“Moments on Mariner” – Mariner of the Seas– August 13-17, 2018

[KathyC]

You got the cot!! 

[WAAAYTOOO]

Grand Marnier soufflé !  Yum.  My fave dessert. 

If a server asked for a good rating, I think you have to “report” that.

[KLA]

Just now, WAAAYTOOO said:

Grand Marnier soufflé !  Yum. 

Agree - that soufflé is amazing. 

[kpersons09]

Thank the hubby for the sports deck tour. The sky pad requirements are a good thing to note and the safe archery looks fun too. I hadn't heard about either of those things yet in all my mariner trolling.

[Lovetocruise2002]

Just now, kpersons09 said:

Thank the hubby for the sports deck tour. The sky pad requirements are a good thing to note and the safe archery looks fun too. I hadn't heard about either of those things yet in all my mariner trolling.

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

[Lovetocruise2002]

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. 

[Traveler]

6 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

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?

I am asking myself the same every time since whenever we are in the MDR someone will ask to at least fill the survey and many time will give a clear hint if we enjoyed the service to give good rate.

I guess they have allot of pressure on them to show good score in the surveys, maybe they have some reward system.

Until now , if we got good service I put it on the service and usually I will skip the problematic question ...  

Also I  try do separate the food quality from the service. next cruise (in about 10  days yeaahhhha)  I will try to find out what is all about, will try to locate someone from my spouse original country and ask , its always easier to ask the sensitive questions using other language than English to avoid any troubles.

 

Anyway , love the blog and the picture , enjoy the rest of the cruise 

[monctonguy]

Couple things I have observed about Marnier .....

 

-it seems a lot more contemporary/casual.....the chairs table in Windjammer as well as even out at the pool bar.

-no stools/seats at the pool bar..but a table and chairs there...seems weird and would be congested when crowded at the bar?

Couple questions......how/where/what is the nightclub on Marnier?

Are the smoking areas the same as on other Voyager class ships?

 

Thanks...loving the pics and the blog!

[Matt]

12 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Vegetable Casserole: this was probably my favourite dish tonight

This is a favorite of mine too!

[Lovetocruise2002]

1 hour ago, monctonguy said:

Couple things I have observed about Marnier .....

-it seems a lot more contemporary/casual.....the chairs table in Windjammer as well as even out at the pool bar.

-no stools/seats at the pool bar..but a table and chairs there...seems weird and would be congested when crowded at the bar?

Couple questions......how/where/what is the nightclub on Marnier?

Are the smoking areas the same as on other Voyager class ships?

Thanks...loving the pics and the blog!

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. 

 

[Lovetocruise2002]

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.

[Rose City Cruiser]

Be early for the pig roast!

[Sarah]

From memory there is a question on the post-cruise survey about whether you have been asked by your wait-staff to score them highly / give them a specific rating.

Thankfully on my recent cruise I could honestly answer no, although I did hear the waiter speaking to the couple on the next table about the ratings and encouraging them to give positive scores

[tdiedrich]

Just now, Sarah said:

From memory there is a question on the post-cruise survey about whether you have been asked by your wait-staff to score them highly / give them a specific rating.

Thankfully on my recent cruise I could honestly answer no, although I did hear the waiter speaking to the couple on the next table about the ratings and encouraging them to give positive scores

Whenever I am in the MDR, normally they mention on the 2nd and last night of the cruise about the survey and always ask for positive scores if we deem it appropriate, kind of annoying sometimes, but I have come to expect it.

[bellemiche]

Now that you mention it, I remember in the Windjammer on the Oasis someone asking for feedback and wanted to write down our stateroom #!  Never had that before!

[RRoman7]

If you happen to go to the Solarium, I would greatly appreciate any pics you have time to take and post.  My husband and I plan to spend a lot of time up there while the rest of our family (18 of us) run around.  We just want to relax!  

[Lovetocruise2002]

6 minutes ago, RRoman7 said:

If you happen to go to the Solarium, I would greatly appreciate any pics you have time to take and post.  My husband and I plan to spend a lot of time up there while the rest of our family (18 of us) run around.  We just want to relax!  

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

[Lovetocruise2002]

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

[Lovetocruise2002]

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

[twangster]

I see Mariner is now supported in the new Royal app.  Have you been using it on board?

[Lovetocruise2002]

21 minutes ago, twangster said:

I see Mariner is now supported in the new Royal app.  Have you been using it on board?

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

[Sweety]

The way you were standing in the water remind me of the way I think about the new school year. Sorry sometimes I am in my own planet.

[Lovetocruise2002]

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. 

[Lovetocruise2002]

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

[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

[Lovetocruise2002]

Deck 4 areas: 

Boleros & Menu:

Izumi:

5 Hibachi tables here. 2 more than OA class.

Deck 4 scope:

https://www.pscp.tv/w/bkTa2zF4TlFhYVJPT2V3UWJ8MUJkeFlvdldQTGdHWFEcO0ZYsosVZ7GQuXpYy9CuGt1rhJE5dAsJyed-RwQX

[monctonguy]

Loving the pics.......surprised you mentioned about the Bamboo room being empty as it seems on other review si have read it was a place to hang out....but it can vary from cruise to cruise I guess.

 

Playmakers looks nice.....wonder how busy that gets at night as a late night option......

 

Solarium has defn been spruced up nicely I agree....never spend any time in there on past cruises but I might check it out a little more often with al the upgrades done to the beds and chairs

 

 

[mworkman]

@Lovetocruise2002 Great Blog and Periscope...keep it coming!  Your doing b2b right! YOLO 

[Boston Babe]

She sure looks like an awesome ship! So pretty and casual tropical feel to it!

[RRoman7]

Thank you so much for the Solarium pictures as well as the drink menus from the different bars.  Nice to see what wines are available especially since I have the beverage package.

[Matt]

Fantastic photos, Sabrina!  Also, you and I order almost the exact same things in MDR.

[Lovetocruise2002]

On 8/16/2018 at 8:34 AM, monctonguy said:

Loving the pics.......surprised you mentioned about the Bamboo room being empty as it seems on other review si have read it was a place to hang out....but it can vary from cruise to cruise I guess.

 

Playmakers looks nice.....wonder how busy that gets at night as a late night option......

 

Solarium has defn been spruced up nicely I agree....never spend any time in there on past cruises but I might check it out a little more often with al the upgrades done to the beds and chairs

I too was surprised by the low crowds in Playmakers and Bamboo Room last night. However, it was only around 9:45pm when I went by so maybe the crowds are later? Both venues open till midnight. 

What I wonder is if the late night WJ offerings have anything to do with the low crowds at other venues?  We went by the WJ last night around 11pm and it was packed! You couldn't even get a seat!  So maybe people figure that included food is better than food that costs extra?? Or maybe it is dependant on the sailing as I know which review you are referring to

On 8/16/2018 at 8:55 AM, mworkman said:

@Lovetocruise2002 Great Blog and Periscope...keep it coming!  Your doing b2b right! YOLO 

Thank you! Trying to make it up to you for being a traitor

On 8/16/2018 at 8:58 AM, Boston Babe said:

She sure looks like an awesome ship! So pretty and casual tropical feel to it!

Very much so. They have done a great job!

On 8/16/2018 at 9:04 AM, RRoman7 said:

Thank you so much for the Solarium pictures as well as the drink menus from the different bars.  Nice to see what wines are available especially since I have the beverage package.

I'll try to include a wine list from the MDR tonight too. I don't have drink package this cruise and I'm with my kids, so I have not paid much attention to the beverage offerings. 

[KLA]

I'm loving all of your pictures!!!!! 49 days to Mariner and I cannot wait! Thank you so much for sharing your adventure! 

[RRoman7]

16 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

I too was surprised by the low crowds in Playmakers and Bamboo Room last night. However, it was only around 9:45pm when I went by so maybe the crowds are later? Both venues open till midnight. 

What I wonder is if the late night WJ offerings have anything to do with the low crowds at other venues?  We went by the WJ last night around 11pm and it was packed! You couldn't even get a seat!  So maybe people figure that included food is better than food that costs extra?? Or maybe it is dependant on the sailing as I know which review you are referring to

Thank you! Trying to make it up to you for being a traitor

Very much so. They have done a great job!

I'll try to include a wine list from the MDR tonight too. I have drink package this cruise and I'm with my kids, so I have not paid much attention to the beverage offerings. 

Thank you - that would be wonderful!  Just trying to figure out which red wines I'll have access to within the drink package or with paying a few extra $$$!  

[Lovetocruise2002]

Day 4 Sea Day and last day

We are sailing ever so slowly back to Miami today. The ship is moving along at about 5 knots. That pretty much describes our morning too today. D10 is still in bed. This is my view as I write this:

We have no set plans today other than rock climbing for D10. Billy Pando is playing again tonight in the Schooner Bar so hopefully we will be able to catch a bit more of him than Tuesday night.  Last night we finally got around to checking out the WJ late night snacks. They open at 10:30pm every night and we wandered in around 11pm. Only a portion of the WJ was opened (that was expected) but it was crowded that there was no where to sit! That was unexpected. We did not stay to eat but I tried to grab a few pics. They are not great ones (it was crowded and the food was picked through), but it gives you an idea of what is offered. It was typical late night snacks. Nothing out of the ordinary. Burgers, tacos, hot dogs, fried chicken, and some desserts. 

Hubby and I were talking last night about whether or not the late night snacks take away from business at Playmakers and Bamboo Room. Also, they have put Jamie's and Chops right next to the WJ, and I wonder if that also takes business away from those restaurants. It could be the sailing but those restaurants have not looked busy at all the times that we have walked by. In addition, there have been more people walking around trying to drum up sales for specialty restaurants here than on any other cruise. We have been offered a discount of 20-30% off every day so far!  

[tdiedrich]

6 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Day 4 Sea Day and last day

We are sailing ever so slowly back to Miami today. The ship is moving along at about 5 knots. That pretty much describes our morning too today. D10 is still in bed. This is my view as I write this:

We have no set plans today other than rock climbing for D10. Billy Pando is playing again tonight in the Schooner Bar so hopefully we will be able to catch a bit more of him than Tuesday night.  Last night we finally got around to checking out the WJ late night snacks. They open at 10:30pm every night and we wandered in around 11pm. Only a portion of the WJ was opened (that was expected) but it was crowded that there was no where to sit! That was unexpected. We did not stay to eat but I tried to grab a few pics. They are not great ones (it was crowded and the food was picked through), but it gives you an idea of what is offered. It was typical late night snacks. Nothing out of the ordinary. Burgers, tacos, hot dogs, fried chicken, and some desserts. 

Hubby and I were talking last night about whether or not the late night snacks take away from business at Playmakers and Bamboo Room. Also, they have put Jamie's and Chops right next to the WJ, and I wonder if that also takes business away from those restaurants. It could be the sailing but those restaurants have not looked busy at all the times that we have walked by. In addition, there have been more people walking around trying to drum up sales for specialty restaurants here than on any other cruise. We have been offered a discount of 20-30% off every day so far!  

My granola bar isn't holding up to these photos this morning.....

Thanks for all the updates! Looks like you and the family are having a great time!

[Lovetocruise2002]

Just now, vancouverdude said:

My granola bar isn't holding up to these photos this morning.....

Thanks for all the updates! Looks like you and the family are having a great time!

If it's any comfort...we only eat like this when we cruise. Will be back to our normal breakfast of yogurt really soon....

[Matt]

17 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Also, they have put Jamie's and Chops right next to the WJ, and I wonder if that also takes business away from those restaurants.

Most Voyager and Freedom class ships have specialty restaurants on either side of the WJ, so it's not a new thing.  I feel like most people that eat at a specialty restaurant don't decide just by walking by on a whim.  But that's just a guess.

[Lovetocruise2002]

8 minutes ago, Matt said:

Most Voyager and Freedom class ships have specialty restaurants on either side of the WJ, so it's not a new thing.  I feel like most people that eat at a specialty restaurant don't decide just by walking by on a whim.  But that's just a guess.

Yea...I mentioned that to Hubby in passing last night (about the location of them). I'm only making speculations too but I do know that there is a lot of soliciting this sailing. I don't mind that. It leads to fun conversations with crew members. But some people might.

[cruiselife]

Have you noticed if the pub has been any less crowded than on other ships with Playmakers being right there? I thought it seemed odd to have both venues because they seem so similar and I would assume attract similar clientele.