The first ship in the world to offer suites only
When she came out of the Chantiers de l'Atlantique at Saint-Nazaire in 2001,
the Seven Seas Mariner was the first cruise ship in the world to offer nothing
but suites, every one with a balcony. What looks ordinary today at the top of
the market started here, and a good part of the world fleet followed.
Two hundred and sixteen metres, forty-eight thousand and seventy-five gross
tons, three hundred and fifty-four suites, seven hundred and eight guests at
double occupancy, four hundred and forty-five crew, twelve decks.
Twenty-five years, and five spells in drydock
A hull this age is judged on its upkeep. This one was refitted in 2009, 2014,
2017, 2018, and again in November 2025: suites rebuilt, marble bathrooms
redesigned, carpets replaced, pool grill redone. She is neither a new ship nor a
tired one, and it is better to know which of the two you are buying.
What is included, and the misunderstanding about flights
Start with what almost everyone thinks they know. This line built its
reputation on included flights. They are no longer included by
default. Since 1 July 2024 two fare structures exist side by side: the
standard fare covers the cruise only and leaves the guest to arrange flights,
while the higher fare includes round-trip air with a choice of class,
transfers and a chauffeur credit. Check which one is on your booking, because
the gap is considerable from Montreal.
The rest is generous and consistent from one text to another. Shore
excursions are included, with no cap on how many, which is rare. Gratuities are
prepaid. Drinks are included, wines and cocktails among them. Every speciality
restaurant is included, with no cover charge. Wi-Fi is included. So is valet
laundry.
Two qualifications worth knowing. The pre-cruise hotel night exists only from
Concierge suites upward, and the butler only from Penthouse suites upward. They
are not universal inclusions, whatever the brochure sometimes suggests.
Elsewhere in the fleet
The Seven Seas Voyager is two years her
junior and much like her. The Explorer
represents the next, larger generation. And the
Seven Seas Navigator, the eldest in the
fleet, leaves it in January 2028. The fleet numbers seven with
us.
Booking from Quebec
The contract is with Seven Seas Cruises S. de R.L., headquartered in Miami,
and is governed by the general maritime law of the United States. A claim for
personal injury, illness or death goes to the United States District Court for
the Southern District of Florida in Miami, or to a Miami-Dade County court.
Every other claim goes to binding arbitration in that same
county, and the contract imposes a class-action waiver.
The deadlines differ by claim type, and the second one surprises people. Six
months' written notice and one year to sue, for personal injury. But
thirty days' notice after the cruise ends for any other claim,
and six months to act. Damaged luggage, a service not delivered, a cancelled
call: thirty days from disembarkation. Baggage liability is also capped, unless
value is declared and a fee paid.
The carrier reserves the right to cancel the cruise, change its date, its
port of embarkation or its destination, shorten it or substitute the ship, at
any time and without notice. Nothing establishes a Quebec licence for it. Your
protection comes from here: Voyages AquaTerra holds a licence from the Office
de la protection du consommateur, your payments pass through a trust account,
and your departure is covered by the compensation fund for travel agency
customers.