Mariner of the Seas

Mariner's tiered pool deck has two large pools, one geared to sports and one to families, plus two big hot tubs, a pool bar with a steel drum band and a large screen for movies and games. A sun deck between the Sky Lounge and the pool bar is reserved for suite guests and Pinnacle members. Up front, the adults-only Solarium (16 and up) has two massive hot tubs, plush padded loungers and its own Solarium Bar.

The 2018 amplification turned the old rollerblading rink into a top-deck playground. The Perfect Storm is a pair of racer waterslides, so two riders launch at the same time and race to the bottom. Next door, the FlowRider surf simulator has seating all around it, with open sessions for stand-up surfing and boogie boarding, plus lessons and private rentals. A divider in the middle lets two people ride at once. Both are complimentary.

The sports court is the heart of the sports deck, with basketball, ping pong tables tucked out of the wind and Royal Caribbean's signature rock climbing wall, which started on the Voyager Class. The aft corner now has hammocks, swings and a kids' climbing area. The mini golf course moved to the very front of the ship during the renovation, with a pirate theme and a classic lighthouse. It's complimentary and open any time of day.

The Viking Crown Lounge sits high above the pool deck with massive views. By day it's a quiet spot to read; at night it becomes the ship's main nightclub, with live music, a DJ booth and a full bar. The Suite Lounge was fully redone for suite guests and Pinnacle members, with a concierge, snacks, evening cocktails and a private outdoor deck. Diamond members and above have the Diamond Club and its outdoor terrace overlooking the sports court.

Danny calls Jamie's Italian the most beautiful space on the ship. Added in the amplification, it serves Tuscan-inspired comfort food from Jamie Oliver, with handmade pastas and the famous plank of meats and cheeses. Chops Grille is original Royal Caribbean, an unapologetic steakhouse with an open kitchen, so the aromas reach your table. Both are extra cost, and the Windjammer buffet next door was fully redecorated in the renovation.

Adventure Ocean has its own space for each age group: Aquanauts (3 to 5) with a little slide, a fort and kid-sized bathrooms; Explorers (6 to 8) with video games, art and a dance floor; and Voyagers (9 to 11). Teens 12 to 17 get the Living Room lounge and the Fuel nightclub. Royal Babies and Tots cares for little ones from 6 months, including diaper changes, naps and feeding, for an hourly fee.

The Royal Promenade debuted on the Voyager Class: a three-story indoor street lit by skylights. It has Guest Services, duty-free shops, the Barnacle and Barrel pub with a guitarist most nights, Café Promenade for pizza and sandwiches late into the night, Starbucks and Boleros for Latin music and dancing. The Bamboo Room, added in the amplification, is an old-school tiki bar with handcrafted cocktails. Danny calls it his favorite place to hang out.

Izumi Hibachi and Sushi on Mariner is bigger than the version on the Oasis Class, with five hibachi tables where the chefs flip shrimp and get the table singing, plus a sushi bar (extra cost). Next door, the nautical Schooner Bar has a piano bar with sing-alongs. The large casino has live-dealer table games, including poker, and a bar in the middle. The Royal Theater stages Broadway-style production shows and comedians.