Mexican Riviera Cruise

OUR VACATION TO THE MEXICAN RIVIERA
Mel Bohnert and Shirley Thompson 5/12-5/23/2010

Mel and I are off on a great vacation on the Royal Caribean Cruise Liner, the Mariner, a 14-story, new, luxury liner. We drove to Los Angeles to the Comfort Inn where we were allowed to leave our vehicle for the week. They then transported us directly to the Pier where I was awestruck to see such a beautiful ship sitting there in the harbor. Ours would be one of those private Balcony State Rooms there were so many of along either side of this monster.

Our bags were taken from us to be delivered directly to our designated staterooms. The very first order of the day: we were told to gather at a specific section of the deck where they would give us directions in case of emergency evacuation. The Lifeboats were spacious and completely enclosed, with dried rations & water aboard. I'm sure I would not be afraid to enter the safety of these life savers.

As we returned to our Stateroom and turned on the TV, we were surprised to see our personal names on the screen. This is how they would give us further directions and updates throughout the tour. We set about emptying our suitcases into the many and spacious storage closets and drawers. We discovered the designated "safe" one was encouraged to use for our valuables, and the refrigerator filled with liquors and soft drinks one can partake of in their rooms; all of these for a modest fee. The Bathroom area was beautiful, spacious and pristine clean, with a large medicine closet and roomy shower

But most of all, the completely private balcony area, outfitted with two chairs and coffee table, accessible through sliding glass doors just past the bedroom and living room areas. We had our own, very comfortable couch and chair where we could easily enjoy TV programs, or see inter-acting pictures and descriptions of what was going on aboard this gigantic ship.

We stepped out into the long corridor and entered one of the many elevator areas to begin to explore the wonders of this gigantic vessel. These are much more elegant than any corridor or hallway of the most modern hotel. We never had to wait but a minute, therefore the elevators were not crowded, except possibly at the dinner hour. There were also glass elevators that traversed the exterior walls at either end of the Royal Prominade.

This is the Royal Prominade, at the center of the ship. It resembles the Las Vegas Strip with every imaginable special bar or pub, souvenier and jewelry shops, cocktail and piano bars on the main floor. Above are the suites overlooking the promenade. The walkway at the very center is easily viewed from all angles, like when the Captain and crew might wish to give a statement.

Wow! This is one end of the that Royal Prominade, 5 stories high, which sports Champagne Bars, charming boutiques and unique shops; and is the center of main events, maybe even a parade.

One day we enjoyed the free champagne passed out at the Art Auction held in this very room. If only we had some of the money that changed hands that day. There were very expensive pieces of work done by well-known artists, some auctioned for above $3000.

Let's stop for a brunch, choosing from a buffet filled with hundreds of choices . Take this to your chosen table in the dining area, overlooking the waters now slipping away about 2 stories below.

Off to the always-open-for-business Casino, in this huge, highly decorated area, with bells and whistles drawing immediate attention. I will stand by while Mel loses at least one roll of quarters.

Now we head upstairs to the open area where there is so much to do. Here we have a full size basketball court.

Yes, some days these chairs will be full of guests sunning in swim-suits or enjoying a cocktail while watching outside activities of more active enthusiasts.

.We saundered up to the Pool Bar for another cocktail, where music is on tap, and the towels are rented out for the more ambitious.Just beyound there is a section just for the teen-agers; yes even a pre-school service to give parents a swim break. Specific activities abound, limited to that age group only, including computer game machines, arts and crafts and simple dance classes.

On the other side of this Pool Bar structure, they have actually built a Rock Climbing Wall where guests from 12 to 70 can flex their muscles safely, climb that wall harnessed to a sturdy rope, ring the bell at the top, and slip back down to the deck to be released by an attendant, a winner in almost every case.

There is a full size Mini-Golf Course available to keep up your scores if you are a golfer. It is much larger than shown here and there are always small groups competing.

As we headed to the Dining Rooms for our first Formal dinner, we passed the Navigation Bridge where we could directly watch these guys easily maneuvre through smooth or stormy waters and ease into the many busy piers.

They have specialty rooms for Dance Clubs, for Theatres and stage shows. This room is a full size Ice Arena, home to very professional skaters that captured your attention, performing from floor to ceiling outstanding shows. Today was not one of those days, so guests could venture out and enjoy their chance.

There were dining rooms on 3 stories, with the one huge chandelier visible from all floors. All were decorated in linen and gold and crystal was everywhere.

Not every day is formal. We end the second and also the last day of our cruise by suiting up for formal Dining. We dress, and take pictures as we look forward to an evening of pure luxury. We had our own Head Waiter, Assistant Waiter and various stewarts, attending to our every whim.They surprised me by singing Happy Birthday as they served a small cake for my desert to celebrate my 80th Birthday. Many joined in. I was delighted.

I think we looked as elegant as anyone there.

This dining room was an open 3-story high wonder, seating a total of some 3,000 guests in two seatings.

The next day we were to depart the ship and enjoy a full day at our first stop. However, if you did no with to partake of one of the many tours offered on shore to the guests of the "Mariner of the Sea", you were welcome to stay aboard. There is certainly plenty of things to do