Regent Seven Seas Mariner – understated elegance and refined service

During her last visit of the fall season to Montreal, Kelly Flynn of CruiseShipCenters and Beverley Vickers of Regent invited us to visit the Regent Seven Seas Mariner for a tour and lunch aboard this five star luxury vessel. In the cruise industry, there are only a few luxury lines, and Regent Seven Seas is one of those companies that cater to guests who frequent Ritz Carleton and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Regent Seven Seas fleet consists of four ships with passenger capacity starting with an intimate 490 guests on the Seven Seas Navigator; 700 guests on Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner; to 750 guests on the new Seven Seas Explorer.

The Atrium on the Regent Seven Seas Explorer set a
new standard in cruise luxury

Christened in Monte Carlo in the spring of 2016, Regency’s newest ship, the Explorer has dubbed “the most luxurious ship in the world.” Boarding guests can appreciate two original painting by Picasso hanging in the passenger entrance. The uber-luxurious Regent Suite on the Explorer measures in at a spacious 3,875 square feet. This suite includes a private spa within the suite that is serviced by the onboard Canyon Ranch staff.

Regent understands that their affluent guests want first-class service to complement the luxury accommodations. “Everything is taken care of…” stated Beverley Vickers at the beginning of her presentation in the Mariner’s elegant Constellation theatre. “Your fare includes return airfare, transfers to and from the airport, in port excursions, gratuities, wine and premium spirits throughout the ship, dining in our specialty restaurants, special coffees, and a welcome bottle of champagne. For European cruises and others that involve international flights, the air package includes Business Class seating.”  On select voyages, 3 night pre or post cruise luxury hotel packages are also included, and one night hotel packages for other sailings. If you don’t need the airfare, you’ll receive a significant reduction in you cruise fare.

There are four all-suite ships in the
Regent Seven Seas fleet

When sailing to ports with a rich historical background, a well-informed and entertaining guide can bring that history to life, and this is an important aspect of the line including excursions in the fare. To complement the port excursions, Regent employs special guest speakers from The Smithsonian Collection by Smithsonian Journeys with a wide range of experts that include; art historians, leading authors, and former diplomats. These presentations are often conducted in a social setting that encourages an exchange of ideas and opinions.

Foodies will enjoy the culinary arts presentations and the opportunity to take some gourmet cooking classes.

A veranda suite on Seven Seas Explorer

There’s a saying in the cruise business that the most beautiful ship is the one you’re on – so let’s go back to our host vessel, the Seven Seas Mariner.

Regent Seven Seas ships do not have traditional ‘cabins’. All passenger suites have walk-in closets, and all-marble bathrooms. The ‘regular’ Concierge suites we visited onboard the Mariner were spacious at 300 sq. ft. and elegant with a contemporary nautical decor. All suites have balconies, comfortable sitting areas, vanities and plenty storage space.  We visited the two bedroom, 2,000 square foot Master Suite, the 450 sq. ft. Penthouse Suite, the 700 sq. ft. Mariner Suite, and the aft-facing 847 sq. ft. Seven Seas Suite in addition to the ’basic’ Concierge Suite on board the Mariner.

The Explorer’s Chartreuse dining room is reminiscent of an elegant Parisian restaurant

We enjoyed a delicious four-course lunch in the Compass Rose dining room. Simply put – it was outstanding. The Sommelier stopped by during our meal to talk about the wine service that provides a choice of twelve dozen different wines as part of the daily wine offering. If your palate is more sophisticated, the Sommelier has an extensive cellar. For guests who prefer to bring their own wine, there isn’t a corking fee.

All Regent ships have a casual dining restaurant such as Le Veranda with buffet-style dining – albeit with white linen table cloths. In the evening it is transformed into an Italian restaurant called Sette Mari. Signatures offers French cuisine and Prime 7 is the popular steakhouse serving beef, chops, fish and seafood.

The Mariner has a fully equipped fitness centre adjacent to the Canyon Ranch Spa that includes a hair salon, beauty salon, saunas, and the full range of spa treatments. The Mariner has a pool on Deck 11 with ample seating, and a jogging track, paddle tennis, shuffleboard, and putting green on Deck 12.

Deluxe Concierge Suite

The outstanding physical environment onboard is complemented by the guest-centered service offered by all the ship’s personnel. For people who enjoy their success and achievements, I would recommend that you consider Regent Seven Seas when researching a cruise holiday. You’ll find accommodations that meet and surpass your expectations, fine dining, informative excursions, and above all, a price-value equation that is very, very compelling. For more information about Regent Seven Seas ships and itineraries, call or visit one of the four Expedia CruiseShipCenters in Montreal and the West Island. www.cruiseshipcenters.com They are located downtown on Rue de la Montagne, Dorval, DDO and Beaconsfield.  You can also visit Regent Seven Seas: www.rssc.com Bon Voyage!