Mariner around Christmas time

[wesnlin]

We are considering a Dec. 7th cruise on Mariner. Do you think it will be decorated for Christmas at that time, or will it still be too early?

Is it still a nice ship? We took Freedom for our first cruise and don't want to be TOO disappointed for our second, but the Mariner is going where we want to go.

Thank you

[Mamaza]

Interesting. We booked a cruise on the December 7, 2008 cruise. I read a post somewhere from (either this board or Cruisecritic.com) that stated a cruise they took last year had a tree up in the Promimade Deck. They thought it took up too much room. Me, I always like to see Christmas in December and am willing to make room for it.

BTW, if you are taking the 2008 cruise, sign up for the Meet and Mingle through RCCL or at cruisecritic.com - they have a link to it. We're (wife and I) are hoping to get a group talking and getting to know each other before the trip so we can all meet at a RCCL Meet & Mingle party onboard. That's a free party set up by the cruise ship. I think they serve snacks and some drinks in a room they arrange for the group.

[Wheels87]

Wesnlin,

I have been on two Royal Caribbean cruises in December and both were decorated for Christmas. In fact, the last one began December 3rd and it was already decorated. So I guess the short answer is, if they are going to decorate for Christmas, it should be done by December 7th.

I have been on Mariner's sister ship Adventure and the biggest difference between the Voyager class ships and Freedom is the flowrider and overall size of the pool area. The Voyager class ships are still HUGE and I don't think you will be disappointed.

Hope this helps,

Brad

[electech]

All of our 3 previous cruises were the first week of December and they have always been decorated for Christmas. I am hoping the Liberty will be as well when we board her in a few weeks. I will let you know.

[penny3333]

It will be decorated for Christmas. It's so festive looking!

[Sonny V]

This picture was taken on the Voyager during our December 9th sailing last year.

Sonny

[wesnlin]

Thanks guys! Sonny your pics are always so beautiful. I really want to take a Christmas time cruise, but I'm worried about the temp. of the water. Our biggest interest would be swimming, both on the ship and the beaches. Would it be too cold to swim in Dec. on the Eastern Caribbean cruise?

[electech]

The temp of the water is not too bad but if you are cold natured, just grab you a thin, say 1.5mm wetsuit and have at it. You will like a December cruise.

[penny3333]

Wesnlin, if anyone is a weenie about temperature, it's me. If it's below 80, I'm freezing. The water temps are around 85 degrees F. I wear a wet suit when snorkeling, always, even in the summer. If I can do it, I know you'll be able to as well. The pools on board are very rarely warm enough for me, but I do use the hot tubs a lot. We've done Christmas cruises before and I've never had to get out of the water because I couldn't stand the cold any more. But, I did have on a wet suit. It's not a full length one, just a short one. They also have body gloves. I've never tried one, but may invest in one next year. They're not as thick as a wet suit, but they are full body, so I might just try it. Best wishes and hope you decide to try a Christmas in the Caribbean. It's awesome!

[wesnlin]

Thanks for your answers. We've already changed our minds AGAIN. We finally settled on another october cruise with the Liberty this time. We fell in love with the Freedom the first go round.