Cruising Alaska 2017 : Regent Seven Seas
- Andrea Lule
- Oct 21, 2017
- 7 min read
In August of this year, I was able to embark on a journey that was a total surprise, and definitely made me eat my words when it comes to cruising. I was told about a week prior to the cruise that I was able to join my boyfriend, and take this opportunity of a lifetime. I am both a model and photographer, this was my GOLDEN opportunity! Being a 27 year old, I've been on about a dozen now. This cruise definitely blew everything out of the water in comparison to that I've ever been on prior to this. I will also start off by saying, I'm used to the prices and amenities that bigger cruise lines have to offer. That being sometimes crowded, and having to purchase every extra thing seperate, like alcohol or soda. This by far was probably the most elegant cruise I've ever been on. It was very noticeable from the start, that this cruise was definitely geared for retired couple, or for the people who did not want the headache of a large ship, lots of passengers, and more of a five-star experience.
We started our journey from California to Vancouver, British Columbia, and the cruise went from Vancouver to Vancouver, spanning about 11 days. This ship took a slightly different route than it usually does, so you’ll get a few different locations from me then most. A lot of cruises around this time of year, offer ‘re-positioning cruises’, which is sometimes cheaper, and you get to see slightly different places than their normal route itinerary. For this cruise we took the route of Ketchikan, Juneau, Wrangell, and Prince Rupert, British Columbia. After us, the ship was docked back down south, and already is on its changed course.
For the latest schedule you can visit here :
https://www.rssc.com/cruises?sh=MAR
We actually booked our hotel and flight through the cruise line, which made things very easy as far as getting our bags and getting to our hotel with no problem. Saved a few headaches in route to getting there the night before the cruise. We were able to walk around and enjoy the beautiful and friendly town of Vancouver for the night, and morning before we boarded. When the time came, the hotel had a bus take us to the cruise from our hotel, and we embarked on our journey from there. Hopping on to the Seven Seas Mariner, a 350 suite-only ship, with all inclusive amenities, and 5 star dining from start to finish.
Stepping onto the ship we each got a glass of champagne, and were escorted to our suite. Walk-in closets with tile, family sized showers and living spaces, as well as balconies for every room! It was luxury at its finest. Even laundry in every hall. Which honestly, I thought was silly (at first). Then after safety drills, everyone gathered up on the pool deck shortly to sing and dance “TEQUILA!” by the ship's band, and we were off, simple as that. So as far as cruise's go this is definitely not an ordinary ship. I've been on probably almost a dozen and most of them, and you notice it as soon as you get in.
We first checked out what the lounge areas look like outside and we're pleasantly surprised. Each area had modern sofa beds and chairs, loveseat style chairs a plenty, and there are even some private cabanas for bigger groups. Of course the second you sat down, a bartender would come and ask you if you wanted something to drink or eat. The pool deck, with its giant salt heated swimming pool, 3 jacuzzis, and a large bar, you could spend all day up there without ever having to go inside.
We got lucky enough that we had decent weather, and were able to enjoy the pool deck most days. Our first stop to Ketchikan, did rain most of the day. Actually… poured… Ketchikan is known as a rainy city for Alaska, and we only experienced a drizzle from what I heard. Me being the “explorer” I wanted to try and be, I didn't bring an umbrella. Needless to say, we were able to explore the town, come back, and throw our clothes into the dryers. (Haha told you!) I ate my words on the laundry room I laughed at earlier. Needless to say, it was very pleasant to actually sit in the Jacuzzi in the rain on the pool deck. It is kinda nice to be able to say that I've been in a Jacuzzi, in the rain in Alaska.
Everyone wants to be able to pick up the phone and order room service when you have that late-night craving. Something you just can't wait until morning to have it. And on this ship you don't have to pay anything extra for it! First day we arrived into port, we were docking pretty early and wanted to get off the boat early and check out the town. We ordered room service and I got pancakes and cereal. My boyfriend had a made-to-order custom omelet everyday, and loved every single a little bit more each time. Haha. I get hot chocolate every morning. Sometimes I feel bad because I love the energy of orange juice, but the warmth of hot chocolate, especially if its raining outside and you're on open water. But with the all-inclusive cruise, you don't have to pay for anything extra like that. You can even have a mimosa, or 5 in the morning and you never see a bill. The open seating concept is really nice as well. In my opinion, I never cared for the extra charging for “fine dining” on other cruises I’ve been on. No. A reservation is all that is needed for this cruise.
So you literally, I mean LITERALLY never see a bill once you step on that ship. Of course TIPS in my opinion, are required and totally necessary for cruises. It's always good to take care of people that take care of you while you're on vacation. It's one of my favorite parts about vacations.
With literally a fraction of the amount of passengers getting on/off the ship is nothing more than swiping your keycard in and walking off the ship. There's no making groups and colors and bringing people down in at certain times. I've been on cruises where it's taking two hours to get off the ship because you have to get together in groups, and go accordingly to get off and enjoy your day. It's not like this at all. And we're able to enjoy the gym, spa, and most amenities while we were on board docked. My favorite is always the pool deck handmade to order pizza, burgers and hot dogs. I had two massages while on the ship. Both on our sea day's going and coming from Alaska. And after traveling, I figured those would be the best days. I love the gentleman I had, and made sure I got him the second time. Ill try and add that in here as well. I had two Swedish deep tissue massages for 90 minutes. He threw in free hot stones on my second one ;)
The ship had beautiful artwork lining the elevator shafts, and a boutique of fine goods and things to purchase. Or you can take your chances at the casino of course.
I did notice, and asked the cruise director why…. Why hadn't I seen any of those “photographers” walking around trying to sell photos? Or why there was no art “gallery” or auction that most cruises have and offer. His only response…” We don't need to upsell anything here..” I appreciated that the most. The one thing I hate about going on vacation is people trying to sell me more stuff. Especially excursions! This, to my amazement was ALSO, all included! Of course, they are the super cool ones, like flying in a helicopter onto the glacier… that costs a tad extra. ;) We found out about the cruise so late, many of the ones that peaked our big interest were sold out. BUT we did go on a few really cool ones, most free by the cruise. Ill share those in my next few blogs!
As far as entertainment goes. They have some of the best theaters, actors and dancers I've seen in a long time. Cruise ships always have fantastic entertainment and this ship doesn't disappoint at all. Fantastic shows to be had and definitely a must catch. Of course, if you're more of a sports person, you can try your hand out at the mini golf, shuffleboard, tennis, or any other sports the ship offers. Or take a stroll around the deck, stretch your legs and get a breath of fresh air.
The only thing that the cruise lacked…. were actually, kids. Which I personally didnt mind. With this price tag and this small slice of what I would call, luxury cruising, the demographic of the people on this cruise were married and retired couples. Or people trying to get away from all the noise that some other cruises have. There was one small crew that took care of the kids that were on board. Our ship I think had about maybe a dozen total. But the ratio of 450 crew member- to a 350 suite ship, is fantastic. There's always someone there to help you and the wait time for everything is slim to none. Everyone is so friendly and everyone comes from different parts of the world. Fantastic stories to tell. Don't be shy to ask! Definitely a must for what I would call, the most luxurious cruising experience..In my next few blogs i'll be writing about my experience in the 3 ports., Ketchikan, Juneau , Wrangell, and Prince Rupert, British Columbia. And I hope you enjoyed.. Please feel free to ask ANY questions!. Please leave a review in comments!
Ta ta for now!
-Andrea
