I will start by saying that we planned this cruise approx. 1 year before sailing. My husband, sister-in-law and her husband were traveling together. Although my husband and I have cruised 3 other times on Carnival, this was our first RC cruise. Based on the reviews from friends, we were guaranteed to enjoy RC much better than Carnival. Having never had a bad cruise on Carnival, we were excited to compare the two cruise lines.
Getting on the boat was easy but stop at a rest area before you get there. The only options you have once you get there are portalets and the security guards are very reluctant to let you inside to go to the restroom while your husband parks the car. Then, once you get inside, you will have to go through security to get to the restroom which is located upstairs.
The Mariner of the Seas is a beautiful ship. It is very clean and the crew is friendly. We booked this cruise for $549 for an interior room which we found to be plenty spacious for the amount of time we spent there. WHAT A GREAT DEAL!! Our room attendant was always easily found in the hallway and even stopped by on the first night to introduce herself and give us her cleaning schedule.