|
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is proud to introduce the world's first all-suite, all-balconied ship, the m/s Seven Seas Marinerentered service in March of 2001. For the first time on any ship, every single guest will be treated to an unprecedented level of expansive personal luxury. The Mariner caters to only 700 guests, making her one of the most spacious cruise ships in the world. Passengers run from a sprinkling of people in their thirties to more in the forties and fifties, with many 60-plus. The service is exceptional, and the warmth is genuine; staff members take the time to chat with passengers who are curious about their homes and experience. Also, instead of enduring long lines before boarding, passengers are checked in hotel-style, on the ship, the process smoothed by champagne. The no-tipping policy was an important factor in passengers' choices, as was the remarkable spa and beauty salon by Judith Jackson.She offers the luxury of single, open-seating dining in four distinctive restaurants featuring the finest cuisine afloat. In fact, chefs of the famed Cordon Bleu of Paris, the most prestigious culinary authority in the world, assist in the direction of one of the Mariner's restaurants. And in the six-star tradition of Radisson Seven Seas, the Mariner provides the highest level of personal service, with a staff to guest ratio of 1:1.6. Whichever suite category you choose, you will find a private, light-filled environment that is unmatched for luxury and thoughtfully planned details. Every Mariner suite includes a walk-in closet big enough to change in with dozens of hangers and a private safe. A gleaming marble-lined bath with full-size tub and shower. A mini-bar pre-stocked with your favorite beverages. A bedroom (with twin beds or a European king-size bed) and a separate living room area tastefully furnished with a loveseat and comfortable armchairs with an adjustable table for dining in-suite. Convenient switches for directed lighting where you want it, when you want it. A television and video player. A private, teak-decked balcony with two plumply-cushioned lounge chairs and a side table. And thickly-napped, oversize towels and full-length bathrobes to wrap up in after bathing or a dip in the pool. As a further personal convenience a handy self-service launderette with washers, dryers and ironing facilities are provided or laundry and dry-cleaning services are also available. Private butler service is offered to guests in our Master, Mariner and Grand Suites. Another notable side of the experience on Mariner is the new rudderless Azipod propulsion system. Even the most seasick-prone couldn't tell when the ship was moving, no vibration, anywhere, anytime. No propeller shaft. The drive system is essentially two 8,500 horse power electric trolling motors suspended beneath the hull. The bridge is 22nd century, the nav system, GPS (which doesn't translate in French) and autopilot are totally integrated.
Entertainment:
Daytime activities include lecturers on topics from wine to anthropology; movies and games; dance classes; and cooking demonstrations by the Cordon Bleu staff. The Card Room is nearly always in use, and the ship carries a bridge instructor and dance hosts on every sailing. Guests enjoy a port intensive itinerary offering quality excursions and on-board entertainment plus guest lecturers. The venue included audience interactive lectures from former CIA director (1977-81) Admiral Stansfield Turner.
Are you seeking entertainment or music to enhance an evening? Just follow the daily directory to your personal enjoyment. Your evening may include fine shows in the elegant Constellation Theatre, has two levels, and almost perfect sight lines from all seats, with no blockage or casual socialization in the Mariner Lounge serves as the primary entertainment venue offering a wide range of music from Broadway, Big Band and contemporary hits. The Casino offers a wide choice of games of chance, ranging from slots and video poker to roulette, craps and blackjack. If you are looking for something a bit more sedate check out the Stars Nightclub, where a band plays favorite dance tunes followed by a disco after 10:30. The Connoisseur Club is a great spot to begin - or end your evening. In an atmosphere reminiscent of a venerable London Club, expansive leather armchairs invite you to relax, savor a martini or brandy and the quiet enjoyment that good company among friends brings. Cigar aficionados can check the climate-controlled humidors to purchase their special smoke. The main show lounge, More passengers gravitated to the Observation Lounge with solo piano, or to the leather armchairs and English men's club atmosphere of the Connoisseur Club. The casino is not a walk through on this ship, but a separate room with blackjack, slot and poker machines, and roulette and stud poker tables. It never seemed to have a great deal of traffic. In contrast, shows in the Constellation Theater, ranging from magic to Broadway-style productions, were quite well attended. The nightclub, Stars, with its very small dance floor, was occasionally lively, but clearly not an important part of the cruise experience.
Public Areas:
The Seven Seas Mariner is sleek, spacious, contemporary and elegant. The cruise ship provides each of the 700 passengers onboard with a memorable experience both in the suites and in the common areas. Wood, glass, and chrome give the ship its decidedly modern look. The Atrium soars above you all the way deck 5 to deck 12, topped off with a large skylight dome.
The Constellation Theatre is extremely comfortable, with every seat giving a good view of the stage. A small table is accessible to each seat, and drinks are served during the shows. There is also a balcony with seating on deck 6. The nightly shows were at 9:45 each evening and consisted of singing, dancing or comedy. Starting at the top of the ship, the Observation Lounge on deck 12 gives visitors a great view of where the ship is heading. The pianist and guitarist provide guests with quiet listening music from after dinner until after midnight. The Pool Bar on deck 11 is open throughout the day, and is the most casual area on the ship. The Mariner Lounge is just outside the Compass Rose and Latitudes restaurants, and is primarily used for pre-dinner drinks and as a gathering area to meet your dinner companions. The Horizon Lounge is a popular multi-functional place, serving early-riser breakfast, snacks, tea, and drinks. After the evening show, many on our ship drifted there to dance to the music of "Cruise Control", a talented duo from Montreal. The Connoisseur Club is just off the Horizon Lounge. It is really just a small room for cigar smokers, but its overstuffed chairs and faux fireplace were a perfect decor. The humidor is stocked with Cuban cigars (available for purchase). For those looking for more action, the Stars Nightclub offers disco music until the wee hours of the morning. The Stars Nightclub has its own stairway up to the casino, which also features a small bar for gamblers.
The library area off the gallery is light and open, with books and video tapes. The Club.com computer room is next to the library. There were 18 computers in the Club.com, and 3 with flat panel monitors in the library area. If you must mentally take your family and business along, the very cost friendly staffed Internet Cafe ensures keeping abreast is cheap and easy. A 1,000 word e-mail was one $1.00. The manager of the Club.com gives computer classes several times on the cruise. There are a few chairs in the library area, but many passengers chose other quiet places on the ship for reading. A beauty salon and spa operated by Judith Jackson were both very popular.
Cuisine:
The Mariner has 6 dining options, one of which should match the cravings of any cruiser. The Compass Rose is the Mariner's largest restaurant. It is located on deck 5 near Latitudes. Open seating breakfast, lunch and dinner is served here, there are a la carte choices of meat, fish or chicken of appetizer, soup or salad, main course, and dessert; or simple selections such as grilled salmon, a filet or a vegetarian dish. Everything can be mixed or matched to your desire, there were more options on the back of the menu! Those looking for healthy choices or those looking for diversity and quality will all be satisfied.
Latitudes offers a sampler gathering of exotic tastes. Thankfully, The menu is fixed, and starts with a sampler of 3 or 4 small appetizers on one plate. Each morsel is exciting and delectable. Next, you get a tray with 3 cups of different soups, followed by a salad, and then 3 small main courses. The menu changed once on our cruise. Reservations are taken at 30-minute intervals.
Signatures is the 110-seat, the only restaurant at sea operated under the auspices of chefs of the famed Le Cordon Bleu Cooking School of Paris in the Haute Cuisine style. The menu is a la carte and presented in the classic French tradition. There are several choices for each course. Like Latitudes, the menu changed once during our cruise. Reservations are taken at 20-minute intervals.
La Veranda, Located aft on deck 11, La Veranda offers al fresco dining on the terrace as well as comfortable dining inside. At breakfast and lunch, a buffet is served. At dinner, the port side of La Veranda is transformed into a Mediterranean bistro, with a wide variety of Mediterranean dishes. Like Compass Rose, reservations are not required.
The Pool Grill serves traditional hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches and salads. They also had French fries and cookies and ice cream. This dining option was perfect for those not wanting to leave the pool area for lunch. Since the grill was open each day until about 4:00 pm.
In addition, during dinner hours, the full Compass Rose menu is also available via room service. Since all of the daily menus are displayed on the television, passengers could easily stay in their suites for days without starving and still have the same variety as those dining out!.
Service:
With a full crew complement of 445, the m/s Seven Seas Mariner boasts a ratio of 1 crew member to every 1.6 guests, offering an extremely high level of personalized, attentive service. Our European officers provide the highest standards of marine experience while our Hotel staff caters to your needs 24 hours a day.
Accomodations:
As the first all-suite, all-balconied vessel afloat, Seven Seas Mariner has eight styles of suite accommodations to suit her guests' lifestyles. From a Deluxe Suite measuring 252 square feet inside (balcony 49 square feet) to the Master Suite at 1,204 square feet interior (balcony 376 square feet), all feature European king-size or twin beds fitted with heavenly down-filled duvets. Warm wood cabinetry and deep blues and gold create a soothing retreat. Upon embarkation, guests find a welcoming bottle of champagne and two bottles of their preferred spirits on their combination credenza/mini-bar. Refrigerators are stocked with soft drinks and bottled water and replenished as needed. Sitting and sleeping areas can be separated in standard suites with a curtain for privacy, while higher categories include separate living/dining rooms and bedrooms. Other amenities include dressing tables, walk-in closets with shoe racks, a personal safe, and drawers galore, and a luxurious marble bath with full-sized tub/shower and plenty of storage. Save a bit of room in your suitcasea hairdryer, Judith Jackson toiletries and cotton robes are provided for your convenience. Private teak balconies are furnished with padded lounge chairs and large tables suitable for en suite dining. Room service is available from the 24-hour menu and guests may also order from the Compass Rose dinner menu during restaurant hours of operation.
Spa/Fitness:
During the day, you might want to check out the Judith Jackson Spa. Here you'll find relief from everyday aches and pains, while beauty technicians smooth away cares and unwanted wrinkles. The spa offers thalassotherapy, aromatherapy, massage, steam room and sauna facilities as well as a full range of beauty and grooming services. The adjoining Fitness Center features all the latest gym equipment with treadmills, rowers, cycles, free weights and weight machines. There's also a separate aerobics room, and the spectacular views through the floor-to-ceiling windows are as invigorating as any workout. A jogging track and sports deck with golf cages and paddle tennis provide outdoor exercise options. The swimming pool area, surrounded by three whirlpools and broad teak decks, is the perfect place to cool off after your workout, socialize with friends or simply relax in a deck chair and catch up on your reading.
Gratuities:
The policy on Radisson is that all tips are included in your cruise fare and no tips are expected on board. They even tell you on board that tips are not expected. Some people felt the need to tip anyway, sometimes up front, and believed they received better service.
Children's Program:
Although Mariner is essentially an adult ship, children's programs are offered in Alaska (mainly educational sessions for two groups: Ages 6-11 and 12-17). Subject matter varies from Alaska's wildlife to setting up their own Web sites at Club.com. Similarly, there is a children's menu in Alaska only. Baby-sitting can be arranged in the cabins, but there are no structured group arrangements. They can't accommodate infants less than one year old and don't accept reservations from women who will be pregnant six months or more by the end of their cruises.
|
