We loved Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas when we sailed on her out of Port Canaveral, and if there’s one thing Royal Caribbean does exceptionally well, it’s creating ships that are as much a destination as the ports they visit. And Mariner of the Seas is no exception; we want to share our Mariner of the Seas Restaurants and Dining Guide. As parents, it’s important to know what food is available not only for fussy eaters but also for fine-dining options for us parents.

Despite being an older ship, she’s been updated and is brimming with modern touches, exciting dining concepts, and lively social spaces. All designed to keep every moment onboard fresh and fun. From casual poolside bites to candlelit dinners, from craft cocktails to coffee on deck at sunrise, every craving and every mood is catered for. And that is why Royal Caribbean is a great choice for families. Add the fact that she is sailing out of Southampton next year, and this is a great choice for families wanting to avoid long flights with kids.

A Taste of Adventure at Sea, The Complete Guide To Mariner of the Seas Restaurants And Dining

Dining on Mariner of the Seas is an experience in itself. The ship offers a good variety of complimentary dining options, where quality and flavour are never compromised, alongside speciality restaurants that are well worth the small splurge and we loved both options. And when the sun sets, the atmosphere shifts, bars and lounges across the ship come to life with live music, themed nights, and ocean views that make your drink taste that bit better.

Whether you’re travelling as a couple, a family, or a group of friends, Mariner of the Seas has a dining and nightlife scene to match every style of holiday. Here’s a look at all the places you can eat, drink, and relax on board, and a few insider favourites you won’t want to miss.

Complimentary Restaurants and Dining on Mariner of the Seas

Dining that’s included in your fare doesn’t mean skimping on quality. Mariner of the Seas offers a great range of free restaurants where you can enjoy everything from casual poolside snacks to elegant multi-course dinners. And if you are travelling with kiddies we know it’s important to alwats know where the nearest snack is right?

The Main Dining Room

The heart of the ship’s dining experience. Expect classic cruise elegance with multi-level seating, white tablecloths, and an international menu that changes daily. Perfect for leisurely dinners and special occasions. They offer a kids menu, plus children can order from the main menu. And on 7 night or more cruises you can get Lobster on formal night.

Despite loving the bigger Royal Caribbean ships. In my opinion the main dining experience is more chilled and attantive on smaller ships such as Mariner of the Seas.

Windjammer Marketplace

The ever-popular buffet restaurant offers an impressive selection of global dishes, themed nights, and ocean views. A family favourite for its relaxed, come-as-you-are vibe. Plus even the fussy eaters will find something they like, the choice is huge.

Café Promenade And Sorrento’s Pizza

Situated on the Promenade and Open 24/7, this is your go-to for light bites, offering pizzas, fruit, sandwiches, pastries, cakes, cookies and coffee, any time of day or night. When our boys were little this was the perfect place for a snack any time of day.

The Dog House

For the best hot dog ever, check out the dog house up on the pool deck. Serving hot dogs in many flavours and fries, this is a real family-friendly free place to eat on Mariner of the Seas.

Room Service

Ideal for lazy mornings or midnight snacks. Continental breakfast is complimentary and offers a great choice of pastries, coffee and cereal; other items come with a small service charge.

Speciality Dining on Mariner of the Seas

If you want to elevate your experience or celebrate a special occasion, the ship’s speciality restaurants deliver exceptional food and service for a small surcharge. We always try to book at least once for a different dining experience. Often, the three-night packages are a great deal.

Of course, you need never spend an extra penny on food and dining; there are so many free options. But it’s great to know if you do want to treat yourself and the family to a special dinner, the option is there.

Top Tip: Prices are not static; they change regularly, so check your app at regular intervals for offers. We have got some great dining deals.

Chops Grille

Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse. Think prime cuts, fresh seafood and fine wines, all served in an intimate setting. Whilst children are welcome and dine at a reduced rate in all the restaurants. When the boys were younger, we used this as an opportunity to take them to the buffet restaurant first and drop them off at the kids’ club whilst we dined.

Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver

Big on flavour and family-style warmth, this trattoria serves handmade pasta, rustic mains and indulgent desserts. Jamie’s Italian is a great family-friendly Italian, and the sharing boards are fabulous.

Izumi Sushi

A calm and elegant escape offering fresh sushi, sashimi and Asian-inspired appetisers prepared with flair. A great place for a quick dinner or snack before a show.

Izzumi Hibachi

This is a real family favourite. Izumi Hibachi on Royal Caribbean is one of those dining experiences that’s just as much about the fun as it is the food. Your chef cooks everything right in front of you with plenty of flair, turning dinner into a full-on show while you enjoy sizzling fried rice, tender meats and fish, and tasty sides. It’s a brilliant option for families, celebrations, or anyone wanting a break from the main dining room and something a little more special.

Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade

Grab a seat, order one of the best burgers ever or wings, and catch the game on big screens. Another favourite of ours! Play Makers is not only a haven for sports fans but also has board games and football tables. The vibe is chilled but cool and not as expensive as many of the other speciality dining options, and we love it.

Johnny Rockets

Step into the 1950s at this retro diner serving burgers, fries, and milkshakes with a side of nostalgia. Johnny Rockets has always been a hit with our family; the boys especially loved it when they were younger. It’s a fun, retro-style diner with burgers, fries, and milkshakes that feel like a real treat.

Even though it’s a speciality restaurant, the prices are lower than most others on Royal Caribbean, and breakfast is free, which makes it an easy win for families.

Bars and Lounges Onboard Mariner of the Seas

Evenings come alive on Mariner of the Seas, with a huge choice of bars and lounges to suit every mood, from lively entertainment to elegant relaxation.

• Barnacle & Barrel, The ship’s English-style pub, offering craft beers, cocktails, and live music. A friendly, buzzing atmosphere every night. The live singers are always fab in here, it’s a great atmosphere.
• Ellington’s Bar (Deck 14), A chic lounge with panoramic views, perfect for sunset cocktails or a pre-dinner drink.
• Sky Lounge, A stylish spot for quiet conversation or a nightcap, offering soft lighting and sea views.
• Star Lounge, A lively entertainment hub hosting karaoke, family events, trivia and evening shows in a relaxed, sociable setting.
• Schooner Bar, our favourite, the iconic Royal Caribbean piano bar. Expect sing-alongs with a piano man every night, amazing cocktails, and try the lavender daiquiri its amazing.
• Casino Bar, Grab a drink while testing your luck at the slots or gaming tables.
• Boleros, A Latin-inspired cocktail bar with live music and a dance floor that keeps the energy high all night long. They also hold a nightly pop quiz which is always great fun.
• Suite Lounge, Reserved for suite guests, offers panoramic ocean views, light bites, and premium drinks.
• Pool Bar, Spanning three decks, this tropical-themed bar is the ultimate place for daytime cocktails or sunset sips. There is nothing better than sipping a cocktail on a balmy evening at sea. And Royal Caribbean often hosts movies under the stars, which is always a real treat.
• Solarium Bar, located in the adults-only Solarium, this bar is perfect for smoothies by day and cocktails by night.
• Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, a sports fans’ paradise, combines pints, bites, and watching a game on the TV or having a family game night all in one energetic venue. This is our family’s favourite spot; the atmosphere is fantastic.
• Viking Crown Lounge, Exclusive to Crown & Anchor Diamond members and above, this lounge offers an elegant escape with attentive service.

Mariner Of The Seas Perfectly Captures What Makes Royal Caribbean So Popular

Despite being a smaller ship, Mariner of the Seas is great for families, offering variety, vibrancy, and a sense of fun. With a dining scene that spans casual comfort food to fine dining and bars that keep the ship buzzing for the whole family. You’ll never run out of new favourites to discover, and there are cookies and fruit pots everywhere to keep the kids happy.

Whether you’re sipping cocktails in the Sky Lounge, sharing tapas in Jamie’s Italian, or playing Jenga in Playmakers, every bite and every drink adds to the unforgettable experience of life at sea. See our full review and photo tour of Mariner of the Seas.