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Royal Caribbean International

MV Mariner of the Seas

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Reviewed by: Andrew Chrysle
# previous cruises: 6
Date of Trip: November 7, 2004
Itinerary: Caribbean - Western

An amazing giant of a ship. Unlike Princess Cruises "Grand" class, however, the RCI "Voyager" class ships are beautifully proportioned: not too high, not too long, but pleasing to the eye.

It is hardly possible to believe that you are at sea; the ship is so stable and the public areas so large. The 4 storey "Royal Promenade" is mind-blowing and simply must be seen to be believed.

The upper decks were spacious and well laid out: a main area with bars, pools, jacuzzis and loud music for the families, and a quiet adult area (my favourite) with a lovely pool, 2 jacuzzis and a bar. Even a barman who remembers what you drink (and this is no mean achievement on a 3000+ passenger ship!

Something for everybody; my only gripe was that there is not a stern pool (like on many Princess ships) as I love to sit in a jacuzzi, cold beer in hand, watching the ship's wake as the sun sets.

An absolutely sensational dining room spread over three decks; music gently played (live, no tapes) while you dine. Best food I have had on a cruise; friendly, efficient waiters, comfortable chairs, gleaming crockery, dazzling white linen.

The buffet restaurants were OK, in particular "Jade" (oriental buffet) but I prefer to be served at a table, even at breakfast and lunch.

Room service breakfast was good: usually we just ordered coffee and pastries to wake up to, then breakfasted in the dining room. One wonderful idea is that you get a phone call a few minutes before your breakfast is delivered: time to slip on a robe, but it can also act as your wake-up call!

The midnight deck buffet was simply spectacular; I was so busy video taping it that I almost forgot to eat anything!

Our balcony stateroom was just behind the Bridge. Spacious, comfortable, sparkling clean, lots of space, beautiful bathroom, just absolutely everything you could wish for but usually don't quite get. Our steward was wonderful: we hardly ever noticed him but the room was kept absolutely A1. We particularly enjoyed the folded towel "animals"; a different one every night.

Ah. Now here's the point where RCI failed. Previously we had cruised with Princess: 2 showas a night, plenty to see. 3 showas on a weeks' cruise is far too few. There was a show on the Ice rink, but I don't go on holiday to queue for an hour or so to get a ticket....... I realize that they have to have several performances as the Ice rink only seats 900, but why the tickets couldn't be issued automatically to your cabin (like tours could) is a mystery.

The showas we saw were mainly musical tribute showas: unfortunately we didn't recognize most of the tunes. Very much aimed at a US audience.

There was a busy piano bar near the Casino: I had cause to complain after a anti- UK "joke" but I must say that the complaint was dealt with very promptly and to my complete satisfaction: Full Marks to Kurt Dettweiler (Cruise Director) who telephoned me shortly afterwards to assure me that no offence had been meant by the entertainer and that he was reviewing material to ensure that similar offence would not be given in the future.

I often feel that it is only when you complain about something that you really see what standard of product and service you are really getting: so bouquets all round to RCI. (and I don't give praise too often: see "Sun Princess", Dec 04)

Loads of activities (but also room to stretch out with a good book) which is my preference.

Stops on our itinerary were:

1: Labadee, Haiti. RCI's own beach club resort: it is much, much better than "Princess Cays". More to see, more to do, and comfy bars to do very little in, if that's your preference (it is mine) I would call this port the high spot of the cruise and would have been happy to stay anchored here for 4 days before sailing back.

2. Ocho Rios, Jamaica. What a dump. When the shops on the pier have signs like "no guns, no knives, no weapons" and metal detector arches (but not switched on) then you get the message. Turn round and get back on that ship before someone pulls a knife on you. The whole atmosphere was intimidating. I am due to sail into Jamaica again in March 05 but I will treat it as a "sea day" and stop where I feel safe.

3. Georgetown, Grand Cayman. What a change from Jamaica. Clean, Safe, its hard to believe that Grand Cayman used to be part of Jamaica before independence. Says something for remaining British, doesn't it. It was a great pity to see at first hand the immense devastation caused by Hurricane Ivan (although newas reports of the pacific tsunami put it into perspective). Friendly people, a sense of safety and security, and a great tour to Hell and the Turtle Farm.

4. Cozumel, Mexico. Too tired to go ashore. Read a good book from the ship's library instead. Did note that we docked at a cruise terminal some 3-4 miles from the town. Next time I'll miss out Jamaica and do Cozumel.

Seemed a younger, more active crowd than Princess.

(Maybe this is down to slogans..... "GET OUT THERE!" against "Escape Completely")