This afternoon, Frank Del Rio posted the following good news on CruiseCritic:

"Based on a number of "experiments" recently conducted onboard Mariner with Titanium, Platinum and Gold Seven Seas Society members, we have decided NOT to make Sette Mari reservations only.

Instead, we will have our customary appetizer/antipasti/soup/salad/dessert buffet plus a pasta station preparing the two fresh pasta's of the day. A waiter will then pass out menus from which guests can select 5 additional pasta's plus 8 entrees both of which will be served by waiters.

The overwhelming belief by the Society Members was that they did not want to loose the convenience and flexibility of a buffett (come anytime) restaurant. We believe that the new hybrid concept of part buffett and part sit down, menu driven restaurant will be the best of both worlds.

We'll give a try. If it works, and guests like it great.
If it doesn't work, we'll revert to the existing buffett only.

Let us know what you think.
FDR"

The 10 or so comments since this was posted were all favorable regarding keeping La Veranda a "no reservations" restaurant.