Mariner of the Seas is one of the most beloved cruise ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. It belongs to the Voyager Class and offers a beautiful mix of classic charm and modern adventure.
Whether you are looking for a family-friendly trip, relaxed sea days, or high-energy onboard activities, this ship suits everyone. In this guide, we explore everything about Mariner of the Seas, including dining, itinerary, onboard entertainment, shore excursions, and much more.
30-Second Summary
Mariner of the Seas is an older but popular ship choice for travelers. In this guide, we explore different aspects of this beloved vessel.
You will learn about its deck plans, cabins, dining, onboard activities, itineraries, and shore excursions. Also, find out the significant changes that happened in the ship during its major refurbishment in 2018.
Mariner of the Seas Overview
Mariner of the Seas belongs to the Voyager Class of Royal Caribbean International. It was built in 2003. This ship can carry around 4000 passengers.
Mariner of the Seas went through a major refurbishment in 2018, under the Royal Caribbean’s “Royal Amplified” program. Before this upgrade, its gross tonnage was 138,279 GT. However, it became 139,863 GT after the refurbishment.
Moreover, it also received an additional upgrade in March 2023 during its dry dock. Another major refurbishment is scheduled for November 2025.
This ship has a total of 15 decks (14 accessible for passengers and 9 have cabins), 14 elevators, 6 to 7 outdoor whirlpools, 3 swimming pools, and 17 bars and lounges.
Refurbishment Summary of Mariner of the Seas
The ship changed in many aspects when it went through the major upgrade in 2018. A summary of some of the changes is below.
- On Deck 13 (sports deck), Cyclone and Typhoon waterslides were added, along with FlowRider surf simulator, Sky Pad bungee trampoline with optional VR, and a laser tag arena.
- On Deck 12, a kids’ aqua park called Splashaway Bay was added. It replaced the old Outdoor Youth Area.
- The Skylight Chapel wedding venue was replaced with “The Observatorium.”
- On Deck 11, Jamie’s Italian, The Bamboo Room, and Playmakers (sports bar plus arcade) were added.
- Decks 3 and 4 were also significantly changed.
- New staterooms were added, and all existing cabins were fully refurbished and upgraded.
Total Investment: Around USD $100 million under the Royal Amplified program.
Mariner of the Seas Deck Plans
The 14 decks that are accessible for travelers house major public and recreation areas, including cabins, dining, entertainment, and sports.
The deck plans on this ship are intelligently designed. People can go anywhere without encountering crowds. They can use elevators to go to Windjammer, pools, the gym, spa, and other amenities from both aft and forward locations.
Guests can easily reach entertainment, food, and drinks across the vessel. However, the most action happens on decks 4, 5, and 11. But the entertainment is not limited to them. Every deck has at least one destination worth visiting.
- Deck 11 is the go-to for almost every traveler on Mariner. It features DJs, live reggae music, family-friendly pools, and the adult-only Solarium. It also acts as an access to the Sky Pad, the kid-friendly FlowRider, and Perfect Storm Waterslides.
- On Deck 5, the Royal Promenade is the main attraction. It has different shops, bars, and Cafe Promenade for free light bites. Here, you will also find the Star Lounge that hosts nighttime karaoke.
- Deck 4 has Royal Caribbean’s major attractions, such as the Schooner Bar, where you can listen to live piano, sing-alongs, and trivia every night. Additionally, right next door is the Royal Theater for singing and dance shows.
In short, it is easy to go from one place to another on Mariner of the Seas, without the hassle of making way through rowdy crowds and waiting frustratingly in long lines.
Mariner of the Seas Cabins
The cabins on Mariner are comfortable and have hotel-worthy banquettes, beds, and enough storage for short voyages.
Cabin Options
- Interior: The cabins do not have windows, but you get all the standard amenities.
- Balcony View: These cabins have a private balcony. The Premium Balcony cabins also offer a wraparound balcony.
- Ocean View: These cabins come with a large, fixed window that allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the ocean.
- Solo Cabins: These staterooms are for single-person use.
- Suites: They have a one or two-bedroom layout, with a sitting area, a bar, and a bathroom with a tub.
- Royal Suite: It is the largest suite on the ship, with an elaborate seating area, a wet bar, a private bedroom, a separate dining area, and a large balcony with a whirlpool tub.
Standard Amenities in the Cabins
- Two twin beds that can be easily combined into a Royal King bed.
- Private bathroom with essential toiletries, a shower, and a hairdryer.
- A seating area that sometimes comes with a sofa that converts into a bed.
- Generous closet and drawer space for storage.
- Electronics, including an HDTV and a direct-dial phone.
- Other amenities, such as an AC, a mini bar, and a safe.
- 24/7 room service (some fees may apply).
Tips for Choosing the Right Cabin
The best cabins to book are the Balcony staterooms. The private outdoor space is around 42 to 50 square feet on average.
You can also opt for an Ocean View Balcony room or a Spacious Ocean View Balcony room, though the amount of space you get is the same. For a proper hotel-sized room, upgrade to a Junior Suite.
The Cabins to Avoid
The rooms to avoid are Interior or inside rooms. They do not get natural light and have aging decor. They are not exactly open and bright.
Other cabins to avoid are both Interior and Ocean View on Deck 3. You will be on the same floor as the Royal Theater and Studio B, which can cause a lot of noise.
Mariner of the Seas Dining Options
The dining on the Mariner reflects Royal Caribbean’s dining style.
Main and Complimentary Dining
- The Main Dining Room spans around three decks. It has a rotating menu with multi-course dinners.
- The Windjammer Buffet is accessible throughout the day and has international cuisines.
- If you want some lighter bites, Cafe Promenade offers sandwiches, pizza, desserts, and more.
Specialty Dining
Mariner of the Seas’ specialty restaurants shine due to their variety. For high-energy hibachi dining, Royal Caribbean’s Izumi restaurant on the ship is perfect for you.
Chop’s Grille on the Mariner is your best bet when it comes to romantic date nights. Jamie’s Italian is also good for travelers who want to have an authentic taste of Italian specialties.
Bars and Lounges
There are many pubs, lounges, and bars across the ship where you can socialize or simply unwind. The Bamboo Room is a Polynesian-inspired bar that serves tropical cocktails.
Schooner Bar is a classic nautical-themed lounge where you can enjoy live piano or musical sing-alongs.
Mariner of the Seas Onboard Activities
Mariner is packed with activities that appeal to all age groups.
Thrill and Adventure
- The surf simulator, FlowRider, is on Deck 13. It is a famous onboard attraction amongst Royal Caribbean’s travelers.
- For some extra fun and thrill, this ship has high-speed “Perfect Storm” slides called Cyclone and Typhoon.
- Laser Tag called Battle for Planet Z is a glow-in-the-dark game that is immersive and superb for families or large groups.
- Rock Climbing Wall and Mini Golf are also some of the favorites of guests. They are located on the sports deck.
Relaxation and Leisure
There are three pools and multiple whirlpools on the ship, with many open lounging areas. The Solarium is designed for adults to rest and sunbathe.
There is also a Vitality Spa and Fitness Center on the ship where guests can book facials, massages, or go to the gym.
Family and Kids
Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean kids program has different age-appropriate activities, games, and club spaces.
Studio B is an ice rink that holds ice-skating shows, open skating, and even laser tag at set times. Passengers can also enjoy the evening entertainment, such as Broadway-style shows, themed parties, and live music.
There is also an Escape Room and a Silent Disco onboard, providing both families and adults multiple options for late-night fun.
Mariner of the Seas Itinerary
Mariner offers a variety of voyages, but its most famous deployment is Caribbean cruises from Galveston, Texas.
The following are some example itineraries.
- 4-night Western Caribbean from Galveston: It is a short getaway, best for families or first-time cruisers.
- 5-night Western Caribbean offers more time to explore with added port stops and sea time.
- 9-night Western Caribbean is a longer voyage and has fuller itineraries. You can make the most out of shore days and sea days.
Mariner of the Seas Shore Excursions
Mariner offers diverse shore excursion options, which is a compelling reason to book this ship.
- When sailing from Galveston, the ports of call include multiple islands.
- Travelers can enjoy a range of excursions, such as cultural tours, historical sites, beach days, water sports, shopping, and local food experiences.
Mariner of the Seas Booking Tips
Here are some tips that will help you make the most out of your Mariner booking.
- Book Early for Galveston Sailings: Galveston cruises to the Western Caribbean are quite popular. Therefore, the cabins tend to get booked quickly. You need to book as soon as you can if you are also choosing Galveston sailings to the Caribbean.
- Wait for RoyalUp Deals: You can also place a bid on your cabin after booking it to upgrade it.
- Pre-Book Specialty Dining: All specialty restaurants also fill up fast. You need to reserve them immediately.
- Plan Shore Excursions: For popular shore excursions, like snorkeling and cultural visits, book officially through Royal Caribbean or third parties, well before departure.
- Bring Motion Sickness Remedies: If you are prone to seasickness, book mid-ship cabins as they are more stable. Moreover, bring any medicines or remedies to curb the symptoms.
- Use the App: The best way to book activities, check the schedule, and plan your day is by downloading and using the Royal Caribbean app.
- Consider Drink Packages: If you plan to enjoy bars and lounges, see if a beverage package is worth buying for your group.
- Estimate Mobile and Wi-Fi Needs: Since you have to pay fees for using Wi-Fi onboard, check how many devices you will need. Also, think about which payment method suits you, a package or pay-as-you-go.
The Bottom Line
Mariner of the Seas is a versatile ship that holds its classic charm and has many modern amenities, thanks to the 2018 refurbishment.
It suits every traveler, whether you are traveling with your family, as a couple, or embarking on a solo voyage. Its amenities and shore excursions allow you to spend a meaningful vacation.
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FAQs
When was the Mariner of the Seas Last Refurbished?
Mariner of the Seas underwent a significant refurbishment in 2018 under the “Royal Amplified” program. It had an additional upgrade in March 2023.
Which Cabins on Mariner of the Seas are best to avoid Motion Sickness?
To minimize motion, the cabins on decks 7 to 9 (mid-ship) are perfect. They do not feel intense rocking, like the front or back of the ship, creating a comfortable journey for passengers prone to motion sickness.
What Onboard Activities are good for Teenagers on Mariner of the Seas?
Teenagers on Mariner of the Seas can enjoy flowboarding on FlowRider, laser tag, mini-golf, high-speed water slides, and the Sky Pad.
What are the best Mariner of the Seas Deck Plans for Families?
The most family-friendly cabin areas on the Mariner of the Seas are Deck 9 and 10. They are centrally located, quiet, and surrounded by other cabins. Moreover, they give quick access to the kids’ clubs and pools that are located on Decks 11 and 12.
