Seven Seas Mariner
A New Look for an "Old" Favorite
by Linda Coffman
While you could hardly consider a ship launched in
2001 "old," Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) Seven Seas Mariner was
launched when the line was known by its former Radisson name and it
was time to freshen her interiors to reflect current preferences for
a more boutique-y hotel style.
To that end, RSSC has completed the first phase of
the line’s most ambitious ship refurbishment program to date. When
the 700-passenger, all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Mariner emerged
from dry-dock in time to debut on her 2009 World Cruise, she sported
a fresh, elegant, and decidedly different look. Overseen by RSSC’s
Vessel Operations team working in conjunction with the marine
architectural firm of Yran and Storbraaten of Oslo, Norway (who
designed her original interiors), the result is warm and
comfortable, yet sophisticated. In public spaces the blues and peach
tones of he past are gone. In their place is a soft neutral palette
with accents of bolder jewel tones. Nowhere is this more apparent
than in the Compass Rose Restaurant which RSSC describes as being
decorated in shades of "Chablis and Merlot" (pictured above).
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A table for two in Signatures
(above)
and Prime 7 (below) |
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Dining
Let's just dive right into what many passengers
consider most important—that
would be food. There are now five places to dine aboard Seven Seas
Mariner, counting a new Pool Grill. The formal Compass Rose
(pictured above) is supplemented by Signatures, Le Cordon Bleu
restaurant; Prime 7, an elegant steakhouse and seafood restaurant;
and La Veranda, the daytime buffet that transforms into an Italian
specialty restaurant for dinner. While Signatures and Prime 7
require reservations, there is no added charge.
Food isn't confined only to
restaurants. A
favorite spot on board is
the Coffee Connection for specialty coffee drinks, tea, and snacks
throughout the day. Afternoon tea is served every day in the Horizon
Lounge. And you have to try the best pizza at sea in La Veranda.
During a galley tour, we were told
that
while most stores are brought aboard at the beginning of a cruise,
fresh items indigenous to the regions where the ships are sailing
are also purchased in ports of call. “Destination” meals are a
dining highlight as well. During the first leg of the world cruise
there was a Caribbean Barbeque on deck as well as a churrasco when Seven Seas Mariner reached Brazil.
The
galley tour was most informative on several levels. In addition to
learning that Seven Seas Mariner chefs have a database containing
4,000 recipes and only begin to repeat menu items every 14 days, we
also learned that guest preferences are taken into consideration as
well when orders are placed for the ship’s stores. For instance, on
the world cruise there is a gentleman whose preference for kale at
breakfast was noted and 75 pounds of his favorite were on board. Not
only is there a recipe database, but also a database of guest
preferences. That’s simply one example of how Regent Seven Seas
Cruises takes service seriously. Even my cabin stewardess has
noticed my fondness for green grapes rather than red ones.
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Penthouse Suite 924 (above);
Grand Suite & Master Suite (below) |
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Accommodations
Regent Seven Seas Mariner was the first all-suite,
all-balcony ship at sea so you know all accommodations have a
private balcony. What you may not know is how truly comfortable the
suites are. Our Penthouse Suite on Deck 9 was one of the most well
thought out cruise ship spaces I've had the pleasure to stay in. At
376 sq ft, it isn't the largest, but it was so
efficiently arranged that I felt at
home immediately. It didn't hurt that the balcony is 73 sq ft and
had a table suitable for dining and two chairs with adjustable
backs.
Seven Seas Mariner has eight styles of suite accommodations to
suit her guests' lifestyles. From a Deluxe Suite measuring 252 sq
ft(balcony 49 sq ft) to the two-bedroom Master Suite at 1,204 sq ft
interior (two balconies measure 727 and 71 sq ft), all feature
European king-size or twin beds fitted with heavenly down-filled
duvets. Warm wood cabinetry and deep russet and gold tones create a
soothing retreat. Upon embarkation, guests find a welcoming bottle
of champagne and 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 or
shower and plenty of storage. Save a bit of room in your suitcase--a
hairdryer, toiletries, slippers, and cotton robes are provided for
your convenience.
One note about the bathrooms. Initially, all had a combination
tub/shower. Unfortunately, the headroom was tight for taller
passengers. Fortunately, many have been reconfigured to feature a
glass enclosed shower. And it's the very best shower at sea with
both rainforest and hand-held shower heads and even a built in tiled
seat. Check the deck plan for those with shower-only.
Most of us take a vacation to get away from routine household
chores, but lengthy cruises mean that laundry piles up and it’s
nice to be able to take care of it on our own. Sending it out
be done is also an option, but the launderettes are complimentary
and actually pleasant. They are the first I’ve ever seen on a ship
that have a sitting area. I met several of my neighbors while doing
laundry and ironing.
One evening
before dinner we had the opportunity to meet even more of our
neighbors on Deck 9 at a Block Party. Everyone was invited
to bring a wine glass from their suite and mingle in the passageways
as stewardesses served wine and cheese for the gathering. It was a
lot of fun and participation was high—one of our neighbors even
interrupted her preparation for the evening and attended in her
bathrobe. With Regent's all-inclusive drink policy, I found the ship
to be more social than in the past. Passengers mixed and mingled
more freely over complimentary cocktails in the lounges at night.
More in
Part Two:
Relaxing spaces and a view from the Bridge
Photos © Linda Coffman, CruiseDiva.com
