Mike Cheong's Travelogues: Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas, S'pore

MS Mariner of the Seas is one of five Voyager-class cruise ships from Royal Caribbean International.

Mariner of the Seas is in the second generation of Voyager-class vessels. It has a capacity for 4,252 passengers. The Mariner differs from similar vessels in that the rear buffet (Windjammer) extends farther aft, and also includes "Jade", an Asian fusion buffet. She has glass balconies which her first generation sisters lacked.

She was built in Finland and completed in October 2003 and has 15 decks, 10 pools/whirlpools and 17 bar/lounges, length 1,020 ft, maximum beam 157 ft, draft 29 ft, cruising speed 22 knots

Although the ship is equipped with anchors, because of the azipods, bow thrusters and GPS navigation the Mariner in good weather is capable of maintaining station without anchoring.

That's the ship we board at Singapore Marina Bay Cruise Terminal for a 4 nights/5 days cruise to Phuket and back stopping at Port Klang. There were 8 of us and we were fortunate to have our boardwalk view staterooms upgraded to deluxe oceanview staterooms. Our room was 7660.

Our journey started at 12 midnight from Taiping by chartered van to Berjaya Times Square, KL. From there at 6.30 am we boarded a Hwajing bus that took us directly to Marina Bay Cruise Terminal. For us Malaysians, we have to go thru Msian Immigration then Singapore Immigration at Johore Causeway then Singapore Immigration once again to board the ship. Not exactly convenient.

Ship ready for embarkation

Our upgraded stateroom

The Promenade

We had perfect weather the entire cruise and calm seas not that it matter for such a huge ship. For meals we have the Windjammer Cafe, the main dining area that spreads three e decks. Promenade Cafe and Boardwalk Dog House. All meals are buffett style whereas for fine dining, simply order as many as you fancy. One thing for sure, you never go hungry on a cruise. However, apart from some ala carte dishes and desserts, overall we both agree the food is for most often than not only average.

Breakfast counter

A selection of desserts

Starters

Entrée

Fine dining

The two waitresses who attended to our table

For action and adventure, there is rock climbing, ice skating rink, basketball court, mini golf course, jogging course and obligatory gym. For entertainment, there is broadway shows at the main theatre, ice skating show at Studio B, a movie theatre with 3D movies and a casino for those who feel lucky. The last night culminate with a 70s disco dance at the promenade.