A really fun cruise to keep our holidays going! Despite a long fog delay in Galveston(we got to watch the playoffs due to this), we got off in a safe journey to Mexico. We had 14 pp in our family party and the ship accommodated just fine.
Paul Rudder, the cruise director was really great(and corny). All the shows and comedians were fun. Ice skating was a huge hit with the kids. Being in Hospitality for 25 years, I was very impressed with with the staff. They always went above and beyond to get us what we needed and always smiled despite seeing our same faces every hour.The captain and Exec. Chef were true professionals. Neat to see Victoria Jackson(SNL) on the ship with us.
Favorite port was Grand Cayman and swimming with the Stingrays.Falmouth Jamaica was pretty but this port needs more time. Only a couple of places to eat and not much to do unless you booked an excursion. Took the trolley tour which was neat but with a police escort and several locals jumping on for a ride, it was strange.
The interior cabin was so dark and quiet you could sleep for hours.You can re-arrange some things to make it more accommodating. Bring some air freshener for the tiny bathroom and damp clothes/towels. The televisions on the mariner are old and bulky and hopefully in 2014 the will be replaced with flat screens. Lots of space under the beds for storage. Safe worked good and we had more hangers and pillows delivered. Next cruise I will get a balcony room.We also put a suction cup dry-erase board on the door to leave notes for our family, as you will have no phone or Internet access...shocking with today's technology.Room attendants were spectacular and friendly.