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This past February Diana and I had the
opportunity to cruise on the Mariner for 10 night cruise from Lima, Peru
to Ft. Lauderdale. This cruise was part of 60 day cruise that covered
all of South America. The cruise was outstanding which I’ll cover later
but we found a few surprises that I would first like to share with you.
Surprise number one, was the ship
was not full of wheel chairs and the like and in fact the bulk of the
passengers seemed to be aged between 45 to 65. With many taking tours
to Michu Picchu and Tikal both of which require a fair amount of hiking
etc. The second surprise is that when you really look at this itinerary
it would have possible to carve out a nice exotic 7 or 8 night cruise.
This might be something to keep in mind when you clients are looking for
truly unique cruises but demand be gone only 7 nights. Of course you
are going to pay for the full segment but the experience is well worth
the money if the client has the budget.
The 700 passenger Mariner was the
first ship to have all outside suites with balconies built in 1999 but
totally refurbished in March of this year. The smallest suite is 252 sq
ft plus a 49 sq ft balcony. For real luxury consider the Penthouse
Suites at 376 sq ft with a 73 sq ft balcony. There are quite a few of
these which could handle a nice group.
The food and service was as good as
it gets at sea. The Mariner has 5 different dining venues. Signatures
is their premier Cordon Bleu restaurant and is a fantastic French
creation. Latitudes offers a fixed Indochine menu and will exceed
anyone’s expectations of “Chinese” food. La Veranda for breakfast and
lunch is your not so typical buffet dining experience however at night
it changes into an ala carte themed restaurant on this particular cruise
it was an Argentinean Steak House but many times it serves Italian and
Mediterranean specialties in a casual atmosphere. Compass Rose is the
main dining room offers more traditional favorites as well as regional
specialties. Last but least is the pool grill.
A new feature to Regent is
purchasing locally. This means real fresh fish when available and other
local specialties. This also applies to wines as well. Having seen
this on this cruise as well as a recent cruise in Europe it really adds
a nice touch to the dining experience.
One of the biggest things you’ll
notice as soon as you get on is the amount of space on the Mariner.
Many ships of the same size are carrying 1,200 to 1,400 passengers.
There are 5 lounges plus a main show lounge that holds 700. You never
have to look around to find a lounge chair by the pool nor a drink as
well as the deck service is fantastic.
Regent now offers all bar beverages,
wines with lunch and dinner, room service drink service and canapés in
the lounges nightly include in the cruise fare. The pre-selected wines
are excellent and don’t be afraid to ask for another selection as in
most cases you will be accommodated. The Cigar lounge does offer a
selection of real top shelf cognacs and the like that are additional.
Frankly the entertainment was just
average and certainly not 5 Star like the rest of the ship. But there
is a huge change coming and watch for my review of the Regent
Navigator. 5 Star entertainment is coming to the Navigator!
As mentioned earlier the ship just
underwent a big refurbishment in March. The biggest change is adding a
fantastic Coffee Bar/Lounge in a space that housed a much to big
library. Located near the internet room and with the ship being wifi
now I am sure this spot will be most popular.
Basically the ship has a new fresh
contemporary décor and soft goods. You will really appreciate the new
bedding and bed linen along with new fluffy towels, bathrobes and
bathroom amenities. Flat panel TVs will be installed in all cabins
shortly.
As with all Regent ship the Mariner
honestly delivers a true luxury 5 Star experience. Conde Nast’s reader
where right in selecting Regent as the Top luxury cruise line in 2006!
I can highly recommend this ship for
your groups or charters. |
