The Mariner has these high, deep tubs in the baths, really dangerous to get in and out of, and the overhead is low, so that if you are much over 6' tall, you get to learn how to shower while squatting, as I did a couple of years ago while cruising around Cape Horn. Not funny; it was 43 days! One lady fell getting out of the tub and had a world class shiner, others less spectacular 'hurts'. BUT, if you book early enough through you know who, there is just one F category suite with a shower!

We will be enjoying it on the Singapore - Sydney leg of the Grand Circle Pacific starting Monday (10/24/05), and did have it reserved for the Auckland - LA part, till "she who decides" ruled out the 6 sea day stretch after the Marquesas and Radisson wouldn't sell the Auckland - Papeete part alone, so we fly home from AKL. Ah, the pain and suffering of it all! But, after 40 years, "she who decides" is definitely worth it. DEFINITELY!

In my opinion, the Mariner is the one Seven Seas ship where a Penthouse suite is worth the extra money. And now, some of them have walk-in showers! Those of you from RSSC lurking about, THE DAMN TUBS ON THE MARINER ARE DANGEROUS, a hazzard to the health of anyone old and/or infirm enough to be even a bit shaky on their feet. RSSC: CONSIDER YOURSELF ON NOTICE!

Had that same cabin reserved for the Circle South America - FLL to Buenos Aires, till I got in a snit with RSSC about something minor and cancelled that too. Now there is a B&K group Manaus-Buenos Aires and, of course, the suite is taken! At least Ngaire used her great logic and persuasive skills to have me keep my on-board booking credit, which we're using on next June's Voyager Baltic piece, but starting a leg earlier in Monaco! No need to worry about mundane things like tubs and showers on Voyager and Navigator; they have both!

Those in the know re: Radisson book with a certain lady and her associates. All others learn from her. Marvelously wonderful!