monctonguy Posted October 31, 2017 Report Share Posted October 31, 2017 I had seen an article yesterday about Marnier stating she would receive over $100 million in refurbishments and upgrades. The most expensive that Royal has ever spent doing this getting her ready for heading to Miami in 2018 for 3/4 day cruises. Anyone else see/read/hear this as I can t seem to find this article anywhere now. Also wondering which ship will be bumped out now of the 3/4 day Bahamas short cruises as a result. Seems like a large ship for these types of cruises? Thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RBRSKI Posted October 31, 2017 Report Share Posted October 31, 2017 The only thing that I had posted a couple months ago was on the RCCL web page under the Mariner, it shows a flow rider in a video clip. The ship deck plans does not show it yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monctonguy Posted October 31, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 31, 2017 I see someone else started a new thread just shortly after I had posted this one with some more info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted October 31, 2017 Report Share Posted October 31, 2017 The dry dock was announced earlier this year: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2017/04/28/5-interesting-facts-royal-caribbeans-first-quarter-earnings-call Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monctonguy Posted January 29, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 Any updates on this? Seems weird we haven't heard anything at all yet? With $100 million being spent, it has to be some major changes/work? I am looking at booking her in Oct....its a good deal and some friends want to join. Curious as to when and what the refurbishments will be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PRC Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 They are still keeping it quiet. I'll be onboard early July to check out both the ship updates and the new pier at Cococay! twangster 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DunkelBierJay Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 I was just looking for Mariner's repositioning cruise from Europe to the US, and nothing is there yet either... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monctonguy Posted January 29, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 Its like its a big secret or mystery...I mean if its going in March..that's about 30 days away and nothing announced yet?...it would have to start its trip halfway around the world soon to get here wouldn't it too? As for the work being done..on Royal's page it hints about some "water" stuff being added(thinking maybe some slides?) and sounds like they are going to try and make it a little more lively and party like atmosphere out of Miami......but that was what the said about Empress and I am not sure how true that is. Nevertheless, its weird how they announced a whole bunch of stuff that Indy is getting done, but yet this is the biggest ever and nothing..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 The last cruise I can find lands in Barcelona in April IIRC. Then at the end of June she starts the 3/4 night cycle out of FL. The work might be performed in Europe. An Azamara ship is being refurbed in Belfast this summer as an example. Lots of shipyards compete for this type of work around the world. I'm guessing there is some uncertainty about when the work will complete so maybe they are hesitant to offer a transatlantic only to have to cancel it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LetsTryThisPlace Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 I have also heard of some cases that during the transatlantic trip ships have started the reno. Ripping everything apart and prepping for the new stuff to help shorten the dry dock time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jticarruthers Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 Holding a reservation on Mariner for next summer ... depends a lot on what she gets done whether I hold it or cancel it though. Finally found a Harmony sailing that I was willing to pay for so I might cancel Mariner and keep Harmony. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 On another site it was stated the "modernization" (not refurbishment) will take place in Cadiz, Spain. ON CC I found reference to a May transatlantic cruise that was cancelled and a claim that staff on board reported no passengers will be on board for the new Spain to FL reposition cruise. Speculation is that work will continue during the TA so no guests. On the most recent investors call they offered fleet wide modernizations in 2018-19. Project excalibur is supposed to bring new tech eventually to the whole fleet. Wonder if that will be done now during the TA since it likely wasn't part of the original project plan for the dry dock. LetsTryThisPlace 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LetsTryThisPlace Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 7 minutes ago, twangster said: Wonder if that will be done now during he TA since it likely wasn't part of the original project plan for the dry dock. Could also be a testing phase. Don't want to launch the ship with a bunch of buggy things that would lead to a bunch of bad reviews. RestingBird 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 2 minutes ago, LetsTryThisTech said: Could also be a testing phase. Don't want to launch the ship with a bunch of buggy things that would lead to a bunch of bad reviews. Symphony launches in March and should have all the tech in place. By May they may even have some of it working on Symphony. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monctonguy Posted January 29, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 Well there has to be a lot going on..if this is the biggest one ever....wish there was more concrete info out about it...I am surprised they haven't released more to try and drum up excitement and bookings etc for this seeing as its such a big thing...or so they make it seem like. LetsTryThisPlace and RestingBird 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 1 minute ago, monctonguy said: Well there has to be a lot going on..if this is the biggest one ever....wish there was more concrete info out about it...I am surprised they haven't released more to try and drum up excitement and bookings etc for this seeing as its such a big thing...or so they make it seem like. Agreed. It's like they are trying to be Apple with all speculation but no details until the big reveal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monctonguy Posted January 29, 2018 Author Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 9 minutes ago, twangster said: Agreed. It's like they are trying to be Apple with all speculation but no details until the big reveal. And I hate apple...for that reason among many others....lol. So I hope Royal isn't going down that road.....just give us a little something to talk about and get excited about! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LetsTryThisPlace Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 1 minute ago, monctonguy said: And I hate apple...for that reason among many others....lol. So I hope Royal isn't going down that road.....just give us a little something to talk about and get excited about! They are also notorious for overhyping it. I hope the same isn't true here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted January 29, 2018 Report Share Posted January 29, 2018 It seems counter-productive to cruising. Buying a smartphone on a whim is one thing. Buying a cruise vacation is very different. Who is going to book in the prime June-July-August summer vacation peak without knowing anything? Safer to book another ship. Granted the 3/4 night FL market is a different target audience so maybe those are mostly booked on a whim, last minute. LetsTryThisPlace 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catinthehat300 Posted January 31, 2018 Report Share Posted January 31, 2018 These updates would be awesome. Just booked my Late October cruise. Excited for the updates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LetsTryThisPlace Posted January 31, 2018 Report Share Posted January 31, 2018 Ya, it was a nice ship when I went on it when it was the best class around. Would like to see how it comes out and maybe get to book another on her ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monctonguy Posted February 1, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2018 14 hours ago, catinthehat300 said: These updates would be awesome. Just booked my Late October cruise. Excited for the updates. Same here...Oct 22....long ways away and don't want to rush summer away when it gets here but defn excited to hear what the updates are...should be hearing them soon I would imagine. catinthehat300 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 1, 2018 Report Share Posted February 1, 2018 Very soon. NOW! LOL https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2018/02/01/royal-caribbean-announces-new-features-coming-mariner-of-the-seas LetsTryThisPlace, Matt and JLMoran 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LetsTryThisPlace Posted February 1, 2018 Report Share Posted February 1, 2018 It looks like a lot of stuff for a short trip cruise. How would you have time for everything? :o The bungy thing is pretty cool and laser tag might be fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 1, 2018 Report Share Posted February 1, 2018 9 minutes ago, LetsTryThisTech said: It looks like a lot of stuff for a short trip cruise. How would you have time for everything? :o The bungy thing is pretty cool and laser tag might be fun. I think it's a great strategy. A lot of cruise lines put their old, small ships on the 3/4 night itineraries and leave the newer, nicer ships for longer cruises. The problem is that a lot of first timers are attracted to short cruises to test it and see if they like it with minimal investment in case they don't. The result is a lot of potential repeat business is lost because the first experience isn't the same as it is on bigger, newer ships doing longer cruises. This is a game changer. Too much to do on a 3/4 night cruise is actually a good thing. It will leave a great impression and leave guests with "I didn't have time for everything, I better go again". If a first time cruiser then jumps over to another line's tired old ship for another 3/4 night cruise they will be struck at the differences and inferior experience. It has the potential to create brand loyalty. "I loved my Mariner cruise so much, I'm sticking with Royal" and "I loved this cruise but it was too short, let's do a longer one". Pretty smart actually and Navigator is joining the 3/4 night FL cruise market in 2019. A giant ship by the short cruise perspective. MrsPhoenix91 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted February 1, 2018 Report Share Posted February 1, 2018 23 minutes ago, LetsTryThisTech said: How would you have time for everything? Back to back! Now might be a good time to shamelessly plug our Mariner of the Seas group cruise! https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/event/royalcaribbeanblogcom-double-dip-cococay betatke1480 and bobroo 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LetsTryThisPlace Posted February 1, 2018 Report Share Posted February 1, 2018 1 minute ago, Matt said: Back to back! Now might be a good time to shamelessly plug our Mariner of the Seas group cruise! https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/event/royalcaribbeanblogcom-double-dip-cococay If only I could convince my wife to 2 next year (I guess technically 3) fairly close to each other too. Mariner was my first ship ever and that was when she was fairly new and I'm excited about these changes just not sure when I can get on her again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLMoran Posted February 1, 2018 Report Share Posted February 1, 2018 This sort of strikes me as being in the same vein as Carnival’s “Fun Ship 2.0” effort. Those are some serious upgrades for a Voyager class ship, even more than what Adventure got. Some of it (the bungee launcher and laser tag) is stuff I couldn’t consider as a guy with mobility limits. But things like the Players Sports Bar that will match what’s coming to Symphony of the Seas is a great idea; match what’s on the biggest and newest in a scaled-down manner, and draw the folks in from the 3-4 nighter to a full week with similar or same experience. LetsTryThisPlace 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monctonguy Posted February 1, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2018 This looks great!..Water slides will be fun and the sports bar will be a hit for sure...now I am doubly excited for my cruise on her in October! LetsTryThisPlace, WAAAYTOOO and Boston Babe 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted February 1, 2018 Report Share Posted February 1, 2018 For those keeping score at home, the Mariner refurb is now only $90 million (down from $100 million figure quoted last year by Michael Bayley). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 1, 2018 Report Share Posted February 1, 2018 27 minutes ago, Matt said: For those keeping score at home, the Mariner refurb is now only $90 million (down from $100 million figure quoted last year by Michael Bayley). Great! I'll keep an eye out for 10% price drops soon! monctonguy, LetsTryThisPlace, Matt and 1 other 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jticarruthers Posted February 1, 2018 Report Share Posted February 1, 2018 Looks like I will be keeping this one for next year :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 2, 2018 Report Share Posted February 2, 2018 I noticed that Baylee was quoted as saying that Skypad will be free unless demand is too high, then they'll charge to control crowds. That's an interesting quote. North Star and iFly are in high demand but they use reservations to manage crowds, much like entertainment on Quantum and Oasis class. If Skypad is going to become paid based on demand, that doesn't bode well for many free activities. LetsTryThisPlace 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RestingBird Posted February 2, 2018 Report Share Posted February 2, 2018 Really looking forward to trying Mariner now! Will be talking it over with my wife this weekend ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monctonguy Posted February 2, 2018 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2018 8 hours ago, twangster said: I noticed that Baylee was quoted as saying that Skypad will be free unless demand is too high, then they'll charge to control crowds. That's an interesting quote. North Star and iFly are in high demand but they use reservations to manage crowds, much like entertainment on Quantum and Oasis class. If Skypad is going to become paid based on demand, that doesn't bode well for many free activities. I really hope they don't start charging for it...or it will be just one less thing for me to do on my cruise. They can figure out a better way to "crowd control" then to start charging people...that's the easy and lazy way out....come on now. RestingBird 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 2, 2018 Report Share Posted February 2, 2018 Here is the quote: https://www.ttgmedia.com/news/royal-caribbean-announces-new-skypad-for-independence--13102 “We’re very excited about Skypad,” Bayley said. “It’s pretty amazing, we’re combining trampolines and virtual reality experience”. The Skypad, which will be located on the ship’s top deck, will comprise four trampolines, with customers fitted with VR headsets and placed in a bungee harness, Bayley explained. The VR headsets will then “transport them to another time and planet to bounce over moon craters or compete in intergalactic games", Royal Caribbean said. Bayley added that there would be no charge for the experience, but admitted this may change depending on demand. “There’s no cost attached to it currently but we’ll have to manage demand. If it gets crazily popular then we will have to charge,” he said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FLGooner Posted February 2, 2018 Report Share Posted February 2, 2018 Mariner was the first RCL ship we ever cruised on so think a reunion with her is in order, looks good. LetsTryThisPlace 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jticarruthers Posted February 2, 2018 Report Share Posted February 2, 2018 57 minutes ago, twangster said: Here is the quote: https://www.ttgmedia.com/news/royal-caribbean-announces-new-skypad-for-independence--13102 “We’re very excited about Skypad,” Bayley said. “It’s pretty amazing, we’re combining trampolines and virtual reality experience”. The Skypad, which will be located on the ship’s top deck, will comprise four trampolines, with customers fitted with VR headsets and placed in a bungee harness, Bayley explained. The VR headsets will then “transport them to another time and planet to bounce over moon craters or compete in intergalactic games", Royal Caribbean said. Bayley added that there would be no charge for the experience, but admitted this may change depending on demand. “There’s no cost attached to it currently but we’ll have to manage demand. If it gets crazily popular then we will have to charge,” he said. What he really means is ... but if people like it enough to stand in line for it, of course we will start charging fees for it. WAAAYTOOO 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LetsTryThisPlace Posted February 2, 2018 Report Share Posted February 2, 2018 6 minutes ago, jticarruthers said: What he really means is ... but if people like it enough to stand in line for it, of course we will start charging fees for it. Ya, I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to test the waters in the summer when it is full of kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 2, 2018 Report Share Posted February 2, 2018 14 minutes ago, jticarruthers said: What he really means is ... but if people like it enough to stand in line for it, of course we will start charging fees for it. That is exactly my fear. RC shouldn't be adding anything that might not be popular. If something new isn't going to be popular, why waste ship real estate on it? North Star and iFly on Quantum class are perfect examples. Crazy popular. So popular it's hard to get reservation before cruising, they go in a flash. No charge for them. Are they going to start charging for them now? Bumper cars. Zip line. Flowriders. All have lines when they are open. Time to start charging for them? Broadway shows. Ice shows. Comedy Club. Time to start charging I guess, they are popular too, except Cats - that can remain free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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