This was our 3rd cruise on the Mariner to Alaska, from San Francisco to Vancouver; we have previously sailed on the Voyager to Europe. The hassle of air travel is making us look closer to home for cruises and Alaska and Regent cruise lines are both great.
We booked our own airfare using a mileage program and spent a couple of days in San Francisco in advance of boarding the ship. We arrived at the dock about 45 minutes ahead of the official embarkation time and were ushered on board efficiently; we exchanged our documents for a room key in record time and while the cabins wouldn't be ready for another 30 minutes, the staff kept us happy passing around glasses of champagne.
We have previously stayed in the Penthouse level suites. These suites are very spacious and comfortable and well equipped, but we decided to splurge this time on the Mariner Suite. Now, we'll never be able to stay in anything less. Extremely spacious, an abundance of windows and a very roomy balcony, plus an extra 1/2 bath. Our butler, Roy, did an excellent job at keeping us in wines. Butler service is nice; afternoon canapes are nice (except that we could never eat too much of this or we'd ruin dinner); but this is an extra that really isn't necessary.
Mariner Suite - very roomy; large living room area with floor to ceiling windows; dining room table with ample room for 4-6; a good sized 1/2 bath and large full bathroom with separate shower; 2 tv's. a very bright, airy lovely cagin