Mariner of the Seas - 6D, Day 1 - Embarkation, Set Sail

Embarkation - Marina Bay Cruise Centre

We arrived in taxis, about an hour earlier than the designated check-in time of 2pm. Since most of the check-in processes were done online, there were only a few more steps to complete. This process could be done by a representative from the group, of course, with everyone's travel documents.

Check-in luggage

On departure level, near entrance of building.  Presented our documents for verification and dropped-off our luggage.  There were blank copies of luggage tag and stationery for those who had forgotten to bring or print their luggage tags.

Counter Registration

Since there were thousands of passengers, the registration process was divided in accordance to stateroom decks.  So, there were queues for those who had missed their earlier check-in time and queues for current and later time slots.  When it was our turn, I handed over our printed SetSail Passes, shown our passports and credit cards for verification.  After some reminders from the staff, we were given our SeaPass Cards and a number tag for group boarding.

Immigration & Checkpoints

Since this post was written almost 4 years later, I had totally forgotten about this part.

Some photos taken at Marina Bay Cruise Centre, while waiting to board.

When we first entered our stateroom, there were 2 sets of paper on the bed, Day 1's Cruise Compass and Shore Excursions.  Thereafter, every evening, after return from dinner, there would be a set of following day's Cruise Compass, and the sofa bed would be turned into a queen sized bed completed with bed sheets, pillows.

Lunch at Windjammer Cafe
When we arrived at Windjammer Cafe on deck 11, we were fortunate to get a table besides the windows.  The view was as tempting as the buffet spread!  We were too excited to grab and eat, forgotten to take shots of the food spread.

Sea left, Sea right (taken at Windjammer Cafe)

First meal on board

Assembly Drill
There was a compulsory assembly drill for all guests at 4pm.  The respective assembly location was printed on SeaPass Card and also stated on the main door of every stateroom.  Our assembly station was D21, on deck 4, Main Dining Room.  This dining room took up 3 decks and its interior was very grand!  It felt as if we had walked into the sets of the movie, Titanic.
Sunset on Balcony
After the drill, we went back to our stateroom, to rest and get ready for dinner.  By then, the ship had left the cruise centre.  Since dinner was a few hours away, we just chilled at the balcony and enjoyed sunset.
Dinner at Main Dining Room
Our Traditional Dining Time was at 8pm.  At dinner, we were quite surprise it was not a table for four.  We were seated with a family of father and son, another family of elderly mother and 3 sons.  It was only much later that I read on its website that guests have the choice to be seated as allocated or to request not to have other company.  We were fine with the arrangement, it was always good to make new friends.  Dinner was superb!  Too bad, we were too excited to eat and did not have any photo on food.

Night Stroll
The first day was always the most exciting.  After dinner, we walked around the ship to admire its beauty and took photos.
Back to our stateroom to sleep.  End of Day 1.

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