This is my fourth cruise, and definitely the best one yet. We stayed at the Doubletree Hotel pre-cruise and found it clean and friendly and very close to the port. We left our car there and took the shuttle to the cruise center.

This was our first time on the Mariner and we were very favorably impressed. The Promenade spectacular, the pools were lovely, the art was interesting. This is a very large ship but we rarely felt crowded (except when we were all in the elevators prior to disembarking.

I do have to note here, though, that like just about every business, Royal Caribbean is cutting corners and it shows a bit. No more mints on your pillow at night. No music and happy greetings on embarkation. No return cruiser gift. The food in the Windjammer Cafe was only passable quality. Read more