Touring Mariner of the Seas cruise ship in Los Angeles
What has 16 decks, room for more than 3,800 passengers and everything from a climbing wall to an ice-skating rink? It’s Mariner of the Seas, which has just started sailing year-round from Los Angeles to Mexico on seven-night round trips.
I toured the cruise ship when it arrived here last week. Royal Caribbean International says it is the largest to have its home port on the West Coast. My impression? Think Las Vegas on the sea.
[Click here to see photos of the ship's features and click here to see a video tour of the ship.]
Some highlights:
Ice-skating rink: Yes, really. When I was there, red-costumed skaters swirled to the dizzying Russian song “Kalinka” before a packed house. If wheels are your thing, head for Deck 13, which sports an inline skating track near a cute nine-hole miniature golf course.
Royal Promenade: The throbbing heart of the vessel, this collection of stores, cafes, bars and other gathering spots stretches longer than a football field. Noisy and bustling, it includes a 24-hour eatery. Look up, and you see deck after deck of cabins facing the promenade. How quiet can those be? I wondered aloud to Tracy Quan, the Royal Caribbean spokeswoman who served as my guide. She insisted that the cabins, which lack balconies, are well insulated against sound.
Rock-climbing wall: A standard Royal Caribbean feature, this one rises to 200 feet above the sea. The grips are color-coded by level of difficulty. When the ship heels, you get an added challenge.
Kids and teens: Grouped by age, from 3 to 17 years, five separate zones cater to the younger set with computer stations, an arcade, teen clubs that serve nonalcoholic “mocktails,” parties, contests and other programs.
Solarium: For a little solitude, or at least comparative serenity, escape to this adults-only zone equipped with a pool, whirlpools, fountain and chaise lounges. For a livelier scene, hang out at the main pool area and listen to live bands.
Royal Suite: You can cruise on the Mariner for as little as $549 per week, judging from fares recently posted online. Spend about eight times that, and you’ll get this 1,325-square-foot balcony suite with whirlpool, king bed, queen sofa bed, concierge service and even a baby grand piano. (Pianist not included, contrary to the impression that may be left by a video with this post.)
The bottom line: Mariner of the Seas seems fun and, like many cruises these days, it’s affordable. Serene? Maybe not.
— Jane Engle, assistant Los Angeles Times Travel editor
[Photo: Jane Engle / Los Angeles Times]
16 Comments on “Touring Mariner of the Seas cruise ship in Los Angeles”
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February 24th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
I was onboard as well for a two day pre-inaugural sailing. I used to work for Seabourn Cruise Line (and Royal Viking Line) so I wasn’t used to a large ship.
These are my thoughts
- perfect ship for a family get together, right here on the West Coast. There are a million things to do - for all generations of your family. No matter how old the grandchildren are, there’s a fully supervised program for them. For the parents, the night clubs are hopping and the gym and spa are state of the art. For the grandparents, the ice show was truly amazing, the comedian very funny and the card rooms and libraries nice and quiet. And for whomever is paying, the price is right -practically cheaper than staying home.
- The ship will be sailing Sundays for Cabo, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.
- Dining is a far cry from Regent or Seabourn, but for about $1,000 a week, it’s really hard to complain. The 3 story dining room is very nice and the service was typically very good. I’m not going into the excellent category, but occasionally I was surprised.
- I’ve booked Royal Caribbean in the past primarily for university student groups and have always had good results.
Josh
Follow me on Twitter at joshfriedmantvl
February 25th, 2009 at 9:03 am
I’ve been on Royal Caribbean several times and enjoyed it, but
‘3800 is too many people. I prefer
the smaller ships. recently anything over 1000 is too big for us.
February 25th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Hi Josh–
Thanks for your insights into the service aboard the Mariner. I just toured it in port and didn’t sail on it.
Anyone else cruised on this ship lately?
Jane Engle
Assistant Travel Editor
Los Angeles Times
February 25th, 2009 at 11:46 am
Pleasure! Thanks for dropping by.
Cheers,
Adeel Khan Sherwani from Seattle
February 27th, 2009 at 8:29 am
Josh is right - the Mariner is the perfect ship for family and friend groups as there is truly something for everyone. Even if you have sailed the Mexican Riviera itinerary before, the ship is a destination in and of itself so you won’t feel bored.
Some other pluses with the Mariner…
- As pointed out, she embarkes on Sunday - great for honeymooners! A bonus for Southern California residents is that it is a great vacation with no airfare hassles involved.
- a BIG plus is she visits Cabo San Lucus as the first port on the voyage, while other ships doing this itinerary visit it last. This enables the ship to stay in port 4 hours longer than the others which is helful as you must take tenders (smaller boats) to actually get to shore and that uses up valuable port time.
What I’m most excited about is that several of the cruise lines have finally stepped up to service the West Coast with some great ships! However - I do encourage everyone to work with a travel professional to decide which ship to choose as each ship has it’s own personality and usually one will fit a family or group better than the others.
Barbara Oliver
All Together Now Travel
Specializing in Family and Group Travel
boliver@alltogethernowtravel.com
866-355-1855
February 27th, 2009 at 8:34 am
I was fortunate to sail on Mariner of the Seas and found the size enjoyable. We did not feel overcrowded at any time. There are so many things to do and places to be, we felt relaxed and unhurried.
The entertainment is definitely in the excellent category.
February 27th, 2009 at 9:03 am
WHAT A SHIP! R.C.I. thank you for bringing a “first quality” product to the Westcoast!
February 27th, 2009 at 10:35 am
I was onboard the Mariner for it’s 2 day “cruise to nowhere” and was very impressed with her. Even though she has a capacity for 3800 passengers that will probably never ocurr. Every stateroom would have to be filled to its capacity. Think you can figure more about 3200. I was assigned in inside cabin which I found quite comfortable. Plenty of room for clothes and did not feel cramped at all. The large suites are something else, beautiful sums them up. The main dining room is very upscale and the servers went out of their way to make sure you were well taken care of. Ate in the Windjammer a couple of times and never found the lines too long. Did not see the comedian but found the production number to be lacking. Maybe it was because it was the casts’ last performance. Also the costumes looked a bit tired. Plenty of outdoor space, never felt crowded. One major drawback, at least to me, is no outdoor seating for eating or just relaxing. Yes, they have lounges but no tables and chairs. Highly recommend the Mariner.
February 27th, 2009 at 10:50 am
We enjoyed our pre-launch weekend thoroughly. Not having cruised on such a large ship, we were apprehensive. However, the ship was gorgeous, sparkling, and easy to “navigate”. The Promenade was our home-base and we were able to select our activities right from a cafe table with our lattes. I liked especially the main dining room. It was like a three-deck “Gone with the Wind”. I’m not a foodie but enjoyed the pasta dishes. I’m Italian and they got it right for me.
February 27th, 2009 at 11:08 am
I sailed on one of the two-night inaugurals, last Friday/Saturday.
I’ve sailed on Liberty of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas also, and I toured those ships extensively, as I did the Mariner. I took my husband along, who has not been on a lot of ships, so it was interesting to get his imput as well.
I don’t feel it’s Vegas at Sea at all. Carnival ships with all their glitz and neon hint at Sin City, not RCCL ships.
The service is respective of the type of cruise line RCCL is. It wouldn’t feel or look right to have a lot of white-gloved staff standing around, saying, “hello Sir, hello Madam, how may I be of service this morning?…” That’s typical of luxury ships, and you’ll pay for it, too! Like my husband says, he doesn’t like “hoverers.” No worries here! RCCL ships have a fun, polite crew, good bartenders (especially at Bolero’s) and wait staff, and there’s always someone with a smile around to assist.
The lounges are very comfortable, the library is nice and quiet, the food is good. We ate at the Windjammer Cafe the last night out. There was as much sushi as one could stand, and lovely salads and desserts; something for everyone. While sailing, it’s a great option if you don’t feel like getting dressed up for the dining room.
As is typical of RCCL ships, the standard cabins are small. This only gets to be a problem when sharing with a 3rd and/or 4th person, whom I hope you know very well. Of course, you can shell out the dough for the suites, but let’s face it, you won’t be in there for too long; there’s just too much else to do!
I’m very impressed with the children/teen programs and facilities. The staff is very professional and very caring toward kids and it shows. Speaking of shows, the entertainment on board is fabulous. Everyone can find something fun to end the evening with. My favorite: topping off the night at the Dragon’s Lair; Great DJs, and boom-boom music to keep you moving ’til REALLY early! A word of warning: you need to be able to lip-read when you leave the Lair. L-O-U-D.
That’s my take!
Visit my blog: http://www.travelqueentwo.blogspot.com
February 27th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
I sailed last week on the Mariner as well, on the same West Coast inaugural. She’s an AMAZING ship. I totally loved it! I am convinced my business will boom from selling this shi. Regarding the comment about 3,800 passengers being too many…you never saw that many people. No lines, no crowds. Just the right size ship. I give it 5 stars!
February 27th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
I too was aboard. Large yes! But I loved it. What a great family ship. So much to do for all ages. I thought the activities were well planned and organized well.The service was excellent and staff very friendly.
I am taking my family for a cruise on the Mariner for sure.
February 27th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
I loved the one-night preview sailing I attended last week and am so excited to have something new to offer my clients on the West Coast!
February 28th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
I loved the ship,staff was awsome.I can’t wait to take my family on the Mariner.
March 10th, 2009 at 7:41 am
RCL has the annoying habit of drifting, not cruising, for one of their days at sea.
Including a fuel supp, I pay for cruising not drifting and until I see it in writing that drifting is out I will not go with RCL no matter what the deal is!
April 21st, 2009 at 8:19 am
I sailed on the Mariner in 2006. At the time they were using their “Cigar” room as a live poker room for the guest in the evenings. We spent many hours there each night with our new found friends. Does this ship still offer that since the repositioning? My husband only enjoys him self when he’s with a group and playing cards in the evenings….otherwise he gets bored with the casino. Neither one of us care for the video version of the Texas Holdem Tables…. I’m wanting to plan a cruise for the summer but need to make certain which ever ship I choose will have live poker other than tournament play. Thanks,PColson