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What has 16 decks, room for more than 3,800 passengers and everything from a climbing wall to an ice-skating rink? It’s Mariner of the Seas, which has just started sailing year-round from Los Angeles to Mexico on seven-night round trips.
I toured the cruise ship when it arrived here last week. Royal Caribbean International says it is the largest to have its home port on the West Coast. My impression? Think Las Vegas on the sea.
Some highlights:
Ice-skating rink: Yes, really. When I was there, red-costumed skaters swirled to the dizzying Russian song “Kalinka” before a packed house. If wheels are your thing, head for Deck 13, which sports an inline skating track near a cute nine-hole miniature golf course.
Royal Promenade: The throbbing heart of the vessel, this collection of stores, cafes, bars and other gathering spots stretches longer than a football field. Noisy and bustling, it includes a 24-hour eatery. Look up, and you see deck after deck of cabins facing the promenade. How quiet can those be? I wondered aloud to Tracy Quan, the Royal Caribbean spokeswoman who served as my guide. She insisted that the cabins, which lack balconies, are well insulated against sound.
Rock-climbing wall: A standard Royal Caribbean feature, this one rises to 200 feet above the sea. The grips are color-coded by level of difficulty. When the ship heels, you get an added challenge.
Kids and teens: Grouped by age, from 3 to 17 years, five separate zones cater to the younger set with computer stations, an arcade, teen clubs that serve nonalcoholic “mocktails,” parties, contests and other programs.
Solarium: For a little solitude, or at least comparative serenity, escape to this adults-only zone equipped with a pool, whirlpools, fountain and chaise lounges. For a livelier scene, hang out at the main pool area and listen to live bands.
Royal Suite: You can cruise on the Mariner for as little as $549 per week, judging from fares recently posted online. Spend about eight times that, and you’ll get this 1,325-square-foot balcony suite with whirlpool, king bed, queen sofa bed, concierge service and even a baby grand piano. (Pianist not included, contrary to the impression that may be left by a video with this post.)
The bottom line: Mariner of the Seas seems fun and, like many cruises these days, it’s affordable. Serene? Maybe not.
— Jane Engle, assistant Los Angeles Times Travel editor
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-bl ... of-t-4153/ |
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