We had a wonderful time on the Mariner of the Seas - Easter week cruise 2004. We are a family of 4 - husband and wife in our 40s, kids are ages 15 (son) and 12 (daughter). This was our 3rd cruise and first with Royal Caribbean (previously on Disney and Celebrity).

The ship was beautiful - brand new and hit shows. We like large ships and had spent time learning about the ship before we left so we didn't think it was too large. We had a balcony cabin on deck 7 on the bump - liked the location a lot - right near the elevators and library but no hallway noise at all. The kids had an interior cabin across the hall, which worked out great - 4 in the cabin would have been very tight and the extra bathroom helps too. For 2 though the cabins are fine - lots of storage space, bathroom was very well layed-out - really liked the rounded shape of the shower with door. Beds were very comfortable. Our cabin steward was wonderful - our room was cleaned within minutes of our leaving it - left great towel animals every night and always greeted us with smiles and chat when we saw him in the hall.

Embarkation was the best we have experienced. We stayed at the Radisson at Cocoa Beach with free parking and shuttle to ship. We were on the 12 shuttle and were checked in and wandering the ship before 1. Disembarkation was just as easy at the end and a shuttle was sitting there waiting for us. Read more