There are 3 levels in the dining room. Does anyone know if one is preferable to the other? Would appreciate any feedback from those who have been on the Mariner.

Absolutely the same. It is like a 3-story restaurant.

I would recommed the top level as it not as hectic as the lower level. These dining rooms are huge and quite crowded.

I would also highly recommend you dine at Portofino's one evening. It is excellent and well worth the small surcharge.

On the 'voyager' class ships, the main dining room is three tier; however I believe that the level you dine on is predicated by your cabin location. If you want a tier other than that you are assigned, you will have to see the Maitre'd and request a change.

The Mariner has both Portofino and Chops as alternative restaurants. Both carry a $20 fee per passenger. We experienced Chops during our Mariner cruise last October and I feel as though it was the best $20 I spent on the entire cruise. Food, service, ambiance were all excellent and top notch!

Thanks for the info on Chops. Is it hard to get a reservation? Is that something we need to do as soon as we board?

Yes, you should make reservations as soon as possible.

I have dined at Chops 3 times and Portofino's 6. While both are excellent, I prefer Portofino's.

kfusto: can we make that reservation before we leave or do we have to wait until we are board? Also, do you have an opinion on the dining room, such as which level is preferable?

You cannot make reservations before you board but the restaurants are open for you to visit, peruse the menus and make reservations very soon after boarding. I like to go personally so I can request the table I prefer (i.e., by the window). I dined at Portofino's twice last cruise and Chops once. They are worth the surcharge.

I found the main level of the dining room to be a bit busy and noisy. I preferred being on the second level. The third was also better than the first, IMHO.