Mariner of the Seas
The last of Royal Caribbean’s five Voyager-class ships, Mariner of the Seas was launched in 2003 and was the first (in 2012) to get Royal Advantage upgrades featuring signature amenities of Oasis-class ships. It was also among the first to be “Amplified” (in 2018), which added even more activities and dining options. That means this 3,344-guest ship’s 15 decks are packed with activities (rock-climbing, ice skating, a surf simulator, laser tag, a space-themed escape room, mini-golf, three pools, six hot tubs, looping waterslides, and a poolside movie screen), along with nine dining venues (including Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, and Chops Grille), and 13 bars and lounges. Yet despite its size, Mariner of the Seas rarely feels crowded.
What We Love
The House: Always open for lunch, and with longer hours on sea days, this haute hot dog stand offers a savory alternative to the standard buffet fare, with wieners that range from Bavarian-style bratwurst to the classic Coney Island dog.
Peek-A-Boo Bridge Overlook: This windowed viewing area that lets passengers peer into the bridge on Deck 10 is available on all Voyager-class ships and is a cool feature for watching, but not distracting (no tapping allowed), the ship's officers.
The Bamboo Room: This 2018 addition is a retro-chic Polynesian lounge that serves up fruity and exotic cocktails in delightfully kitschy glasses and ceramic tiki-inspired mugs.
Best Known For
The Royal Promenade: The ship’s indoor heart, the football-field-length Royal Promenade is lined with bars, restaurants, and shops and is the location for fanciful parades and music-themed parties.
Room to Play: Children and teens will never get cabin fever aboard this ship, with its 20,000 square feet of kids’ spaces, including the Royal Babies & Tots Nursery, the Adventure Ocean youth program, a video arcade, and the Fuel Teen Disco and Living Room teen lounge.
Who It's Good For
Multi-generational Families on a Budget: There is something for everyone on board this reinvigorated ship, from adrenaline-rush activities such as the Perfect Storm high-speed racer waterslides and the glow-in-the-dark Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z to the adults-only Solarium with its relaxing pools and hot tubs and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade for game time.
Don't Say We Didn't Warn You
It Costs Bucks For Burgers: Johnny Rockets is a 1950s-themed burger joint popular with families — but unlike the Boardwalk Dog House, it's considered specialty dining, and you'll pay a small per-person cover charge.