In June, I sailed on the Regent Seven Seas Mariner to Alaska. The Seven Seas Mariner is all-suite, all-balcony. There are no obstructed views, no “inside” staterooms without windows. The ship is all about space and unobtrusive service. What an experience!
The itinerary is classic “Inside Passage”, from Vancouver to Seward. In early June, it was still a bit cold and there was a tremendous amount of floating ice in the water – we didn’t get far into Tracy Arm; a kayaking trip I’d planned was cancelled due to ice; we could not get close to Hubbard Glacier. It was cold. But we had sun – in fact, by the last night of the cruise, sunset was about 1:00 AM; sunrise about 4:00 AM. Amazing!
Service aboard ship is gracious, friendly and prompt. Guest needs are anticipated and met; one never needs to ask twice for anything. Dining is another delight – single, open seating in the main dining room, Compass Rose, means that you dine when, and with whom, you wish. Large enough to accommodate everyone, Compass Rose does not require reservations. There is another, buffet restaurant for breakfast and luncheon which turns into a Mediterranean restaurant for dinner.
There are two specialty restaurants that do require reservations: Latitudes, the Asian Fusion restaurant; and Signature, the Cordon Bleu restaurant. While they do require reservations there is no additonal cost for this experience. And what a delight they are!
Latitudes offers a tasting menu which covers all Asian cuisines each night. It is tremendous variety in small portions, and quite good. Signature is a Cordon Bleu experience. Service is exquisite and the choices on the menu are varied. Presentation is perfect. The experience is perfect, and relaxed. Because of the time of year, summer in Alaska, we lost track of time based on the light – conversations flow, and friends are made over a meal, and you think it’s only been about two hours when you check your watch and see that you’ve been dining for four hours lost in good conversation. This is how life should be!
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has a tag-line: Luxury Goes Exploring. Itinerary driven, in luxurious accommodations, this is one experience you should not miss. If you are afraid of cruises because you fear an overly stuffy atmosphere, this is the cruise line that would dispell that fear. And real luxury is about experience and value. Regent Seven Seas provides all that, and more.
2 responses so far ↓
sumo // January 9, 2008 at 6:28 am
I went on the Holland America (Xandam) and I thought it was wonderful. We didn’t have a balcony but we did have a large window to look out. It was on the food company that I did business with…I lucked out big time. But we want to go again…so I’ll remember this line…I’m all about luxury and the amenities. We went Vancouver to Juneau…Skagway to Ketchikan…and then to Vancouver again. 8 days if memory serves. It was relaxing and awesome. I ate the best Halibut of my life on that ship…and my husband ate chocolate cake until he was nearly sick. Loved it!
divajood // January 9, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Sumo, Holland America is another wonderful cruise line that I book a lot for clients. It is considered a Premium, rather than Luxury, line. However, of the Premium lines, Holland is the closest experience to luxury. Food is excellent AND they have one of the best children’s programs on the seas.
Cruising is a wonderful experience, that simple. And thanks for stopping by!