What can I say about such an incredible experience. I'll tell you one thing: it was far better than I imagined. Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas is just about the finest ship ever built. It's large scaling decks and sleek design are the first and most powerful impressions you'll get when you see this ship for the first time. I went on a Western Caribbean cruise on the Mariner, and it was truly a dream come true. Once you step inside the ship, you step into fantasy, as warm and modern architecture greets you with tropical music in the background. The ship has 14 decks. Deck 5 is one of my favorites, because that's where the Promenade is. At the Promenade, you'll find duty free and tax-free shops. Some of the stuff is pricey, but they had a huge sale on jewelry and watches, while I was there. Even if you don't buy anything, just walking down the Promenade is an experience, and you seem to always forget that your on a ship.
FOOD: The Promenade also has a little cafe, which is a prayer answered. haha! really, that cafe is a little dangerous, because they serve hot pizza, cookies, cakes, deli sandwiches, coffee, hot chocolate, and other sweet things 24 hours a day. One night I just couldn't sleep, so I headed over there to munch on something at 3:30 in the morning. To my surprise, there were a bunch of people there, doing the same exact thing. On deck 11, there is the WINDJAMMER/JADE cafe. For me, personally, I prefer to only come here during breakfast. The food is buffet style and is good, but nothing extravagant. It's a great alternative for people with children, who can't stay still at the dining rooms, and prefer their burgers over lobster. As for breakfast here, it is a delightful feast. Anything you can dream of for breakfast is there, hot and fresh. From healthy stuff, to eggs and bacon, the variety is overwhelming. You can eat at the dining room for breakfast, but you'll have to wait, and they serve the same stuff as the buffet. As for lunch, if you have a big breakfast, you'll usually only go to the cafe for something quick, but most of the time, we were at a port or at the pool during lunch time, so we would go without. Now, for dinner, without reservation, I recommend the Dining Room. This is 3 restaurants on 3 different floors. You'll be in either one...i was in the SOUND OF MUSIC. GO HERE TO EAT DINNER!!!! You will LOVE the food and the service in incredible. YOU WILL BE SPOILED..so watch out!
ENTERTAINMENT: It takes more than a week to experience all there is to do on this ship.. Even if you decide to stay aboard during a port stop, the itinerary is full of activities and workshops you can attend. Here's just a couple of the things I went to: They did a decades show for 2 nights...one was of the 80's and the other night, they did the 50's. I didn't care to much for the shows, but some people thought they were great. There is one show however, that you DON'T WANT TO MISS! The ICE SHOW!!!! It's called ICE UNDER THE BIG TOP and it's an ice skating show, circus style. It far outweighs any of the other theatre shows, and is in such demand, that you have to pick up your tickets for it at this desk. It's free of course, but seating is limited, so you have to have the tickets. If you don't do anything else aboard the ship, do this! nuff' said! Karaoke Idol is also quite a laugh, so check that out...Besides those things, there is much to do, all day.