Mariner of the Seas has officially re-entered service after undergoing routine dry dock maintenance in The Bahamas.
The Voyager Class ship last went to dry dock in 2023, where the work focused on minor cosmetic refreshes and standard upkeep. Subtle improvements included repainting the water slides, resurfacing the pool decks, and installing a new FlowRider water pump.
This time, the ship's dry dock also seemed to err on the side of general maintenance, rather than major upgrades. Mariner of the Seas underwent a $120 million Royal Amplification in 2018, adding new thrills, restaurants, staterooms, and entertainment to the aging vessel.
(Credit: Joshua Pettit & Alan Flynn / Facebook)
As a result, this latest dry dock focused on preserving the amenities already onboard, while also introducing a handful of small enhancements.
What's new aboard the Mariner of the Seas cruise ship
(Credit: Alan Flynn / Facebook)
Passengers currently sailing aboard Mariner of the Seas have shared photos and updates of the ship’s refreshed areas.
For starters, Mariner received a few brand-new colorful casitas on the pool deck. These rentable spaces offer cruisers private shaded spots in the middle of the action, rather than having to fight the chair hogs for prime loungers.
According to the Royal Caribbean app, the onboard price for a port day casita starts at $150, while the sea day price jumps to $400. You can save money by reserving the casita in advance through the mobile app or Cruise Planner website.
(Credit: Alan Flynn / Facebook)
Another change made during Mariner of the Seas' refurbishment was the addition of RFID Wow Bands. These wristbands allow passengers to easily access their staterooms with a single tap. They can also be used to make onboard purchases, such as cruise drinks or merchandise, without needing to carry around a physical SeaPass card.
"So glad they finally have wow bands!!! They are so convenient for kids, we got them on harmony and they are a game changer. Im glad I kept them so we can re use them!" rejoiced one happy cruiser in a dedicated Mariner of the Seas Facebook group.
Wow Bands aren't included in Royal Caribbean's cruise fare and can be purchased for $9.99. They can also be reused on future sailings. However, you'll need to carry your SeaPass when disembarking in ports of call.
(Credit: Pamela Thrun Kinsell / Facebook)
Moving on, one passenger, Noah Kingston, explained they ran into the Cruise Director in the Royal Promenade and asked what he thought was the ship's biggest change. His response was the sound system.
Kingston added that he also observed a motion-activated nightlight in the closet, along with a new thermostat — though another passenger commented that their stateroom's thermostat didn’t seem to be new.
"Most areas I’ve seen so far look clean, freshly painted, and well maintained. Overall, nothing revolutionary so far, but a lot of small, noticeable improvements that make the ship feel refreshed," he concluded.
When was Mariner of the Seas refurbished?
Mariner of the Seas spent a few weeks tied up in The Bahamas during her recent dry dock. She was out of service from mid-February to March 16, 2026, while work was carried out at Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport.
Her first sailing back in service departed on March 17, 2026, from Galveston, Texas. She'll remain in Texas through October, when she'll reposition to New Orleans for a brief stint before moving to Europe in April 2027.
How old is Mariner of the Seas?
The Mariner of the Seas cruise ship is 22 years old, having set sail on her maiden voyage on November 16, 2003. She measures 139,863 gross tons and 1,020 feet long. Mariner can accommodate 3,344 guests at double occupancy, along with 1,200 international crew members.
Although she isn't the newest ship in the fleet, she offers solid value for cruisers. Onboard, guests will find a wide range of onboard amenities — typically for lower fares than newer vessels.
During the ship's Royal Amplification, several new attractions and venues were added, including The Perfect Storm water slides, Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z, an escape room, The Bamboo Room tiki bar, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Jamie’s Italian, and Izumi Hibachi and Sushi.
As such, there's a slew of amenities and dining options on the vessel, enough to cater to all kinds of travelers, ranging from families to couples and even solo cruisers. This makes Mariner of the Seas a good cruise ship for those who prioritize variety and affordability.
