In April 2015, Beverly Hobbs, one of our luxury cruise experts, joined Seven Seas Mariner on a short voyage from Rome to Athens. This is her Seven Seas Mariner review.
I boarded Seven Seas Mariner in Civitavecchia after a 2 hour flight from Gatwick and a short transfer from Rome. The transfer time was actually my first surprise. I always tell my clients that it takes anything from an hour to an hour and a half to reach the port from the airport, but my transfer time was only 40-minutes. Then again, it was a Sunday morning and the roads were quite clear.
As we arrived at the port entrance I could see Seven Seas Mariner in the distance. She was a gleaming shade of white, and against the dark blue of the Mediterranean Sea, she looked simply stunning.
Check in was painless and very quick, and my luggage was whisked away with the promise that I would see it in my suite in the next hour and a half. I made my way onboard and was greeted at the gangway by name, which surprised me – great feel good factor. I acknowledged my welcome and headed for Deck 5, and what a wonderful deck it turned out to be. I was simply bowled over by the feeling of space and luxury. I was encouraged to go and have lunch on the pool deck, so I duly obliged. The pool area was white and blue mosaic with a large swimming pool, two Jacuzzi’s, lots of sun loungers – and new this year, double sun loungers – a well-stocked pool bar, and a pool grill where food is cooked to order.
I had only been onboard for a short time, but already I had decided that I was going to be very happy on Seven Seas Mariner for the next five days. I settled down beneath the sunshine with a glass of champagne and a philly burger (with cheese and mushrooms) from my very attentive waiter – I was ready to enjoy the Regent Seven Seas Cruises experience.
I finished my lunch and made my way towards my suite, an F grade Verandah on Deck 8. I opened the door and was very pleased to see my case, as promised, was on the bed. A welcome bottle of champagne in an ice bucket had also found its way into my abode – which I thought was a very nice touch. My suite was larger and the walk in wardrobe was very spacious. It offered 6 drawers, hanging rails of differing heights, a shoe rack and a safe. The bathroom was perfectly adequate. It was entirely marble and featured a huge walk in shower, large wash basin and several mirrors. In the corner of the room was a vanity unit with more drawers, and another large mirror. It was fabulous. At this point I must mention the hair dryer in the drawer. I was told not to worry about taking my own as the suite had one, however, I have very thick hair and the one in the suite was not powerful enough at all. Ladies, I would advise that you take your own. The suite also had a large queen size bed, which could easily be turned into single beds if required, with delightful fluffy pillows and a very sumptuous duvet – the kind of duvet that you never want to leave. There was also a sofa, flat screen television and a well-stocked fridge. You can read more about the suite options with Regent Seven Seas in our ‘Suite Life’ blog.
I finished unpacking and made my way towards my Muster station. The cruise was about to start!
The following day I explored the ship – I had a lot to see! I took many photographs, got a general feel for the layout and noticed that Seven Seas Mariner has some rather quirky works of art. I found several pieces that were of interest during my trip, including the figures crafted out of wire mesh that surrounded the lift shaft – very individual!
The food was a gastronomic dream throughout, but especially in the ships main Restaurant, Compass Rose. La Verandah restaurant, however, was my personal favourite. During the day buffet breakfast and buffet lunches are available and in the evening it turns into Sette Mari, which offers authentic Italian food. I loved Sette Mari/ La Verandah. Being able to dine al-fresco under the warmth of the Mediterranean sunset was just perfect. Signatures was another wonderful dining experience that offered modern French cuisine. And then there was Prime 7, Regent Seven Seas signature American Steakhouse. Seven Seas Mariner also offered a pool grill, great for grabbing snacks, and 24-hour room service. All I can say is that with all that food, I may be going up a dress size!
My shore excursion experience was also very positive. I went to the shore destinations desk to book the Corsican Wine Tasting tour for the next day in Ajaccio. One hour later I returned to my suite to find a ticket with the details of my excursion and where to meet the following day placed upon my bed. I left my suite the following afternoon and went down to the Constellation Lounge to meet for my tour. Shortly after, we left Seven Seas Mariner behind and made our way into the Corsican countryside. Upon arrival at the vineyard we embarked on a tour of the ground, which was followed by a Corsican wine lecture and sampling. It was a superb excursion and one that I would highly recommend.
In all, my cruise with Regent Seven Seas was superb. Everything they do is effortless and the ship is incredibly spacious and elegant – I wouldn’t hesitate to join her again.
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If you have any questions about Regent Seven Seas then please call one of our luxury Cruise Experts on 0800 008 6677.
