Seven Seas Mariner Tips

For that amount of money, find another ship with more happening on board and better tours offered. Not a big party animal, but better quality of entertainment, food and service would have been nice.

Don't miss Trivia on Deck 12 at 4:30 everyday.

Book a cabin below Deck 10, so you do not hear the restaurant movement and the pool deck chairs.

If doing a back to back, make sure you have a cabin key card that doesn't become obsolete the second segment otherwise you may find yourself off the ship and not able to get back on.

Rooms are smaller than photos appear

Free self serve laundry machines with detergent available

I would avoid this ship and Regent Seven Seas.

Check out the free shore excursions...make a difference in the budget and all were exceptional.

County club casual attire is prevalent...bring your appetite!

If you are single, or alone, you MUST check out the Solo and Social Travellers group.

Be prepared for a smaller ship experience. At one point when the stabilizers were pulled in due to shallow seas, it was very difficult to stand, let alone walk. Even with the stabilizers deployed, the ride was rough.

Lower your expectations for dining speed and accuracy, but enjoy the rest. There is a list of the complimentary wines available, but you have to ask for it.

Great crew!

Find another cruise line

Avoid this line. Try Seabourn or Silver Sea.

The Mariner's cabins really need major renovation, so wait to book the Mariner until after the ship goes into dry dock in 2018, and then compare closely with other cruise lines' offerings. Also keep an eye out for cruises by Ritz-Carlton, which is entering the cruise business and should raise the service and luxury bar for all competing cruise lines. Take whatever the Regent booking agents tell you with a grain of salt; based on my experience they will tell you whatever it takes to sell you a ticket.

They advertise excursions free - you get what you pay for.

Bring any and all medication you could possibly need

We opted for higher deck and rear of ship. A bit nosier there and more motion evident. Go for lower decks at mid-ship.

One needs to get the concierge deck.