November 2005 Western Caribean Cruise on the Mariner of the Seas

[Andrealv]

My family is going on holiday cruise in November 2005. I have lots of questions.
1)We've never been cruising before and would like to know what the dress code is for each evening?
2)The childrens programs onboard, how safe are they, and do they have any beepers or ways to get in tough with parents should our children need us?
3)What are the best excursions on each of the ports of call?
Thanks in advance for any imput you can give us.

Edit: Moved to Royal Caribbean International forum. RF

[papaflamingo]

Don't know much about kids programs other than the kids I have seen seem to have a lot of fun. As for Western Caribbean, depends on where you go. Labadee is a private island. Nice beach day. Take your own snorkling equipment. It is a great place to snorkle. You can also rent equipment there. Grand Cayman is a beautiful island. Shopping is great. Did the Swim with the stingrays one year. Awesome! Highly recommended. Cozumel is a great place to wander the downtown. However,you may want consider Chankaunab State Park. It is a short cab ride and about $10 each to enter. Suppost to be a great place to sun, snorkle, etc. You can rent snorkel equip. there. Check it on a website. Anyway, hope this helps. Western Caribbean is a great beach cruise. Lots of sun and water. Really fun. Enjoy.

[Aj]

Congrats to you! I thing that papaflamingo
has some good suggestions for shore excursions...I have heard people using walkie-talkies to communicate with family. you can get fairly inexpensive ones at walmart or similar store...good idea to get ones with Family Radio Service (FRS) channels "family no-licensed required"...Dress code - for 7 day it's usually 2 formal nights with remaining days dressy casual...check out http://www.cruisecritic.com it is packed with info...as well as reviews etc...ship and destination specific -
Don't know specifically about kids stuff but might find more info there as well...
Happy sailing!

[Kim Umbro]

We just got back from our cruise on the Mariner about 3 weeks ago. We had a great time. We went with another couple and between us we had 6 boys, ages 6-11. The kids camps were great the boys had a good time. The only thing is that they did not have beepers. It was just a sign in/sign out sheet. But nobody had a problem, everything went smoothly.

As far as the excursions:
Labadee- It was O.K. we just laid on the beach. But they did have banana boat rides and a little water park for an additional fee.
Ocho Rios-Was a great time, we climbed the falls and although it was challenging at times my 3 boys loved it.
Grand Cayman-beautiful island. We did the snorkeling/string ray trip. On a scale it was about a 7. We had a great time.
Cozumel, Mexico--Best of them all. Adults and kids loved this one the best. We went to a place called Playa Mia. It was one fee it included all drinks alcholic and non-alcholic and in the ocean way a water trampoline, and rock climbing wall with slide. Everyone had a great time there. We did not want to leave. Food was extra, but I believe they had 2 packages. One with food and one without food. The also had bunge jumping on a trampoline for $8.00 a child. All kids big and small had a phenomenal time. Highly recommended.

Have a great time.