My husband, daughter and son in law and myself flew into Houston and we rented a car to drive to Galveston the next morning. We stayed at the Hilton beach resort and we have no complaints. We had a balcony room which we had our morning coffee on before leaving to go to the pier. Parking at the pier wasn't a problem and was on the ship within an hour.
The Mariner is a beautiful ship and the staff is so friendly. We felt the food was very good no matter where we ate. We actually like the new system were the gratuity's show up on your sea pass card. We gave extra cash to the room attendant and waiter since they gave us such good service.
We never ran out of things to do, their are so many activities to do all day and night! We loved the activity team, Micky, Joyce, Jenny, Christine and the Activity Director Cuddy. We absolutely loved the Cruise Director, Steve Davis! Young with new idea's, full of energy, a great teacher of the Thriller Dance which we all learned and performed before the Quest. Also a very talented singer.