Mariner of the Seas
Mariner of the Seas / Royal Caribbean International
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Schooner Bar
Schooner Bar / Royal Caribbean International
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Main Pool
Main Pool / Royal Caribbean International
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Sports Court
Sports Court / Royal Caribbean International
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Mini-Golf
Mini-Golf / Royal Caribbean International
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Chops Grille Steakhouse
Chops Grille Steakhouse / Royal Caribbean International
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Skylight Chapel
Skylight Chapel / Royal Caribbean International
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Main Dining Room
Main Dining Room / Royal Caribbean International
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Adventure Ocean
Adventure Ocean / Royal Caribbean International
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Ice Skating Show
Ice Skating Show / Royal Caribbean International
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Pool Deck
Pool Deck / Royal Caribbean International
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Cruise

Mariner of the Seas

Our Ship Review
by Nancy Dunn
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

The last of Royal Caribbean’s five Voyager-class ships, Mariner of the Seas was launched in 2003 and was the first (in 2012) to get Royal Advantage upgrades featuring signature amenities of Oasis-class ships. It was also among the first to be “Amplified” (in 2018), which added even more activities and dining options. That means this 3,344-guest ship’s 15 decks are packed with activities (rock-climbing, ice skating, a surf simulator, laser tag, a space-themed escape room, mini-golf, three pools, six hot tubs, looping waterslides, and a poolside movie screen), along with nine dining venues (including Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, and Chops Grille), and 13 bars and lounges. Yet despite its size, Mariner of the Seas rarely feels crowded.

What We Love

The House: Always open for lunch, and with longer hours on sea days, this haute hot dog stand offers a savory alternative to the standard buffet fare, with wieners that range from Bavarian-style bratwurst to the classic Coney Island dog.

Peek-A-Boo Bridge Overlook: This windowed viewing area that lets passengers peer into the bridge on Deck 10 is available on all Voyager-class ships and is a cool feature for watching, but not distracting (no tapping allowed), the ship's officers.

The Bamboo Room: This 2018 addition is a retro-chic Polynesian lounge that serves up fruity and exotic cocktails in delightfully kitschy glasses and ceramic tiki-inspired mugs. 

Best Known For

The Royal Promenade: The ship’s indoor heart, the football-field-length Royal Promenade is lined with bars, restaurants, and shops and is the location for fanciful parades and music-themed parties.

Room to Play: Children and teens will never get cabin fever aboard this ship, with its 20,000 square feet of kids’ spaces, including the Royal Babies & Tots Nursery, the Adventure Ocean youth program, a video arcade, and the Fuel Teen Disco and Living Room teen lounge. 

Who It's Best For

Multi-generational Families on a Budget: There is something for everyone on board this reinvigorated ship, from adrenaline-rush activities such as the Perfect Storm high-speed racer waterslides and the glow-in-the-dark Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z to the adults-only Solarium with its relaxing pools and hot tubs and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade for game time.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

It Costs Bucks For Burgers: Johnny Rockets is a 1950s-themed burger joint popular with families — but unlike the Boardwalk Dog House, it's considered specialty dining, and you'll pay a small per-person cover charge.