The 700-passenger Regent Seven Seas Mariner is elegant, traditional cruising at its best. The ship was freshly refurbished in 2007 and later that year acquired new owners as New York-based Apollo Management purchased the Regent line. Registered in the Bahamas, the Mariner has a gross tonnage of 50,000 and a speed of 20 knots. The officers are European and French; the crew includes Europeans, but is largely from the Philippines.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises, previously Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, was formed in 1992 through the merger of two lines. The parent company, Minneapolis-based Carlson Hospitality Worldwide, changed the name to Regent in March 2006. When the Mariner was built for the company in 2001 at St. Nazaire, France, it was the first liner to offer all-suite, all-balcony accommodations. The more upscale Regent brand, acquired by Carlson after the line was launched, seemed a better fit for the quality of the ships.
Passengers, usually in their 60s and 70s, are well-heeled and well-traveled. They are mainly from the United States and England. All announcements are in English. The make-up of the passengers changes during school holidays, when supervised children's programs are offered, and many younger families are aboard, as well as many three-generation families. At other times, the ship is better suited to couples. While the number of single passengers is small, Regent does make an effort to make them feel at home, offering a solo traveler's breakfast each day with the social staff, and a cocktail-hour get-together each evening. Dance ambassadors are aboard to insure that every woman has a dance partner.
The Mariner has wide-ranging itineraries that include South America, the Panama Canal, the Caribbean, and Asia-Pacific. Summers are spent mostly in Alaska. This is an expensive ship, but it gives fair value compared to other ships in the deluxe category when you factor in the cost of beverages and tipping. There are no specified re-positioning cruises, but return segments across the Pacific are often well-priced.
Every cruise offers a variety of shore excursions, and sometimes the opportunity to shuttle into town and tour on your own. Excellent enrichment lectures are offered for every destination, with speakers who specialize in the areas visited.
A multi-story center atrium and circular stair make for a handsome centerpiece aboard the Mariner. The reception desk is on deck 5, along with the travel desk. The main dining room, Compass Rose, is at one end of this deck, the Constellation Lounge, the ship's entertainment venue, on the other. Lectures are held morning and early afternoon in the Constellation Lounge, popcorn and a movie go on in mid-afternoon, and a variety of entertainment takes pace each night, from musical reviews to guest comedians, magicians, pianists, singers and impressionists.
A library stocked with books and DVDs and a room equipped with some two dozen computers (available for a fee) is on deck 6. There is seldom a wait to get on the computers, however, Internet service is slow. Computer classes are a popular feature onboard. The entire ship is wired for Wi-Fi.
The garden promenade on deck 6 is the place where mah jong enthusiasts get together, and where a jigsaw puzzle is always in place, a homey touch. The card room on this level draws bridge fans, and the Horizon Lounge serves many purposes, from classes to the daily 4 pm tea time trivia quiz and bingo that always draws a big crowd. At night, a trio and a singer-piano duo provide lively music for dancing. The Stars Night Club on this level is used for children's daytime programs during the weeks when families travel aboard. It turns into a disco at 10:30 pm.
The fitness center on deck 7 is a bit disappointing, rather small and with only a few machines, surprising given the level of the rest of the ship. A variety of exercise classes is offered, including stretch, yoga and aerobics, but there is no set daily schedule. Also on this deck are a small casino where blackjack and poker contests are held, the photo shop, and the large and a well-stocked, duty-free boutique selling clothing, jewelry and souvenirs. The Carita of Paris beauty salon and spa offers a full range of services, including facials and massage.
A swimming pool and outdoor whirlpool are on deck 11, along with the La Veranda dining room. One corner of this dining room becomes a classroom for arts and crafts projects each afternoon. The sports deck on deck 12 has a walking track and is the scene of various competitions, from bocce to putting to beanbag tossing. The observation lounge on deck 12 is the place for a quiet afternoon tea with piano music and a panoramic view. At night, it becomes a romantic spot for after-dinner cocktails and quiet music. A physician and two certified nurses are on call on deck 4.
Dining is one of the high points of a Mariner cruise. Four dining rooms are available, all with open seating. The elegant 100-seat Signatures is the only restaurant at sea run by French chefs from Le Cordon Bleu, while Latitudes, done in serene Oriental decor, offers a multicourse Asian menu served family style so that everyone can taste each dish. There is no extra charge for these dining rooms, but advance reservations are required. Wait service is available for all three meals at Compass Rose, the main dining room. The Continental menu offers a choice of three appetizers, two soups, two salads, a pasta dish and three main courses and there is an additional five-course tasting menu with dishes selected by the chef. Entrees on a typical night might be pan-fried grouper filet, beef tenderloin in a calvados sauces, or a grilled veal chop. In addition, each night offers a light menu, vegetarian and no-salt added menus, and simple dishes such as steak, chicken breast, salmon filet, and pasta with sauces. La Veranda has lavish buffets at breakfast and lunch, and wait service at dinner. During the day, tables are set up on the outdoor terrace as well. The help-yourself antipasto appetizer table is generous enough to suffice for dinner. The Mediterranean menu changes over the course of the cruise, from an Italian steakhouse to Spanish tapas and paella. The pool deck grill serves entrees plus burgers and hot dogs; it is open from 11 am to 4 pm.
A pleasant feature on deck 6 is the Coffee Connection, where cappuccino, latte and other coffee drinks are available all day. A Continental breakfast is set out here in the morning and cold cuts, breads and sweets are available at lunch time. Coffee and tea and fresh baked cookies are available in the Garden Promenade. Room service is available in cabins 24 hours a day.
Mariner's 354 suites accommodate 700 passengers in cabins from 301 to 2,020 sq ft, including balconies. Few ships can match their spaciousness, each with a generous sitting room, private balcony and a sizeable walk-in closet equipped with drawers and plenty of hangers. Beds may be twin size or put together to form a king. Robes and slippers are supplied. The baths have full tubs and showers. Rooms are equipped with TVs, safes, and hair dryers and a refrigeratorreplenished daily with soft drinks and bottled water. Guests are welcomed with a bottle of champagne. Larger suites have butler service.
It is rare to hear a complaint aboard the Mariner, a ship that offers superb service, food and accommodations. It will not suit cruisers who want glitz and a huge range of sports activities, but those who prefer a smaller, more tasteful ship can be assured of a wonderful experience.
