strong. Feels like getting a massage. I believe the water is actually some kind of mineral water but it feels great. The pool is almost empty every time I go in but I love it. Use it to work the kinks out of my legs and feet after a long day's shopping and excursions.

 

 

Oooh, this sounds fabulous! Thanks for describing it for me. :)

[sherry7]

The Radisson @ Port Canaveral has FREE High Speed Internet Access. It's not wireless and the RJ cord is at the table/desk.

 

We have stayed in the double bed once which is your standard motel room. We now stay in the two king suite which gives us (2 parents and 2 teenagers) plenty of room. We haven't had any problems during our stay there.

 

http://www.radisson.com/hoteldirectory/hotelbio.jsp?hotelCode=FLCOCOA&key=hoteldirectory.info.&submenu=hoteldirectory.info.highlight.&origin=&backURI=&maintitle=Hotel+Overview

 

 

 

Hans Solo, thanks for the input and link about the Radisson @ the Port. I made my reservation a few months ago. You can't beat the rate, considering that parking is included.

[RCIcruzer2]

Hello!I sailed on the mariner on August 8th. It was a beutiful ship! The cruise director, Kirk Detweiler, had a great voice, personality, sense of humor, and was also pretty good lookin ;) . He even has a cd out called random white boy and a new one coming out this February. The captain we had was Tor Olsen who spoke very fast and said "and eh" after every sentence, but he was a very good captain. We did the eastern caribbean, but have also done the western on the Voyager OTS last year. In Nassau i recomend the Rainbow Reef Snorkeling excursion. The reef was beautiful and we had a scenic boat ride to the reef. St. Thomas was the most beautiful island out of the three. I recomend taking the island tour there that takes you to mountain top which is the highest point on the island which had i beautiful veiw of St.Johns and St.Thomas itself. We also heard that Megans Bay beach was beatiful. We were able to see it from mountain top and it looked marvelous! We also did some shopping there too but i find bargaining better on St.Maarten. In St.Maarteen we also did the island tour but do not recomend that one. There wasnt much to do there. I hear that Orient Bay was a great place to go. They had all the water sports and plenty to do there. We shopped there also for a couple hours and got some good deals on digital cameras. We even had some time left to relax on beach rite next to us! Despite the fact that the islands are beautiful, we found that the days at sea were the best. There was so much to do on the ship and days at sea were perfect to explore! We used the gym a couple times and had no problems finding machinnes to use. The royal promenade was a great spot on the ship! They had a few shops that were pretty cool. May I suggest that you go to the Viking Crown Lounge at night. They have a band there and you can relax and have drinks. We found our cabins ok. We knew what to expect from our previous cruise. Me and my husband had a regular balcony(8584) and my two kids, ages 11 and 14, had a room with a veiw of the royal promenade(8579) which was great for watching the parades. Thats about all I have to say. Sorry about the extremely long entry! Enjoy your cruises onboard this wonderful vessel!

 

Taylor Kupferberg

[Candleonwater]

You don't happen to have the program from the skating show, do you? I'm curious to know who the skaters were.