Hi Jean,
This is what I have done the last 2x I have been on mariner (last year). I plan ahead as much as I can and know what days I will do spa and what evening I want Signatures and what evening I want Latitudes (you do not need reservations for Compass Rose and for La Veranda). BTW I always have backup dates for all of these, just in case my first choice is not available. We tend to board as soon as let us, usually around 12:00...we go have lunch at the Pool Grill. At around 2 or 2:30 (ask when you embark) they start taking reservations at both the Spa and the Restaurants...I usually hit the Spa first, get those done and then head straight on down to the Compass Rose, where they take the reservations for Signatures and Latitudes. This whole process does not take more than 45 minutes if you time it right...then I can go on to the suite, which is ready and enjoy pre-sail!!
The Spa sometimes is open earlier for appointments, so just be vigilant. Of course, you cannot "hit them" at those times you can always call on the phone and set up the appointments...a few times I have had to make changes and this has worked.
Cheers!
Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends ~~M. Angelou~~
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