twangster Posted September 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2018 Time to move indoors. Main Dining Room Seeing how this is a sea day, all the shops were open. The main logo shop has also received an update and is very modern and fresh compared to this shop on other ships. Down to deck 4. (Saving The Bamboo Room and Playmakers for later). The elevators retain the day of the week signs on the floor. Boleros Cigars for sale in the corner of Boleros in a humidor. Starbucks is opposite of Boleros but I'm going to give it a post of it's own. Through the casino to the Schooner Bar. Some of the selections available at the Schooner Bar cruiselife, JLMoran and Lovetocruise2002 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted September 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2018 Starbucks This Starbucks is most like a regular Starbucks you might find within a store or mall on land as any I've seen on a ship. A common question and source of confusion relates to the Starbucks app, Rewards and purchases at Starbucks on the ships that have them. This varies by ship, so this applies to Mariner only. You can use the app or rewards to accumulate stars but if you are going to walk away with something in your hand, it is being charged to your SeaPass card - period. You can't redeem rewards, use a gift card or the balance in the app for on-board purchases. SeaPass card only. Lovetocruise2002, JLMoran and cruiselife 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted September 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2018 Izumi Across from the Schooner Bar on deck4. This is a specialty restaurant that carries an additional charge. Lovetocruise2002, cruiselife and JLMoran 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLMoran Posted September 27, 2018 Report Share Posted September 27, 2018 49 minutes ago, twangster said: This varies by ship, so this applies to Mariner only. You can use the app or rewards to accumulate stars but if you are going to walk away with something in your hand, it is being charged to your SeaPass card - period. You can't redeem rewards, use a gift card or the balance in the app for on-board purchases. SeaPass card only. Huh, color me surprised! I think this is the first case I've seen where even if you use the SBUX app, you still have to pay on your SeaPass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted September 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2018 Playmakers The new sports bar on Mariner of the Seas is a great place to catch a game or just hang out. The bar participates in Diamond Happy Hour for those who are Diamond or higher in the Crown and Anchor Society. Menu: Pigskin sliders (in the name of research): The bar staff in Playmakers are great and super friendly. I decided to enjoy diamond happy hour here and I always tip cash for these 'free' drinks. After using my three free drinks, magically another appeared before my eyes! Playmakers is a great new addition to Mariner and I am looking forward to experiencing Playmakers on Symphony. The only thing that they need to think about is the live music in the Promenade. The bands who perform in the Promenade set up right outside of Playmakers. When they get rocking they are quite loud inside Playmakers. To compensate, Playmakers cranks up the sports featured on the larger TVs. That combination makes it an assault on your ears and it's nearly impossible to hold a conversation or order a drink without using sign language. Here is a short sample of what I am talking about: You can sort of hear the ball game at times through the music but both are very loud. Other than that, Playmakers is great. Lovetocruise2002, cruiselife and JLMoran 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted September 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2018 The Bamboo Room New and exclusive to Mariner at this time, The Bamboo Room replaces Vintages, the wine bar. This table features a video display with a beautiful ocean video loop playing. #itstikitime The Bamboo Room by itself just about justifies the drink package since the special bamboo cocktails are $14 plus gratuity. That adds up fast without the drink package. Since the drink package covers drinks up to $12 or $13, an extra buck or two is nothing for those with the deluxe drink package. cruiselife, Lovetocruise2002 and JLMoran 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted September 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2018 Barnacle and Barrel Pub Mariner retains it's pub in the old English style found on many Royal Caribbean ships. Check the Cruise Compass for times when live music is available in the pub. JLMoran, cruiselife and Lovetocruise2002 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted September 27, 2018 Report Share Posted September 27, 2018 Questions , is 9:45 flight from Miami is doable with self disembarkation , considering I need to be at the airport at around 8 am and I do not have fast track for custom ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted September 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2018 Freestyle drink dispensers were added to Mariner. They can be found within the Windjammer but also on the Promenade. They are coded to work with the drink cups that come with a drink package (Soda, Refreshment or Deluxe). Promenade forward on deck 5 with the Schooner Bar and Izumi just visible one deck down on deck 4. Located at the forward end of the Promenade on deck 5 is the Star Lounge A former smoking room has been converted into a Library. JLMoran, cruiselife, Lovetocruise2002 and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted September 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2018 Just now, Traveler said: Questions , is 9:45 flight from Miami is doable with self disembarkation , considering I need to be at the airport at around 8 am and I do not have fast track for custom ? A 9:45am flight, especially an international flight may be too tight. Technically it's doable if the stars align and every thing goes smoothly. There is no margin for error. As a frequent flier myself I think that may be a little too tight for my liking. In my case I was through customs and at the curb at 7:15am after the cruise. With Miami traffic a flight that early is really asking for something to foul up your day. Does Fast Track apply when departing from Miami after a cruise? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firebuck Posted September 27, 2018 Report Share Posted September 27, 2018 Just curious - I've seen mention of this wall of pictures in the bamboo room - what do you need to do to get a picture on said wall? If it's a drinking challenge, I"m in! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted September 27, 2018 Report Share Posted September 27, 2018 1 minute ago, twangster said: A 9:45am flight, especially an international flight may be too tight. Technically it's doable if the stars align and every thing goes smoothly. There is no margin for error. As a frequent flier myself I think that may be a little too tight for my liking. In my case I was through customs and at the curb at 7:15am after the cruise. With Miami traffic a flight that early is really asking for something to foul up your day. Does Fast Track apply when departing from Miami after a cruise Thanks , it's a domestic flight (to Newark) the later flight will cost us extra 50 K miles , other option is 12:15 from Palm Beach but I guess it's also risky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted September 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2018 On 9/27/2018 at 6:19 PM, firebuck said: Just curious - I've seen mention of this wall of pictures in the bamboo room - what do you need to do to get a picture on said wall? If it's a drinking challenge, I"m in! It's a net. I'm not sure what the official criteria is. I was talking with the bar staff and mentioned I was bribed to remove the photo of @CruiseLifeRick. We laughed about it (and Rick in general) and before I knew it a few cocktails later I was having my picture taken. Lovetocruise2002, JLMoran, cruiselife and 3 others 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted September 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2018 Just now, Traveler said: Thanks , it's a domestic flight (to Newark) the later flight will cost us extra 50 K miles , other option is 12:15 from Palm Beach but I guess it's also risky. For domestic I would do a 9:45am flight but keep in mind I have elite status with my airline. That allows me to fly standby and move to the top of the standby list. If I miss a flight because the ship is late or fog or a traffic accident they'll take care of me. You have to be prepared to accept the consequences of missing the flight. If that risk is acceptable is a question only you can answer. Traveler 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted September 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2018 Day 4 - Dinner I started with the Asian Style Pork Tacos because I've never had them before. Then I completely forgot to take more pictures. Traveler, Guy Gadwa, Lovetocruise2002 and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted September 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2018 11pm - 80's party in the Promenade I'll refrain from adding a couple of photos from Playmakers that I can't recall taking or explain how I got them on my phone after this. At some point after midnight I decided I needed to start packing. These short cruises suck. Packing under the influence sucks worse. cruiselife, Neaxan, Skigoofy and 4 others 4 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted September 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2018 Day 5 - Miami I woke to find us at the pier in Miami. On this occasion Mariner already did the turn and was pointed East. From my aft balcony I had a great view of the Miami skyline. I went to the Windjammer at 6:30am for a final meal. Self disembark line started off at 6:45am. By 7am I was off the ship and by 7:15am through customs outside at the curb hailing a Lyft ride. At 7:37am I was at the Hertz office downtown renting my car for the drive to Port Canaveral and Enchantment of the Seas. Lovetocruise2002 and cruiselife 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted September 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2018 Summary I had heard great things about Mariner and they were all true. Having now seen what "AMPED" means I'm looking forward to Navigator and beyond. There is nothing that would prevent me from sailing Mariner again. I might even do the same excursions - scuba dive in Cococay and the 737 jet simulator in Nassau. Next time I'll likely do a B2B or maybe even a B2B2B. Four nights is too short. I imagine the 3 night weekend cruises are probably pretty lively. If I lived locally, Mariner would be dangerous to my bank account. Given a choice of a small ship 3/4 Bahamas cruise or Mariner it would be Mariner every time. For short cruises like this I can see getting the drink package on Mariner. If you haven't sailed or booked Mariner yet the only question is... why not? Thanks for following along and I hope you've enjoyed it. Twangster out. Deedeelynn, cruiselife, Lovetocruise2002 and 5 others 5 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted September 27, 2018 Report Share Posted September 27, 2018 12 minutes ago, twangster said: I had heard great things about Mariner and they were all true. Having now seen what "AMPED" means I'm looking forward to Navigator and beyond. 12 minutes ago, twangster said: Given a choice of a small ship 3/4 Bahamas cruise or Mariner it would be Mariner every time. Don't forget there's going to be Indy soon too (4/5 night sailings). I was just talking with my kids this afternoon and I have a feeling Indy will be even better than Mariner. Did you keep that booking? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted September 28, 2018 Author Report Share Posted September 28, 2018 56 minutes ago, Lovetocruise2002 said: Don't forget there's going to be Indy soon too (4/5 night sailings). I was just talking with my kids this afternoon and I have a feeling Indy will be even better than Mariner. Did you keep that booking? For now. I've got airfare booked and it involves a group cruise on a different ship afterwards. That limits my options. I could do Disney but a solo man with a camera doing Disney has creep written all over it bomle, ellcee, Lovetocruise2002 and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLMoran Posted September 28, 2018 Report Share Posted September 28, 2018 Thanks for the recap and (as always) awesome photos! I'm sad to see that the Tiki Bar completely replaced Vintages. I can see why on a ship like this, since it's all short cruises and likely to draw a younger crowd. Plus it seems Vintages just has never been a spot one would describe as "lively". But if every ship in the AMPED program, Voyager and Freedom and Oasis class alike, is going to lose Vintages and get a Tiki Bar in its place, I have to ask: Where am I supposed to go for a nice glass of wine not on the regular MDR list when I'm on one of these ships? I don't really drink cocktails (well, outside of margaritas and mojitos), and wine / beer are my go-to beverages at dinner or lunch. Oh, wait... wine isn't a drink Millennials have. Yeah, never mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted September 28, 2018 Author Report Share Posted September 28, 2018 6 minutes ago, JLMoran said: Thanks for the recap and (as always) awesome photos! I'm sad to see that the Tiki Bar completely replaced Vintages. I can see why on a ship like this, since it's all short cruises and likely to draw a younger crowd. Plus it seems Vintages just has never been a spot one would describe as "lively". But if every ship in the AMPED program, Voyager and Freedom and Oasis class alike, is going to lose Vintages and get a Tiki Bar in its place, I have to ask: Where am I supposed to go for a nice glass of wine not on the regular MDR list when I'm on one of these ships? I don't really drink cocktails (well, outside of margaritas and mojitos), and wine / beer are my go-to beverages at dinner or lunch. Oh, wait... wine isn't a drink Millennials have. Yeah, never mind. I feel your pain, but carrying around a series of more expensive wines that few drink becomes a business decision. Not all ships to be AMPED are destined for the Bahamas and a Tiki bar won't fit well everywhere. You've always got Oasis. Oh, wait... Lovetocruise2002 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweety Posted September 28, 2018 Report Share Posted September 28, 2018 Thank you for your blog. Next August I have a B2B2B. I am glad you endorse this type of cruising. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLMoran Posted September 28, 2018 Report Share Posted September 28, 2018 1 hour ago, twangster said: You've always got Oasis. That's being AMPED as well, no? Just Oasis and Allure, as the oldest two, but thought I'd read that when the AMPED program was announced? 1 hour ago, twangster said: carrying around a series of more expensive wines that few drink becomes a business decision. So much for wine getting better (and thereby more expensive) with age... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted September 28, 2018 Report Share Posted September 28, 2018 1 minute ago, JLMoran said: That's being AMPED as well, no? Just Oasis and Allure, as the oldest two, but thought I'd read that when the AMPED program was announced? You read right. Oasis is getting amped in fall 2019 and Allure the following year. No word on vintages staying or going. I personally think Bamboo Room would look strange in CP though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted September 28, 2018 Author Report Share Posted September 28, 2018 Just now, Lovetocruise2002 said: You read right. Oasis is getting amped in fall 2019 and Allure the following year. You see @JLMoran ? You are running out of time to become an Oasis believer. JLMoran and Lovetocruise2002 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellcee Posted September 28, 2018 Report Share Posted September 28, 2018 11 hours ago, JLMoran said: Oh, wait... wine isn't a drink Millennials have. Yeah, never mind. I've heard that is not true. I live about an hour from the wineries on Long Island and am a wine club member at one of them - plenty of millenials. Not sure they are wine club members but neither was I in my 20's-30's. But I hear you, I really enjoyed Vintages. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monctonguy Posted September 28, 2018 Report Share Posted September 28, 2018 man that ship looks nice......24 days and counting till I am on her....so much to do and see... Great pics as always..I feel like I am there when enjoying your pictures! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arebee Posted September 28, 2018 Report Share Posted September 28, 2018 1 hour ago, monctonguy said: man that ship looks nice......24 days and counting till I am on her....so much to do and see... Wow, I'm counting 24 days too but mine is for work days until retirement..... WAAAYTOOO, JLMoran and Lovetocruise2002 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J_Keeble Posted September 28, 2018 Report Share Posted September 28, 2018 I think vintages will stay in CP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLMoran Posted September 28, 2018 Report Share Posted September 28, 2018 22 minutes ago, arebee said: Wow, I'm counting 24 days too but mine is for work days until retirement..... Congratulations, @arebee! Hope you have lot of relaxing plans (and cruises! ) lined up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monctonguy Posted September 28, 2018 Report Share Posted September 28, 2018 32 minutes ago, arebee said: Wow, I'm counting 24 days too but mine is for work days until retirement..... That's awesome..then I am sure there will be lots of countdowns to lots of cruises...I hope!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arebee Posted September 28, 2018 Report Share Posted September 28, 2018 Not sure about how many cruises, its really not a choice. I'm being forced to retire 2 years early. Either retire or move halfway across the country for 2 years. WAAAYTOOO, Lovetocruise2002 and JLMoran 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catinthehat300 Posted October 1, 2018 Report Share Posted October 1, 2018 On 9/26/2018 at 9:49 PM, twangster said: I spent the afternoon working then went to dinner. I saw a kids menu so took a picture for any parents wondering what the MDR is like for kids: Adult menu: Wedge Salad: Forgot to take pictures of the remaining courses but the Beef Tenderloin was good. Thanks for showing the kids menu. 10/21/18 on Mariner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catinthehat300 Posted October 1, 2018 Report Share Posted October 1, 2018 On 9/27/2018 at 6:42 PM, twangster said: 11pm - 80's party in the Promenade I'll refrain from adding a couple of photos from Playmakers that I can't recall taking or explain how I got them on my phone after this. At some point after midnight I decided I needed to start packing. These short cruises suck. Packing under the influence sucks worse. Is the 80's theme night a regular thing?? If so, might just have to pack for that... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted October 1, 2018 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2018 10 minutes ago, catinthehat300 said: Is the 80's theme night a regular thing?? If so, might just have to pack for that... Yes, I believe so. 80's party on the last night usually. 70's party the first night. catinthehat300 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monctonguy Posted October 1, 2018 Report Share Posted October 1, 2018 11 hours ago, twangster said: Yes, I believe so. 80's party on the last night usually. 70's party the first night. Nice to know they have 2 different theme nights like that..I always enjoyed the 70's parties but then on my last Royal cruise on Navigator it was just an 80's party..which was still fun but nice to know they do both on Marnier..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted October 1, 2018 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2018 2 minutes ago, monctonguy said: Nice to know they have 2 different theme nights like that..I always enjoyed the 70's parties but then on my last Royal cruise on Navigator it was just an 80's party..which was still fun but nice to know they do both on Marnier..... I checked a cruise compass from a recent 3 night cruise and it also featured both 70's and 80's party. https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/cruise-compass?ship=279 monctonguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted March 12, 2019 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2019 Just in time for the RoyalCaribbeanBlog Group cruise on Mariner, I've fixed the missing photos from this topic. pepperandchips and SpeedNoodles 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpoole3 Posted July 3, 2020 Report Share Posted July 3, 2020 Really enjoyed looking back on this one Twangster! To be honest, it made me a little sad because of how much we miss it, review got me all excited! Hope all is well sir, amazing photos as always. twangster and Neesa 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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