Regent Seven Seas Mariner Cruise Buenos Aires to Rio De Janeiro

Sally Pullen on 19 March 2015
After enjoying a three night pre cruise stay in the exciting Argentinian city of Buenos Aires at the Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt, I boarded the Regent Seven Seas Mariner to sail to Rio de Janeiro.

As soon as you step on board a Regent Seven Seas ship you know you have arrived somewhere special. Every passenger is greeted with a refreshing glass of champagne. The check in process is dealt with quickly and efficiently and throughout the voyage the Regent staff anticipate and fulfil your every need and get to know you on a personal level. A gratuity is never expected as the cruise fare includes prepaid gratuities.

Mariner is 42,363 gross tonnes and can accommodate 700 guests and 447 crew. The suites start from 301 square feet and all have verandas, an in suite mini bar which is replenished daily, a walk in closet with safe and a marble bathroom. Flights, shore excursions, gratuities and drinks are all included in your cruise fare so there are no nasty bills to pay at the end of your cruise. Starting from spring 2016 there is also free Wi-Fi across all suite categories on all ships. Speciality restaurants are also included along with 24 hour room service. There is an elegant casual dress code on board and entertainment includes an engaging enrichment programme, spectacular Broadway-style shows, virtuoso performances, culinary demonstrations and wine tastings and wellness programmes.

For me another important part of the Regent Seven Seas experience is that you are able to dine when and where you wish. If you would like an early table for 2 or if you want to dine later with some friends you have met on the cruise, then either is possible. This is all part of the relaxed atmosphere on board.

On this 12 night voyage the ports of call included Montevideo, Rio Grande, Parati and Buzios with the finale in vibrant Rio de Janeiro. To complete this fantastic South American adventure I stayed for three nights at the Belmond Copacabana Palace. This is an iconic beach front hotel on Copacabana Beach and is a great base to explore all the Rio has to offer.

This was a great way to experience some interesting ports of call and with all our shore excursions included it meant we were able to make the most of each destination.