Having cruised with RCI three times on two other smaller ships in their fleet, we were expecting the same high standards. Sadly we were very disappointed. The Mariner is a beautiful ship but the design seems to have increased passenger numbers disproportionately to the size of the public spaces available.

For example the Schooner Bar (a feature of RCI ships) was actually smaller on the Mariner than on the two previous ships we had sailed on. It also seemed to us to lack warmth and congeniality as indeed did most of the public spaces on the ship. The pool area was extremely noisy (not helped by the out door cinema) and for us at least, an area to be avoided.

The most obvious manifestation of the lack of space was the Windjammer buffet restaurant. It was seriously overcrowded at all times, very noisy and with tables placed far too close together for comfort. It was difficult to find a seat or move through it carrying food. I have noticed other crtics on this site complaining about the food in the Windjammer. Yes it was predominately Asian but given the market the ship operates in that is hardly surprising. We thoroughly enjoyed it and have no real complaints. There were many European choices available. Read more