Mariner of the Seas

     As a member of the Voyager-class family of ships, Mariner of the Seas has something for the entire family.  This 3-day itinerary sailing Port Canaveral to Nassau Bahamas with a final stop at the private island of CocoCay was brief but well suited.  It allowed us to feel the nostalgia of the #cruiselife for the weekend and still make it back to work on Monday.  

     Recently refurbished in 2018, this ship has an elevated feel that is felt the moment you step on-board.  ​One of my first observations was the famous Royal Promenade.  This is one of our favorite places on a Royal Caribbean ship.  There is so much energy here!  If you are accustomed to Royal Caribbean's mega ships (Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, etc.), you will notice right away that Mariner's Royal Promenade is smaller.  The absence of Central Park & the Boardwalk is also noteworthy.  In fact, if you are considering this ship, like us, after sailing aboard the mega ships, just know that all corners of Mariner are simply smaller.  
     As many of our readers know, I am a man of many surprises.  True to form, this trip was a surprise 2 year wedding anniversary vacation for Hannah & I.  I kept it a secret right up until we arrived to Port Canaveral.  Take a look at our photo captured right after Hannah found out!  

She was ecstatic.  During our sailing we experienced a behind the scenes look at the ship, 2 signature dining restaurants, & a water park at CocoCay.  Take a look at our adventures & recommendations along the way...

All Access Tour ($90 per person at time of this post)

Chops Grille ($76.70 per person which includes tax/gratuity for a "Chops Grille +1" signature dining package at time of this post)

Chops Grille. The staff thought it was our birthday...we politely informed them it was our anniversary. Tip: if you are too full after dinner, you can order your dessert to go.

CocoCay (Admission to Thrill Waterpark is an extra charge of $65 per person at time of this post)

Source: https://www.vacationstogo.com/ship.cfm?shipid=255 
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- Chandler