After cruising to Alaska on RCI's Radiance of the Seas, we were pleased by the wonderful accommodations and service aboard Mariner of the Seas. Embarkation from Port Canaveral is a breeze, especially if you arrive at 11:00-11:30 AM and plan to park your car in the garage. For those of you who complain, try the Port of Miami or Fort Lauderdale, which have been chaotic for the last decade! One may drop off the passenger(s) with luggage (20 minutes) and then park, and be in the check-in line with no one in front of you within a span of 30-40 minutes. We were boarded by 12:15 PM, had lunch, and were in our cabin by 1:00 PM as stated by RCI.

Treat yourselves to a Suite or at least a D1 cabin while cruising for 7 days, as it's well worth the cost; you will not remember the exact costs, anyway, especially six months from the time you cruised. We enjoyed a spacious Junior Suite with a large veranda, complete with a walk-in closet with more shelving and racks than you would need...we are clothes fanatics, thus had plenty of room for all types of clothes, shoes, athletic gear, handbags, suitcases and more! Room service breakfast on the balcony each day as we've done previously was indeed relaxing. Our breakfast was preceded by a phone call letting us know that everything was on the way exactly within the half-hour that we requested.

Wherever you travel in the world, service is a two-way street. We always tip our cabin attendant in advance as well as at the end of the cruise...wise move to both reward the diligent staff who work largely on gratuities and ensure a wonderful guest experience. Rosen, our Suite Attendant, was fantastic! He was finely attuned to our schedule, had the room prepared within an hour of our departures in the morning and after dinner. With over 15 rooms to attend, he provided service with a smile, including new bath products daily. Read more