I booked this cruise for myself and 19 year old daughter after sailing on the Mariner Sept 2009 with my husband. After having such a great time on the first Mariner cruise, I just knew my daughter would love it. She has sailed 3 other times on RC and once prior on Princess. I have cruised on almost all of the mass market lines and this was my 6th RC. This sailing was July 18-25.

We flew from Phoenix and stayed in Long Beach at the Avia hotel for the night prior to our cruise. The hotel is in a great location with a great staff and comfy rooms. The concierge arranged airport/pier transportation with a local company at an additional cost. Very nice service. After checking our bags at the hotel we toured the nearby waterfront of Long Beach, had lunch and visited the Aquarium of the Pacific. It was crowded but we enjoyed the exhibits. This was all within walking distance of the hotel. We had the transportation company reserved to pick us up at 11am the driver was there promptly to drive us to the pier. We quickly got a porter and were off to check-in. The Platinum check in line was empty and we quickly proceeded to the ship. We grabbed a bite to eat in the Windjammer and toured the huge Mariner of the Seas. Our room was ready at exactly 1pm. Prior to leaving home I purchased some chocolate covered strawberries and they were in the room waiting for us! Very nice. Our cabin was kept clean and well stocked throughout the week.

We had a deck 7 balcony toward the aft of the ship. There was plenty of room for all of our stuff and the suitcases fit under our beds with room to spare. The bathroom was small but efficient and the shower had a door. No floaty/sticky shower curtain. Yippee! Read more