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Mariner Advice Needed


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We are looking at a Mariner cruise in 2019. We have sailed on Voyager and Navigator but this would be our first time on Mariner.

 

I have looked through past posts and on the RSSC website. The revised website still has major flaws in giving accurate descriptions of the suite categories. For instance, when you click on categories H-D it says the suites are 252 sq ‘. However, when you compare these with a penthouse suite, it says the rooms are 301 sq.’. If the suites are 50 sq ft smaller, does that make a significant difference in the “feel”of the suite? We also prefer a shower to a tub.

 

 

So, Mariner veterans, what would you recommend for suite choice? We are not fancy, see no value added in concierge level suites, and prefer not to have a butler. We like quiet, privacy, and minimal vibration and motion of the ocean.

 

 

Thank you in advance!

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I can help a bit with the dimensions. The "D" - "H" suites on Mariner are 252 sq. ft. with a 49 sq. ft. balcony. So, when you add the balcony to the suite, you get 301. Strange that the website is inconsistent.

 

We find the 50 sq. ft. difference in the size of the suites on the Mariner vs. the Voyager or Navigator is significant. We do not care for the suites on the Mariner but are fine with the suites on the other ships (exception: Explorer "H" and "G" suites which are tiny). The Mariner PH suites are, IMO, the best in the fleet. Well laid out and at 376 sq. ft. plus 73 sq. ft. balcony, the suite is very roomy.

 

Hope that this helps.

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Thanks for the advice. I checked again and the suite comparison says the suites are 301 sf with a balcony of 49 sf. While the suite alone says it is 252 sf with a 49 sf balcony. Is anyone at RSSC paying attention? I got an email from our TA that we had an itinerary change for a booked cruise. The forwarded email from Regent said further info was on the website. No info on the website and no itinerary change on the website. Geeesh!

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We've been on Voyager and Mariner, each about half a dozen times. We like both ships, but definitely prefer Mariner. The shower in Mariner is wonderful, and while we like the Voyager cabins, we don't at all like the very clumsy bathtub (we're not "bath" people anyway) and the MUCH smaller shower (on Voyager) The size difference between the suites on Voyager and Mariner is insignificant to us-- we find both quite fine (and we're in our room more than most). On both ships, we always choose mid-ship, lowest deck. We've been happy campers indeed.

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Thanks for the advice. I checked again and the suite comparison says the suites are 301 sf with a balcony of 49 sf. While the suite alone says it is 252 sf with a 49 sf balcony. Is anyone at RSSC paying attention? I got an email from our TA that we had an itinerary change for a booked cruise. The forwarded email from Regent said further info was on the website. No info on the website and no itinerary change on the website. Geeesh!

 

Sounds like the website needs some help. I know that the 252 sq. ft. with 49 sq. ft. balcony is correct for Mariner and 301 sq. ft. is correct for Navigator and Voyager (without the balcony).

 

Agree with poss that the shower-only suites have wonderful showers. I wish there were more shower-only suites. If you don't book early enough, you end up with the bathtub/shower combo that is a challenge to get out of.

 

Although this may change during refurbishment, the Mariner has the smallest safes of any ship in the fleet (Explorer has the largest). The closets are also small compared to the Voyager (love the Voyager closets). Actually, the only thing I like about the Mariner is the public spaces (they apparently took space away from the suites and put it into public areas).

 

On the plus side, Mariner will be gorgeous after refurbishment and, as poss said, some people don't mind the smaller suites so if you are one of them, it will be fine. Another big plus is that the Mariner is the most stable ship in the fleet so it doesn't matter if you are forward or aft.

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How long is your planned cruise? We find the 301 sq. ft. suites (below penthouse category) sufficient for a 7 night cruise, but a little cramped for longer ones. Definitely get a suite with a shower only. The tub/shower combination available in some suites has only 6' 2" headroom when taking a shower. Also, it is a big step up to get into the thing!

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  • 4 months later...

We are planning a Feb 2019 on the Mariner to Asia and have a question about the Seven Seas Suites, specifically forward cabin 1001. My concern is that the balcony view forward is blocked by the bridge overhang. Does anyone have any experience with these suites? Thanks.

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We are planning a Feb 2019 on the Mariner to Asia and have a question about the Seven Seas Suites, specifically forward cabin 1001. My concern is that the balcony view forward is blocked by the bridge overhang. Does anyone have any experience with these suites? Thanks.

 

Regent ships do not typically have any suites with a blocked view but we haven't been in 1001. May I ask why you booked the Seven Seas Suite forward suite rather than the Seven Seas aft suite? The aft suites have an extra half bath (the forward ones do not) and they are extremely spacious (huge living room and lovely balcony). Also, not sure if the balcony in 1001 is in the front of the ship but our experience has been that the forward balconies can get too windy to use while at sea.

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We like the large walk-in showers available on the Mariner. I believe on the deck plan those suites have stars identifying them. Also like the larger outdoor area off of La Veranda as compared to Voyager and the location of the Coffee Connection.

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Regent ships do not typically have any suites with a blocked view but we haven't been in 1001. May I ask why you booked the Seven Seas Suite forward suite rather than the Seven Seas aft suite? The aft suites have an extra half bath (the forward ones do not) and they are extremely spacious (huge living room and lovely balcony). Also, not sure if the balcony in 1001 is in the front of the ship but our experience has been that the forward balconies can get too windy to use while at sea.

 

Thank you for your reply. We've just begun the booking process and decided to upgrade from a Penthouse B to a Seven Seas Suite. Forward 1001 was the one offered by the agent. I will inquire as to the availability of the Aft suites.

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Thank you for your reply. We've just begun the booking process and decided to upgrade from a Penthouse B to a Seven Seas Suite. Forward 1001 was the one offered by the agent. I will inquire as to the availability of the Aft suites.

 

Since you are in the booking process, are you using a TA that books Regent cruises (or other luxury cruises) regularly. When you book a Regent cruise, most travel luxury travel agents give a percentage back on your cruise fare and may offer on board credits (depending upon the itinerary). Just thought I would mention this as it is definitely a plus and a money saver.

 

As an aside also want to reiterate that the regular suites on the Mariner are not 301 square feet as some posters last year suggested. The Regent website is incorrect.

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Jennifer (and Georges), the Voyager was our fav until we spent three weeks on the Mariner in January and February. Consequently, we now have 52 days booked (Miami to Auckland) on the Mariner from October to early December.

 

We agree with posters above that a Deluxe Veranda Suite shower (as briar14 notes above, select a suite with a Star beside it on the deck diagram) is the preferred suite choice. Thanks to cruise critic Marc, we learned that the best F (with shower) suites (731-736) are not only wonderfully mid ship, but steps away from the Casino's hidden circular staircase that directly takes you Stars Night club and almost directly takes you to the coffee connection on Deck 6.

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Wes - we posted at the same moment. We have done so many cruises on Mariner and, while I love the public spaces, I still have an issue with the smaller suites, smaller bathrooms, closets - even the safe. The Voyager was our favorite ship for years but has been replaced (at least for now) with Explorer. We board Voyager next week for the first time in two years. It will be interesting to see what we think of her after over 50 nights on Explorer.

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Another thumbs up for Mariner. We find the lounges and the pool deck have a better layout on Mariner than on Voyager.

Definitely go for a suite with shower only.

 

When the pennies allow, we like to book a spacious Penthouse Suite on Mariner as we find the D-H suites are noticeably more compact than on Voyager.

 

Looking forward to sailing again on Mariner after her refurbishment :D

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Jackie, for Ida and I we spend more time outside the suite (Ida trying to earn points, taking classes, Wes enjoying his fitness room suite--ok kidding--but do spend nearly 3 hrs/day here, some time in men's Spa area),

 

We still love the Voyager just can't find itineraries now we covet. Really enjoy David dos Santos (Voyager Restaurant Mgr) and one of his head waiters (Federica) just wish they would have a contract on the Mariner.

 

Hope Dennis and you have a terrific voyage.

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Thank you for your reply. We've just begun the booking process and decided to upgrade from a Penthouse B to a Seven Seas Suite. Forward 1001 was the one offered by the agent. I will inquire as to the availability of the Aft suites.

Also, if this is your first booking with Regent, you may wish to take advantage of the perks offered by the Ambassador Programme:

https://www.rssc.com/ambassador

 

If you do not have existing friends/family sailing with Regent, a CC member will be happy to supply their details for you, but you need to mention the Ambassador Programme when making your booking.

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We did our longest cruise ever, 18 days on Mariner last year. Loved the ship, despite the cabins being a titch smaller. But this is made up for far better public spaces than Voyager, at least for me. Loved the Coffee Connection. And really liked the layout of Compass Rose.

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We did our longest cruise ever, 18 days on Mariner last year. Loved the ship, despite the cabins being a titch smaller. But this is made up for far better public spaces than Voyager, at least for me. Loved the Coffee Connection. And really liked the layout of Compass Rose.

 

The layout of CR will likely change with the current refurbishment. LV will definitely change - dramatically!

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We have been on the Mariner twice. Both times we had a Penthouse C and loved the space. Just be sure whatever suite you

book it has a stall shower. The tub/shower combination is AWFUL.... nothing to hang on to when getting out and the ceiling is very low which is awkward for tall people. Beware if you are short as it's really awkward getting out of that tub.

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