January 26 - March 25 Ft. Lauderdale - Sydney (Mariner)
May 5 - June 3 Osaka - Vancouver (Mariner)
June 24 - August 12 Alaska (Mariner)
Sept. 2 - Oct. 17 Vancouver - Hong Kong (Mariner)
Nov. 21 - Jan. 11 Cape Town - Los Angeles (Voyager)
The Mariner did go into dry-dock in January and she is lookin’ good! Originally we were all expecting major structural changes but I am happy to report that most of what she underwent was cosmetic. The dark blue carpeting has been removed and in its place there is a subtle palette of beige and taupe; the Italian designers did a beautiful job highlighting passageways and stairwells with different patterns and tones. The walls were all wallpapered in neutral beige.
The biggest change was in dining rooms and lounges. Exisiting furniture was recovered in deep jewel colors and new over-stuffed chairs and settees were added. The Compass Rose has been completely recarpeted and new high back upholstered chairs have been added. Not only does the room look and feel more elegant the noise has been reduced. You can actually have a conversation at the Captain’s table! The Observation, Mariner and Horizon lounges have new upholstry and new lighting. Signatures has also been given a face-lift. Latitudes is now Prime 7. This new venue is primarily a steak restaurant with a very masculine feel; leather chairs and glass wines cases. Guests have been raving about the menu.
Outside the pool deck has been tiled and there are new tables and chairs with a beige and brown theme. A new bar has been added to the Pool Bar area which expands the room for socializing. The Pool Grill has been enhanced with cold presentation areas, a grill and hot serving areas. Inside the look of La Veranda is softer and more eleagnt with sheer curtains and upholtered chairs. There is a new pizza oven and pizza station for pizza every day and the buffet has been reconfigured and opened up.
I have been told that some of the large suites have a new look but I have yet to see any of them. In general, the addition of large pieces of over-stuffed furniture and lush textured upholstry make all the rooms look very warm and inviting. It was a very clever person who was able to assess that what this ship needed was visual warmth - it always looked cold and empty. Now the colors and textures have made it just cozy enough that guests feel indulged and snuggly. I’ve noticed the difference - people linger longer and feel more relaxed. That’s what it’s all about, right? Mission accomplished - or rather - job well done!
The first ship to ply the waters of Alaska for RSSC will be back north in 2010. The Seven Seas Navigator will be in Alaska starting 2010. The smaller ship with a forward viewing area on the upper decks is ideally suited for scenic sailing and glacier watching. Plus as many of you know, the Navigator started her life as a Russian ice breaker so she’s perfect for the fjords and glaciated bays.