Review: Radisson Seven Seas - Mariner - [September 20 , 2004]

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Here's my review of our recent RSSC Mariner cruise from Tokyo to Hong Kong,
Sept. 20 - Oct. 4, 2004:

Embarkation

This was by far the easiest embarkation of any cruise we've done. We
literally walked right on the ship without going through any outside check
in. Also, this was at 1PM - long before the scheduled check in. We were
given champagne and then lead into the ship's theater where we got our keys
and registered, which took all of five minutes. Our rooms weren't ready yet
so we walked around the ship and had lunch in La Verandah (oh my -
wonderful - excellent).

Cabin

We booked the least expensive cabin that was available (Category G). When we
got the tickets, we'd been upgraded by one deck. When we got to the ship,
we'd been upgraded again by one deck (to deck 9, suite 973). We didn't get a
better cabin in the process, but it was a better deck. When we got to our
cabin, all of our bags were there - a first! Also, an iced bottle of
champagne (real - French) was waiting.

The cabin was gorgeous. Simple and tasteful (like the ship itself). It had a
walk in closet! We couldn't believe it. Tons of storage space; a hutch over
the main dresser; wowee. The bathroom was large for a cruise ship with
marble everywhere. We don't usually pay for Verandahs but having one was a
real plus. We were on the port side so we really used the Verandah when
coming in/out ports. The bathroom products were from Aveda - a high-end
salon brand (not that I care, but it does show that RSSC attempts to buy the
best quality products).

The fridge was fully stocked and remained that way throughout the cruise. We
were told that the first cans of beer in it were free but additional ones
wouldn't be. I never drank the free ones. It was great to always have
bottles of water and soda available. The free bottle of liquor of my choice
(Talisker) was also appreciated.

Around the Ship

The ship was very easy to get around. Every deck went through from one side
to the other. The various destination areas are logically placed and easy to
find.

This is not a bright and flashy ship. I wouldn't say it's elegant either.
It's simple and tasteful. Everything is low-key. There were no hard sells
anywhere. Instead of an art auction, they would have an art lecture and all
the art on the walls was for sale if you were interested.

The Spa is run by a French company, Carlita - a refreshing change from the
usual Steiner.

The casino is small by cruise standards, but it was perfectly sized for this
crowd. It remained mostly empty. There were only a handful of players. I
like to play craps and was pretty much the only one on the ship who played.

The other cruisers on the ship seemed more "self contained" than on other
cruise lines. This was a good thing. There are always a few cruisers who
annoy the heck out of me but I didn't encounter any on this cruise (yeah!).

Food

The food ranged from good to outstanding. We never had a bad meal and
usually had an excellent meal. Given the premium they are charging, though,
I think they can do better. However, a bad night on the Mariner was as good
as good nights on other lines.

Breakfast was the same every morning (in La Verandah). There was always
fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, etc. The pastries would change a bit each day. As
an aside, we felt the pastries were lacking. For the price of the cruise,
they should've been world class. They were good, but not excellent. A nice
feature of breakfast was that is was a combination of buffet and service.
For coffee and grill items like pancakes you'd order from your waiter. This
was a nice touch that elevated the feeling a bit.

Lunch was always good and occasionally excellent (we always ate in La
Verandah). The excellent times were when they would have an interesting
presentation poolside. One day it was Mongolian Barbeque style where you'd
pick your meats and vegetables and they'd sauté it right there. Another day
they had whole suckling pigs. There was always plenty of good ice
cream/toppings and pastries for dessert.

Dinner is where RSSC really shines. There are four separate restaurants:
Compass Rose, La Verandah, Signatures and Latitudes. From what I've learned,
they really are separate. Signatures and Latitudes have separate Galleys
from the others.

-Signatures-

The head chef at Signatures is trained by Le Cordon Bleu from France. The
service, food, ambiance - everything - in Signatures was outstanding. This
would be a fine restaurant in any major city on land let alone on a cruise
ship. This restaurant requires reservations but we could've easily gotten in
any night (our cruise was only 3/4 full). I can't say enough good things
about Signatures.

-Latitudes-

This restaurant presents a "prix fixe" style meal that doesn't change (with
an exception) throughout the cruise. The menu is French/Asian fusion and is
marvelous. Latitudes can compete with any of the designer restaurants in New
York. Beyond the incredible food, all the plates have been custom made for
the restaurant and the decor is fun and exciting. This is the smallest
restaurant, but reservations weren't a problem.

The last week of the cruise, Latitudes was turned into a roadside diner with
typical diner dishes. I didn't get a chance to try it but it looked fun.

-Compass Rose-

Signatures and Latitudes are definitely a notch above, but Compass Rose was
still good and sometimes excellent. Compass Rose is as good or better than
any dining on any other cruise we've been on.

-La Verandah-

The Lido on other cruise lines is a casual buffet for those who don't want a
sit down dinner. On RSSC, La Verandah becomes a distinct restaurant at
night. The theme is Mediterranean. There is a buffet for appetizers/first
course and the main meal is ordered from the waiter. We only ate dinner
there once. It was good, but not great.

All the restaurants on the ship are open seating. You can eat at whatever
time you like and wherever you like. This is a refreshing change from fixed
seatings/tables on other lines. Also, wine is no charge in all the
restaurants. The house wines were always excellent (and unlimited!). I never
felt the need to purchase a different bottle.

Staff

The staff was OK. We expected better service given the luxury price.
Everyone was friendly enough but we didn't feel we were getting an extra
level of service over other cruise lines. In the Compass Rose and La
Verandah, the wait staff was not very attentive.

Entertainment

We didn't go to many of the shows. The ones we did go to were very good. In
particular, the Diva Diva piano and opera show was great.

What really stood out were the lectures. Ambassador Edward Peck and his son
Brian Peck gave separate cultural lectures throughout the cruise. Both of
them were very interesting and entertaining.

Is it worth it?

This is the hardest question to answer. The RSSC Mariner is considerably
more expensive than other cruise lines. Basic prices are around $350-$400
per person per day. This compares to around $150 per person per day on
mainstream "premium" lines. However, you have to factor in that every suite
is an outside/verandah suite and wine, bottled water and soft drinks are
included as are all tips. Including these things in another cruise line can
add around $50 per person per day (more if you factor in the verandah). Even
with this, though, RSSC is still expensive.

We haven't yet decided if our next cruises will be with RSSC or not. Price
aside, there is no comparison. RSSC Mariner is the best cruise line we've
ever been on. However, as "premium" lines (Celebrity, HAL, etc.) add more
luxury touches (open seating, more eating choices) this comparison will get
more difficult.