Celebrity Infinity or Seven Seas Mariner?

[gernleaf]

My husband and I are going on our first cruise. Alaska July 08. Just wondering which ship would be better for us. We like good food, drinks and I would like to do some gambling or win at bingo. Thanks

[kvisf]

I can't speak about the Infinity but we visited Alaska on Mariner in 2003 and thought the ship was wonderful. Regent is now all-inclusive, so no tipping, and wine and spirits (including all but the most super-premium brands) are complimentary throughout the ship 24/7. There are four dining venues all single open seating, plus a pool grill, and 24 hour room service and the food ranged from excellent to superb. You won't be disappointed in the food and drink department! There is a casino but we didn't visit it, so I can't comment. By the way, Mariner is all-suite and all-balcony, and the ship is small enough to get into some of the tigher fjords.

[gernleaf]

Thanks for your info but I think Regent is a little to pricey for me.

[mafig]

Research Princess and Holland America. They have been doing Alaska the longest and have priority in certain ports.

 

Be informed -- what I mean is go over to the Celebrity board and read about the pods. They have had problems for years and are not fixed. There is a chance you might miss ports or have time in ports cut short because of pod problems. Infinity has the worst record regarding pod problems.

[gernleaf]

Thanks I have been looking at Hal but are wondering how many activities there are during the day. Princess I think only cruises on the outside and I don't know if they leave from Vancouver.

[gernleaf]

Mafig, did you have a favorite cruise?

[mafig]

My favorite cruise was through the Panama Canal.

 

That was on the Coral Princess, and it was the maiden voyage, so it was pretty special.

 

Have never been to Alaska, but I do know if I were to cruise there I would stay away from the M-class ships on Celebrity because of the pods. I would not want to worry about missing ports. However, that's me. We live in Florida, so going to Alaska would probably be a big expense so we would want everything to be as close to perfect as possible. You're right in the area, so if you were to experience a mishap with Infinity, you could probably go again.

 

I don't think Celebrity would have more on board activities vs. HAL, although HAL will have an older crowd, if that bothers you.

 

Good luck, whichever cruise you choose.