Tropical Escapades, East to West

 

We are still on The Mariner, a smaller and older vessel. This vessel is 710 ft in length. There are 700 guests and 450 crew from 38 Nationalities. We are in a Deluxe Veranda Suite.

 

We had the best suite attendants, Odessa & Made (pronounced ma-day). They were quick, efficient, friendly and took excellent care of us, especially Rob's beer.

Made & Odessa

We have had interesting neighbors on both segments. Our first neighbors -- he barely left his suite until his wife was ill. I don't think he even remembered meeting us. Our second neighbor was an 82 yr old woman traveling with her son. Her son, Kurt, was the friendliest person. We were very impressed she traveled from Naples, Florida to Hawaii on her own.

Kurt was so excited about Rob's tattoo that he posted on his Instagram page.

Cuisine All the restaurants are included, however the Mariner only has two specialty restaurants (Chartreuse & Prime 7) and you do need reservations for those.

Chartreuse

Velouté de Champignons
musbroom velouté, consommé,
egg yolk confit, truffle
cappuccino - by far our 
favorite dish in Chartreuse 

Boeuf Bourguignon
classic_ french beef short rib,
pomme purée, pearl onions,
pancetta

We paired our dinner with delicious Château LaMothe Bordeaux Rouge 2023.

Mousse aux Trois Chocolats,
Croustillant Praliné trilogy
callebaut chocolate mousse,
praline crunch

They also bring Petit Fours to the table and give you two macaroons to take with you because you haven't had enough to eat.

Coffee Connection a great spot for coffee and a quick breakfast.

Compass Rose is the main dining room, it is smaller than on the newer ships 🚢, but it never felt crowded.  

A funny 'Rob story' -- every evening we were escorted to our table by Andrea or Nery and they always pulled out my chair for me and pushed it in. One evening Rob decided he was going to be a gentleman and get my chair. Well, I wasn't quite ready when he pushed in the chair and he practically launched me acrossed the table. Andrea told him to leave the job to the professionals. Every night after that they made sure Rob did not touch my chair.

Left side of the menu
always available 

Bread Basket 

Salted Breadstick 

Each evening there is a featured white  & red wine 🍷 🍷.  

Line 39 Merlot

Again, the customer service is over the top. Kerti, our server, gave Rob a container of spice and told him to use sparingly (sprinkle, sprinkle). In addition, she provided me with a recipe to make my own Sambal sauce (she even had her brother prepare a video 📹 ). Elmira, our wine steward, thought 🤔 I would enjoy a different wine one night than what was featured. It was a good choice!

Appetizers

Spinach Salad Mimosa
Crispy pancetta, pine nuts, 
chopped eggs with chili-cider
vinaigrette 

Chicken & Goose Liver Parfait 
Fig cranberry jam & brioche 

Fontina Cheese Ravioli
Parmesan truffle cream sauce

Harmony of Cantaloupe
Melon & grapefruit  

Classic Caesar Salad
Romaine lettuce, anchovies
croutons parmesan shavings

Black Angus Beef Carpaccio 
EVOO, parmesan, &
pine nuts

Destination Dish  - Ceviche with
Coconut 🥥 pineapple 🍍 chip

Panko Crusted Tiger Prawns with a 
spicy mayo

Mushroom Tart
Brittle pie crust, mushroom 
duxelles, red pepper coulis 

Assorted Baby Greens 
Spring vegetables, pine nuts,
pommery mustard dressing

Moroccan Harira Duck Soup
Lentils, chickpeas, rice &
coriander 

Snow Crab Summer Roll
Yuzu, sesame, pickled melon

Alaskan Crab & Avocado with
Bloody Mary sauce 

Destination Dish - Poulpe 
Tropicale a la Polynesian 
Marinated octopus 🐙, coconut,
mango salad

Sorbet to cleanse your palate between dishes.

Cassis Champagne 

Strawberry Daiquiri 

Coffee

Cantaloupe 

Raspberry 

Mojito 

Apple Calvados

Entrees

Teriyaki Glazed Chicken Supreme
Sake sauce & creamy corn &
potato mash

Herb Crusted Lamb Rack
Potato gratin, ratatouille nicoise with garlic Jus

Destination Dish - Creole Style Grilled 
Mahi-Mahi with quinoa salad & pineapple 🍍 
salsa

Miso Glazed Sea Bass with sticky rice
Only served on Seven Seas Society night

Destination Dish  - Cajun Spiced
Red Snapper with fingerling
potatoes, sauteed spinach &
mango salsa

Shanghai Style Dumplings 
Double order

Destination Dish - Charred
Pork Tenderloin with
Coconut lime rice, grilled
vegetables & mango chili
glaze

Farfalle Pasta
Tomatoes, shrimp, pesto &
buffalo mozzarella 

Seafood Spaghetti
Clams, mussels, calamari, 
shrimp, pinot grigio & cherry
tomato sauce

Coq au Vin
Pearl onions, mushrooms,
croutons & fondant potatoes 

Chicken Parmigiana 
Buffalo mozzarella, tomato 
sauce, spaghetti 

Madras Lamb Curry
Basmati rice, onion salad, Naan 
& condiments

Another good Kerti story -- I always asked for small portions whether it was my salad, starter or entree. It wasn't until I ordered the Chicken Parm when she cut it in half before serving because there are some dishes she just can't order a half portion. I don't think this was the first dish she cut in half for me.

Kerti & condiments 

My other half of chicken parm

Seared Cod Filet
Lemon butter sauce, baby 
spinach, roasted pumpkin
fennel salad

Cajun Spiced Chicken Breast
Black bean rice and Chipotle
BBQ sauce 

Grilled New York Strip Steak
 Blue cheese butter, sour
cream mashed potatoes 🥔,
roasted tomato

Lobster Tail🦞 🦂 

Desserts

Callebaut Chocolate Mousse 
Crème Brûlée Center

Destination Dish - Tahitian Vanilla
Mille Feuille with Myers rum cream &
caramel sauce

St. Valentines Tiramisu Cake
Red berry filling & white chocolate spray

Guess what was on the menu?

You guessed it, Grand Marnier Souffle with orange vanilla sauce 😋.

La Veranda is the ship's breakfast and lunch buffet. Each morning they offer a Special of the Day.  Friday mornings is Sangria & Frittatas. Saturday is Saturday Mary's. Sunday is Caviar & Champagne.

Oh Wow! Something healthy

Eggs Benedict 

Pasta of the Day - So good

Pool Grill also has really good buffalo wings.

Prime 7 is their version of a steakhouse. 

Smoky Corn Soup

New Zealand Double Cut Lamb Chops

Filet Mignon 

Crab Legs & Snow Crab Claws 

Red Velvet Cheesecake with 
White Chocolate Ganache
Strawberries 🍓 

Double Chocolate & Bourbon
Brownie with Salted Caramel 
Ice Cream

Sette Mari at La Veranda is their version of an Italian restaurant with a first come first served basis. We normally line up about 10 minutes before opening. Service always begins with the antipasti served at your table (bread, olives, cheese, etc.). We normally decline and help ourselves to the buffet.

Antipasti 

Polpette Forno
Baked meatballs

Spaghetti Alla Carbonara 

Costata Di Vitello Alla Parmigiana 
Breaded & golden fried milk fed
veal chop, tomato sauce, 
mozzarella with a side of spaghetti 🍝 

Tea Time is held daily in the Horizon Lounge.

• Cupcakes
• Caribbean 
• Polynesian 

Entertainment

Bingo is only held on sea days and they are required to have 14 players in order to play for money 💰 🤑 💸. I won bingo twice, that put me ahead a little over $100.

Boutiques 

I really liked this ring

Block Party

Captain Abhi 

The only time we really did any gambling in the Casino was to obtain a block on the Superbowl pool.

Craft Class design a Lei with June. We were scheduled to attend but it was the same time as the Superbowl.  

The leis that we saw other passengers wearing were very beautiful. I was sorry I didn't participate.

Diamond & Gemstone Masterclass not what we were expecting. Really just a sales pitch for the boutique, Diamonds International. 

Divos & Divas starring The Mariner Production Company - A concert stylecreview that celebrates some of the greatest singers and songwriters of all time. You'll know and sing along hit after hit.

Equator Crossing - We were so excited as neither one of us has ever crossed the equator. Hard to believe my Sailor who was stationed in Hawaii and made a Western Pacific cruise had never crossed. Anywho we went up on deck 12 just as we were crossing. 

The next day when the seas were calmer there was an Equator Crossing Ceremony.

"Crossing the Equator marks a time-honored maritime tradition dating back to at least 1529, originally designed by captains to test a sailor's endurance and boost morale during long voyages. Historically, these Line-Crossing ceremonies were grueling rites of passage where inexperienced Pollywogs underwent demanding trials, involving everything from grease and tar to water immersion, to prove their seaworthiness. Notable figures throughout history have participated in or observed these rituals, including Charles Darwin under Captain Robert Fitzroy ana President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Rooted in Roman mythology, the ceremony requires sailors to pay homage to King Neptune the God of the Sea. Upon completion, a mariner is transformed from a novice into a Shellback. Higher honors exist for specific coordinates: a Golden Shellback crosses at the International Date Line, while the prestigious Emerald (or Royal Diamond) Shellback is earned by crossing at the Prime Meridian. While modern versions, particularly on cruise ships, have traded historical cruelty for lighthearted entertainment, the transition remains a significant milestone in a seafarer's career. While traditions still continue to this day, ceremonies take on a less demanding role since their transition to cruise ships, so that guests can enjoy the fun without fear or retribution!"

King Neptune is seeking all first time crossers! Don your swimwear you may be judged worthy of becoming a Trusty Shellback.

I think we proved our worth

We got certificates to prove it

Farewell Reception & Krew Kapers - cheer on the crew in a talent show that will touch your heart ❤️, and close with our crew salute to you!  The crew work all day and then practice on their own time at night.

Folkloric Local Show Halau Lilia Makanoe - A family legacy of hula featuring Hawaiian music, legends, and dance. Professionally trained dancers age 6 years old and up, express their rich culture and heritage through stories and songs.

Guest Entertainer Jesse Kazemek 

• A Unique Tribute To The Beatles - Relive the music of the Fab Four in a whole new way
• 50's & 60's Revisited - Come sing along and celebrate the Golden Age of Rock and Roll

Guest Entertainer Panos Karan 

• The Encores - Panos performs beloved piano classics in an unmissable concert experience
• Around The World 🌎  - Journey through evocative and entertaining piano 🎹  masterpieces 

Guest Entertainer Tommy Proulx  A Sax Machine - Tommy fuses jazz and R & B with electrifying saxophone style

Guest Entertainer Trigg Watson

• A Magical Life - The comedy and magic of a magician's 🎩 life
• Magic For The Future - Explore the magic of the future with America's tech wizard

The Gym -- most people go to workout. I go to use the scale.

There were various fitness events throughout  the cruise

• Yoga Flow Vinyasa
• Sunset Stretch

Lounges which also had nightly music.

Horizon Lounge

• Dance With The Duo
• A Band On Ship with The Regent Signature Orchestra 

Pink Gin with blueberries 

Pink gin with raspberries 

Mariner Lounge

• Acoustic Ambience with May & Jun Duo
• At The 88's with Cocktail Pianist Ross
• Late Night Jazz

Observation Lounge

• Late & Live with Cocktail Pianist Ross

Pool Bar

Mariner Olympic Games - Officers Challenge 

Movie Night on the Big Screen. We didn't see any of the movies. I believe the movies were played on overnight ports or when there was a special event for the World Cruisers.

• Downtown Abbey:The Grand Finale
• Lilo & Stitch 
• Four Letters of Love
• Superman

Polynesian Deck Barbecue & Rock The Boat Dance Party

The crew did a fantastic job

It started raining and the crew quickly started covering everything with umbrellas. It was amazing how fast they reacted and worked well together. I felt bad that they went through all that work and then the heavens opened up, but that did not stop anything. In the meantime this woman sitting at the table next to us insisted on taking our picture 📸 in the middle of us eating our meal.

The rain stopped and the dancing 🕺began.

Rob & Jinky

Captain Abhi

Rob, Gear & I

The Duo May & Jun

General Manager Norbert, Rob 
& I 

Yes I was dancing 

It was a great night!

Pool

Puzzles include crossword, Mensa daily quiz, puzzle table and Sudoku. Every afternoon Mensa answers are revealed. There is also a daily team trivia where guest form teams of 6 to win prize points. Prize points can be exchanged for Regent gear at the end of the cruise.

Puzzle table shutdown

There are other ways to win prize points as games are held daily throughout the day.

• Crazy GolfPing Pong Challenge
• Ring Toss
• Roll-A-Ball
• Skittles - a bowl of fun
• Tic-Tac-Throw

Serene Spa is a globally inspired, tranquil haven of health, beauty and wellness, our spa offers restorative treatments and activities that incorporate globally sourced, natural ingredients to soothe both the body and mind.

There were daily events held by the Spa.

• Puffy Eyes Solution
• Update Your Hairstyle
• Massage Tasters
• Relieving Back, Hip, & Knee Pain

Another Seven Seas Society night - Membership confers a host of exclusive rewards and benefits designed to add even more value to your future voyages. Benefits include priority online shore excursion and dining reservations, FREE garment pressing and Wi-Fi, plus instant recognition at the Silver level for first-time guests sailing 21 nights or more.  The party is held in the Constellation Theater and there are so many people invited.  

Stargazing With The Officers - The ship's exterior lights were turned off giving the perfect opportunity to view the beautiful stars in this part of the world 🌎.

Strike a Pose

 

Sunrise 🌅  

Sunsets 🌇 

Superbowl LX - Seattle Seahawks vs New England Patriots

Featured Cocktail 
Jack Daniels, orange liqueur, pineapple 
syrup & lime

Beverly serving popcorn

Jinky serving drinks

We had 3 blocks on a pool, 2 onboard and 1 back in MD. 

We were not winners but it makes the game more exciting. I used my bingo winnings to pay for the blocks onboard. 

The Speaker Series

Dr. Sherry Hutt an internationally recognized cultural heritage preservation expert who has served as a college professor, judge, museum trustee, head of the US cultural property repatriation program and adviser to two US presidents.

• Enter A World Of Polynesian Island Gods - Wander in the realm of powerful spirits across the islands  to guarantee enjoyable sailing
• The French In French Polynesian - Explore history of missionaries and adventures, who never wanted to leave the islands
• Enchanting Bora Bora - Enjoy the real island of the Broadwy musical South Pacific
• Meet The Real Captain Bligh - Known for controversy from mutiny to Trafalgar, decide whether history treats the man fairly
• Paul Gaugin in Tahiti- Escape city life to Tahiti and the Polynesian that defined his art

I loved her closing picture!

A new speaker joined us Lisa Carney is a Hollywood retoucher and photographer with over 20 years of professional experience.  A 1992 graduate of ArtCenter College of Design, she is a trained photographer and an internationally recognized educator, regularly presenting at Adobe MAX, CreativePro, Photoshop World, KelbyOne events, and CreativeLive. 

• Travel Photo Basics - Learn easy techniques to capture memorable vacation photos with any camera or smartphone
• Take Better Photos - Learn ow pros create compelling images, with pratical tips for camera & smartphones
• IPhone Camera Mastery - Make the most of the IPhone camera with easy controls, settings & pro tips
• Landscape Photography  - Elevate your landscape photography with simple techniques that work on any camera

Valentines Day Cabaret - Love is in the air The Mariner Production Company and the Regent Signature Orchestra perform romantic tunes.

World of Wines - Become a connoisseur of wine 🍷 as you sip your way around the world 🌎. Alvin, our favorite Sommelier, tried to get me to taste wines but it was way to early for me.

Ports / Excursions 

Honolulu, Hawaii we had an overnight in port.

Arrival 7 am January 31 Departure 9 pm February 1

We took a stroll to Chinatown to get lunch.

Rob loves her kim chee!

Pho

Happy Sharon

Kimchi & Curry

Not sure I'm touching that

Nawiliwili (Kauai), Hawaii Polynesian inhabitants settled on the island hundreds of years before Europeans arrived, as shown by excavations dating to as early as 200 A.D. to 600 A.D.  These first inhabitants, originally from the Marquesas Islands, lived undisturbed for around five centuries until a second wave of seafarers arrived by sea-canoe from Tahiti. 

These early pioneers were master navigators, utilizing the stars, ocean swells, and bird flight patterns to traverse thousands of miles of open ocean with incredible precision. 

Geologically, Kaua'i is the second- oldest of the main islands, shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion that carved out its famous lush ridges. Its nickname, the Garden Isle, reflects its position 73 miles northwest of O'ahu, where it is characterized by dense tropical flora

Arrival time 8 am Overnight Port with Departure 5 pm

Our excursion was Panoramic Kauai where our first stop was Lydgate Park Pools.

Before heading to Opaeka Falls we made a quick stop at Pohakuho Ohanau (Royal Birthstones).

royal Birthstones 

Opaeka Falls

Our last stop on this excursion was Kilohana a tropical plantation with a rum distillery, art gallery, and a restaurant. There was also a Pineapple 🍍 Shack that served Dole Soft Serve 😋.

Dole Soft Serve

We took a ride on the Kauai Plantation Railway 🛤 with a Safari stop to feed the pigs.

It was cute to watch the kids feed the horses.

Run piggy run!

Nawiliwili Beach Park serves as a key beach park and port on the southeast coast of Kauai. Located at the terminus of Rice Street (Hawaii Route 51), it is flanked by Niumalu Beach Park to the west and Kawai Point across the bay. Our secondcday we decided to take a little walk around. 

Kauai holds a special place in our hearts 💕 💞 as we were married on this island 18 happy happy years ago.

Due to forecasted high seas swells we were not able to anchor in Kailua-Kona, HI as originally planned. Instead, the ship stayed an extra night in Nawiliwili, Hawaii. 

Another Overnight in Port Departure 12:30 pm

Sail Away!

Back to Hilo, Hawaii were we got a special VIP treatment from Rob's high school friend, John.

This boat ramp no longer goes out to sea

John took us to his house, provided us with fresh coconut water (very refreshing) and he had to feed his birds.  

The birds once comfortable 

come right in, very cool to watch

Kahena Black Sand Beach 

Dolphins 

Time for lunch. We hit a local spot, Ning's Thai Cuisine.

Liliʻuokalani Gardens

We had a great day! John, thank you so much for the tour and hospitality. It was really nice meeting you.

Rangiroa, French Polynesian the largest atoll in French Polynesia, Rangiroa, or "Immense Sky", is a breathtaking crown of coral floating in the middle of the Pacific. This natural masterpiece is so vast that the entire island of Tahiti could fit within its central lagoon. Beyond the water, the "Paumotu" way of life invites you to slow down and savor the unique.

Anchor 7 am Departure 5 pm

Our approach through Tiputa Pass

Our breakfast view 

Tender ride ashore

The other side of the island 

We didn't have an excursion booked. Our plan was to walk. We had heard a hotel close by allowed day passes and you could swim on their beach and pool. We found the hotel and walked around. Turns out they no longer offer day passes but you can rent a room for the day. Instead, we found a palapa where we sat and just enjoyed the view.  

We had our own little photo shoot!

Time to enjoy the beach that was located right where we tender ashore.

We watched the Captain take us back through Tiputa Pass.

Look how shallow 

The Captain said if you thought the entrance for Rangiroa was tight, wait until we go Raiatea.

Raiatea, French Polynesian is the second-largest island in the Society archipelago.

Arrival 9 am Departure 9 pm

Tight squeeze 

The Welcome Committee 

Our excursion for the day was Faaroa River & Motu By Canoe

Fa'aroa Bay

Up the river we go

Wild pigs

Our next stop Motu Iriru a small islet where we swam and enjoyed some fresh fruit. The water was perfect.

Our last port, Bora Bora, French Polynesian -- in ancient times, the island was called Pora pora mai te pora, meaning "created by the gods" in the local Tahitian language. The United States discovered Bora Bora during World War I, when the U.S. military used the island as a supply base in response to the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. The 5,000 soldiers installed defenses along the coast to protect the island against a possible surprise attack by Japan. They also built the coastal road and the first airport on Motu Mute. The international reputation of Bora Bora developed over time.

Arrival 7 am Overnight at Anchor Departure 5 pm 

Our last excursion Shark & Stingray Snorkel Safari 

Our first stop was perfect! There were lots of sharks and stingrays and you could stand in the water.

Our next stop was beautiful 😍 🤩 but the water was deeper and current was stronger. I stayed on the boat. There were a ton of blue clams in the reef.

 

Fish

More fIsh 🐟 

Our ride

As we were back on the tender, a group of the crew had just arrived and they were planning for their afternoon of swimming with the sharks 🦈.

Our second day we took a short walk around the town as I wanted to look at the black pearls.

Evangelistic Church of Vaitape

Last night of the second segment and sadly we are being kicked off the island at Papeete, Tahiti.

This portioned covered 5 ports of call and 5 sea 🌊 💙 days! We covered a total distance of 3,036 Nautical miles from Honolulu, Hawaii to Papeete (Tahiti), French PoPolynesian.

Dates: February 1 - 15, 2026

The Mariner is one of the older Regent Seven Seas ships and the oldest one we have traveled on. I think starting with the newer ships makes you think differently about the older ones. There is more sparkle and extravagance on the newer. Spaces are smaller on the Mariner but I think more intimate. We loved the location of our stateroom which was smaller but worked fine for us. We did miss the double sinks. There were some squeaks in our suite that are not heard on the newer ships.

There are several reasons we love Regent cruises. 🛳 The biggest reason is the crew and the treatment you receive from the moment you step onboard to your last swipe of your key card disembarking. If interested in taking a Regent Cruise click here to see what's available and let us know and we can put you in touch with our travel agent.

"Vacation Calories Don't Count - Especially If You Eat Them In A Different Time Zone"  My clothes say differently...