Fresh off a massive $120 million renovation that introduced a number of new features to the ship -- the Sky Pad virtual-reality bungee trampoline, FlowRider surf simulators, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade -- and added dining venues and 40 more cabins, 15-year-old Mariner of the Seas has a crisp, fun "new ship" feel.

It's also quite lively, with the hub of activity centered on the fabulous Royal Promenade, a bright, colorful and Instagrammable stretch of Deck 5, where something is happening -- '80s-, '90s- or disco-themed dance parties, or live music -- any time of day. Royal Caribbean went the extra mile to ensure the ship looks great, and it does. On the Royal Promenade, The Bamboo Room -- a new Polynesian bar serving updated Tiki bar classics -- is visually striking with bright, bold, leaf-patterned wall coverings and a retro-chic sign outside. But outside is where the ship's 2018 "amplification" is most apparent. The giant yellow dome of the Sky Pad is unmistakable, and the twin corkscrews of The Perfect Storm racing water slides -- which appear to hang off the side of the ship -- are appealing as well. Everywhere onboard there's something that catches your eye. Though Mariner of the Seas is a smaller ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, it never felt small. By that same notion, it never felt too large. Space is used well, and it's evident Royal Caribbean spent time looking at how to keep passengers out of each other's way. We floated from place to place, ate, got drinks, played mini-golf and watched movies by the pool, and the only time we stood in line or really even saw lines was at the Sky Pad, FlowRider and water slides, and those moved quickly. Even in Windjammer Marketplace, the ship's buffet, we found there were few issues with wait times. Uncover the best deals with a Royal Caribbean expert Muffett Grubb Specialities : River Cruises and All Inclusive 181 reviews Contact Agent Anita Thompson Specialities : River Cruises and All Inclusive 81 reviews Contact Agent Barbara Lawrence Specialities : All Inclusive and Family Vacations 38 reviews Contact Agent Danny Fisher Specialities : River Cruises and All Inclusive 33 reviews Contact Agent Jody Piotter Specialities : River Cruises and Luxury Cruises 27 reviews Contact Agent Therese Gries Specialities : All Inclusive and Outdoor Activities & Sports 22 reviews Contact Agent Heather Rosing Specialities : All Inclusive and Beach Vacations 19 reviews Contact Agent Josh Oretsky Specialities : Luxury Cruises and River Cruises 18 reviews Contact Agent Lori Hischke Specialities : River Cruises and Honeymoons 16 reviews Contact Agent Angie Lavalle Specialities : Luxury Cruises and Small Ship Cruises 13 reviews Contact Agent Overall, Mariner of the Seas was a delight. Every part of the ship delivered on its promise and our one regret was that our sailing was only two nights. We could have used more time to enjoy the "have fun, you're on vacation" energy that emanated from everyone onboard.

Inclusions Included with your cruise fare: Meals in the three main dining rooms and Windjammer Marketplace, as well as at Cafe Promenade and the Dog House; continental breakfast room service Main theater shows Most activities and events, except as noted below or in the daily schedule Use of the ice skating rink Use of the fitness center, but not most classes Use of the sports center, water slides, flowrider surf simulator, Mariner Dunes mini-golf course and SkyPad Bungee trampoline Daily Adventure Ocean children’s programs until 10 p.m. Daily Gratuities, only if you booked your cruise in Australia and New Zealand in AU and NZ dollars Not included with your cruise fare: Daily gratuities ($14.50 per person, per day for anyone staying in a Junior Suite or below; $17.50 per person, per day for Grand Suites or higher) Auto-gratuities of 18 percent applied to salon, spa and beverage purchases, as well as most specialty dining reservations Drinks excluding water, tea (including iced tea), coffee and selected juices from the Windjammer Marketplace buffet Room Service ($7.95 per order) except for continental breakfast Most specialty dining Most fitness classes and all treatments and services in the spa and salon Sessions in the Escape Room Activities like bingo, arts and crafts, arcade games, alcohol tastings and shopping events Casino play Kids Club programs later than 10:00 p.m. in the Adventure Ocean facility Shore excursions Internet access Photos and artwork