The M/S Navigator is one of 7 ships constituting the Regent Seven Seas Cruises. It was built at the Mariotti Shipyard in Genoa, Italy, using the keel of a former Russian icebreaker and launched in 1999. It’s registry is The Bahamas.The Radisson niche is the small to mid-size luxury market, and the company excels at that. All suites are with ocean views, and 90% have private balconies.

In the six-star tradition of Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, the Seven Seas Navigator is destined for distinction. Navigator is smaller than the two newer ships; Occupying the uppermost niche in cruising, she offers her 490 guests an unusual level of luxury and some of the highest space and service ratios at sea. From her all-suite, all-ocean-view accommodations with their luxurious marble baths to her signature cuisine to her superbly attentive staff, she has few equals. There are 5 types of suites, the most common of which contains 356 Sq. Ft. The largest is a massive 1,173 Sq. Ft.

Entertainment:
The showroom was comfortable, with good views of the stage. The ship's production company, the Peter Grey Terhune all the members of the singing/dancing troupe could actually dance and sing on key. The orchestra was the best. Imported entertainment was varied and for the most part excellent. The entertainment in the lounges was consistently good. A harpist in the Navigator Lounge and a pianist in Galileo's.
Because of the single seating policy, all evening entertainment started at either 9:45 or 10. If you looking for vegas shows, or need to "join" activities like bingo games, this ship isnt for you. There is a small casino , total of 5 tables, 2 dice, and 20 slots or so. The morning lecture series was excellent, with fine speakers who drew large audiences.

Public Areas:
The Mariner is a gorgeous, spacious ship that is beautifully and tastefully decorated throughout in a very contemporary style, complete with original art that can be purchased by passengers (an art company has auctions several times per cruise that seem to be very popular). There are two main lounges: the Observation Lounge forward on deck 12, and the Horizon Lounge (aft, deck six). Both are multifunctional rooms, serving by day as places to sit and watch the world go by (with tea served in Horizon each afternoon) and as places to dance and listen to music each evening. A third lounge, "Stars", serves as a gathering place for children's activities during the day and as a disco at night.
A library of videos, magazines, newspapers and books (all available for use in cabins on an honor system), complete with comfortable chairs, along with a large computer center, were very popular. I was able to surf the net, send and receive email at very reasonable prices, and there was a technician aboard who not only troubleshooted problems, but also gave classes to interested guests.
The casino and boutiques were open virtually all the time we were not in port. I found the casino staff to be friendly and the venue was popular, but never too crowded. Merchandise in the duty-free boutiques was a bit limited (but remember, this is a 700 passenger ship), but the prices were excellent. The public room was the Constellation Theater, a gorgeous room that could accommodate the entire passenger complement on its main floor and balcony. Sight lines to the stage are uninterrupted, and the sound and lighting, along with other stage amenities, are first rate. Here during the day a variety of lectures and movies are held. In the evening, large pre-dinner cocktail parties occur frequently, and at night, the major entertainment takes place. The Mariner has the requisite comedian, magician and production group (an ensemble of eight very talented singers and dancers), and on some trips. The pool deck is huge, its three whirlpools, commodious deck and numerous lounge chairs would accommodate virtually the entire passenger complement at one time. The jogging track immediately above (along with the golf cages and shuffleboard area). The gym aboard the ship was very small, with about eight treadmills, stairwalkers, etc., total, along with freeweights and one weight machine. A positive aspect were the many fitness classes held each day, which were very well attended. Besides the usual aerobics and step classes were kickboxing, stretching sessions and classes designed to target specific areas of the body.

Cuisine:
One of the most positive aspects of the Mariner is the outstanding dining experiences it provides, and features four dining rooms to choose from at dinner each night: The Compass Rose (main dining room), La Veranda (a more casual Mediterranean bistro atmosphere) and two venues that require reservations (never hard to get and completely without additional charge!): Signatures (a Cordon Bleu traditional French restaurant) and alternative Italian restaurant. A choice of complimentary wines was available with dinner and flowed freely. The Navigator offers single, open seating dining in both the main dining room from 7:00 pm to about 9:00 pm and there was never a line or wait for a table. The Compass Rose, and the alternative dining room, The Portofino Grill. You may dine as a couple or with a group, as you prefer. The Compass Rose is an elegant room which is pleasantly decorated and in which the noise levels are quite low. Menu choices are extensive and often feature regional specialties. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served here, except for days in port when it is closed for lunch. The Portofino Grill serves a popular buffet breakfast (eggs cooked to order) and buffet lunch daily and in the evening offers an Italian menu (by reservation only). It offers a few outdoor tables on the adjoining deck. Occasionally, special menus are offered in the Portofino Grill. Small sandwich and desserts at 4:00 pm teatime in the Galileo lounge. Rounding out the dining options is the Pool Grill, which serves hamburgers, sandwiches and salads outdoors around lunchtime and 24-hour room service. Tea is served each afternoon in Galileo's. It should also be noted that all soft drinks and coffees are complimentary throughout the ship.

Service:
The service aboard Mariner was always friendly, efficient and never obsequious.

Accomodations:
About 70% of the cabins of 300 square feet (called suites aboard Mariner) consist of a large, marble bathroom, sleeping area, sitting area, balcony and walk-in closet and The two penthouse suites a measuring 1,173 sq. ft. each. 90% of the cabins have a private veranda. Navigator Suites (Cat. NS) measures 495-sq. ft., with separate living room and dining area plus a large balcony. Category G-H is standard outside cabins with large picture windows; aside from balconies, they are identical to the other staterooms. On Deck 5, there are 36 suites that are exactly the same as above but without verandahs. There are also 10 "Navigator" suites which are 500 square feet and eight "Master" and "Grand" suites which are 800 square feet in two different arrangements. These units are divided into two rooms, have some extra amenities like CD players and bidets and have butler service. Cabins on the Seven Seas Navigator are really terrific; spacious, well-furnished and -equipped, exceptionally comfortable. The baths are perhaps the best afloat, with separate tub and shower and a spacious vanity. Everything else was there in abundance, especially large, absorbent towels and bath-sheets and even pool towels.

Spa/Fitness:
Radisson Seven Seas is the only cruise line to attempt to upgrade spa/salon facilities at sea. Carita of Paris, offering a full range of spa and beauty salon treatments. The gym has eight treadmills, stairwalkers, three stationary bicycles, a rowing machine, a Unica weight station and free weights. There is also a workout room used for all manner of stretching, aerobics and step classes. The pool deck is huge, its three whirlpools, commodious deck and numerous lounge chairs would accommodate virtually the entire passenger complement at one time. The jogging track immediately above (along with the golf cages and shuffleboard area) got quite a bit of use despite the cold and often rainy weather we experienced. Navigator offers excellent fitness facilities, a positive aspect were the many fitness classes held each day, which were very well attended. Besides the usual aerobics and step classes were kickboxing, stretching sessions and classes designed to target specific areas of the body. Outside there is a good-sized salt-water swimming pool flanked by two hot tubs. On the upper level, there are also golf driving nets and ping-pong tables.

Gratuities:
The policy on Radisson is that all tips are included in your cruise fare and no tips are expected on board, however fares include suite accommodation, gratuities, complimentary wine with dinner, complimentary in-room bar set-up with premium liquor upon embarkation, complimentary soft drinks, mineral water and juice throughout the cruise.

Children's Program:
No children's programs available.

The Seven Seas Navigator is a lovely 490 passenger all outside suites ship with impeccable service, wonderful cuisine and great entertainment. Embarkation took all of five minutes with champagne in hand. The standard suites are very spacious (300 sq. feet plus balcony) and are beautifully decorated. There is a living room area with sofa, chair, bookshelves with TV/vcr and fridge (which is stocked with complimentary soft drinks throughout the cruise), there is an initial complementary stocking of two large size liquor bottles as well. There is an actual walk-in closet with lots of storage space, and includes a safe. The marble bathroom is spacious as well, and includes a separate full-size tub and shower. The cuisine was excellent and includes choices in the regular dining room, or alternative Italian restaurant. A choice of complimentary wines was available with dinner and flowed freely. What was a standout if one could be picked, was the incomparable service. Service levels were uniformly excellent throughout the ship and always included a smile and attention to detail. It was not unusual to have 3 wait staff at dining room table for six.

On formal nights, passengers donned tuxes and gowns; during port days, evening attire is more casual. During the daytime, attire is casual.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, The Seven Seas Mariner a wide variety of literally world-wide itineraries. Most passengers are well-to-do, educated, well-traveled and sophisticated. Most are in the 50-75 age range.) RSSC have although families with children of all ages were aboard, and everyone seemed to have enough to keep them happy and occupied.