Cruise Critic's On Mariner Now! Got Questions?

[editor@cruisecritic]

What's new and different on Regent Seven Seas Mariner? Join us as we cruise this week on Seven Seas Mariner! Cruise Critic contributor Teijo Niemela is onboard and will report on all things Mariner-related. He'll offer details on the ship's new features, such as the Prime 7 restaurant, new lounge and dining areas around the Pool Grill, and some new food offerings.

 

As well, since the ship begins its world cruise today, Teijo will post about what it's like to be onboard during the first week of an around-the-world voyage.

 

Check back often, as Teijo will be posting several times a day. And feel free to join in -- ask questions and, just as importantly, feel free to chime in with opinions (especially from those of you who've already sailed on Seven Seas Mariner since the refurb).

 

Carolyn

 

Carolyn Spencer Brown

Editor in Chief

Cruise Critic

[melissa@cruisecritic]

Hi Teijo! Thanks for offering to share your insights with us during your cruise. I'm interested to know how Prime 7 compares to steakhouse-style eateries on other ships in terms of menu, service and food quality (I heard rumors of a 14-layer chocolate cake!).

 

Also, I've always wondered how long it takes for world cruise "cliques" to form. I imagine that passengers who are doing the full voyage -- or at least a large chunk of it -- gravitate toward one another and that the folks who come on for a segment or two might have a harder time fitting in. Perhaps it's not as common during the first week because everyone is new to the cruise? Let us know....

 

Have a great trip!

[canadagal]

Oh this is wonderful. Thanks for offering to find things out for us. I can't wait to hear your reports. These are my questions

 

Would appreciate a list of all the improovements since dry dock.

What specifically is new on the pool deck.

Who is the assisant CD for the world cruise?

Thanks, Pat

[OrpingtonT]

I wonder if you would look into the facilities available for disabled passengers, specifically those who have walking problems. What are the 4 Wheelchair accessable suite like and how are disabled passengers treated on shore excursions?

 

I look forward to all of your general comments too and wish you happy cruising on Regent SS.

[Dan Askin]

Since the casino hours are pretty limited, does it fill up and become "the place do be" when it's actually open? I like a small, happenin' casino with good energy.

 

I'm also wondering if anyone who's on the whole world cruise has decided not to shave for the duration. Anyone wearing an impressive beard or moustache? I know I'd let the beard grow, a touch of the ancient mariner on a luxury cruise.

[Cruise Business Review]

Hi, all, from warm and balmy Ft. Lauderdale. It's gorgeous (especially when compared to frigid and frosty New Jersey).

 

I'll start off with a couple of things you may already know, LOL. First: check in, which really was a breeze (I got here at noon and was onboard by 12:30 p.m., had some glitches; the computers were down and couldn't process credit cards. I've heard that's a normal occurrence of late. The process itself wasn't otherwise a problem -- and I love that you don't check in at the terminal but get on board and then go to the lounge and sip Champagne while you wait. It's a very civilized way to do it!

 

The other thing is that Internet is slow. Actually, let's put it this way: It's non-existent. It's not working at all (I'm told it will be up around 7 - 8 p.m.). The good news is that wireless access "should" be available ship-wide.

 

 

Teijo Niemela

[Cruise Business Review]

It's pretty cool that some people boarding today will be on the ship for something like three months! I expected more of a fuss and celebratory mood in the terminal, like balloons or a band, maybe (and more luggage, especially trunks) and honestly, it feels like boarding for any cruise. Which is not a bad thing, LOL.

 

I'm told that there are only about 350 passengers on this leg; a big group gets on in Buenos Aires, the next embarkation port. The ship holds 700 passenger, double occupancy.

 

One thing about check-in that I forgot to mention. The ship calls at ports in Brazil and Brazil requires Americans to get a visa. This is not one of those "blanket visas" that cruise lines get in places like St. Petersburg or Egypt. You seriously have to get it yourself and if you don't -- well, let's just say that the check-in staff was serious about checking this for passengers who will be onboard at that time.

 

Teijo

[Cruise Business Review]

Hi, Pat. Will follow up with your questions later. But did want to share first impressions of the ship (I've cruised on Seven Seas Voyager before but not on the nearly identical Mariner)

 

So first impressions: decor is quiet. I wouldn't use the word subdued, it's lovely and elegant, but just not flashy. Not a lot of brazen color and brass. And in the public rooms there's a wonderful sense of space. Nothing feels crowded (which admittedly could also be attributed to the fact that the ship's only half full but it's not only that; Mariner has one of the highest space ratios in cruising).

 

The new coffee bar is fabulous. It's already my favorite spot. It's meshed in with the library and Internet cafe so it's a really great spot to hang out, people watch, meet new friends, etc. One thing I loved today about the coffee bar is that it also served snacks -- cold cuts, cheeses, pastries, etc. It's a lovely spot for a light meal. It reminds me a little bit of the Bistro on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity --

 

Speaking of food, the pool grill area also received a major facelift in the recent refurbishment and I'll provide more details later. It's gorgeous -- there are new wood chaise lounges that really give the area an elegant feel. At the pool grill, which is located aft of the pool area an don the portside, you order your food at the counter (burgers and such) and then -- and this is a nice touch -- you sit down and waiters bring your dish to you. I really liked, as well, the salad buffet that is out here; had a terrific seafood salad with shrimps and clams. That's self-service.

 

Teijo

 

 

Oh this is wonderful. Thanks for offering to find things out for us. I can't wait to hear your reports. These are my questions

 

Would appreciate a list of all the improovements since dry dock.

What specifically is new on the pool deck.

Who is the assisant CD for the world cruise?

Thanks, Pat

[cruzndiz]

Based on who else is in Port at the same time -- they do check passengers in directly at the Terminal and then you will enjoy your champagne when you board :D

 

The internet is most definitely AVAILABLE ship wide and working on your laptop in your cabin is sometimes faster than working upstairs in the coffee connection (which is geographically situated between the computer lab and the promenade computers) BUT it will generally be slow for your entire cruise so have a couple of drinks before you attempt to do any work :p

 

To Dan: the casino was definitely a hot spot of energy last week but a lot of it depends on the mix of passengers you get because I've also heard from other cruisers that it can be dead. Just like in "real life" -- everyone wants to be where everyone else is so if you go into the casino and are having a good time and you bring YOUR friends in with you and then people walking by see people in there....well next thing you know it's a hot spot!

 

To Pat: the loungers and deck furniture are new (and fabulous btw!), the ice cream bar and the "cabana-like" curtained off rooms in the hallway starboard on outside deck 11

 

To Melissa: there IS a 14 layer cake (thin layers but yes, 14) and it is absolutely decadent!

[Cruise Business Review]

You can tell in many ways you’re on a relatively brand new ship (it just smells…new…in many public rooms) and one of these is that the shops, operated by Harding Bros., a U.K. operator, aren’t yet open. Staffers literally boarded when we did on Monday so they’re in organizational mode. Harding Bros. is a company that operates shops and spas on a handful of cruise lines (a competitor to Steiner Leisure in the spa arena). I was on Celebrity Solstice last month and its duty free shops were run by Harding Bros. and some of the boutiques were really unique and special so I’m looking forward to getting a peak when things are settled.

[Cruise Business Review]

This is terrific info, Linda Lou, and so is your blog (great details). Please feel free to correct me -- or elaborate!

 

I'm finding the Internet challenging but I expected that, thanks to your thread last week. So it's not as stressful as it might have been.

 

Teijo

 

 

 

Based on who else is in Port at the same time -- they do check passengers in directly at the Terminal and then you will enjoy your champagne when you board :D

 

The internet is most definitely AVAILABLE ship wide and working on your laptop in your cabin is sometimes faster than working upstairs in the coffee connection (which is geographically situated between the computer lab and the promenade computers) BUT it will generally be slow for your entire cruise so have a couple of drinks before you attempt to do any work :p

 

To Dan: the casino was definitely a hot spot of energy last week but a lot of it depends on the mix of passengers you get because I've also heard from other cruisers that it can be dead. Just like in "real life" -- everyone wants to be where everyone else is so if you go into the casino and are having a good time and you bring YOUR friends in with you and then people walking by see people in there....well next thing you know it's a hot spot!

 

To Pat: the loungers and deck furniture are new (and fabulous btw!), the ice cream bar and the "cabana-like" curtained off rooms in the hallway starboard on outside deck 11

 

To Melissa: there IS a 14 layer cake (thin layers but yes, 14) and it is absolutely decadent!

[Cruise Business Review]

We’re now (Tuesday) on our first of two sea days before we reach our first port, which is St. Barth’s (Gustavia). I had a chance to talk with Andrew Poulton, Regent Seven Seas’ marketing director, about the changes in dry-dock for Mariner. First among them is the introduction of the all-new restaurant called Prime 7. I’ll furnish more specific menu info later – but it’s a really nice change from Latitudes, a sort of Asian-fusion place, which it replaces.

 

The design of the new restaurant is really superb and elegant, a lot of tables for two, and with comfy deep-brown leather seats. The restaurant has its own galley, which was missing in the Latitudes era. That’s a big deal; having its own galley directly translates to a higher level of cuisine.

 

Compass Rose, the ship’s main (open seating) dining venue has a fresh new look. Its old furniture has been recycled and is now serving in the Veranda, Seven Seas Mariner’s buffet restaurant. While Compass Rose’s new chairs are comfortable enough they’re kind of oddly bulky. Also getting new furniture is Signatures, the ship’s other alternative, reservation-only dining venue.

 

Haven't been to Signatures yet but it's the most formal restaurant on the ship. It's French.

 

Teijo

[Cruise Business Review]

While this is my first visit to St. Barth's, a very chic island that's part of France, it's one of my wife's favorite places in the Caribbean. She tells me that it's so French and European you will forget you're even in the Caribbean.

 

We have a great long call in St. Barth's (12 hours or so) and I'm going to rent a car and ride around the island so please let me know if you have any questions about what to do there. Carolyn tells me Gustavia, the port "city," is charming enough (though many St. Bartians are descendants of 17th-century settlers from Brittany and Normandy, Gustavia feels Swedish -- she says -- and indeed, in the 18th century, France leased the island to Sweden in exchange for trading rights to the Baltic).

 

Anyway, enough history. She has told me to skip Gustavia and head across the island to St. Jean, a "village" so to speak with lovely cafes, shops, and a great beach that reminds her of St. Tropez. You've probably seen it. In People Magazine, Hello, and such.

 

Let me know if you have any questions about St. Barth's! Our other ports on this short five night cruise (I get off in Barbados) are Dominica and, well, Barbados.

 

Teijo

[SuziClue]

We're considering booking a world cruise for 2010 and I wondered if, this being Mariner's first week, there is any kind of special feeling onboard? Are there world cruise-related activities? Please tell all!

 

Also, did cabins get refurbished in this makeover?

 

Suzi

[Cruise Business Review]

The pool deck was a major part of the refurbishment. I mentioned yesterday some nice aspects that were immediately noticeable – lounge chairs are wood, with comfortable padding, and the new Pool Grill is an outstanding choice for casual, yet pampering, alfresco dining. New up here too is a take-away ice-cream parlour.

 

Private cabanas are already all-the-rage on Oceania and Holland America’s Eurodam and there are three here. Unlike the other lines, though, RSSC does not charge for use though you can’t make reservations for them. First come, first served. So far today, I haven’t seen much use.

 

 

Teijo

[Wendy The Wanderer]

We're considering booking a world cruise for 2010 and I wondered if, this being Mariner's first week, there is any kind of special feeling onboard? Are there world cruise-related activities? Please tell all!

 

Also, did cabins get refurbished in this makeover?

 

Suzi

 

Suzi, I'm not sure, but I don't think Mariner is doing a world cruise in 2010.

[DebbieH103]

A few things sound different from Voyager's post dry-dock that we experienced. Compass Rose got new chairs in Voyager, at least on one side where they put in a seafoam look. Also, no cabanas on Voyager, unless you are talking about the curtains that will rope the new chairs off. These had a lot of use on Voyager since we had a lot of wind and some rain. Also, I don't recall Prime 7 having that many tables for two on Voyager. We did get one once and a table for 4 the other time.

 

On Mariner in Prime 7, can guests see into the kitchen like on Voyager? I thought that was interesting.

 

Have you tried the internet between 6 and 10 a.m.? That is when I usually find the best response on ships.

[msmillie]

How many of the cabins on the Mariner have stand alone or separate showers from the tubs?

[cruzndiz]

Debbie: the Compass Rose chairs are all brand new -- heavy, clubby types in Burgundy or Gold. Many complaints about them and it turns out that they weren't the ones that Regent ordered in the first place. I found it difficult to pull chair closer to table since I couldn't wrap my fingers around the thick armrests to lift the chair; also, some passengers with a wider girth had difficulty fitting into them and I frequently saw staff scrambling around for armless chairs to accommodate those guests.

 

The kitchen in Prime 7 from what I could tell at the one time I sat near it, is not the same kind of "see-into" that you had on the Voyager. There were about 10 tables in there which could seat 2 -- all lined up against the windows.

 

The "cabanas" are not intimate settings like those found at high-end luxury hotel pools. These were pretty much the same thing you had on Voyager -- curtained off deep seating areas in the hallway to the left of the Pool Bar. Too large for one or two people to converse, really, but excellent for a large group gathering (card game, tea party, etc.)

 

Millie: they are in the process of converting all of the regular suites to shower only, so finding a tub is getting harder and harder. The only pax I know who still had the separate tub/shower configuration were in larger suites.

[DebbieH103]

Sorry, I meant Verandah. Yes Compass Rose on Voyager has the same chairs. I love them but they are bulky.

 

I won't go on a ship w/o a tub, at least not a luxury ship.

[Cruise Business Review]

I am staying in a Penthouse Suite, Category C, which is similar to of

Categories A-B, except C does not have butler service. The indoor

area comprises 376 sq. ft. and the balcony area is additional 73 sq. ft. The

balcony is furnished with two chairs and a table, and there are

floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors to balcony. The living area can

be separated by curtains from the bedroom area. There is a large

walking closet with drawers, hangers and a safe.

 

The minibar is stocked daily with soft drinks and beers, but the bar set-up

does not exist anymore, as there are complimentary drinks in the bars; if you

like to have a drink as you get ready for dinner I guess you just have to go

to a bar to get it.

 

The toiletries are just branded "Regent".

 

In dry-dock earlier this month, cabins got new carpeting and it “seems” that

there is a new armchair but frankly it looks just like the old one in

earlier brochures. I don’t notice that it’s showing any wear, though.

 

My Penthouse Suite also a large flat screen TV and a DVD player, which can

be viewed from the sofa or from the bed.

 

My bathroom is still equipped with a shower-bath combo but RSSC

is progressively replacing bathtubs with a new shower. On this latest

dry-docking, 60 bath/shower combos were transformed to shower only.

According to RSSC, a reason for this is that with older clientele it’s

for some quite difficult to climb to the bath, which is few inches

higher than the bathroom floor itself. It was a design feature, that

wasn’t successful.

 

Curious: is having a bath and shower important to you? Or is shower-only

okay?

 

Teijo

[Cruise Business Review]

You're right, Wendy, it's not. While RSSC has two ships this year doing world cruises, the economy I'd imagine put a kibosh on that approach for next year. Only Seven Seas Voyager will circle the globe in 2010.

 

Teijo

 

 

Suzi, I'm not sure, but I don't think Mariner is doing a world cruise in 2010.

[Cruise Business Review]

You're totally right about the chairs in the Compass Rose. Comfortable but bizarrely bulky.

 

Teijo

 

 

Debbie: the Compass Rose chairs are all brand new -- heavy, clubby types in Burgundy or Gold. Many complaints about them and it turns out that they weren't the ones that Regent ordered in the first place. I found it difficult to pull chair closer to table since I couldn't wrap my fingers around the thick armrests to lift the chair; also, some passengers with a wider girth had difficulty fitting into them and I frequently saw staff scrambling around for armless chairs to accommodate those guests.

 

The kitchen in Prime 7 from what I could tell at the one time I sat near it, is not the same kind of "see-into" that you had on the Voyager. There were about 10 tables in there which could seat 2 -- all lined up against the windows.

 

The "cabanas" are not intimate settings like those found at high-end luxury hotel pools. These were pretty much the same thing you had on Voyager -- curtained off deep seating areas in the hallway to the left of the Pool Bar. Too large for one or two people to converse, really, but excellent for a large group gathering (card game, tea party, etc.)

 

Millie: they are in the process of converting all of the regular suites to shower only, so finding a tub is getting harder and harder. The only pax I know who still had the separate tub/shower configuration were in larger suites.

[Cruise Business Review]

Here is some information on the officers and staff onboard the Seven Seas Mariner:

 

Captain is Philippe Fichet Delavault, Staff Captain is Felice Patruno and General Manager, the title for hotel director, is Nicola Volpe (some guests may have met him onboard the Oceania vessels; Oceania and RSSC are sister cruise lines).

 

The Cruise Director is John Barron and Assistant Cruise Director is Handre Potgeter. Executive Concierge is Douglas Pinkerton.

 

Teijo

[Travelcat2]

The Asst. Cruise Director is wonderful -- I expect to see him as the CD one day (and John Barron is awesome).

 

You asked a question regarding the bathtub vs. shower only. We had both types of suites on our Mariner cruise -- the issue with the bathtub is also the very low ceiling. People over about 5' 10" would be hitting their head on the ceiling while taking a shower.

 

You indicated that you liked coffee area. Have you noticed the noise level next to the library being rather high?

 

P.S. It was our experience that you can still order a bottle of alcohol in your suite. They just don't automatically do a set-up.