Published on May 22, 2024
If you’ve ever tried to plan a vacation on a budget, you’ve probably realized that compromise is the name of the game. Sometimes it’s opting for a more affordable meals, cutting back on activities and tours or even opting for a destination closer to home. This isn’t the case when it comes to cruising — especially onboard a cruise ship like Mariner of the Seas. I discovered long ago that cruising is a great way to maximize memories without maxing out my credit card, and ships like Mariner of the Seas make it easy to ensure everyone in my travel party has plenty to do throughout the journey.
Because it’s a smaller ship, it offers a really cool, intimate vibe that makes it easy to get to know my fellow cruisers. In other words, you’re guaranteed to make friends during your getaway, which makes every experience more memorable. What’s more, this ship is brimming with included onboard activities, such as a mini golf course with stunning sea views, a sports court with complimentary equipment available for use, a towering rock-climbing wall, glow-in-the-dark laser tag and award-winning shows and entertainment every night of your sailing. That’s in addition to some seriously crave-worthy restaurants serving up delicious global fare at no additional charge.
Interested in learning more about what my favorite Voyager Class cruise ship has to offer? Here's a high-level overview of the best free things to do onboard.
Adventure Ocean is Royal Caribbean’s award-winning youth program, and it’s totally free. It operates a little like a day camp, grouping little cruisers aged three to 11 among their peers for an entire day of educational, supervised fun. It’s the perfect spot to leave your kiddos before you head to the Solarium or to the spa for a day of pampering.
Great food is a must for any vacation, in my book, and Mariner of the Seas doesn’t disappoint. You’ll find a wide variety of delicious and free dining options onboard, including free formal dining in the main dining room and casual global fare served buffet-style at Windjammer. If you’re in the mood for awesome hot dogs, head to Dog House — this guest-loved eatery serves up several different kinds of brats inspired by different foodie capitals, all free. And at Café Promenade, you can count on tasty bistro bites served 24/7 — it’s my go-to restaurant for late-night eats after a few hours spent dancing at the onboard nightclub.
There are so many great free things to do and free places to eat onboard Mariner of the Seas, it’s easy to plan what feels like an all-inclusive cruise vacation — especially if you purchase a specialty beverage package. See what else this Voyager Class favorite has to offer, or start browsing itineraries.