When it came time to look for a winter holiday cruise in 2022, my family and I were astounded at the prices. Before the pandemic, we cruised every winter holiday and weren’t forced to eat ramen the rest of the year. The pandemic changed a lot about cruising — especially the pricing.

So we made two choices that drastically changed our costs.

First, we chose an older ship that had recently been redone — The Mariner of the Seas.

Second, we took a five-day cruise.

This was our second December in a row doing a five-day cruise. I thought I’d be disappointed, but actually I wasn’t exhausted at the end of our trip and we all had an amazing time.

The Mariner of the Seas has so much to do and great entertainment. Laser tag was big with my teens and I loved the ice show. They are so talented. In addition, there was amazing music and singers all around the ship.

And can we talk about The Bamboo room? OMG, favorite bar to date on a ship. My drink looked like it came in a Caprisun, but it was amazing!!!

Check out my photos from the trip. If you have any questions, I’m here to help. Send me an email at Samantha.kappalman@gmail.com