We stayed at the Anchorage Hilton hotel the night before our cruise began, because it was suggested and arranged by Regent. Excellent central location--walk to restaurants and several sites of interest. The hotel seems stuck in a time warp from at least 20 years ago. Its "Alaska" lobby decor is dated, a Starbucks outpost notwithstanding. The room decor, again, was greatly in need of updating, though it was clean and in good condition. Forget the name "Hilton" as lending any panache; this could just as easily have been a Holiday Inn.
Several other cruise ship passenger groups were also staying at the Anchorage Hilton. Regent, from the get-go, was unfailingly efficient and seamless in its planning. They'd met us at the airport, and transported us and our luggage to the hotel. On Cruise Day, they were transporting us and our fellow Regent passengers, and our luggage, by bus from the Hilton to Seward, the cruise embarkation town about 2.5 hours away. Anchorage, a town of about 26,000 had some well-reviewed bistros and a few museums (that we didn't visit) but its downtown area seemed small and uninterestingly modern—it could have been a small town anywhere. I admit we didn't do much exploring. I've since heard that Seward is more worth seeing; next time I'd consider spending my overnight time there.
Details on the Seven Seas Mariner: An all-balcony, all-outside cabins, ship. 8 passenger decks; 2 specialty restaurants (one French--Signatures, one Asian-Fusion--Latitudes) plus a restaurant-style dining room (Compass Rose) and a buffet-style dining room; a coffee bar with specialty coffee drinks to order, soft drinks, and snacks (including wonderful chocolate chip and cranberry-oatmeal cookies); a pool; a spa with sauna and steam room; a fitness center (no charge); several bars and lounges; casino, library, theatre; children's programs (though not as child-oriented as many other cruise lines); dry cleaning and laundry service; self-service laundry; internet cafe (no charge); two shops; and an observation deck with more comfy chairs, coffee, beverages, and snacks. There is no additional charge for room service or to eat in the specialty restaurants (or anywhere else), and excellent house wines, or any other beverages of choice, are included with dinner