New-look Mariner explores diverse ports
The elegant, globe-trotting Regent Seven Seas Mariner has an impressive new look.
Guests eager to explore the world’s great cities by sea have done so in style aboard this luxurious 700-guest ship since 2001. But a recent multi-million dollar refurbishment has vaulted the onboard experience to a new level.
The 50,000-ton vessel features 354 well-appointed ocean-view suites – each ranging in size from 301 to 2,002 square feet, complete with private balcony. Suite life includes hi-tech interactive TV systems, CD/DVD players, large marble-appointed bathrooms with separate showers and full bathtubs, walk-in closets and butler service in select suites.
Additional touches include bed linens, duvets, cashmere throws and bathrobes from the distinguished luxury brand Anichini; new towels and slippers; new Regent-brand bathroom amenities and new carpeting in public areas. Master and Grand Suites feature personal Nespresso coffee machines and the Club.com computer lounge features a state-of-the-art espresso bar.
Look also for improved wireless service and faster Internet connectivity, cell phone service, and iPods with Bose speakers in butler suites. Enjoying the services of a Regent butler is not to be missed nor is the ‘ la carte, in-suite butler menu. Guests can choose their preferred canapés each day from a variety of options.
The ship’s overhaul was not just limited to suite and public area improvements, however. Mariner unveiled new entertainment programming complete with a new nine-piece band – “The Regent Signature Orchestra.” In addition to lending concert-quality musical support to each of the onboard production shows, the orchestra will also be available for intimate performances. Look also for a series of new musical shows performed by “The Regent Singers and Dancers.”
2009 Itineraries
Port calls could not be more diverse. Mariner offers cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean, Grand Asia Pacific, South America and the Panama Canal in 2009. On January 26 she departs on a 121-night world cruise from Fort Lauderdale with calls on South America, French Polynesia, Australia, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, Russia and Alaska.
Mariner shore adventures, too, run the gamut. World cruisers, for instance, will enjoy an expanded program of destination-intensive land packages dubbed “Adventures Ashore.” Ranging in length from 12 hours to four nights, such excursions encompass a broad range of once-in-a-lifetime activities. Participants can tour Chile’s volcanoes amongst Magellanic penguins on a “Grand Patagonia Overland” journey, or enjoy an exclusive Imperial dinner prepared by Chairman Mao’s chef in China’s Forbidden City as part of the “Beijing and The Great Wall” package.
Non-world cruise sailings feature a host of exclusive onboard and shore-side programs and experiences, complete with world-class lecturers, instructors and authorities from the realms of art, cuisine, history, environmental conservation, photography and wellness.
It’s also nice to skip a port visit from time to time to enjoy all that Mariner has to offer. Be it gourmet cuisine, a trip to the Carita of Paris onboard spa, casino, or simply lounging by the spacious pool deck, the new-look Mariner has much to offer.
On the Web: rssc.com; theregentexperience.com.
Cruise travel columnist Michael Coleman welcomes your feedback at cruiseguide@hotmail.com.