Welcome to Your Favorites, where you have the opportunity to share your travel experiences with fellow Internet Travelers around the world.

Radisson Seven Seas Cruises

MS Seven Seas Mariner

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Daniel Smith
# previous cruises: 21 to 30
Date of Trip: September 17, 2004
Itinerary: Orient

After sailing for more than 25 years on Lines from NCL, HAL and Royal Viking, this is the finest seagoing experience I have ever had. The mood is casual perfection. Not pomp and pretension. The service, cabin and fellow passengers are likewise complimentary to each other

The ship has room for only 700 on a vessel that could hold 2500. It is subtle and refined;not garish. You never wait in line or are told no. The lounges are to die for... the theater, and bars are beyond your dreams. Open and inviting you feel like it is your ship and a few others are on it. Space-space -space and comfort.

Having eaten my around the world and having an idea of what is quality I would say that the Mariner has food and service to match Jamine in Paris, Tour de Artgent Paris as well as the Cayote Cafe or Prego. The 4 restaurants, ( all without charge) offer ambiance, style and service equal to the best of NY, Paris, London or SF. In short the variety is stunning as is the presentation. I lived in the Napa Valley for 25 years and the wines served without charge are of premier quality. If you don't see something that pleases you ...ask and it will be prepared! I asked for a speciality Swiss dish from the cantons and the chef made two presentations for me to choose from....wow. The service is without flaw and made warm and not stodgy. You feel you are in your best friends home. The fantastic quality and variety with the warm caring, yet ultra professional, service is as good as the food.

When the door opened I tried to control a gasp. The cabin was 50% larger than any standard cabin I have ever seen.

The basic cabin is 33% larger than Seabourn and 40% larger than Crystal. In fact a Cat H Radisson is bigger and more stunning than a Crystal Penthouse at twice the price. Huge marble bath and tub; HUGH walk in closet; Bedroom with full queen and down duvet and ultra fine linen; Sitting/dining room that has a floor to ceiling picture window. An entertainment center wet bar( stocked twice a day) and writing desk filed out the next room. The balcony was large to me and fit two deck chairs and a table. I spent half my time in this over sized retreat. It even had enough room to set up a tripod mounted telescope on it. The large sliding glass door was nice to leave open some nights to hear and smell and the rushing ocean outside..... talk about atmosphere !

We had not one but two cabin stewards who kept the place not only clean beyond my dreams but stocked with everything from fresh fruit to flowers... In 25 years at sea this is the finest cabin I have seen that was called a standard. Royal Viking called it a penthouse as does Crystal.

The folks on my 28 day cruise attended a few shows and liked them but for the most part we opted to entertain ourselves in the ambiance at sea. The shows are subtle and not glitz. Radisson knows it's passengers want sublime not wild vegas reviews. The entertainers were all high quality but low key. This we all seemed to love.

Here is where Radisson shines. the shore activities are true exotic adventures. The variety is astounding and the prices better than you could do in shore. Take wave runners around Bora Bora, or 4 wheeling across a jungle path in Tahiti, or hiking up to a waterfall in Marquseas. They also prep you for each port. Not here is where you get to buy this or that but the true culture and feeling from serious professional naturalists and historians. The ports are for the most part exotic and wheree they are normal ports they offer exotic tours.

Shopping is not even mentioned as it is enrichment that they seek to give you. I wanted to snorkle with my wife and they gave me NEW DACOR diving equipment to use... not rented, gave !!!! This is the best of the best in passenger care . And........it is not a put on, they really mean it.

The average age is 50 to 70 and comprised of accomplished and staid persons not absorbed in self. Low key,well traveled and interesting folks. It is like a country club where you feel at ease with your friends. Not a place for kids to play as this is an adult experience to compliment a lifetime. It does this and more. It in non pretension and casual attitude of Radisson passengers that was a surprise after Crystal. I can't wait to join the ship and these great people again... a joy to the soul and sense alike.