Royal Caribbean - Mariner of the Seas Review

After a week aboard the mariner of the Seas, let me tell you, I was impressed from the moment I walked on board.

Everything from friendly greetings by all the staff, to the accomodations made for special requests, Royal Caribbean has gone out of their way to make me feel like I was the most important person on board.  Service was excellent, we had a wonderful waiter and assistant waiter who were both attentive to all our needs and extrememly friendly.  Our room steward was always there when needed but never hovering.  Dennis, the cruise director was comical and definitely outgoing.  He made his presence known throughout the ship, not hiding.  And Captain Per was seen in many places interacting with guests. 

The kids program, Adventure Ocean kept my 10 year old busy and occupied at all times.  Never did I have to worry if he was bored or not being taken care of.  The only draw back I am seeing to the program, which I have not experienced on other Royal Caribbean ships, is that the AO program is not open for kids on the first night of sailing.  The activities are age appropriate, the staff is excellent.  Dinners were provided on multiple occasions for the kids and on port days, the club stayed open allowing adults to tend to things the kids may not have been interested in.  My son and nephew were in the same age group and at one point, got into some sibling type rivalry, and it was handled very professionally by the counselors.  I have no problems leaving my child with the program in the future.

Food was very good, tasteful and well presented.  We opted for a variety of dining venues, including Portifino one night, and everything was extremely enjoyable.  Room service was quick in deliveries and the Windjammer offered a variety of choices.

Activities were plentiful, and for the most part, enjoyable.  I do think that the Quest game show needs to be revamped, as I personally felt that it was more of a show than an audience participation activity.  The ice show was spectacular, period!

Both embarkation and disembarkation were painless and quick.  Smooth flowing from start to finish.

Overall, the entire trip was well worth it, in fact we have it booked again for next September!