After 3 months after our cruise, my wife and I just had to post this review. This was our first cruise and we just cannot tell you everything but keep reading and you will book your cruise on the Mariner of the Seas!

We boarded in Port Canaveral and the process was fast and easy for those of us to actually do their homework so go online and fill out the forms, have a pen handy while waiting in line with all the documents you need. Don’t carry a lot on board, check as much as possible because you might have to wait for your room to be ready. We had an hour and a half wait and took so much stuff with us that someone had to wait with it in the library on the 7th deck. So only pull one bag and make sure it has wheels or else you will just have to sit and wait. Which you will not want to do so pack light.

First, Captain Johnny was the best. | miss hearing him say, “Good Morning, Good Morning, Good Morning” because if you ever cruise on his boat you will want to buy a Harley, have a maid, and personal head waiter named David.

We were on the boat at 11:30am on Sunday and promptly found the pool bar, (my wife found five different ones before the boat left port). This is a floating city with the best bar staff in Florida and they will remember your face and drink within the hour.

When we left port, we were in the conga line, and the boat is so large that you don’t feel a thing. So much to do and so little time (especially trying to keep up with 10 other people) If you go in a group you must buy the walkie talkies they sell in the general store. Less to pack and better value than Walmart. Wait until the last sea day to save on souvenirs. The second day was to be Lebadee but they sent us to CoCo Cay which was nice and relaxing with lots of beach stuff to do. We live in Florida so it was a nap under the palm to catch up on our shut eye from all the fun we had the first night on board. The food was terrific and the water taxi’s were nice way to get to know other people.

Our sea day was so packed full of stuff to do that we had to take our compass with us so we could keep track of where to be and at what time. Keep a permanent smile because they take your picture everytime you turn around! The comedy show was so funny we bought the CD, the welcome aboard show has a cruise director that should sing professionally and according to my wife is just the cutest thing ever.....

Ocho Rios was a shock but we had a great time on the Martha Brae river. It is sad to see a cow chained to a pole while goats are a prized possession but the people are so sweet and the excursion was fun. Beware they drive on the wrong side of the road and have no highways or stop signs.

Lots of honking goes on!

Grand Cayman stingray city was a nice relaxing boat ride in a beautiful port but be prepared to wait in a group then walk around the corner to a bus. Once you get to the boat, it’s smooth sailing from there but no alcohol until after the excursion.

Cozumel was a blast but you must go to Carlos and Charlies. The tequila conga line and three tier dance stage will make your friends laugh and you will take home pictures that you can’t show your parents.

Remember the golden rule: What goes on in Mexico will stay in Mexico expect for the pictures so be careful!

The formal nights were magical but a lot of picture taking so be ready early if you have the main seating.

Those who like to stay up late should book the second dinner seating. The food was fabulous in the dining room and since we had a party of 12, we had our own head waiter and the service was over the top. You can eat from sunup to sunup and never eat the same thing twice. I cannot end this review with out saying you absolutely must go to the quest and beware of men with fake legs and pray you have someone in your section with false teeth. Your welcome to email me and I will explain!

We will be happy to answer any emails so feel free to ask us because there is just to much to say in such a short space. Our overall experience was so great, I honestly can’t wait to do it again and just don’t think any other cruise will compare to being on the Mania of the Seas. Don’t be shy, jump in and participate and don’t bring your troubles with you!