Mariner of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

We are just back from a 12 night cruise on Mariner of the Seas, even though we are frequent cruisers, this was our first time on Royal Carribean, that being said we had been on Celebrity earlier in the year and they are very similar as regards process. Royal Caribbean were brilliant and even though Mariner is an 'older' ship we could not fault it. We had a junior suite and the extra room and walk in wardrobe were just what we needed. Quality of food was excellent in main dining room and speciality restaurants were of high quality, service across the ship was first class and the staff were all very friendly and efficient. The itinery was the best I have ever been on and the visit to the Holy Land was the highlight, we took two long tours each day we were there and they were of very high quality. The weather was an unexpected bonus and we had a really memorable holiday. The down sides were few but one of our favourite bars - the observation bar was closed EVERY day from 5:30pm to 8:30 pm for a frequent cruisers reception so the sail aways were not as spectacular as they could have been and had the weather been bad this would have been a major issue. The disembarkation on the final morning (raining) was rather chaotic and badly organised, small complaints from a great cruise in a great ship with a fabntastic crew, but the places visited were outstanding.

This was our first cruise with RCI, and it will not be our last. We cruised around the Eastern Med in September. The ship itself is a fantastic specimen. Despite it's size it never felt crowded. The facilities were excellent - loved the ice skating show and impressive theatre. If I was being ultra critical some of the shows were a bit disappointing but the Entertainment team were top notch. Food was very good with lots of choice. There were no issues with hygiene, ship was spotless. Cabin wise we had a junior suite. We booked late and strangely the suite was cheaper than a balcony. The cabin was great but I would not pay extra for a suite. The extra cost gives you about 50% more space and a bath. Overall a great holiday.