Booked 1st RCL Cruise - need strategy advice

[hethj7]

We have cruised DCL a few times and while we love it, just couldn't keep stomaching the price. So, we have booked Mariner of the Seas next August (6 night eastern Caribbean) with a 2 bedroom suite. We know this particular ship is perhaps a bit dated, but are pumped for the value it seems to provide vs. our traditional Disney family veranda.

Anyways, I can and have done a decent amount of research on what to expect, but in general, what I haven't found is a summary of good strategies. For instance, on our first DCL cruise, we had family that cruise a lot and lined us out on several things. So, here are a few questions I have.

We are a family of 5, with 3 kids - 13, 11, and 8.

As soon as we board the ship, is the best play to go eat before all the crowds build?
Are there areas of the ship we should explore right after boarding (i.e. on DCL, kids clubs aren't open to adults during the cruise, but you can explore them when you board). We aren't casino people, but maybe will check it out before it is filled with people (and smoke).
Are there certain restaurants we must try and do we need to book them at a certain time? We aren't opposed to some specialty dining, but generally are okay with just MDR meals (we have done both Palo and Remy on DCL).
Being in a suite will be new to us - can we rely on concierge to get reservations for certain things on board later, or do we need to book things immediately as we come aboard?

I generally hate waiting in lines, so any strategies to "ebb" while the crowds are flowing the other direction?

 

[peacefrogdog]

The Mariner was fairly recently Amplified so aside from the room decor, it doesn’t seem as dated as its actual age.
As a suite guest you will be the first to board. I don’t believe the main dining room is open then, so unless you want to try specialty dining your best bet is the windjammer. If you go there right when boarding it should,not be busy at all.

After that, judging by your kids‘ ages, your best bet are the water related things like the water slides and the flow rider. You should look to see whether you can complete your kids’ waivers online before boarding , if not you’ll need to do that first.

At some point you will need to complete the muster drill. as it entails watching some videos, I suggest doing so before you board or right after boarding, and then you’ll need to go to your actual station so they can sign off. It only takes a few minutes.

 

[peacefrogdog]

We have cruised DCL a few times and while we love it, just couldn't keep stomaching the price. So, we have booked Mariner of the Seas next August (6 night eastern Caribbean) with a 2 bedroom suite. We know this particular ship is perhaps a bit dated, but are pumped for the value it seems to provide vs. our traditional Disney family veranda.

Anyways, I can and have done a decent amount of research on what to expect, but in general, what I haven't found is a summary of good strategies. For instance, on our first DCL cruise, we had family that cruise a lot and lined us out on several things. So, here are a few questions I have.

We are a family of 5, with 3 kids - 13, 11, and 8.

As soon as we board the ship, is the best play to go eat before all the crowds build?
Are there areas of the ship we should explore right after boarding (i.e. on DCL, kids clubs aren't open to adults during the cruise, but you can explore them when you board). We aren't casino people, but maybe will check it out before it is filled with people (and smoke).
Are there certain restaurants we must try and do we need to book them at a certain time? We aren't opposed to some specialty dining, but generally are okay with just MDR meals (we have done both Palo and Remy on DCL).
Being in a suite will be new to us - can we rely on concierge to get reservations for certain things on board later, or do we need to book things immediately as we come aboard?

I generally hate waiting in lines, so any strategies to "ebb" while the crowds are flowing the other direction?

Also, I personally would not describe any of the complimentary restaurants as must do from the perspective of quality of food. But your kids would probably like the the Boardwalk dog house on the the pool Deck, and the Cafe Promenade that serves pizza. They also some more adult oriented adult snacks like charcuterie plates and caprese salads.

We try not to spend more on specialty dining, but we did enjoy Jamie’s Italian quite a bit. If you just want to try it I would book it for lunch Because it is cheaper. And be sure to go when you‘re really hungry! On the app you can also see each day‘s menu for the main dining room , so if it doesn’t sound appealing one particular day you can book specialty dining that day or go to the Windjammer.

yes the concierge can book things for you but it’s frankly easier to book yourself on the cruise planner before you get on the ship for excursions or beach things or via your app. I can’t speak to shows but as a suite guest there is dedicated seating for you at the theatre show and the ice show I believe .

We had previously done the larger Oasis class and Quantum class ships, so we really appreciated how we hardly felt crowded in the entire cruise. The largest crowds we encountered on Mariner was during the parties on the promenade around 9 pm each night. As a suite guest you can get priority disembarkation too which also avoids the lines to get off and at customs .

 

[peacefrogdog]

And last, be sure to take advantage of the free drinks from 5-8 pm in the suite lounge. They have some finger foods there too but nothing to write home about IMO

 

[ScooterScott44]

Adding a few thoughts to the great advice that was already provided.

- the casino, like shops, will only be open when not in port. There have been a few exceptions recently at a couple of ports. The peak times are in the evening so you can still find some times that might not be as crowded.
- with the kids, check out the Adventure Ocean areas while killing time waiting for the rooms after boarding. They group the kids by smaller age brackets than Disney. I’m not sure of the exact cutoff and it can fluctuate based on the amount of kids on your specific sailing. The 3 yo will definitely be in a different room/group, but depending on the split the 13 and 11 yo may also be in different groups. IF there is a split you can speak with the counselors and they allow the sibs Into the same group.
- the concierge service will vary a little as each has their own personality and work flow, with varying levels of experience too. As mentioned, I would also book things in the app ahead of time, especially excursions. The exception probably would be specialty dining. The concierge will email you about a week or so before your sailing, you can reply with any requests at that time. Dining reservations are usually the easiest for the concierge to work out.
- the specialty restaurants are Jaimie‘s, Izumi, Chops and Chef’s Table on that ship. Chef’s table may likely won’t work with the kids since it takes quite a while, But the others are pretty decent options. Personally our family of three would probably get the Unlimited Dining, or at least one of the packages so we could go to those. We like Jamie’s and could do that 2-3 times on a six day cruise. Would definitely Try to get a seating for habachi and sushi once each and Chops at also, more likely twice each. Playmakers is good for casual bites and has a credit (per person) with the UDP.
- on boarding day I would probably do a short walk exploring the ship a little after boarding to get familiar, check in for the muster drill (having done the videos before), grab a bite then hit the kids club and the rooms should be close to being ready.

Sorry this is getting long, hope that helps some.

 

[peacefrogdog]

We have never done a dining package - I'm sure we would enjoy it and the quality of food based on our experience at Jamie's.

We have also done DCL before, and based on our last sailing on the Disney Fantasy back in 2013 (when our kids were similar in age to OP's) we felt Disney's MDR food was a bit better than RC's. While I agree with what seems to be the common opinion online that in general, the food in the MDR has declined compared to what it used to be 10 years ago, on our July Mariner cruise (just two of us, without our kids) we were very happy with included food in the main dining room, Windjammers and other venues. On the one night we didn't enjoy the MDR food as much, we stopped by the Windjammer afterwards for our gluttonous second supper .

 

[starvenger]

As soon as we board the ship, is the best play to go eat before all the crowds build?
Are there areas of the ship we should explore right after boarding (i.e. on DCL, kids clubs aren't open to adults during the cruise, but you can explore them when you board). We aren't casino people, but maybe will check it out before it is filled with people (and smoke).

I think getting food first is always the best strategy, along with bringing swimwear so that you can hit the pool after eating.

If the Windjammer isn't open yet, then definitely explore the ship first. Always fun to find out what a ship has to offer.

 

[sam_gordon]

We were on Mariner last year. My "tips"...
* literally immediately after stepping onto the ship, you need to go to your muster area and get checked in. Presumably you will have already watched the video on the app at some point that morning. This really does not take long.
* After you get checked in, then go to the WJ for food.
* After lunch, either go explore, or hang out at the pool. I *THINK* the flowrider is open at this point. It's a good chance to utilize it before it gets crowded. You will need to sign a waiver for your kids to participate. The slides should be open too.
* Rooms will be ready ~1p and there will be announcements. If you want to do water activities, have the kids wear their swimsuits to board.

We didn't do any specialty restaurants, so I can't help you there.

 

[FAITHOMAS]

I don't know if it is just us but one of the first things we do after we board the cruiseline is to physically explore the ship together. This gives us a general idea of the layout n makes it easy to reach each other especially when there are people of different ages n aptitudes there. Mom gets a somewhat good idea where everyone is before chaos starts!

 

[hethj7]

Thanks for all the great info thus far!

 

[DizneyNutz]

We have cruised DCL a few times and while we love it, just couldn't keep stomaching the price. So, we have booked Mariner of the Seas next August (6 night eastern Caribbean) with a 2 bedroom suite. We know this particular ship is perhaps a bit dated, but are pumped for the value it seems to provide vs. our traditional Disney family veranda.

Anyways, I can and have done a decent amount of research on what to expect, but in general, what I haven't found is a summary of good strategies. For instance, on our first DCL cruise, we had family that cruise a lot and lined us out on several things. So, here are a few questions I have.

We are a family of 5, with 3 kids - 13, 11, and 8.

As soon as we board the ship, is the best play to go eat before all the crowds build?
Are there areas of the ship we should explore right after boarding (i.e. on DCL, kids clubs aren't open to adults during the cruise, but you can explore them when you board). We aren't casino people, but maybe will check it out before it is filled with people (and smoke).
Are there certain restaurants we must try and do we need to book them at a certain time? We aren't opposed to some specialty dining, but generally are okay with just MDR meals (we have done both Palo and Remy on DCL).
Being in a suite will be new to us - can we rely on concierge to get reservations for certain things on board later, or do we need to book things immediately as we come aboard?

I generally hate waiting in lines, so any strategies to "ebb" while the crowds are flowing the other direction?

Hello and welcome to RCL cruising. We have only cruised in a Junior suite because there are only two of us, but I am including a link that you may find helpful.
https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2022/08/12/what-are-the-royal-caribbean-suite-perks#:~:text=In-suite benefits 1 More space One of the,guests will also enjoy an upgraded mattress.

You stated you were doing a 6 night Eastern but did you mean Western? If so you will be visiting both of RCL's private Island destinations. Labadee and CoCo Cay. Labadee has a private beach area for Suite Guests CoCo Cay does not. There is a Facebook group for CoCo Cay with 51,000 members. CoCo Cay - The Perfect Day. Also here is a Long but thorough video about CoCo Cay.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?...D8C3B5B78A4D128CFA85D8C3B5B78A4D128&FORM=VIRE

As suite guests you will be some of the first to board the ship so no worries about beating most to the dining area of your choice. The casino will not be operating until the ship leaves port and is out to sea and the children are not allowed either. I recommend searching Facebook to see if anyone has set up a group for your particular sailing date. If so, you might want to join it. They can be very helpful with numerous eyes watching your specific cruise for things like Cruise Planner sales, price drops, sail away meet ups, Slot Pulls, etc. We have already gotten a $340 refund on our Feb. cruise due to a price drop we were alerted to by someone in our group. Have gotten these several times in the past the same way.

Black Friday is considered the best cruise planner sale date usually but they have them regularly. Not sure if you want to spend the extra money but we really enjoy the specialty dining package. We never even tried it until cruising resumed from Covid and now we have had it every cruise for our last 6. We get it for the entire cruise "Unlimited Dining Plan". It covers all the upcharge dining venues and even lunches on sea days in the upcharge venues. On port days if you find yourself on the ship at lunch only places like Playmakers and Johnny Rockets are available.

Not 100% positive but I think as a suite guest you may be entitled to private session on the flow rider for you children if they are interested in that. Have to be a certain height to stand up ride but anyone can do the belly boarding. Our grandson had a blast on it. I believe the links I attached will answer more questions. Happy Cruising

 

[hethj7]

That is all great info! And you are right - we will visit the 2 private destinations on our trip.

 

[Evita_W]

Best bet is watch the muster videos on your way to the port (assuming you aren't the one driving), then check in at your muster station as soon as you are on board, takes less than 5 minutes (usually under 1), then go eat, then go swimming (make sure your swimsuit is packed in your carry on) or take advantage of other activities with little to no wait.

Be sure to take advantage of all that being in a suite offers, for example you can order room service from the main dining room during their normal hours at no cost. There is the suite lounge where there will be some free drinks daily.

Given that you are used to Disney, I would look into at least a soda package as that will give you essentially what Disney offers soda wise (and more), we don't drink alcohol, so we get the Refreshment Package, which includes mocktails, smoothies, fresh juices, etc.

 

[DizneyNutz]

Best bet is watch the muster videos on your way to the port (assuming you aren't the one driving), then check in at your muster station as soon as you are on board, takes less than 5 minutes (usually under 1), then go eat, then go swimming (make sure your swimsuit is packed in your carry on) or take advantage of other activities with little to no wait.

Be sure to take advantage of all that being in a suite offers, for example you can order room service from the main dining room during their normal hours at no cost. There is the suite lounge where there will be some free drinks daily.

Given that you are used to Disney, I would look into at least a soda package as that will give you essentially what Disney offers soda wise (and more), we don't drink alcohol, so we get the Refreshment Package, which includes mocktails, smoothies, fresh juices, etc.

Our experiences have taught us that the people who man the Muster Stations are not in position until 12:00 noon. We are usually in the early boarding groups and continually no one at the stations upon boarding. Kept checking and checking and I finally asked one time and was told they don't post at their stations until 12. We would watch the videos before boarding also and wife would go to dining reservations while I attempted to complete Muster, but it doesn't work.

 

[Evita_W]

Our experiences have taught us that the people who man the Muster Stations are not in position until 12:00 noon. We are usually in the early boarding groups and continually no one at the stations upon boarding. Kept checking and checking and I finally asked one time and was told they don't post at their stations until 12. We would watch the videos before boarding also and wife would go to dining reservations while I attempted to complete Muster, but it doesn't work.

We boarded Navigator before 11 on our first cruise and they were already there when we boarded, on our last cruise our station was on the way into the ship, made that one easy. We were boarding well after 11, but only because the President was in town and delayed embarkation.

As for going to the muster station, every person has to go, even infants and scan in, so the wife going to dining reservations while you go to the muster station indeed does not work.

 

[DizneyNutz]

We boarded Navigator before 11 on our first cruise and they were already there when we boarded, on our last cruise our station was on the way into the ship, made that one easy. We were boarding well after 11, but only because the President was in town and delayed embarkation.

As for going to the muster station, every person has to go, even infants and scan in, so the wife going to dining reservations while you go to the muster station indeed does not work.

Different experiences I guess. We have cruised 6 times since cruising has resumed from Nassau and I frequently go to muster by myself and show them my phone and they check off our cabin. Happy Cruising

 

[Evita_W]

Different experiences I guess. We have cruised 6 times since cruising has resumed from Nassau and I frequently go to muster by myself and show them my phone and they check off our cabin. Happy Cruising

Interesting, we have been told that legally they are required to have everyone go and check in.

 

[peacefrogdog]

Our our July cruise, we checked in for our muster thing separately. We did not need to be there at the same time

 

[Evita_W]

Our our July cruise, we checked in for our muster thing separately. We did not need to be there at the same time

You don't need to be there at the same time, but everyone has to physically go to the muster station at some point in time, you can't just take everyone's seapass with you and scan others in.

 

[peacefrogdog]

You don't need to be there at the same time, but everyone has to physically go to the muster station at some point in time, you can't just take everyone's seapass with you and scan others in.

yes you are 100% correct.