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A Family Cruise by
Steve H. from San Diego, CA Sailing date: Jan 2010Pros: The Ship is beautiful Cons: The food was not good Embarkation was fast and convenient. Our cabin (8534) was about the same as any other balcony cabin we have been in (been on 11 cruises). Cabin Steward was excellent. The ship is very impressive. There were lots of activities and our granddaughters (ages 3 and 5) loved the activity center they had set up for them. This gave our daughter and her husband lots of breaks to enjoy the cruise as well with peace of mind that our babies were in excellent hands. The Mexican Rivierra ports were fun with lots of different excursion options. Debarkation was super fast. Parking at the Port of Los Angeles terminal was appropriately priced and very convenient.
Now for the bad news: dining service was S... L... O... W... So slow that we often did not want to eat there. If you order a dessert, it will likely be 15 minutes until you see it. I would have hoped that we could have gone to the Windjammer as an alternative, but the food served there was pretty bad. I had read in customer reviews that the food was bad on this ship and approached it expecting that I'm not that picky and I will probably like it. But no, it really is not good. The two formal nights in the dining room were good though. First one had filet of beef (not filet mignon) which was like having a roast for dinner. My appetizer was shrimp cocktail which arrived as 4 tiny shrimp laying in a big bed of lettuce. It was ok, I noted how RCCL cost cutting measures had sure taken a hit here. On the next formal night we had prime rib and lobster, both of these were excellent. But on the other nights they served things like catfish, turkey, and pork which were ok, just not great. We did go to Chops one night and had a great meal. Real filet mignon like you used to get in the dining room on cruises 5-10 years ago. This costs an additional $25, but when presented with only mediocre food, it was necessary.
No more chocolates on your pillow each night. RCCL must have calculated this cost and decided that the message these chocolates sent (we're special, you're special) was not worth it. So special or excellent can't really be said of what you get.
We had a good cruise, but this was due to time well spent with our adult children and grandchildren on this beautiful and busy ship. I recommend people go into this with very low expectations for the food and they will have a good time. A hamburger is a hamburger and a hot dog is a hot dog. If you can live on those, you will have a good time. Ship Qualityforward cabins on deck 3 have to constantly go up in order to go anywhere as the ice skating rink blocks the center of the ship. Our cabin was forward on deck 8 and just fine. We had rough seas and people in the aft half of the ship said their ride was much smoother. Dining/FoodBreakfast in the diniing room was good; lunch was ok, some dinners were ok. Eat in the ports and you will be happier. Stateroom QualitySame as any other balcony cabin on any other ship. Ship Staff QualityThe people were all great. RCCL and cost-saving measures (or methods of upselling things like water and soda) were noticed. Entertainment & ActivitiesThere were lots of activities that we all enjoyed. Children's ProgramsOur granddaughters didn't want to leave.  3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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  New Year's Getaway Cruise to Mexico by
Sam R. from Los Angeles, CA Sailing date: Dec 2009Pros: Relaxing onboard ship and at the ports of call Cons: Quality of the song and dance show I've cruised on Princess many times, but was sailing with Royal Caribbean for the first time. The ship was clean and spacious. The staff was professional. Great offering of activities. Ship QualityAs it was a holiday cruise, it was booked to capacity, but was kept tidy throughout our holiday. Very spacious - even on our final days of the cruise we were surprised to find new public areas to enjoy. (The Ellington Lounge in particular was a great place to relax and enjoy views) We also were impressed with the interior core of the ship - open for 5 levels up. Dining/FoodWe enjoyed our food and dined in the Rhapsody in Blues room each night. The dining room also was impressive - 3 levels of interior space, with a grand staircase at the front. Our service in the dining room could have been more attentive - we ordered a second bottle of wine during our New Year's Eve meal, but were not offered the bottle till we were finished with our entree. Chose the second dining option, which we enjoyed because it gave us time to get ready for dinner without rushing back to the ship before the end of the time in port. We did eat a Johnny Rockets for a great afternoon snack. Did not try any of the other specialty dining options, but there were many offered. Stateroom QualityWe booked the most economical room - an interior cabin at the rear of the ship, but found it comfortable and clean. Ship Staff QualityOur attendant was excellent - came to our room in the morning and evening to freshen up the room and provide towels, ice, etc. Cruise staff was extremely attentive. Though we did not order many drinks, the cocktail servers knew us by name after the first three days. Entertainment & ActivitiesWe LOVED the ice show! Saw it twice. Quality of the choreography and show concept was amazing. There were so many activities offered that we did not have time to do them all. We enjoyed Bingo, the Comedians and Jugglers, the trivia activities, Casino, pool and jacuzzi, the art show, Kareoke, the 70's parade, and the couples contest akin to the Newlywed Game. The only thing that we were not impressed with was the song and dance show - it was ill conceived and the lead singers could have been more engaging. The choreography and dancing were great - just needed a different show. Children's ProgramsThough we do not have children, we were witness to the many activities for them. Extremely family friendly. Plenty of areas for youth only and engaging activities for every age of child. 6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Very nice but RCI quality is slipping by
Chris B from Portland, Or Sailing date: Dec 2009Pros: Beautiful Ship Cons: Level of service and cuisine is slipping Been on this ship before and had very favorable impressions. Ship was well decked out for Christmas with a big tree and a gingerbread house area. However, in several ways things such as service and cuisine have slipped. Our room attendant would wake us up continually even with a do not disturb sign in the door. No toiletries given such as shampoo, shower cap, or more then basic soap. Dinner choices are way down in the main restaurant and on the first night, they did not serve prime rib and one other entree so options were further constrained. They are starting to charge for main courses like Filet Mignon in the main dining room and trim benefits for crown and anchor members. Still like Royal Caribbean but things are clearly moving in the wrong direction. Ship QualityGreat and attractive ship, larger then competitors with more to do. Dining/FoodParing menu combined with running out of premium foods on menu with new charges and raised prices at specialty restaurants. Food not Royal's strength even before but really falling behind now. Stateroom QualityOn this ship, rooms are smallish but are compensated by more public areas. Ship Staff QualityWe had a very fun loving table and our server was not one for much humor but he did try. As mentioned above, if I have a do not disturb sign on door, room attendant should not knock while simultaneously walking in. Very embarrassing situations can occur, and if one takes the trouble to place sign on door, being woken up needlessly and repeatedly degrades from cruise experience Entertainment & ActivitiesLots of options, I like late night dancing and the ship delivers. Lots to do at all times. However, present cruise director caters to low brow activities more then others. Topless events were enthusiastically promoted, a pleasant hello in the hallways by staff common on other ships not so. 1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Wonderful cruise by
Diane H. from Thousand Oaks, CA Sailing date: Dec 2009Pros: Dining Cons: Nothing Great cruise. Lots of activities and shows. I loved the 80's show, the comedians and the ice skating show. The dinners and service were outstanding. Ship Quality
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0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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A great family vacation by
Sabrina P. from Simi Valley, CA Sailing date: Dec 2009Pros: Kids club - my daughter LOVED it Cons: little sea sick This was the best family vacation we ever had. We took my 70 yr old mother, my husband and I and my 5 yr old daughter. There were activities for everyone. The service was awesome, the food and restaurants were wonderful, and my daughter loved going to the kids club (which gave us time alone as well). Ship Quality
Dining/FoodWaiters were awesome. They all talked to my daughter and included her. My time dining was great. Stateroom Quality
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Home away from home! by
Andrea V. from San Jose, California Sailing date: Nov 2009Pros: Advantures, activities, state room, staff, everything! Cons: Trying to loose all the pounds we gained. ;o)) It has now been almost a month from our little getaway on the Cruise. It is hard to believe that it has been so long, because I still clearly remember all the great time my friend and I had.
It was my very first time on a Cruise and all I can say is that it was awesome! We felt welcome from the moment we boarded. Our ship, Mariner of the Seas, was impressive. Elegant design of every floor combined historic feel of Titanic with innovative features. We loved our stateroom that was spacious and bright where we enjoyed many beautiful sunsets right from our balcony.
There was always something to do. Dancing by the pool to soothing sounds of Jamaican band and sipping on Strawberry Daiquiri was exactly the scene that you want to capture on the camera and provocatively send to your co-workers in freezing Boston in November.
There were many activities offered on the ship from elegant dining to fun ice skating. We enjoyed meeting new people, participating in all the fun activities, as well as, relaxing by the pool or bubbling hot tub. The stuff was great and services excellent.
While we had a lot of fun exploring all that our ship had to offer, we loved our days at the ports. We could not wait to jump in the ocean that was so patiently surrounding us on our voyage. Cabo was a great place to do that. Little trip to a nearby bay offered an array of underwater adventures from snorkeling to a dive in mini submarine. Mazatlan presented its hospitality in their picturesque villages filled with relaxing atmosphere and historic architecture.
Porto Vallarta was our favorite! Exciting Outdoor Adventure truly took us away from reality. We loved the warm air sweeping through our hair and the sun beams resting on our faces while racing on the speed boat across the ocean. Far away from any civilization we pulled in a Tropical bay with palm trees leaning over and mirroring their elegant leaves on the water surface.
Authentic army jeeps drove deeper into the jungle where patient mules devotedly helped us reach even higher elevations. That is where even more fun began. Strapped into zip lining equipment and accompanied by fun guides we zoomed on many fun zip lines far above the foliage. Couple of repelling and free falling zips later, we were so excited that we just wanted to stay there and do it again.
As the sun was setting down we returned to our home away from home. The majestic ship with her royal presence waited for us in the harbor. We slipped into the inviting hot tub and enjoyed rest of the day.
It was my first Cruise vacation and all I can say is that it was not the last one! Ship Quality
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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First time Bliss! by
Karen P from san luis obispo, ca Sailing date: Dec 2009Pros: Just about everything Cons: food This ship was gorgeous: Clean, new, well-kept, and had soooo many amenities.
Rock climbing, ice skating, putt putt, table tennis, the arcade, spa,. gym , steam and sauna, lap track, solarium, pools, and more. Would've liked to have seen perhaps more shops...? (if that's possible) Ship Qualitygorgeous..simply gorgeous and well-planned. Clean through and through. Dining/FoodIt was ok...nothing outrageously amazing....the staff, however, was wonderful! Stateroom QualityOur interior stateroom was just perfect for me and my son. We were hardly ever there, so we didn't feel the need for a bigger room, although in the future, it might be nice to have a window or balcony to see what time of day it was...Nonetheless, it was perfect for us.
The bedding was nice and soft, clean and fresh and the pillows were great too! The desk was great for my son's journal writing and for my writing postcards. The safe and cabinetry were just perfect as well.
Bathroom was small, yet suffice. The shower was the BOMB! excellent pressure and temperature was nice and HOT! Ship Staff QualityI would say for the most part, everyone was so very very friendly, Some of the staff were ready to get off the boat so they didn't quite have as much sparkle in their eyes as others, yet it was such a well-choreographed, and well-rehearsed combined effort on all parts. I was especially fond of my waitress in the formal dining room...she was so sweet to the children at the table and did magic tricks for the kids...and even taught them a new one every night! Well beyond the call of duty! Entertainment & ActivitiesThere was so much to choose from that i didn't know what to do. I had a blast!
If I had to be picky, I would say that I wished they would post the events of the week BEFOREHAND on the first day so that I could've planned my week better,eg. shows, and certain activity availability....roller blading, rock wall, etc. If I had known that it was only offered on certain days in the beginning, I wouldn't have missed out. There simply weren't enough hours in the day to do everything. I want to do this trip again and again and again! Children's ProgramsMy son didn't want to leave. Need I say more? 0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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The "Ultimate" Experience by
Darlene O from Carlsbad, CA Sailing date: Dec 2009Pros: Fantastic Staff, Excellent Service Cons: Not enough hours in the day to enjoy it all Spectacular ship, we just returned home and we can't wait to go again. My daughter doesn't want anythng for Christmas or her birthday, all she wants is another Cruise on the Mariner of the Seas. The final night she was in tears because she loved vacation and her experience on Royal Caribbean. She was in awe over how the dining room staff accomodated her every wish and provided the ultimate dining expereince. Ship QualityImpeccably clean and decorated for the Christmas Holiday Dining/FoodFantastic waiters who cater to your every need. Food is the finest quality and never ending. Stateroom QualityYour room is serviced several times throughout the day andis very clean. Ship Staff QualityOutstanding staff! Professional and Exceptional, they are very proud of the outstanding job they do and should hold their heads high, they do it well! Entertainment & ActivitiesThere aren't enough hours in a day to do everything you want to do or see. Children's ProgramsQuality childcare, activities and crafts. 1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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The cruise was wonderful. by
Marjorie R from Chico, CA Sailing date: Nov 2009Pros: Beautiful ship; wonderful, happy staff. Cons: Don't walk alone in the ports. Stay together. We had a great experience as a family. We took our two daughters ages 12 and 14. The ship was clean with extremely friendly, helpful staff. We met great people. We would highly suggest making time to see the shows. We didn't see as many as we wish we had and when we saw the video called Your Cruise in Review - we knew we had missed out. Take full advantage of all the professional photos. You are not obligated to by any, but if you choose to some of the back drops are great. We did two excursions: snorkeling in Cabo and Zip line in Puerto Vallarta. The snorkeling was ok, the zip line was exceptional. There are two - we did the one with the donkey ride. It was incredible and extremely safe. This excursion was a memory of a lifetime. We would like to go back just to go on the Vallarta Adventures zip line excursion. Well worth the money. Make sure to stay together, We did have an incident in Cabo when my husband went to the bathroom alone. Ship QualityThe ship was clean and the staff were extremely happy and friendly. Dining/FoodThe food was great. We ate in the dining room and the Windjammer. Bother were great. Stateroom QualityWE stayed in a cabin and it was worth the extra. You have access to the Concierge Lounge which has its own breakfast snacks and happy hour - no cost. You can also rent DVD movies for free. In addition, if you have a suite, you have access to dining tables in the buffett that others dont. This always assured us a window seat. The suite and balcony were incredible, and Hazel was exceptional. Ship Staff QualityOur ship staff were extremely friendly and very willing to help. Hazel made a point to know all her guests by name. We miss her terribly at home. Entertainment & ActivitiesWe didn't go to as many as we should have. The Ice show was incredible and the Love & Marriage was a lot of fun. The Farewell show was a disappointment, but I think that may have been because of the seas. Children's ProgramsI would suggest if you have teens (ours were in the 12-14 group) that you encorage them to be invovled in their activities. Ours weren't and later wished they had. We did suggest to Dan the Ship Activities Director that he have movies showing the events of the days from past cruises to help the kids get invovlved. Our girls age group was a hard one to get together and involved. Tell your teens not to base the activities on the Living Room. The Rock wall was great! 1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Royal Carribean scaled down. by
A Traveler from California Sailing date: Nov 2009Pros: Stateroom & Restaurant Staff Cons: Concierge & Customer Service It was rather a disappointment trip. I expected a lot more from Royal Carribean but realized that the company has gone cheap on everything from food to amenities on board. People who work at the concierge were not helpful at all and the company scammed me on the decoration of the room. I got no response when I contacted Royal Carribean via email. They took the money but did not want to provide the service. Ship QualitySince the ship is not that new, I saw some spots on the carpet in the public area. Most areas are clean. Dining/FoodThe company has scaled down on menu selections and portions. The main dining food was average, snacks at the Coffee Promenade were okay. On many occasion my coffee cups and forks still had lipstick on them. It did not seem the staff or machine did a good job cleaning. Stateroom QualityI cant believe there was no hair dryer, no body wash, no body lotion, and no hair cap!!!!!! I was in a balcony room and none of these basic amenities was provided! Norwegian Cruise Line gives you everything you need! I cannot believe RC is worse than NCL. I am going back to NCL. Ship Staff QualityThe staff who worked in the restaurants/dinning room/cafe promenade were excellent! they were very friendly and helpful. The staff who work at the customer service desk or concierge were horrible! The first thing they said was "Sorry there is nothing I can do" which is the wrong thing to say to customers. There is always something they can do or change. I am very disappointed w/ the service or lack thereof. Entertainment & ActivitiesThe dance show sucked really bad! None of the dancing girls were fit! Clothes they wore were horrible! NCL gives you better entertainment! 4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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