As forty something, I had never cruised in my life. Although I have traveled the world, never on a cruise ship. I finally decided to go out on a limb and try it. I'm not one to be confined in small spaces and be around a lot of people in such places. I contacted my travel councilor and asked her to recommend the best Cruise Line. To my surprise and delight she recommended Regent Seven Seas (stayed in the Mariner Suite), since she knew my likes and dislikes and my high expectations, she indicated that Seven Seas was the only Six Star Cruise Line.
I trusted her and embarked on my first Cruise in March of 2007 to the Eastern Caribbean. I was so amazed and pleasantly surprised from the moment my baggage was picked up to the professionalism and friendliness of the crew, the cleanliness of the suites and the ship as a whole. Keep in mind I had high expectations, from service, accommodations, food, entertainment, spa amenities, excursions and everything in between. One crew member that stood out and displayed on-going professionalism, knowledge, friendliness, respect to passengers as well as to fellow crew members, is the Cruise Director at the time, his name is Bryan Townsend, my husband and I felt he went above and beyond the call of duty, not just to us, but to other passengers as well, since we met another couple on board and they felt the same about him as well. The dining experience was superb, definitely world class; the wine list would match any fine dinning.
I'm used to traveling and staying in five star accommodations and services to match, and most certainly the Mariner met that and beyond for me.