Royal Caribbean International
Mariner of the Seas Cruise Review
Western Caribbean

Bonnie Roach
Age: 40
Occupation: Project Manager
Number of Cruises: 2
Sailing Date: May 21st, 2006

We had a wonderful time. More than my husband and I expected. It was 2nd cruise for both of us but it had been many years.

It was a honeymoon/vacation so although we participated in some activities, we mostly relaxed on the ship and just enjoyed being on the ship. We didn't feel compelled to participate in all the excursions, we mostly arranged our own tours (which may not be the safest route) but we didn't have any problems. We usually tried to find other couples wanting to just take a local tour of the area.

The crew was fabulous. It was amazing how they reflected the RC values. I left feeling like this company understands what their product is, not staterooms, meals, a trip etc. but they're selling an "experience" and it reflected in the crew's delivery of the service. It was amazing how customer service on the ship contrasted with the customer service as soon as we got back to the rental car place in Orlando.

I love the way the cruise line is sensitive to the illnesses and provide hand sanitizers. I would ask other cruisers to be sensitive to this as well and please do not show your hospitality by offering your hand for a shake in the dining room. Although it is usually the appropriate gesture for a greeting, it defeats the purpose to sanitize as you enter the dining room then shake everyone's hands at the table.

Another situation that we were disappointed in (nothing to do with RC) our assigned dinner group seemed to be a little put out by us because we sat in different seats at the table the 2nd night. One couple never came back, but others seemed to get over it and seemed to loosen up and sat in different seats themselves. Lesson learned, assigned tables doesn't mean assigned seats. How boring would that be?

We never went to Ellington's because we thought it was ballroom music and we're not into that. We should have gone anyway because we heard it was great Jazz.

Oh, and I can't forget the pictures of the sunrise and sunset off our balcony.

Plenty of space for our belongings in the Superior sized room. I carried travelers checks which I would do again but it was easier to deal with cash so I just cashed them at the Purser's Office as needed.

When visiting ports, be cognizant that displayed prices may not be in American dollars as was the case in a Subway in Grand Cayman. The price of a sandwich was quite higher than in the states once the conversion to American dollar was done.

All in all, best trip we ever had and we will be taking another RC cruise next year if not sooner. Enjoy!
 

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