Debra Wells
Age: 51
Occupation:homemaker
Number of Cruises: 5
Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Ship: Mariner of the Seas
Sailing Date: December 18th, 2005
Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean
My husband, daughter aged 19 and I embarked on December 18th, 2005 for a five
day cruise. The embarkation was somewhat hectic. We had been informed not to
arrive at the port before 2 p.m. They obviously told everyone that because the
traffic seemed to stretch for at least half a mile. When we parked (handicapped
parking) we had to walk at least 500 yards! That was annoying. We were checked
in by an indifferent clerk. However, because we booked an owner's suite we were
met by the most delightful concierge, Cesar, who sheparded us through security
and accompanied us to our suite. It was beautiful but does not compare to
Disney's suites. After the bon voyage party on the pool deck, which almost
nobody seemed interested in, we returned to our suite to discover only two of
our four bags, so we could not change. We had decided to do the buffet the first
night so it wasn't a huge issued just, again, annoying. The Windjammer buffet
was edible and varied but nothing to write home about. After getting our
remaining bags (about 9:00) we called it a night since the weather was
inclement, hence terribly turbulent seas. Our first full day was a day at sea.
There were lots of activities listed but nothing seemed really interesting so we
spent lounging around the pool. Everyday from 5 to 7 p.m. the concierge lounge
was open to suite holders who could go in and eat fabulous hors de'oeuvres and
drink whatever including alcohol. This was absolutely the best food on the ship
hands down. Seafood, caviar, fruit, chicken, a full well stocked bar, and Cesar,
with his charming self