A few years ago I took my first cruise to Europe and truly enjoyed going to cruise critic for helpful advice. I just returned from Mariner of the Sea, five night cruise in Asia. Again I went to cruise critic for help. Unfortunately this is a new area for Royal Carribean and I could not find much on the ship or ports. Actually I was somewhat worried after reading some of the reviews. For full disclosure, I find it hard not to have a good time on a cruise, so not a lot of negatives in this review, but a few. Not much of a writer, but I truly appreciate people who take the time, as I do find reviews very helpful.

Getting on the ship in Hong Kong could not have been easier. The cruise center was very modern and it appeared to be new. I think I was one of the first twenty people to board the ship. As directed by cruise critic experts after checking out cabin (solo traveler, always go cheapest cabin, no balcony, window ect) I went directly to Wind Jammer and had a very good lunch. After lunch started to explore ship. Immediately met with fitness instructor and signed up for spin class and boot camp for three sessions. The instructor was wonderful and did not seem to mind that my early morning sweat smelled like Jammison scotch. (After much deliberation, I went for the drink package. I believe they lost money on me. Always Jammison on the rocks, several glasses of house wine with dinner, and although most coke was from 2 liter and flat occasionally they would give me the can. Found out that if you order Giner Ale they always give you the can.

Always eat in mdr for dinner an lunch. Service was excellent. Waiter was Bobby with assistance from Edison. Food was ok, one night did not like choice, was brought another choice within minutes. Chose to eat at Italian restaurant one night with some table mates. Have to say not very impressed. Food was ok but not what I expected for the added cost. Not that the cost was high, but if you pay extra I expected more cooked to order and not mdr style food. Enjoyed the meal, company and service just not overly impressed. One of the officers asked me about food and seemed to really care about my less than perfect meal. He did inform me that the windjammer had large selection of Indian food everyday for lunch. This was a pleasant surprise as I love that style of food and am a vegetarian. Ordered room service on day we docked in Viet Nam. Had to be off ship by six am. Figured everyone would order room service at 545 as I did. Really expected not to get food or that it would be late. At exactly 545 food arrived, hot and tasty. Read more