First-time cruisers. Spent a week with my 14 year-old son doing the Mexican Riviera on Mariner of the Seas. It was a great trip and we were completely happy with the ship and the cruise overall. The ship itself was more luxurious and impressive than I expected, and our room (jr. suite), was clean, in very good condition, very well equipped and comfortable. Beds and linens were excellent. Room was also very quiet - we never heard noise from the hall or from adjoining rooms. My one complaint about the room was that the TV was small. Steward and cleaning service in the room was excellent (at one point we spilled something very messy on the carpets and bed and they had a crew there in 10 minutes with a huge steam cleaner rig and had it back to perfect in no time). Bathroom was clean, luxurious, very nice.

Getting on and off the boat at the beginning and end of the cruise was quick and painless - very well organized. Ditto for the three ports we visited. I think the longest we ever waited in line to embark or disembark was perhaps 10 minutes.

Food on the ship was very good but not outstanding. I actually liked the Windjammers breakfast and lunch buffet better than the fancy dinner in the dining room, because of the sheer variety. But there was also good variety and quality in the dining room (except I thought desserts were weak) and the service was excellent. And in the dining room you could have multiple entrees, or 3 of one dessert, or whatever else you wanted. All-in-all I'd rate the food 8 out of 10. Read more