Just off Mariner - a review by a newbie

[nanook21]

Just off Mariner - Impressions from a Regent newcomer....

 

 

I’m starting a new thread for this, as we’re just home from our Regent FLL to Lima 2-week segment of the 2011 Circle South America voyage. I couldn’t post often on the “Live from Mariner” thread that Jackie started on this board, as it was difficult to get an Internet connection - so I decided to save our ‘impressions’ and post them all at once at the end. WARNING – this is a very long post!! :eek:

 

Regent is my new favorite cruise line of choice. There really is just no comparison to mass market lines, from the elegant casual atmosphere, cruise staff & entertainers, dining venues, and all-inclusive aspect – Regent just cannot be beat. And comparing apples to apples with all the inclusions, the higher price paid compares pretty favorably. There were a few areas that could maybe be improved, as I’ll note. But overall, Regent gets an “A” grade, except for maybe shore excursions, which brings them down a bit.

 

Chatting with the other Cruise Critic “roll call” guests first, before boarding, then meeting up with you all on board, was absolutely the best thing about this cruise. Hi all, enjoyed every last one of you – and you all know who you are! DH also says Hi to the other “members of the Board” from the casino craps table!:D

 

1. Embarkation/Disembarkation – went smooth as silk, very little waiting (ok, there was a little bit of a wait early on due to some snag in their systems, but once they got it fixed the process went very quickly), and being greeted with champagne and a ‘receiving line’ of senior ships officers (captain on down) at the doorway was a nice touch.

 

2. Crew & staff - the ship’s officers & crew were outstanding, very friendly & visible. Smiles and “hellos” from the captain to the maids, every time we met on deck or in the hallways. They seriously just cannot do enough for you. Our room steward was friendly, he worked hard, but he unfortunately was just not consistent, which is one of the very few areas of this voyage that weren’t perfect. He brought us wine whenever we requested it, but often forgot to refresh the ice, and a couple of times took away towels & forgot to replace them. Minor stuff, but an annoyance just the same. We found the ice, so no biggie. It was a full ship, with 275+ out of the 700 total guests going the full circle 71 days (wow!).

 

3. Dining – Prime 7 is the very, very best – we managed to get in there twice, and if possible would have gone every 2nd night to work our way through the menu. The steaks & seafoods there were wonderful. Signatures was just OK for us, although others liked it. We went the first night, and although we really enjoyed the company of 2 other CC couples (Cruzndiz & Cwn), the food was not a wow. Guess we just don’t care for French-style creations. In any case, we never went back there. Compass Rose – this was almost on a par with Prime 7, very excellent at all times. The staff are so accommodating, and it was easy to either be seated at a 2-top, or join others, which was fun. We enjoyed some wonderful conversations at those shared tables! One of our favorite places was the aft outside terrace in La Veranda – when it wasn’t too windy. Loved the daily Pizza!! The breakfast & lunch buffets were very good, until the sameness of it began to pall in the second week. They really need to change up the offerings there more often, and this is one of the items that downgraded Regent from a possible A+ rating. In the evenings, tables were covered with linens, and it became a casual but elegant menu and buffet combination that we really enjoyed. But again, we got tired of the same menu, and would have welcomed a little more variety. For some reason, it was very difficult to get coffee, wine, or water refills in LV – was there maybe a staff shortage? It was noticeable. The Pool Grill was a fave place for lunch buffets, there was always a ‘daily special theme’ or you could order a burger or hotdog instead – and of course a beer or whatever to go with. The bar staff at the pool grill were excellent most of the time, sometimes non-existent. Again, maybe a shortage?

 

4. Activities –I don’t know if we would have enjoyed these so much without Ray Solaire, cruise director. He is just amazing, talented, and so much fun. We enjoyed afternoon tea-time Trivia, top-deck putting contests, & bingo. There were various other pursuits, but we didn’t participate in all of them. We just didn’t have enough time to take it all in. Ray’s “girls” were great, and ran most of the events.

 

5. Canyon Ranch Spa – we didn’t use this, so cannot comment – but it seemed to be popular!

 

6. Park West art / auction – please, Regent, do away with this – the “art” pieces just take up space.

 

7. Casino – the Century casino staff, and Regent bartenders here, were just wonderful, fun people. Our only complaint was that Regent closed the casino from 6 to 9 every night at sea, and the hour before dinner is when we most enjoy an hour at the tables, so we missed that. Probably saved us money though!:D

 

8. Entertainment – we gave the magician/comedy acts a miss, but really enjoyed the dance & broadway-style productions. They were all first-class entertainers. The dancers also assisted with day-time activities on deck, plus bingo, etc, and they were just a delight. The highlights were the Cirque de soleil (sp?) -style production, and the Columbian dancers on the pool deck for the BBQ party in Cartagena. Ray’s daytime ‘entertainment’ with the King Neptune ceremony for crossing the equator was a hoot. Very sorry we missed the Crew Capers show, and Ray’s show - I understand they were both excellent, and a highlight.

 

9. Staterooms - we were in an E suite, and we found it quite small in comparison with other lines “Jr.Suites” class of staterooms. Next time we’ll have to think about a PH just to get some room to move. Bath is a decent size, but the shower/tub combo was very difficult to maneuver in when the ship was moving, and being so deep, was difficult to get in & out. Tried to get one of the new shower-only rooms, but with a full ship, none were available. Hope Regent completes the makeovers to full showers soon! Walk-in closet is decent, but not overly large. Beds are super-comfy!

 

10. Shore Excursions: One excursion that sticks out for us, for how bad it was, was our first one “Curacao Highlights”- a total waste of time. First stop was to a gift shop (probably owned by the guide’s aunt or brother), then a drive around town looking at residences (why?) then a promised stop at a market (a highlight for me) was totally missed, finally a stop at a small museum that just wasn’t worth the effort. And with the tour bus being crammed full, and a guide verging on being rude, we were wishing we’d stayed on the ship. Other tours later in the cruise were better, but not by much. The only really good tour we were on was a “premium” tour in Salaverry Peru (Colonial City & Temples to the Sun & Moon) that included lunch that we had to pay extra for. We were most annoyed with Regent that 2 tours were cancelled outright and another had the time changed from noon to 6:30 pm (on our last night on board!) so we had to cancel that one. These three we had most looked forward to, so Regent gets a failing grade on “free included” excursions, I’m sorry to say. The ones we did get were unmemorable.

 

11. One of our most enjoyable ports was Guayaquil, Ecuador, where we walked the Malacon on our own (after Regent cancelled our planned tour). Although Regent provided hourly shuttles into town to the Iguana Park, we decided to take a taxi on our own, that dropped us at the same park. We had absolutely no issues with safety on the way, at the park, or walking 3 blocks to the Malecon, although its been reported elsewhere that the shuttles had police escorts. In Lima, our highly anticipated tour for a Pisco lunch was changed to 6:30 pm, and being our last night on Mariner, that just wasn’t possible. So we went into Lima on our own via the excellent shuttle service that Regent provided. The shuttle took us to the Marriott in Miraflores, where we could walk along the waterfront shops & restaurants – very enjoyable. But it wasn’t an “excursion” per se. On our second day in Lima, after disembarking the Mariner, we went on a private tour with another CC couple (Oldgrump), and it was one of the highlights of our trip. Make a note: the Lima Gold Museum is not to be missed – but then we had the good luck of having an outstanding guide!

 

The negative stuff were really just nuisances and didn’t take away in any major way from our very enjoyable Regent experience. I’m just including them as a point of reference, and if Regent brass is reading these posts, maybe as a hint on where they can pick it up a bit. Overall, we loved it! And, hopefully we’ll be back…..!

 

I’m also going to be very avidly following the posts of “Cwn” as they continue on Mariner for the full circle S.A. For those interested who haven’t seen or noted Carolyn’s website address for her live post, its www.circlesouthamerica2011.blogspot.com. Bon Voyage and happy cruising!

 

Susan

[Travelcat2]

Soooooooooooooooo glad that you enjoyed the cruise. Wish we could have spent more time together. This was definitely one of the best cruises we have been on. I agree that being in a Penthouse Suite on the Mariner makes a huge difference. Either that, or sail on the Voyager next time as their deluxe suites are larger (but, Penthouse are smaller. . . . . go figure!)

 

Did you do an onboard booking to save 5%? We booked a cruise that we have no intention of taking. Just needed to plug in something. Once 2012 cruises come out, we'll transfer it.

[Threechicks]

Thanks for the great review of your cruise. I'm booked for the same segment next year. Would you mind telling me the name of the private tour company that you used after you disembarked in Lima? Flights leave late in the evening so I am looking for something to put in the day.

[alexandra cruiser]

I was on Voyager,,first time last mo...and tub and shower separate,,,is this on Mariner just combined,,,sounds like it...I like them serparate,,but not ,,not ,,,shower only....didnt know they were switching,,,and booked Mariner for next Dec....anyone know details????this may require switching rooms...DID you notice any vibrations in your cabin??sounds like ,,besides above,,,very similar to Voyager....:)

[dfb]

check the RSSC website

http://www.rssc.com/ships/seven_seas_mariner/decks/deck_7/

[DaveFr]

I was on Voyager,,first time last mo...and tub and shower separate,,,is this on Mariner just combined,,,sounds like it...I like them serparate,,but not ,,not ,,,shower only....didnt know they were switching,,,and booked Mariner for next Dec....anyone know details????this may require switching rooms...DID you notice any vibrations in your cabin??sounds like ,,besides above,,,very similar to Voyager....:)

On the Mariner, all suites below a Seven Seas Suite have either a large shower or a tub and shower combo. Next December, suites whose number ends in 7, 8, 9 or 0 will have the tub and shower combo. Suites whose number ends in 1 - 6 will only have a shower. I've had both types on the Mariner and much prefer the shower only suites. BTW, the regular suites on the Mariner are about 50 sq. ft. smaller than those on the Voyager. I've been on the Mariner three times and never noticed vibration anywhere on the ship.

 

Dave

[Travelcat2]

I was on Voyager,,first time last mo...and tub and shower separate,,,is this on Mariner just combined,,,sounds like it...I like them serparate,,but not ,,not ,,,shower only....didnt know they were switching,,,and booked Mariner for next Dec....anyone know details????this may require switching rooms...DID you notice any vibrations in your cabin??sounds like ,,besides above,,,very similar to Voyager....:)

 

The Mariner does not have vibration (except when docking and the pods are n use). I assume that the link above is to the deck plans on the Mariner. You can see on the deck plan which suites have showers only (some new ones are being added in April -- this is also indicated on the deck plan).

 

The bathtub/shower combo on the Mariner is difficult for some people for two reasons: 1) the ceiling is very low which is inconvenient for some people over 6'; 2) The bathtub is high and can be difficult to get in and out of -- particularly for people with disabilities. The new showers are large and really nice.

 

In terms of being similar to the Voyager. . . . it is in size, but, is closer in design to the Navigator. The Mariner was built in 2001 and the Voyager 2003. The suites on the Mariner are smaller which gives much more room for public areas. The Mariner also has two hallways with crew working areas in the middle (inside several doors). In my opinion, when they built the Voyager, they made a better design with larger suites and single hallways.

 

Both ships are lovely. :)

[nanook21]

Jackie - yes, we did book onboard for a future cruise - we asked for the cheapest Carib route that was the furthest out, just to get the max discounts. We intended to transfer our deposit to something else after the 2012 itineraries are out. But, after we got our confirmation and actually had a look at this "temporary" itinerary (I think it's for Apr 3/2012), we decided it might be a keeper! :p -port-wise anyway, but we may have to change the date. We'll decide later.

 

Threechicks: Our private tour operator in Lima was Jenny Erquinigo of Fertur Peru Travel, email: receptivo at fertur-travel dot com. Our guide was Vanessa, and she was outstanding.

 

Alexandra: we were in 955 starboard side, we didn't notice any vibration at all. We had a shower/tub combo, unfortunately. We prefer shower only as DH is 6'3 and I found the rounded edges of the tub hard to stay balanced in when the ship was rocking. This room will be converted to shower-only in April during Mariner dry-dock.

[nanook21]

I just wanted to add something about our experiences in Compass Rose & La Veranda. The food was excellent in CR, but I have to say that the service was often sorely lacking. We often ordered wine and didn't get it until well into the main course, and it was like pulling teeth sometimes trying to get a refill. We never seemed to get the same server, even during the same meal sitting. One guy would bring appetizers, someone else would finally deliver the wine, a 3rd server might bring the main, etc. As a result, we never got to know ANY of the service staff, which was really disappointing. We decided to skip dessert one night, as they had previously always dropped a little tray of sweets off on the table with our dessert & coffee. Unfortunately the night we did that, we didn't get the tray of sweets, either - or coffee, or more wine - so we finally gave up and left, very disappointed. Maybe we should have ordered dessert, after all!

 

In La Veranda, it was a very similar story. Very hard to get service for coffee, water, wine, etc. What exactly happened to the fabulous Regent service everyone on these CC boards had been telling us about, I don't know. If we are going to sail Regent again, I'll be looking for a big improvement in that area. Hope Regent brass is following these posts, as they really need to pick it up a bit in that area.

 

Anyway, that's my biggest beef on this cruise, aside from the shore excursions, and you've already read how I feel about those!

 

Susan

[Threechicks]

Threechicks: Our private tour operator in Lima was Jenny Erquinigo of Fertur Peru Travel, email: receptivo at fertur-travel dot com. Our guide was Vanessa, and she was outstanding.

 

Thank you Nanook. It's nice to have a recommendation from someone who has been there and done that.

[Hambagahle]

In terms of being similar to the Voyager. . . . it is in size, but, is closer in design to the Navigator. The Mariner was built in 2001 and the Voyager 2003. The suites on the Mariner are smaller which gives much more room for public areas. The Mariner also has two hallways with crew working areas in the middle (inside several doors). In my opinion, when they built the Voyager, they made a better design with larger suites and single hallways. "

 

 

Jackie - I totally disagree -- Mariner was built by Alstom in France. Navigator and Voyager by Mariotti in Genova, Italy. Both Navigator and Voyager have larger "normal" suites than Mariner does. Both Voyager and Navigator, in the "normal" suites have separate showers and baths. Mariner has either a retro-fit large shower (which you love) OR a bath with shower over, and a deep bath at that (which I love!!) Mariner and Voyager have about the same passenger capacity and about the same public space. Both have Signatures and Prime 7 restaurants, a much bigger pool deck, etc. Navigator is much smaller - 490 pax - and consequently smaller public space (actually much smaller!) For example - Mariner and Voyager have Horizon lounges and Observation lounges. Navigator has Gallileos (plus the Navigator lounge and the area off the theatre which is small (and smokey!) I wish that Navigator could be retrofitted with an Observation lounge on Deck 12 to replace the "waste" space fo the gym and spa with a really elegant forward lounge. Of course they would have to re-located the spa etc - and that would be a problem I suppose.

 

"Crew working area" in the middle on Mariner is, in fact, crew sleeping areas!!

 

For me, I am happy to have a "normal" suite on Navigator and Voyager. I cannot do this on Mariner. (I did last April and I did not like it! Too small!) So for our next cruise we are in a PH on Mariner. I have been in a PH on Voyager and I agree with you - not much bigger (though it is, a little) than a normal suite...but has butler service. Regent should think about adding butlers to some of their "normal" suites on Voyager...then I would take one!!

[Travelcat2]

[quote name=Hambagahle;27759661

Jackie - I totally disagree -- Mariner was built by Alstom in France. Navigator and Voyager by Mariotti in Genova' date=' Italy. Both Navigator and Voyager have larger "normal" suites than Mariner does. Both Voyager and Navigator, in the "normal" suites have separate showers and baths. Mariner has either a retro-fit large shower (which you love) OR a bath with shower over, and a deep bath at that (which I love!!) Mariner and Voyager have about the same passenger capacity and about the same public space. Both have Signatures and Prime 7 restaurants, a much bigger pool deck, etc. Navigator is much smaller - 490 pax - and consequently smaller public space (actually much smaller!) For example - Mariner and Voyager have Horizon lounges and Observation lounges. Navigator has Gallileos (plus the Navigator lounge and the area off the theatre which is small (and smokey!) I wish that Navigator could be retrofitted with an Observation lounge on Deck 12 to replace the "waste" space fo the gym and spa with a really elegant forward lounge. Of course they would have to re-located the spa etc - and that would be a problem I suppose.

 

"Crew working area" in the middle on Mariner is, in fact, crew sleeping areas!!

 

[/quote]

 

Didn't mean to imply that the Mariner and Voyager were built by the same builders. Actually, France did a better job in terms of stability on the Voyager than Italy did with the Voyager.

 

We have only sailed the Mariner twice. Like you, we can not do a normal suite on the Mariner. . . much too small. Guess our vision of the public spaces on the Voyager and Mariner are quite different. Voyager's Coffee Connection is about a third of the size of the Mariner's. Stars on the Mariner is huge (although they may make it smaller during drydock) and their lovely Observation Lounge is larger than the Voyager. Guess it makes sense that when you have smaller cabins, you have more space for other things.

 

I see see the Navigator as a reduced sized Voyager. Less restaurants, smaller lounges, etc. I know they added Prime 7. . . . but, we were quite unimpressed with it. Agree 100% about wishing they had a forward Observation Lounge. Apparently there was one once, but it was quite small with a portable bar. The Navigator is running completely full in Alaska so I don't think they would want to remove any suites. The Voyager Lounge and Navigator Lounge are in similiar positions (as you know, the Voyager Lounge is larger, enclosed and is smokey). On the Mariner, I feel that they did a brilliant job with the Mariner Lounge leading into Prime 7 and Compass Rose. Such a lovely area (when the darn paintings are not blocking the area).

 

I probably view the Voyager and Navigator as being similar because of the regular suite size, shower & bath (which I do like) . . . . and, unfortunately, they both have aft vibration. We are beginning to really enjoy the Mariner and will sail on her again in November (because our Voyager itinerary was cancelled). In the meantime, we're giving the Whisper a try in May because of a "different" itinerary than Regent has.

[cruzndiz]

J

Activities –...There were various other pursuits, but we didn’t participate in all of them.

If you had, you'd have my matching t-shirt!! :p Did you get a chance to see my updated blog? I have the most awesome picture of us with our point cards!

 

J Park West art / auction – please, Regent, do away with this – the “art” pieces just take up space.

But then you wouldn't have gotten the free art that Wayne won while he was shooting dice! :eek:

 

JThe negative stuff were really just nuisances and didn’t take away in any major way from our very enjoyable Regent experience. I’m just including them as a point of reference, and if Regent brass is reading these posts, maybe as a hint on where they can pick it up a bit.

I hope they are reading them as well because the low points in my review (in the review section) mirrors your low points almost verbatim

[alexandra cruiser]

Double checked,have 749 which WILL continue to have tub,,,good...but now noticed rooms 301,,,not 350 like Voyager,,can t tell by photo...where did space go???Funny, just "assumed" same since ship has 700 people and never really checked details,,,,

Agree service could be faster in CR and LV,,,but had prompt waiters in Sig.and Prime....we just ordered less courses if in hurry..or tired of waiting...:o

[dfb]

The space got shorter and much narrower. If you look carefully at the Voyager and Mariner deck plans, you will notice that Voyager has only 1 hallway between cabins. Mariner has 2 hallways per deck of cabins, between those 2 hallways is the crew/work/engineering, etc space and it is where your cabin space went. Debbie

[nanook21]

Linda - yes, I saw your blog, it was great! I copied that picture for my album, so thanks for posting -altho its more flattering of you than of me!:eek: That "free" art that Wayne won cost us over $200 to be framed & shipped. And he had to have it shipped to Phoenix rather than Canada. I'll just say that the subject matter does not match my very-Desert Southwest style decor here in Arizona! Dont know what the heck I'm going to do with it, maybe donate to charity or something. And, we have to go back to the frozen north for a couple of weeks soon. What do you want to bet it arrives on the doorstep while we're gone, then mysteriously 'disappears'? LOL

[Travelcat2]

Linda: Just read your updated blog. . . it is absolutely wonderful! Glad that the photo's of the Meet & Greet were dark as I prefer to be thought of as a black kitty:rolleyes:

 

I submitted my review to CC yesterday. I expect it to be approved next week. Our experience in Compass Rose was different than yours. . . . but we tend to dine early and in the same general areas. As I said on the ship, I think the smaller groups had to do with the "world travelers" who have known each other for so long. Although I enjoyed everyone we met, not sure that I would want to be part of a "segment" in the future. I found it a bit annoying that the ceremony for crossing the equator was held up two days because their "special people" taking the full cruise were on their exclusive event in Quito. Didn't that technically mean that they didn't cross the equator by sea???

 

Still, it was a wonderful cruise with excellent food and service:)