Enchantment of the Seas vs Mariner of the Seas

What's the main difference between Enchantment of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas?

The biggest difference comes down to size and age. Mariner of the Seas is significantly larger at 139,863 tons compared to Enchantment's 82,910 tons – that's nearly 70% bigger. Mariner was also built six years later (2003 vs 1997), which means it comes packed with more modern amenities and design features that weren't available when Enchantment first set sail.

Mariner belongs to Royal Caribbean's Voyager Class, while Enchantment is part of the older Vision Class. This translates to completely different onboard experiences – Mariner feels like a floating city with its famous Royal Promenade, while Enchantment offers a more traditional cruise atmosphere centered around its cozy Centrum atrium.

Which ship has better entertainment options?

Mariner takes the crown here with its diverse entertainment lineup. You'll find ice-skating shows, which are pretty spectacular to watch, plus original Broadway-style productions and a wider variety of venues to choose from. The ship's size allows for more creative entertainment spaces.

Enchantment sticks to the classics with traditional show lounges and production shows. The Viking Crown Lounge offers great views and a relaxed atmosphere. While it might not have the wow factor of ice shows, many cruisers actually prefer this more intimate entertainment style where you're not competing with thousands of other passengers for good seats.

How do the dining options compare?

This is where Mariner really shines. The larger ship houses about 57% more dining venues than Enchantment, giving you way more variety throughout your cruise. You'll find everything from Izumi Hibachi & Sushi to Johnny Rockets, and many options don't charge extra fees.

Enchantment offers around 8 dining venues, including premium spots like Chops Grille. While the selection is smaller, the quality remains solid. The benefit? You won't feel overwhelmed by choices, and the dining areas tend to feel less crowded and rushed.

Free vs. Premium Dining

Both ships offer complimentary dining in their main dining rooms and buffets, but Mariner provides more free specialty options. If you're someone who likes to try different cuisines every night, Mariner gives you more bang for your buck.

Which ship offers better value for money?

This depends on what you value most. Mariner typically costs more upfront but delivers more amenities per dollar spent. With better space ratios (42 tons per passenger vs. Enchantment's 37), you get more room to breathe and more activities included in your fare.

Enchantment often comes with lower price tags, especially for shorter cruises. If you're planning a quick getaway and don't need bells and whistles, you might find better deals here. Plus, the smaller size means you'll spend less time walking around the ship and more time actually enjoying your vacation.

What about onboard activities and amenities?

Mariner definitely wins the activity contest. Water slides, better pool areas, and more adventurous options keep families and thrill-seekers happy. The Royal Promenade creates a unique indoor "street" experience with shops, bars, and people-watching opportunities.

Enchantment focuses on tried-and-true cruise activities. You'll get rock climbing walls, pools, and whirlpools, but don't expect water slides or flow riders. The ship works well for passengers who prefer reading by the pool over high-energy adventures.

Pool and Deck Space

• Enchantment: 1 indoor pool, 2 outdoor pools, 6 whirlpools
• Mariner: More extensive pool areas with water features and modern design

Which ship is better for families?

Mariner edges ahead for families with teens and active kids. The variety of activities, entertainment, and dining keeps everyone busy. Ice shows are particularly popular with children, and the Royal Promenade provides a safe area for kids to explore independently.

Enchantment works better for families seeking a calmer experience or those with very young children. The smaller size makes it easier to keep track of family members, and the less crowded pools and decks create a more relaxed environment.

How do the cabins compare?

Both ships offer similar cabin categories, but Mariner's newer construction means slightly more modern fixtures and potentially better layouts. The newer ship also provides more cabin variety due to its larger size.

Enchantment's cabins are perfectly comfortable but show their age in some design elements. However, many passengers actually prefer the cozier feel and find the older ships less overwhelming than the newer mega-ships.

Which destinations do these ships visit?

Both ships rotate between different itineraries depending on the season. Mariner's larger size gives it more flexibility for longer voyages and international routes. Enchantment often handles shorter Caribbean runs and seasonal repositioning cruises.

The destination experience remains similar regardless of which ship you choose – both offer the same Royal Caribbean shore excursions and port experiences.

What's the crowd like on each ship?

Enchantment tends to attract passengers who prefer traditional cruising experiences. You'll find more repeat cruisers who specifically seek out smaller ships. The atmosphere feels more intimate, and it's easier to recognize fellow passengers by the end of your cruise.

Mariner draws a more diverse crowd due to its variety of amenities. Families with different age ranges find something for everyone. The larger passenger count (3,344 vs. 2,252) means more energy but also more competition for popular activities and dining times.

Should you choose Enchantment or Mariner?

Pick Enchantment if you want a classic cruise experience without feeling overwhelmed by choices and crowds. It's perfect for passengers who prioritize relaxation, intimate dining, and traditional cruise activities. The lower price point makes it attractive for budget-conscious travelers or those trying cruising for the first time.

Choose Mariner if you want maximum variety in dining, entertainment, and activities. The ship works well for multi-generational families or groups with different interests. You'll get more amenities for your money, even though the upfront cost runs higher.

Both ships deliver solid Royal Caribbean experiences – the choice really comes down to whether you prefer cozy and traditional or large and feature-packed.