Mariner of the Seas Review

Skipping Christmas!

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Mariner of the Seas
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travelersfour
First Time Cruiser • Age 60s

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Sail Date: Dec 2011
Traveled with children

Left our house at 11am for the 1 1/2 hour drive to Galveston and when we got there we parked our car in a lot. Had RC had alerted us via numerous avenues, we would have just driven directly over to the Convention Center for processing. After spending 2 1/2 hours waiting in a line to board with no information regarding a delay in boarding the ship, we were then escorted onto buses for processing 10 minutes away from port at the Convention Center. Found out there was a norovirus scare on the last voyage, but that info came through the rumor mill, and not through any information from RC staff. Shameful!! Good thing were are all able bodied persons (2 teens and us, in our 50's) because it was appalling what RC put the disabled, elderly and massive amount of young children/parents through. We took a taxi (we paid the fare) back to the port to avoid another 3 hour bus/transportation wait. Finally, made it on board 4 hours late and went to supper at our 8:30 seating, when the ship finally departed. No apologies from staff or crew.

I will have to say right off the bat that our room attendant, Rosa, and our evening waitstaff were brilliant and that's the truth. As far as the food was concerned I am not expecting much, as we know that "food for 3000" is a tall order. But honestly, we were beginning to think that the "norovirus" was not to blame for illness. Food temperatures were suspect, especially in the "Windjammer". My husband started playing the "Can u guess what that is" game when it came to the food in the Windjammer, and I have to say on most occasions he was right on. I finally explained to my evening waitstaff that the food was "off" temperature and they should be concerned if there was, in fact, a virus on board. I never again, nor did anyone at my table, recieve any food that was not piping hot.

Here are a few things that I was disappointed with, that are simple fixes, especially because we had a good enough time to start planning to "skip" Christmas again next year:

Cabin Review

We had adjoining rooms for us and our two teens. I thought the rooms were spacious enough for us. However, we are not overweight, or have any disabilities, so we do not have any special needs. The stowage space was adequate for casual and formal clothes, enough for 8 days and nights for 4 active people. The beds were extremely comfortable. We always enjoy the 3rd deck, as we can get the adjoining rooms, and I find real joy in being so close to the water line. A great and relaxing view. Very quiet.

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