When Royal Caribbean International first launched the Mariner of the Seas in 2003, it marked the fifth and last sizable Voyager-class vessel before developing even bigger ones. Never forgotten, though, the line is returning to the ship to schedule $90 million worth of revitalizations for unveiling in June 2018.
Central to the improvements is the exciting new Sky Pad virtual reality, bungee trampoline attraction. Physically, passengers will be strapped into a harness and wear a digital headset, but virtually, they will travel to a different time and planet. Guests of all ages will have the option to play intergalactic games as they hop over moon craters or enjoy the experience sans headgear for traditional sea and sky views.
Perched adjacent to the Sky Pad on the upper aft deck will also be The Perfect Storm of waterslides comprised of the racing Cyclone and Typhoon. Rounding out the new al fresco attractions will be a fresh 40-foot-long FlowRider surf simulator.
Meanwhile inside, Studio B will newly offer up "Battle for Planet Z"-a glow-in-the-dark laser tag experience-and Puzzle Break: The Observatorium will be a mysterious escape room challenge. The narrative latter will require participants to solve puzzles and discover clues to strategically break free within 60 minutes or less.
Otherwise, the Mariner of the Seas will continue to resemble sister-ship Navigator of the Seas-a vessel I've personally sailed on, which itself was renovated in 2014-as one of the two second-generation ships in the Voyager series.
That means passengers will enjoy the pair's unique glass balconies and expanded buffet, as well as the classic Royal Promenade. A cavernous interior corridor of shopping and dining venues dramatically stretches from one airy atrium to the other.
The 15-deck ship also sports Royal Caribbean favorites like an ice-skating rink, 40-foot rock-climbing wall, nine-hole mini-golf course, trio of swimming pools, full-sized basketball court and "Dive-In" poolside movie screen.
All the features will be ready to experience starting in June 2018 on three and four-night Bahamian weekend getaways. Cruises will journey from PortMiami, Florida to Nassau and Royal Caribbean's CocoCay private island.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
