And this summer I’ve been a lucky travel agent. I’ve had lunch aboard Silversea’s Silver Muse, explored the decks of Viking’s Orion and indulged with breakfast aboard Regent Seven Seas Mariner.

All three ships are truly wonderful and future blogs will feature a report on each. But for the moment I’ll share my thoughts on Regent Seven Seas Mariner…

Luxury cruising has become extremely popular within the last ten years – new ships, celebrity chefs and unchartered waters. But Regent is one of the stalwarts of the luxury end of the cruising industry. And the Mariner is the grande dame. Fortunately, after an extensive refurbishment in 2018, grande dame doesn’t mean staid or “tired”.

Regent Seven Seas Mariner more than holds her end at the luxury end. Lush décor, extraordinary artwork, top notch cuisine and stylish suites.

If you’re considering a voyage aboard one of the Regent ships you’ll be welcomed aboard with a glass of Champagne and shown to your suite. That’s right, suite. There are no cabins or staterooms on the Mariner. Every room is a suite with private verandah, marble bathroom, walk in robe and well defined sitting/dining area and bedroom. Your mini bar is stocked to your preference. You can even choose to dine course by course in your room.

The suites are gorgeous but the staff are what makes your journey truly special. There is no request too small, too large or too niggly aboard the Mariner. And with a ratio of one staff member to six guests you never have to wait long before you’ve received what you need. In fact, more often you’ll receive what you need before you even know you require it. Luxury is as much in the detail and level of service as it is in the furnishings.

Luxury is also in choice. Seven dining options are at your disposal – including a French fine dining venue and a seafood/steak speciality restaurant. Meals at all restaurants are included. As are complimentary drinks, no matter the time of the day – from cocktails to Champagne as well as fine wines.

Remarkably, shore excursions are also included. Guests are offered a shore excursion at each port of call. Not only does this mean you’ve paid for your sightseeing before you leave, it takes the stress out of making your own arrangements. An unexpected benefit of shore excursions being included is that it provides the opportunity for guests to bond and make friends more easily. There was a noticeably friendly and unpretentious atmosphere aboard.

Regent Seven Seas Mariner is a beautiful ship. Offering suites for up to 700 guests it is one of the larger “small” luxury ships but the space on board and the high staff to guest ratio firmly roots it within the realm of luxury.

At Forth & Wonder we are luxury travel designers and cruise specialists. We can help you design your dream voyage or luxury land adventure. If you’d like to speak to me personally about Regent Seven Seas Mariner, or your next holiday more generally, I’m more than happy to help. Just ask.

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Talk to us today to start planning your next holiday.
e: curious@forthandwonder.com.au
p: +61 3 9045 9819