Ice Skate to Mexico

The arrival of Mariner of the Seas to service the Mexican Riviera market could be the single greatest event in the history of Southern California. Do you think that statement might be a little too over-the-top?

You'll have to take a cruise to find out. Many people have formed their opinions about Royal Caribbean based on Baja cruises aboard Monarch of the Seas. Monarch's weekend escapes to Ensenada certainly earned big kudos, and the four night cruises to San Diego, Ensenada and Catalina surprised travelers with the rejuvenating effect. Monarch was a big step forward from Viking Serenade and previous short cruise offerings in Southern California, but people privileged to take a seven night cruise on Vision of the Seas discovered there really is a big difference between ships within the same line.
Vision of the Seas has always been a crowd pleaser, but most of the time, she would re-deploy to Alaska for the summer, when families were most likely to take Mexican Riviera cruises. As such, for many people, Monarch of the Seas was the face of Royal Caribbean.

This week, Mariner of the Seas arrives in Los Angeles, and the world will never be the same. Is that statement too bold?

You'll have to take a cruise to find out. Royal Caribbean includes lots of signature attractions on all of their ships, including fantastic lounges like the Viking Crown lounge surrounded in windows and perched high atop the ship and the nautically-themed Schooner Bar. They always have rock climbing walls and super health spas. Basically, Mariner of the Seas just expands on the concepts, with an ice skating rink (that's right, you can ice skate on your way to Mexico) and the Royal Promenade, reminiscent of a fashionable European street featuring a British pub, coffee house, shops and lounges. There's also mini-golf, Johnny Rockets and lots, lots more. It really must be experienced to appreciate, as photos and words don't do it justice.
Let me put it another way. Last week I enjoyed touring the beautiful Queen Mary 2, billed as the most elegant of the large ocean liners, and in my opinion, Mariner's Sound of Music Dining Room is superior to any of the restaurants on QM2, including the Queen's Grill, access to which is limited to people paying thousands of dollars to stay in suites. Mariner's Portofino and Chops specialty restaurants are both more beautiful than QM2's Todd English, IMHO. This is not to put down QM2, which is a wonderful ship that takes passengers on unique voyages with an undeniable air of sophistication. It's just that Mariner is that great.

And, of course, the entertainment includes very talented musicians, singers and dancers you've come to expect with Royal Caribbean. Don't be the last to discover Mariner of the Seas. In fact, call up your friends and family to invite them to join you on a Mexican Riviera cruise this summer. That's right, Mariner of the Seas will be here through the prime summer season!