This is our first Regent Seven Seas cruise and so far all I can say is, "Wow! Wow! Wow!" We've only been on the Mariner for a few hours but we're already feeling quite pampered!
Around noon this afternoon we arrived at the Hilton Anchorage where the Regent staff checked us in for the cruise. We then were taken on a short (seriously short, about two minute) bus ride to the departure point of Alaska Railroad's Grandview Train. We were beyond thrilled when we realized we'd be traveling to Whittier by train. We had thought that the train had completed its season and we'd be busing it. Taking the train instead really made our day!
As this is the beginning of low season, Anchorage was truly empty and many shops and restaurants had already closed down for the winter. Perhaps that’s why the Grandview Train was also similarly empty. My husband and I got our own four-person table on the train and were able to set up all our camera equipment and take some great shots. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking! I had no idea Alaska was so beautiful.
The train trip began with a welcome champagne toast given by Brian O’Brien, the Mariner’s cruise consultant. Then someone from the Travel Concierge desk came through the car with information on the available port tours and to answer any questions we may have. We were served several types of cookies while we enjoyed the gorgeous views. We did see some wildlife… mainly eagles and other birds and some Dahl sheep high up on the mountain ledges above us. The ride was a quick two hours and by 2:00 pm, we were at the Whittier Passenger Terminal. We lucked out with the weather… it was sunny and warm (about 70 degrees). All the locals kept telling us how unusual this was for the end of the season.
It was an amazing moment when I first caught sight of the Mariner. What a stunning ship! It was larger than I expected (700-person capacity) and seemed to have a presence all its own. We spent some time outside taking photos and enjoyed the scenery. We then got in line to check in.My husband and I appreciated the level of security Regent provides. All luggage was being screened outside the terminal while passengers and their carry-on items were scanned inside. The process only took five or 10 minutes. We walked up the gangplank, were handed a glass of champagne each and were told that our stateroom was ready. That was a pleasant surprise!
We had heard we’d probably need to go to La Veranda for lunch while the staterooms were readied. Since that wasn't the case though, we quickly got settled, met our butler, grabbed a few pastries from afternoon tea and went to muster drill. The drill was held at the Constellation Theater and it was short and to the point; quite well run.At this point, we felt pretty much like kids in a candy store! We wanted to take in everything on the ship and get familar with the deck plans. As the Mariner set sail, we raced up to Deck 12 to take photos as we sailed out of Prince William Sound. The scenery was stunning and gave us just a hint of what we could expect on this two-week adventure!
Cruising Prince William Sound.Photos by Leonard Hospidor
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