First time on RCI (Mariner OTS)

cruzaddict · #1 (**permalink**) April 24th, 2008, 05:49 PM

I'm not new to cruising but my next cruise is my first on RCI...
Anyone have any tips for RCI in general or Mariner OTS in particular

Best time to see ice show?
Good night to choose Chops Grille (if travelling with sister not DH)?
Royal Promenade parades - must see or don't see?
What toiletries will be provided so we don't have to pack them?

ETC ETC
THANKS A MILLION

behappy · #2 (**permalink**) April 26th, 2008, 03:50 PM

Curious to see what kind of feedback you get b/c it will be our first time on RCI-MOTS, too.

dhaden · #3 (**permalink**) April 26th, 2008, 05:14 PM

Best time to see ice show?
Depending on which "Dinner Seating" you have, you will only have a couple of choices. Check the Daily Compass (list of activites) for all the activities and shows you want and plan accordingly. The tickets usually become available on Tuesday morn, and the shows are Wed. or Fri.

Good night to choose Chops Grille (if travelling with sister not DH)?
As soon as you get on board, go to Chops and set your reservations. They will help you choose which night is best depending on what YOU want.

Royal Promenade parades - must see or don't see?
On Monday night around 10:15 is when they do the parade -- DON'T MISS IT. Get there around 9:30 or 9:45 to get an outside table at the Cafe Promenade - Perfect Place to see it.
Besides the 'Parade", we enjoyed all of the Promenade. Haning out at the Piano Bar, Cafe Promenade, all the shops, etc.

What toiletries will be provided so we don't have to pack them?

The showers in the cabins have the despensers for soup and shampoo/conditioner. They aslo have hairdryer, and bar soap at the sink.

Hope This Helps.

CA Cruiser · #4 (**permalink**) April 26th, 2008, 07:03 PM

We enjoyed all of the above. We took the stairs the whole cruise and really enjoyed the all art work on each deck landing. Some were really unique. If you sit in the back of the disco area, you can still have a decent conversation and enjoy the music. Get a group together and sit in the first 2 rows of the ice rink for the Quest. We had a blast. Have a great time.

cruzaddict · #5 (**permalink**) April 27th, 2008, 02:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by behappy

Curious to see what kind of feedback you get b/c it will be our first time on RCI-MOTS, too.

You must be on the sailing right after ours...you may notice me when you arrive...I'll be one of the ladies they are dragging off of the ship, kicking screaming, and crying bcuz I have to leave

So far, SO GREAT! Thanks dhaden and CA Cruiser

cheche · #6 (**permalink**) April 27th, 2008, 02:46 PM

I am sailing May 25th out of Port Canaveral on Mariner. first cruise with this line but have heard that the ice shows are not to be missed and you need to get tickets asap when onboard. Also parades are mentioned as a do not miss item as well. Are you sailing the same date?

cheche · #7 (**permalink**) April 27th, 2008, 02:47 PM

I just saw that you are from Louisiana, my sister who is sailing with me lives in Lake Charles. small world

cruzaddict · #8 (**permalink**) April 27th, 2008, 10:28 PM

I am sailing on 9/28 - wish it was sooner;
live about an hour east of Lake Charles in Lafayette (the heart of Acadiana!)

Have a great time on your cruise!

tcoach · #9 (**permalink**) April 28th, 2008, 10:16 AM

Sailing the week before!! We will be the other ones besides CruzAddict kicking and screaming as we leave!!

kerenegade · #10 (**permalink**) April 30th, 2008, 03:49 PM

the ice show sells out quickly--get at the place to get the tickets way early or you will not have any luck --we lost out and went 30 minutes early for tickets---the toiletries as the same as any other ship --this is a hugh ship and we walked alot to get to places but well worth it -- i loved the adults only side --great place to nap and relax--my favorite trip yet out of 5