Lovetocruise2002

Deck 5 Promenade photos: Today Hubby and D10 stayed at Coco Cay until 4:30pm (I thought I was going to have to do a tender boat runner scope featuring Hubby and D10) and D12 and I returned early. I noticed that the public areas were still quite empty so I took the opportunity to take some photos and do a few scopes. Be forewarned...I was totally on my own for these photos with my iPhone so it's not going to be pretty ? Entrance to MDR from Deck 5: Bamboo Room & Menu: Side note: We walked into Bamboo Room around 9:45pm tonight and it was completely empty. Not sure if that's a one time thing, or if it has been quiet all along. On another side note: I mentioned in a scope earlier that the Pub has been quiet so far but tonight is was packed! Deck 5 scope: https://www.pscp.tv/w/bkTYgzF4TlFhYVJPT2V3UWJ8MU9kSnJweW9ia1FLWD9xdCV0FuIa3PkAdZrH0d6THp4C1s8aSQFU1VbVhNMm

Solarium Photos: RC did an awesome job with this area. Loungers have been replaced and they have added in sun beds and other areas to lay around in. It has a very modern Miami type feel to it. I tried to capture what I could. Look for better pics to do this area more justice by @twangster in a few weeks ?. It really is a beautiful area. Solarium scope for those not on Periscope: https://www.pscp.tv/w/bkTGiDF4TlFhYVJPT2V3UWJ8MU1ZeE5xQVhEQnZKd2L3HVhFS_TfNLsCp9ejeQ6_QFliG6jbiulMOMpCMA0N

Dinner Night 3: Eggplant Tartare: Beef Stroganoff: Lasagna: Jerk Chicken: Chocolate Soufflé: Kid's Brownie: It was "Wear Your Best"' tonight. Attire ranged from T-shirts and shorts to suits for men and just about everything for ladies except swimwear. So really, it's totally up to you on this one.

What?! I didn't even know. Last day is tommrrow. I'll let you play with it in a few weeks ?

@Boston Babe get it. That price is good.

Pondering life in Coco Cay and whether or not I really need to go back to work....but I do...I need to work to cruise ?

Great day in Coco Cay today. It paid off for us to leave later. It started pouring rain around 10:30am and by the time we were ready to leave at 11am, the rain had stopped. Most of the time we spent walking around and laying in the sun. There were plenty of beach chairs available even though we got there late. The lunch was your typical BBQ offerings, burgers, hot dogs, chicken, ribs. It was from 11:30-1:30pm. Construction was clearly visible but did not interfere with our day at all. Here are some construction photos. It's going to be a photo dump because I have no clue which ones are good and which ones are not ?

Sure thing. We already took some this morning. Just trying to filter through before posting ?

Day 3: Coco Cay Good morning all! Sitting here on my balcony looking out at Coco Cay. It is 9:50am and my kids are still half in bed. I did a scope earlier if you want to see what the island looks like. Photos to come later after Hubby gets out of bed. The plan for today is not a whole lot. We are not really beach people so we'll head over to the island and walk around. Hubby's one request is that we check out the BBQ lunch there. ?

It is way more contemporary and modern looking. I think that is one of the reasons why I like the ship so much. It's a superficial reason, but that is why I prefer new ships over the older, smaller ones. Personally, decor does matter. They have done a superb job revamping the decor here on Mariner. The only surprise was the lack of revitalization to the staterooms. I did not even realize the lack of seating at the pool bar until you brought it up. There is a bit of congestion (that I have seen) but nothing complain worthy. Overall this ship does not seem crowded. The Sky bar is right above the pool bar, so perhaps that disperses the crowd a bit too? They use Studio B for nightlife after midnight. It's called RED-The Ultimate Nightclub Experience. There is smoking on Deck 11 port side by the pools. I don't know where it is on other Voyager class ships as it has been a while since I've sailed one.

Another random stray thought before I head to bed...prior to sailing we checked out the cruise compasses and made note of the showtimes. I noticed that the times varied each week for the main activities like shows, skating sessions, the Quest, etc. Sure enough our times have not matched up exactly with past Comapsses in recent weeks either. Keep this in mind when planning your dinner schedules and be flexible that you might need to move a few things around.

We were surprised too when we stumbled across the archery thing. We never knew that RC had that on any of their ships.

Periscope comes out grainy though...

Tonight's show was called "Gallery of Dreams" and Hubby and I were reminded why we like Royal so much. Those of you who were following on Periscope a few weeks ago know that we sailed the MSC Seaside and did not care too much for their entertainment. Tonight's show on Mariner was not the broadway type shows that you would find on Oasis or Quantum class ships, yet it did not disappoint. Vocals were strong, it was much more theatrical, the live orchestra was there, the set changes, just overall a better experience. Hubby says, "The analogy would be if you were watching a TV that you thought was pretty good and then you put it up against a better TV and you're like...WHOA." His words, not mine ? Anyway, here are two clips for those of you not on Periscope. And @Kim&N8 I saw your question, but could not answer. It was called "Gallery of Dreams". https://www.pscp.tv/w/bkOAvTF4TlFhYVJPT2V3UWJ8MXlOeGFYcWVST1hKau1VOeGCdBJSCCDfWYS97LvLnz0QTu2GZhgo-eBuWPpV https://www.pscp.tv/w/bkOA5zF4TlFhYVJPT2V3UWJ8MU9kSnJweWJBdnpLWCaQMzDIZqtyqrzJdfLGuFLg8TU-xC5ED2QX_i-zNuIJ

Well actually what I am unsure of is whether or not to mention that they asked for a good rating. Isn't there a question about that?

Random stray thoughts as I am waiting for Gallery of Dreams to start.... - The elevators are slow on this ship. - While sold out, the ship has not seemed full most of the time. I am not sure where all the people have dispersed to? @bellemiche even gave me a heads up that the Diamond lounge has been quite empty, although I cannot verify that. I am still lowly Emerald for this sailing. With 9 minutes left till showtime, the theatre is less than 1/2 full. - In speaking with crew, they have maintained about 40% of their crew from Asia. Most of the seem quite happy and relaxed. - Life jackets are readily available for kids at the pools. Pools are saltwater and there is no shallow end (if you are a child). - Tons of people are sneezing without covering up properly ?? I think that's all for now ?

Dinner Night 2: I have to be honest...dinner was a little less than ok tonight. Food is subjective, and my opinions are my own, but both Hubby and I thought that there was nothing that stood out tonight in quality or flavour. Tonight I missed CK a lot. Service however was 10+! We sat with the same waiter again, Jonathan, who went above and beyond expectations. D10 was in a bit of a mood by dinner (bday excitement all day and mood crashing right in time for dinner) and he went out of his way to make her smile. Iceberg Wedge: Duck À L'Orange: the quality of meat was not great with this one. Vegetable Casserole: this was probably my favourite dish tonight. Beef Tenderloin: Grand Marnier Soufflé: Apple Pie: Royal Cheesecake: I am still confused as to which we should check off on the post cruise survey that the server asked for good ratings. Our server has mentioned several times that if we are happy to make sure we give a good rating. We would regardless as he has been wonderful and it is well deserved but I also don't want to get him in trouble by what I answer. Thoughts anyone?

She was pretty excited all day! The sang for her at breakfast and dinner ?

We were in Nassau. Until midnight tonight. The pools filled up in the afternoon but it was super quiet in the morning when we took the pics.

All Hubby. Cannot take credit, except that dog house one ?

That I don't know. I will pass that question to @Matt since I have never sailed Mariner until now.

Eat (not always WJ) but definitely eat!

Deck 12 Sports Activities: ? All hubby Sky Pad: Requirements for Sky Pad. So many people were surprised by the shirt and dry requirements ??

Dog House on Deck 11:

Lazy day around the pool day. Overall it was a great day to check out the various activities on deck. Minimal to no lines everywhere. Pool photos: ? All hubby