Jenni Kirby from Perchalla & Turner Travel Associates in Adelaide recently took the opportunity to experience luxury cruise ship Regent Seven Seas Mariner.
My partner and I embarked at 9pm on Friday night from the new Outer Harbour terminal in Adelaide and went to their Deluxe Suite; all suites have balconies. Their suite was so large, made up of one bedroom with the most amazing bed and pillows that you just sunk into, a sitting room, balcony, and a walk in wardrobe so large both their suitcases could lie down flat inside it with the door closed! Waiting for them were champagne and chocolates.
They had missed dinner, so ordered room service - available 24 hours and included in their fare, as was most alcohol - spirits, premium wines and cocktails (strawberry daiquiris were delicious!). The quality of the food was amazing, from the Angus beef cheeseburger on the room service menu and the pork tenderloin at dinner to the strawberry ice cream full of real strawberries and cheese platter to the breakfast (buffet or ala carte, the choice is yours). The top notch service was the perfect accompaniment.
I had to take advantage of some onboard activities - the casino, the boutique, bingo, cooking demonstration and the Beatles pub night. She also took some time to relax in the Jacuzzi on the pool deck and enjoy the weather (a nice relief from the 40 degree days we've had in Adelaide of late!). The ship was full, but you would never have known it - there were not a large number of guests in one spot at any one time (except at the Trivia Tournament!).
With all shore excursions and alcohol included there is not much need to dip your hand in your pocket. Combined with a ratio of 1.5 passengers to 1 staff, magnificent service - attentive but not over the top or intrusive - and beautiful food, I was simply blown away by the weekend I had with Regent.
