I've never referred to how many cruises we've been on until now. We're had the pleasure to have enjoyed more than 45 cruises during the past 17 years; we're Platinum Members of RCCL Crown & Anchor Society as well as members of several other cruiseline groups.

In years past we were great supporters of Royal Caribbean. Still enjoy their ships, but it seems they have slipped during the past 5-7 years. I can't say exactly what it is, but things are not what they use to be.

Some may not agree with what I am about to write, but all of us are entitled to our opinions and readers should be able to view both sides. As for the Mariner of the Seas; a beautiful majestic ship, but much too large with too few elevators for the large number of passengers. And, to walk from cabin to dining room one must be an athlete! Its not a walk but a trek! Although billed as holding 3,114 passengers, while aboard we were told by the cruise directors staff and the purser's desk that all cabins were full and that there were 3,800 passengers and a crew of 1,800 aboard. A grand total of 5,600 people. A greater number of people than the population of so many small towns and hamlets across the entire USA! Read more