Royal Caribbean International has welcomed back the Mariner of the Seas after the ship completed a nearly month-long drydock at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Grand Bahama.
The Voyager-class cruise ship, originally built in 2003, resumed passenger service on March 17, 2026, departing from Galveston, Texas for a four-night Western Caribbean cruise.
Short Western Caribbean cruises from Texas
Following its return to service, the 3,138-passenger vessel is continuing a schedule of four- and five-night Western Caribbean sailings from Galveston.
Typical itineraries include visits to:
- Cozumel, Mexico
- Costa Maya, Mexico
These cruises also feature two days at sea, offering guests onboard entertainment and leisure experiences.
Special 10-night Caribbean itinerary
In addition to short cruises, the Mariner of the Seas is scheduled to operate a 10-night Western Caribbean voyage departing March 31, 2026.
The extended itinerary will include port calls at:
- Falmouth, Jamaica
- Cozumel, Mexico
- George Town, Cayman Islands
- Belize City, Belize
- Roatán, Honduras
Repositioning to New Orleans later in 2026
Later in the year, the ship will reposition to New Orleans, Louisiana, where it will operate weeklong Western Caribbean cruises starting in November 2026.
From New Orleans, itineraries will visit destinations including:
- Cozumel, Mexico
- George Town, Cayman Islands
- Montego Bay, Jamaica
- Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Return to Europe planned for 2027
After several years away from the region, the Mariner of the Seas is also scheduled to return to Europe in 2027.
Operating out of Southampton, United Kingdom between May and October, the ship will offer itineraries across:
- Scandinavia
- Western Europe
- North Sea destinations
Ovation of the Seas begins refurbishment in Singapore
In related fleet news, the Ovation of the Seas, another vessel from Royal Caribbean International, recently entered drydock in Singapore for a major refurbishment under the company’s Royal Amplified program.
The Quantum-class ship, launched in 2016, will receive several upgrades including:
- A revamped pool deck
- A new Pesky Parrot tiki bar
- The addition of Izumi Teppanyaki dining
- 40 additional staterooms to increase passenger capacity
These updates are part of the cruise line’s ongoing strategy to modernize its fleet and enhance onboard guest experiences.
