Photo courtesy RSSC

Mariner: (mar·i·ner) noun Middle English, from Old French marinier. A person who navigates or assists in navigating a ship.

That's the definition from the American Heritage Dictionary, but Radisson Seven Seas Cruises has another definition: Luxury (lux·u·ry).

Launching this month, the brand new all-suite, all-balconied 700 passenger M/S Seven Seas Mariner will set a new standard for cruising, combining spacious, elegant accommodations with destination-intensive itineraries, gourmet cuisine, and world-class spa services.

Deluxe Suite Photo courtesy RSSC

The ship's most modest staterooms, Deluxe Suites, offer an unprecedented 301 square feet, including the 49 square foot private balcony. If more space is required or desired, accommodations range to a palacial 1,580 square feet, in two bedroom/two bath Master Suites.

All suites include spacious walk-in closets,marble-accented bathrooms with full bath, a bedroom with twin or kingsize beds, a separate livingroom area with comfortable seating, TV, video player and pre-stocked bar; the private balcony is furnished for relaxing comfort.

Four restaurants with open, resort-style seating offer a variety of dining options. The traditional Compass Rose, the intimate Latitudes, the casual La Veranda, and the Cordon-Bleu operated Signatures combine to make your dining experiences as memorable as the cruise itself. A poolside grill, romantic in-room dining, and complimentary wine with dinner complete the many choices available on each sailing.

Almost all cruises today offer some spa services but most

Judith Jackson Citresse Shampoo Photo ©Author

are cookie-cutter "fast-food" type franchises. Radisson Seven Seas Cruises has contracted with Judith Jackson Spas, an upscale line of aromatherapy products and state-of-the-art spa treatments. All staterooms feature Judith Jackson amenities.

Don't be misled by the fact that this ship is extraordinarily luxurious... plenty of activities are available for guests of all ages. True, the Mariner is the only ship to offer Le Cordon Bleu Classe Culinaire workshop at sea (on select itineraries) for budding chefs, and true, the spaciousness and extravagant details of the suites might make it hard to venture out, but rest assured, the on-board activities are worth it.

A large pool surrounded by three whirlpools invites you to relax on the sun deck but if you prefer a more vigorous workout, there is a jogging track, driving range and fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment. An array of table games and slots are available in the casino; the Constellation Theatre presents shows as diverse as Broadway musical medleys to Big Band-era nostalgia. Enjoy High Tea with genuine scones and clotted cream in the Observation Lounge; the Stars Nightclub features dancing to a live band, and there is almost always poolside entertainment. Take complimentary computer classes in the Club.com, surf the 'Net and send an email home from the Internet Café for a nominal fee. A guest lecturer program on every cruise provides invaluable insite on the ports or history of an area. On the Mariner, the Alaska itineraries will also have a special knowlege series for children.

The M/S Seven Seas Mariner's inaugural voyage is scheduled for March 22 from Fort Lauderdale, with back-to-back Panama Canal sailings. She then has a couple of round-trip Bermuda sailings before heading off through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles, and then begins her summer run in Alaska.

The M/S Seven Seas Mariner's inaugural voyage is scheduled for March 22 from Fort Lauderdale, with back-to-back Panama Canal sailings. She then has a couple of round-trip Bermuda sailings before heading off through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles, and then begins her summer run in Alaska.

There are still specials available with savings of up to $3,600 per couple on many of her sailings, so now would be a good time to book.

Contact Radisson Seven Seas Cruises directly at 800-285-1835 or call your travel professional.