I just sailed the Seven Seas Mariner. My husband and I sailed the western Mediteranean with our two young adult sons to celebrate their successful completion of undergraduate university degrees. As a family, we have cruised many times previously but always with 5 star lines such as Holland America and Celebrity. With few hitches here or there, we were always happy with the cruise experience. This time, we decided to try a smaller ship.

We were disappointed. Of course, I had high expectations. Eighteen months ago, my husband and I sailed on the Seven Seas Voyager in the Middle East. We were entirely happy with our first Regent experience but perhaps it was because we were insulated by the moderate size medical conference we were attending on the ship. At the time, Regent's inflexible policy of not serving alcohol to people under 21 years of age was of no relevance to us. The subtle discrimination against the young was also inapparent.

I will further preface my comments by stating that we paid for 2 concierge level suites on the 9th deck. My sons should have been perceived as full paying customers, not discounted passengers sleeping on a pull out couch, not that that should matter. It was was our intention to spend some time together as a family before our sons move to opposite sides of the North America in August. Read more