Scores of small blue-hued icebergs floated in the silent frigid water under our balcony. Nearby, soaring mountains with glaciers in their crevices were clad in a heavy green carpet of Sitka spruce. Cascading waterfalls cut white ribbons through the dense trees.
Excitement rippled throughout the ship as the Regent Seven Seas Mariner approached Hubbard Glacier, one of Alaska’s largest. As the ship rotated in a 360-degree pirouette, the mighty glacier calved off huge chunks of ice.
Terry Breen, an on-board cultural anthropologist, said Hubbard is one of the few glaciers in the world still advancing. Breen’s lectures covered Alaskan history, port towns, Native Alaskan cultures and glaciers.
Seeing Alaska’s snowcapped mountains and pristine wilderness from a luxury cruise ship is a priceless experience. Watching the scenery glide by from one’s private balcony is one of life’s magic moments.
Embarking on the Mariner was a breeze. Thirty minutes after leaving the Westin Bayshore Hotel in downtown Vancouver, we boarded the ship—no long lines or hassles. Chilled champagne, fresh flowers and a fruit basket awaited us.
While we nibbled at a sumptuous buffet, luggage arrived in our roomy suite which had generous storage, a good size bathroom with sit-down shower, desk, a walk-in closet plus a fridge stocked with soda, beer and water.
The Mariner subtly exudes classy elegance from bow to stern. An all-suite all-balcony ship, the Mariner includes alcoholic beverages, gratuities and all dining options in fares.
Our first sea day on the northbound seven-night cruise featured a lavish cheesecake extravaganza, wine tasting, art and Alaska lectures, trivia, bingo and card games.
The diversified passenger mix on the Mariner included many multi-generation families celebrating anniversaries and birthdays, as well as couples and women friends on Girlfriend Getaways. Most of the children on board were supervised by parents, nannies or Club Mariner counselors.
Six-star Cuisine
We never stood in line or felt crowded on the sleek 700-passenger ship. Guests enjoy open seating at any of four restaurants. We found six-star cuisine and flawless service at all of them.
Sommeliers visit each dinner table, offering complimentary featured red and white wines. In lounges, bartenders and waiters are generous when pouring and serving spirits. It was no surprise to learn Regent spends considerably more per passenger on food and beverages than most cruise lines.
For breakfast and lunch, La Veranda buffet features fresh shrimp and other seafood, luscious fruit, crispy salad fixings, soups, a lavish bread assortment as well as hot entrees.
For dinner, La Veranda transforms into a romantic bistro. Guests indulge in an elegant appetizer/salad/dessert buffet with three kinds of smoked salmon, jumbo shrimp, crab legs, plus a decadent display of brie and other pricey imported cheeses. We ordered regional dinner entrees from the menu. When our Surf ‘n Turf arrived, we each had two lobster tails!
La Veranda staff operates like a well-choreographed ballet striving for perfection at every performance. When head waiter John noticed learned the brewed decaf coffee was a bit strong for my palate, he placed Sanka packets in all dining rooms.
To work off those extra calories, guests can use a netted tennis court, walking track, fitness center, an outdoor pool, or play table tennis or shuffleboard. For leisure moments, the ship has three Jacuzzis, a spa, hair salon, boutique, two theaters and a casino.
In this era of hefty airline baggage fees, Regent ships also cater to practical needs. We frequently used the complimentary self-serve launderette just steps from our suite.
An Alaska cruise is a fantastic way to celebrate a special occasion–with or without the kids. Regent is offering some fantastic deals: included air fare and shore excursions, plus 2–for-1 cruise fare. Visit Regent Seven Seas Mariner website for more information on this cruise.
An avid cruiser, the author CruisinGal Pat Woods says embarking on a ship makes her happy to be alive.
What a gorgeous trip! My brother and sister-in-law went last year and absolutely loved it.
It does look amazing. I love the tips for working off all of that delicious food.
I’ve sailed to Alaska (and beyond) on Regent Mariner. What a combination, the beauty and adventure of Alaska and a luxury mid-size ship. I’d go again in a heartbeat.
Alaska’s legendary Inside Passage is a network of pristine waterways, fjords, and islands of astonishing beauty.