I have cruised on RC about 10 times and cruised the Mariner of the Seas and also one of its twin sister ships which is identical, the Adventure of the seas. And I have used Royal Caribbean's web site to select and reserve cabins and I always select a balcony cabin as that's the way to go. So let me give you some advice based on experience.
First, There will NOT be engine noise if you are at the back of the ship because the Mariner is constructed with the new Asipod engines which are electric powered by an engine that is located midship in the lower parts. The asipods are very similar to airplane engines but are suspended below the ship and are capable of being rotated to control the ship's direction.
Second, there are some obstructed view balcony cabins on the ship but you CAN locate them on the ship's layout when you begin the registration process. You will not see the notation "obstructed view" unless you start a reservation and get to the point of selecting a cabin. If you click on a "select" button the web site WILL let you go back to the previous screen to see other options.
Third, I suggest that you select a date that you want to cruise and begin a TRIAL reservation process ( you begin it, see what's available and then if you don't like the results just cancel it, or close your browser. RC does not ask for credit card information until you get to the end of the process). Then you will be able to see what cabins are available for that date and also what deck the available cabins are on, and also whether the cabins are port or starboard side. When you begin the reservation process you will see a color coded ship's layout for each deck that the type cabin you want are available. The trial booking will also let you see the square footage of the cabin and the balcony.
http://www.royalcaribbean.com/booking/loadCabinTypeList.do;jsessionid=0000njDLSSzIT2zoVEKjzt1XAFX:12hdhu6tq?packageCode=MA07X010&shipCode=MA&sailDate=1100725&adultCount=2&childCount=0&guestCount=null&hasAir=N&hasTransfer=null&hasTour=null&hasSenior=Y&state=NC&cabinClassType=B
The Mariner has two sets of elevator bays (stairways are right across from the elevators). Its been my experience that the best way to stay away from hall noise is to select a cabin that is 3 or 4 cabins in front of or behind the elevator bays. Its been my experience that that is far enough away. Remember also when selecting your cabin that mid-ship and lower decks have less motion than front or back, or higher up. But my personal preference is to be as high as I can. Also the eating places, i.e., Windjammer Cafe (Buffet) and the main dining rooms and the sports activities are at the back of the ship, while the gym, spa, and main show room are on the front of the ship. The pools, hot tubs, and ice skating are mid ship. So if you play to go to the gym every day you may want to select a cabin that is forward so you don't have to walk so far to get there.
All cruise cabins are sold based on double occupancy and the prices listed will be per person and based on at least two people going on the cruise. The price you pay will depend mostly on the type cabin/accommodations that you choose. There are 4 basic types of cabins on ships;
- inside (no window),................................… least expensive
- outside (a window or porthole),
- balcony/veranda, and
- suites and penthouses.......................... most expensive.
The "FROM" prices you see will always be for an inside cabin. There are also some subcategories within each category with cabins on a higher deck, and/or a better location on ship (like midship), and/or that are slightly larger costing more. So as you browse, pay attention to the square footage of the cabins.
Again, the key is try a reservation so you can see the color coded deck plans and also the square footage of the cabin and balcony and also the note of the obstructed view cabins. If you begin a reservation process and then cancel or stop it, a window will pop up asking you if you want someone from Royal Caribbean to call you to help with your reservation. OR, just call a RC certified vacation planner and they will help you by phone live and in living color with your reservation.