Regent Seven Seas Mariner: Day 2, at sea

With heightened security concerns in today’s environment, most cruise lines don’t offer tours of the bridge any more. Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ ships had an “open bridge” policy in the past that allowed guests to drop by and view the inner workings at any time, but that has even changed. Happily, in its place are bridge tours and anyone on board can request one.

Our group met in the lobby and proceeded to the bridge where the Seven Seas Mariner’s azipod propulsion system was explained. We also learned about the communications and navigation systems and stepped out onto the open bridge wing for a look at the controls located there.

We’ve discovered a couple favorite spots on board—the Coffee Connection for specialty coffee drinks, tea, and snacks and the Connoisseur Club where Mel can smoke a cigar. Regent’s smoking policy is very strict with no smoking allowed in suites or on balconies. Other than the cigar lounge, smokers can only light up at the Casino bar counter, in a designated area of Stars Nightclub, the outside area of the Horizon Lounge, at the Pool Bar, and on the starboard side of the pool deck. In essence, Seven Seas Mariner is a refreshingly smoke-free ship.

It’s windy and a bit choppy today, which makes an afternoon nap a very appealing prospect. We’re going to visit the galley later to see what the chef has planned for our dinner in the Compass Rose restaurant tonight. Last night’s prime rib will be difficult to top.