Typical Day on Mariner

[SuzMate]

My husband and I will be cruising on our first RSS cruise aboard the Mariner this spring from Vancouver to Seward. Could you tell me how you spend a typical day at sea aboard the Mariner? What does the ship have to offer?

 

Our last two cruises have been aboard the Crystal Symphony where we enjoy a Lido deck breakfast, afternoon lattes and snacks in the Bistro, dinning either in the main dinning room or in Prego, and after dinner drinks in the Avenue Saloon. What does Mariner offer that compares, or what are other Mariner venues you think we might enjoy. We're not big on the shows or the casino.

 

Could you also share some highlights from the specialty restaurants? Is there anything aboard the Mariner that compares to the Vintage Room?

 

We are looking forward to a new experience aboard the Mariner.

[Travelcat2]

We, too, will be on the Mariner in Spring 2008 and are really looking forward to it. Last year we were on the sister ship (almost identical) -- the Voyager.

 

A member has posted some great photographs of the Mariner on the Regent board -- definitely worth looking at.

 

You can see sample menu's on the Regent website, but, will share our experience with the dining venues.

 

Our preference is room service on the balcony for breakfast (or inside if the weather is a bit cool). You fill out your order the night before (and can add to their menu by writing it in). Breakfast is delivered and set up very promptly. The first morning we tend to order way too much -- by the end of a cruise we're having fruit, bagel and coffee -- so much food! Breakfast is also available in the main restaurant, Compass Rose, and I think in La Varanda is also open.

 

For lunch, you can eat by the pool, at Compass Rose or, a buffet lunch at La Varanda.

 

Dining in the evening is a treat. Compass Rose is always good but particularly so on formal nights. La Varanda turns into an Italian bistro -- very cute with good food. Latitudes (reservations) is an Asian fusion restaurant with a set menu that usually does not change. It's our favorite (people who prefer to stay with "regular" meat, chicken or fish dishes probably would not love it). Signatures (reservations) is elegant, superb food, intimate atmosphere.

 

I went to the Crystal website to check out the "Vintage Room". Although Regent does not have anything comparable, they have a good selection of wines -- the Sommelier is more than willing to assist with choices. During days at sea, there could be wine tasting. Almost any meal is a chance to pair different wines with food (at no additional cost -- unless you prefer to purchase a very high end selection).

 

There are many places for an after dinner drink. Try them out and see which one you are most comfortable in. You might also choose to have Port with your choice of cheese from the cheese cart (in Compass Rose) after dinner. Although the Mariner only holds 700 passengers, there are wonderful choices for dining, drinks, etc.

 

I'll leave it up to others to post regarding daytime activities. We haven't seen the new coffee bar area -- sounds nice. They do have afternoon tea with sinfully good pastries -- trivia (sat in once -- it was really fun) and I'm sure lots of things that I haven't thought of.

 

Hope you have a great time on the Mariner!:)

[larry1365]

Our favorite way to start the day is to eat on the aft deck outside La Veranda.

 

Larry

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Again my experience is on Mariner's sister ship, Voyager. La Veranda certainly does have a very nice breakfast, and lunch, and in keeping with the name, you can sit outside in good weather. And I like the casual ambience of dining there when Compass Rose is just too much. On Voyager it alternates between italian bistro and steak house.

 

We're not big show people, although we do drop into the odd show after dinner. Usually go to a piano bar, Observation Lounge on Voyager.

[RachelG]

My experience is also on the Voyager, but I believe the ship is nearly identical to the Mariner. We loved sea days. Usually slept in and skipped breakfast or just had tea in the room. I went to at least one, usually two exercise classes while my husband hit the gym and sauna. If the lecture looked interesting, we would go to that. I also used these days to catch up on laundry. Then we would have a nice lunch, either on deck if it was nice weather or in La Veranda or Compass Rose. In the afternoon, we usually walked on the top deck if the weather was nice then would watch a movie, maybe have a nap. We went for cocktails before dinner, tended to eat dinner right at 7:00 then go to the show. My husband would play blackjack in the casino some--he won the tournament at the end of the cruise.

He had thought he would be bored on sea days, but nothing was further from the truth!

[harbormaster]

Hi we were on Mariner Vancouver to Seward last August. You will love the ship and staff. I did a review of the trip which can be found here.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=615619&highlight=regent+mariner+alaska

 

There are a number of venues for drinks and appetizers in the afternoon/early evening. The Observation Lounge, Piano Bar are just two. There also is tea in the Horizon Lounge in the afternoon, which is wonderful. La Verandah is a great place to enjoy breakfast and the scenery.

 

The specialty restaurant Signatures is a Cordon Bleu restaurant and is lovely with excellent food and service. It is no charge and you can make your reservations online before your cruise on the rssc website. We have not tried Latitudes, but will do so on our cruise next week from Auckland to LAX on Mariner. Friends who have tried it love it.

 

Of course, being all inclusive, wines and drinks are no charge, and your suite will be set up with the liquor of your choice 2 bottles or 4 bottles depending on the suite - ask your cabin attendant.

 

This was one of our favorite cruises and we hope to repeat it in the near future. Enjoy!!