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The Mariner, The Mediterranean and Me .... oh my!


eneri59

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ABOUT US: - We returned yesterday from an 11 night Western Med adventure on board the Mariner. We are a couple in our mid 50's, cruised many times but first time Regent and first time Europe. I have been reading this board for about a year and benefited from many of you so I wanted to give back in a small way

 

THE FLIGHTS AND TRANSFERS - all were arranged by Regent

 

Our itinerary was Air France Business Class, Toronto-Paris-Nice. When we arrived at the airport to depart, we learned that we were on stanby. The AF flight was full. We were however quickly offered another flight, still business class on KLM, Toronto-Amsterdam-Nice and a cash refund as compensation - bonus! The KLM flight was outstanding, meals and service a hint of what was to come on Regent. Our return flight on British Airways was sadly lacking. Although we had the advantage of the lay flat beds, the service was average and the plane smelled of urine.

 

The transfers to and from both airports were beautifully handled by Regent. They picked up our luggage and transported us to our hotel and at disembark they escorted us and our luggage right to the check in area at the airport. Very well done.

 

PRE-CRUISE HOTEL - The Columbus at Monte Carlo

 

When we arrived at the hotel, our luggage was already waiting for us in the room. A hospitality desk was in the main lobby for Regent guests to help with questions and directions around Monte Carlo. The next morning a private breakfast was arranged for the Regent guests and it was then that we started to meet some of the wonderful people who would soon become friends.

 

SHIPMATES

 

Based on what I experianced on this cruise, most cruisers were 50+. I saw one child on this cruise. Many were well travelled, quite a few were new to Regent. We met mostly Americans and Brits. Most had good net worth. One of the big advantages of small ship crusing is that you actually make friends. We met the most interesting people and had great conversations. There are a small number of snobs on board but you quickly learn how to avoid them.

 

MARINER

 

I have to admit my first impression of the Mariner was a bit under whelming. She's a bit of a plain Jane but once you are on board for a bit, you start to see her inner beauty. The exceptional staff, always friendly and happy in their work. The small ship, easy to navigate and cosy public rooms. The well appointed staterooms. Little luxuries everywhere you go.

 

FOOD & DRINK

 

Compass Rose was consistently good. We always shared a table and our meals would last more than 2hrs because we were having such great table conversations. The staff never rushed us, even when it was clear we were one of the last ones there. The food was varied and delicious. The wines flowed freely and if you did not like the one offered, another could be had

 

La Veranda/Setti Mara were a nice change and offered an outdoor dining option. Prime 7 was my least favourite. The food was average. The Head Waiter was a bit grumpy (a party had arrived late) and that night we were seated with snobs. So perhaps it would be better at another time.

 

Signature was the best meal of the cruise. Mushroom soup, lobster ravioli and creme brule .... oh my! The way they present the entree was a nice surprise too.

 

The BBQ under the stars on our final night was magical and sad at the same time as we said goodbyes to all our new friends.

 

Drinks of any kind are available anytime, anywhere. Staff are quick to ask if you would like another drink. My glass was rarely empty

 

ENTERTAINMENT

 

Typical cruise ship entertainment. The dancers were good but the singers not so much. Sometimes our dinner went late and we did not always catch the entertainment (usually at 9:45 each night). The ship orchestra was very good and entertained us at night in the lounge. As were a duo (forgot their names) who sang cover songs for about an hour each night. There is a little bit of everything - karaoke, trivia contests, putting green challenge, cooking demo, a small casino and a gift shop. The daytime activities are quite light but since most are ashore it makes sense. The cruises directors were excellent.

 

The "Welcome Home" after our day in Rome was a delightful surprise - very well done Regent

 

THE SPA

 

We had four services there and it was very average. We had a large OBC and little places to spend it. In future I would use the OBC to upgrade our shore excursions

 

SHORE EXCURSIONS

 

A major highlight of our vacation was the shore excursions. Since it was our first time to these ports of call there was much to see. The guides were excellent and knowlegable. The transfers all went smoothly. I learned however that I need to research more pre-cruise to ensure that I choose excursions that visit the "must see" areas. I recommend in the large cities that you upgrade your excursion since those ones included visits inside museums for example.

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

 

This was our best vacation so far. I've learned that we enjoy the small ship experiance. It was a big investment but well worth the cost. If you enjoy meeting new people and being looked after then consider Regent. If you prefer late night partying, singing waiters and towel animals in your room then you might find Regent too sedate.

 

Thank you to all who help me plan this big adventure to Europe on the Seven Seas Mariner

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Thanks for your great review. We are sailing on Mariner in Nov and getting really excited.

 

I am though surprised to hear of your stand by issue with the Airline arranged by Regent. We have used their air several times and never had any issue at all. i guess maybe the fact that Regent uses a contract rate gives them the excuse to bump you in a full situation, and so glad that they accommodated you quickly and your flight was a good experience.

 

You didn't mention what you thought of the Columbus Hotel, and how close is it to the town? We were scheduled there for our cruise, but decided to take the hotel credit and book our own hotel closer in to town. But it did look like a very nice hotel.

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Wonderful review. I am surprised about your AF "standby" issue since you must have been holding a confirmed ticket. I'm glad that it all worked out for you.

I knew you were boarding the day that we left so was looking forward to your thoughts. Yes, the Regent ships appear plain at first glance but that's because you are used to a more glitzy interior on the main stream lines. It was a shock to me the first time I cruised Regent but the Regent quiet elegance grows on you.

I'll bet you are already thinking about your next cruise.

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The standyby issue was an expected surprise but it was quickly resolved and we received $800 in compensation. We arrived in Nice at the same time as we would have on the previous flight.

 

The Columbus Hotel was very nice, situated on the ocean and across from a beautiful park. The room was small by Cdn/US standards but nicely appointed. A interesting item was that there were no washcloths provided and the front desk didn't seem to know what they were. We had dinner at La Saliere, nearby and we enjoyed it immensly.

 

Columbus is located in a quieter area but the downtown is not far. I think in retrospect being downtown would have been a good thing since we had such a short time there

 

I loved Monte Carlo, so clean compared to some of the European cities we visited.

 

I haven't re-booked Regent yet but hope to do so one day

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Glad you enjoyed your cruise so much!

 

We have never been on any other cruise line besides Regent so we don't have the widest perspective. With that said, my husband and I have had such wonderful experiences on the Regent line. A new friend has us thinking about Silver Seas cruise line and we may try them. But we still like Regent and It's nice to hear when people are pleased!

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