The Regent Seven Seas Mariner was the first ship to have all suites with a balcony when it launched in 2001. This luxury ship has a variety of accommodations, and even the smallest cabin should accommodate most cruise travelers.
Although the most important factors in choosing a cruise are usually the itinerary, the cost, and the ship, most of us also want comfortable and spacious accommodations.
Years ago, cabin features were far below the list of decision-making factors. However, times have changed. Cabin amenities have increased, and new ships have bigger cabins and more balconies because cruise ships have demanded it. In 2001, the first suite and balcony cruise ship, the Seven Seas Mariner, was launched. Let’s take a look at the different cabin categories.
Deluxe Suites (DH Categories)
These are the smallest and lowest priced suites at the Mariner. At 301 square feet (252 square feet in the suite and 49 on the balcony), these suites are arguably some of the best “surveillance” accommodations we’ve seen. (Of course, on a 6-star ship like the Mariner, there is NO internal, 4-berth, and steering accommodations!) Of the 350 cabins on the Mariner, about 300 fall into the luxury suite category. These balcony suites surround much of the exterior of the ship on decks 7-10, and six of the suites are wheelchair accessible.
Some of the luxury suites can easily accommodate three passengers.
The deluxe suite has enough standout features to warrant its name. The private teak-decked balcony is large enough for two comfortable padded chairs and a small table. The room has a wardrobe with shelves, drawers, many wooden hangers and a safe. The well-lit, marble-lined bathroom is filled with mirrors, a full-size tub and shower, and a large sink / cabinet combination. The king-size bed can be divided into twins. Curtains can be opened to separate the bedroom area from the living room.
This especially well-thought-out feature is wonderful for those of us with companions who have different sleeping habits! The living room has a loveseat, armchairs, and a beautiful desk / credenza combo with TV and VCR. There is a small table that can be used for room service. A refrigerator comes pre-stocked with drinks, and soft drinks and bottled water are replaced daily. The lighting is well placed and gives the room a pleasant glow in the evening hours. For those of us who love to read in bed (and have a partner who doesn’t), there are separate reading lamps on each side of the bed.
Horizon Suites
The 12 Horizon suites are located on decks 7-10, with 3 suites aft of the Mariner on each deck. These suites are larger than the deluxe suites, at 522 square feet (359 square feet in the suite and 163 on the balcony). The suite also has a larger walk-in closet and a separate desk and credential. The bed alcove is separated from the sitting area by curtains, as in the deluxe suite, but the suite’s layout makes it seem more like a different room. The bathrooms are nearly identical in both suites, as is the size of the refrigerator.
The horizon suite has a full-size sofa and a coffee table large enough for a casual dinner for two. The main difference for me (apart from price and size) is the balcony. The Horizon Suite balcony is large enough for two comfortable cushioned armchairs, two chairs, and a table, with plenty of room to spare. These loungers allow you to stretch out on the balcony and sunbathe (or sleep), instead of having to go to the pool deck.
Some cruises may find a possible downside to the aft location of the Horizon suites. Since the suites are located at the stern of the ship, you must walk to exit the ship in the reception area or go to the theater or observation room. For those with mobility issues, you may want a more central cabin. On the other hand, being away from foot traffic means that the horizon suites are certainly quieter both day and night (although those on deck 10 may receive some noise from the La Veranda restaurant on deck 11).
Plus, each step helps cut those extra calories, and you’re just a platform below La Veranda restaurant or the pool deck bar if you want to ‘run’ for an early morning bite or a cup of coffee and did not request room service Being at the stern of the ship means that you are never on the dock or in port while docked, and you get a partial view of both. (Note: some cruise ships love the dock, while others love the harbor side. The Mariner seemed to give the starboard and harbor cruisers “the same time,” rotating the berth position at each port.)
Other suites
Penthouse Suites (AC categories) are slightly larger than Horizon Suites at 376 square feet, but have smaller balconies (73 square feet). These suites are located on decks 8-11. Many of the penthouse suites are near the front elevators, or near the center of the ship, which is desirable for many cruises. The Penthouse Suites have a large sitting area, perfect for entertaining new cruise ship friends.
Eight of the ten Seven Seas Suites are in the corners next to the horizontal suites on decks 7-10, and the other 2 are on deck 10. These suites have a small dining table and four chairs in addition to the seating on the skyline and penthouse suites. The eight aft suites are larger than the front 2 and have a completely separate bedroom and a larger balcony.
Grand, Mariner, Master and Penthouse suites have private butler service. The two large suites are over the ship’s bridge on deck 11. You will be the first to see where the ship is heading. They are larger than the Seven Seas aft suites but have smaller balconies. Two Mariner Suites are located next to the front elevators on Decks 8-10. The two Master Suites have 2 bedrooms each and are located on Deck 9. At nearly 1600 square feet, these Master Suites are as large as many houses.
The Seven Seas Mariner has taken basic cruise accommodation to the next level. For those of you who love balcony cabins like we do, you will love the Seven Seas Mariner cabins. The only problem is, you may never want to leave!
