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A So-So cruise by
A Traveler from LaConner, WA Sailing date: Oct 2009Pros: The staff and the ship Cons: Cost cutting shortcuts The ship itself was nice (not grand, have been on more weel-appointed ships). Ship QualityThe public areas of the ship were clean and well appointed, but not memorable. We didn't particularly like the highly used Palm Springs Cafe to be on the same deck as the swimming pool/hot tubs. Access was weird. Dining/FoodThe food in the Manhattan Restaurant was good, as was the service. I didn't particulary like to spend $4 for a dessert that wasn't one of the three same desserts offered with the meal each night. Stateroom QualityOur view room was well laid out but was tired...worn upholstery, a tear in the sheet. I didn't like to see hair on the bathroom floor from earlier users of the room. Ship Staff QualityVery nice Entertainment & ActivitiesNot the caliper of "shows" we're accustomed to. A juggler one night, a comedian the next. The dance show the last night was good and memorable.  6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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  North to Nanaimo by
Jann Z from Arlington Hts, IL Sailing date: Oct 2009Pros: Food and hospitality Cons: Workers outside my door all night, power tools grinding. I thought that I had read that the ship was overhauled in 2007, but it seemed older and needs some work. We experienced 2 nights with noise and hard to relax and sleep when someone is using power tools all night long. I realize you had cabins that flooded, so we are glad that didn't include us. Ship QualityThe ship is very small, but when you are with a group of people, it is easy to locate them. That is what I like. Washrooms were very clean and public areas were kept up quickly after they were vacated. Dining/FoodGreat choices, great staff. We attended early dinner at 6, and enjoyed it as usual. The choices were amazing. The buffet in the pool area was great - loved the hours for that!! The late night chocolate taste we attended also. Yum! Stateroom QualityCabin was in good shape. First time for concierge class, and we will do that again. Loved the service, but didn't get to know our cabin person as we usually do. Ship Staff QualityI was happy to see the sanitizer again. Last cruise they were bleaching the railings and I ruined some clothing leaning up against the rails and in the elevator.
When we were line dancing I set my camera on a small table, and my sister-in-law left it there and a waiter came and took it to Guest Relations desk downstairs. I was upset, but it was there waiting for me. When there were so many people in the room I was surprised the waiter would wisk my camera off. However, my husband left his light tan jacket by the inside pool area after the German buffet, and that never showed up at Guest Relations. Entertainment & ActivitiesWe really enjoyed the comedian, and the juggler. The dancers work very hard, they are not the best we have heard or seen on your ships but they gave a 100%entertaining show.
We enjoyed the at sea activities. Trivia, Scattogories, Scrapbooking, Family Feud. The gal that thought line dancing was fantastic. She was an excellent teacher. I would have liked more days at sea. This is the shortest cruise we have done, and I really enjoyed all the activities that you planned. 3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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A great time by
Lynette C. from Eatonville, WA. Sailing date: Oct 2009Pros: Relaxing and super shows Cons: The dining room experience. The food was cold by the time we got it and the service was much less than expected. The ship was clean and nicely designed. Signage was wonderful so we could always figure out where we needed to be for every event or dining. Ship QualityVery nice ship and clean. The layout was good and our room was wonderful. Dining/FoodOur dining room experience was less than desirable. The food was cold and the service was not very good. The eggs at the buffet were so watery that very few people ate them. Most people got omlets. The food was also fairly bland but much of the buffet food was good. The variety of food and dining experiences were terrific though. Stateroom QualityOur room was terrific. It was nicely sized and very clean. The service person was wonderful. I would say that our TV quality was poor. The volume did not work very well so we could barely hear the TV which was a bit annoying. Ship Staff QualityThe staff were wonderful. Friendly is not even a good enough word for the staff. Every staff member took the time to say hello and even mingle a bit, if they weren't busy doing something. Entertainment & ActivitiesThe entertainment was spectacular and plenty of it. The cruise director was terrific and the newsletter kept us well informed of what events were happening each day. 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Great Ship - wonderful cruise by
Lynne C from Colorado Springs CO Sailing date: Jun 2009Pros: I have to say the best part was the service we received. It was head and shoulders above the previous 19 cruises. Kudo's to Celebrity. Cons: Had an accupuncture treatment - a series of three actually - I kept asking to settle up - she kept saying we'll wait til the end - you'll get a discount with more. It ended up 10 times more expensive than I pay at home and almost twice what I was led to believe it was going to cost. We were fortunate to have a mini-suite and thus a "butler" and from the minute we arrived on board it was truely magical! We were invited to have dinner with the ship's master and what a treat that was.and it was only the begining. The ports of call were ones we had gone to previously so our expectations weren't as high this time, but the Captain took us in close to the Hubbard Glacier - and it was amazing! The naturalist on board (Milos Radakovich) narrated going in - gave many talks on Alaska and the Ring of Fire. He was informative, funny and interesting. There were plenty of activities for the whole family to do - our previous trip was at the beginning of June and this was at the end of June so any glitches with what to wear were ours - we thought it would have been a tad warmer. Thank goodness we threw in some jeans and a sweatshirt before leaving home! Many folks didn't have the appropriate footwear or clothing and we would see them huddled in the common areas. Another plus seems that Celebrity is going to more no smoking areas and that was a definite plus to us. Typically on a seven day cruise I get pretty tired of the food - it starts tasting like the same thing over and over again, not so with this one - serving sizes were appropriate - never felt like I was overeating (and came back only having gained two pounds). Ship QualityProbably one of the cleaner ships we've been on. It is starting to show its age in small areas but is being very well maintained. Dining/FoodNo specialy options were available - but the food was good, portion sizes not over whelming. Stateroom QualityOur cabin was lovely, our balcony was oversized and had loungers and chairs galore. Ship Staff QualityThe only "bad vibes" we got weren't from the staff but a couple of passengers, the staff were great - John the cruise director was terrific and everyone we encountered was smiling and seemed truely happy. A real credit to the ships master, we've discovered the attitude rolls downward. If the crew is happy and taken care of they do a great job. Entertainment & ActivitiesAs previously stated the Mercury had on board a naturalist (Milos) who was extraordinary in his presentations. The acts that were booked were really good and the production shows could rival those seen in Las Vegas. 
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Juneau, AlaskaGet out and stretch your legs! very pretty capital of the state.
Don't Miss: Mendenhall Glacier, wanted to spend more time there than we had. Ketchikan, AlaskaSalmon capital of the world. Lots of shopping if that's what like to do.
Sitka, AlaskaLovely town, rustic.
Don't Miss: St Michaels church, beautiful Russion Orthodox. 7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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Wonderful scenery and cruise. by
Kathlee P from Council Bluffs, Iowa Sailing date: May 2009Pros: The scenery that passed by our stateroom. It was like the Norway Fjords...if you like that cruise you will love this one. Cons: The upselling of "stuff". This ship is older and smaller, but so well maintained and decorated. Ship Quality
Dining/FoodThe food was really presented nicely and very good tasting. The wine was expensive but good quality. Stateroom QualityWe had a huge deck that could have accomodated 6-8 people. I would definately try to get room 1226. Ship Staff QualityThe dinning rooms waiters were very accomodating and paid attention to detail. The wine somelier was very knowledgable and allot of fun. Entertainment & ActivitiesThe "late show" is alittle too late for us. The entertainers were very good and professionals.
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Juneau, AlaskaThe Glacial Garden is actually a forest, but will give you an idea of the flowers in Alaska and the short growing season.
Don't Miss: The State Capitol building and the Govenor's Office on third floor. Ketchikan, AlaskaOn our port day their were over 9,000 people from all three ships...very busy and not fun to shop in the stores.
Don't Miss: The Russian Store with the best stuff and prices. Sitka, AlaskaAllot of fun. Go see the church, and the local history museum. The people were very friendly and thanked us for visiting their town. It reminded me of the TV show, Northern Exposure.
Don't Miss: The local people. 4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Best cruise for us by
Kathy E. from Brandon, Fl Sailing date: Mar 2009Pros: We had been upgraded from outside to veranda! Cons: events overlapping on ship This was my second cruise on the Celebrity Mercury. Much better than the first which was in the late 90's.The food was excellent everywhere on the ship. I fell in love with the stir fry and sushi station! The crew was fabulous from top to bottom. The captain was approachable and there was several ways to obtain a pass to the bridge. We had one very rough night and the captain preferred to say so and not whitewash it. He explained and everyone appreciated being informed. We always arrived in port on time and most ports were excellent. Ship QualityThe Mercury is a smaller ship by today's standards but with 2000 people on board it still felt like a larger ship. No where felt crowded. It had been refurbished in 2007 and everything still looked fresh. We were able to find our way around very quickly. There were attendants at every opening to food service with the containers of hand cleaner and there were dispensers of hand cleaner at every public area. Any "cruise illness" had no chance!! I wish there were dispensers on land! Dining/FoodThere was only one speciality option requiring reservations, Casual dining that required only $2. per person for gratuity. We never went to that one. The menu was the same for all nights. We had great table partners and enjoyed most of the dinners together. I did run away to the sushi/stir fry station twice though! Excellent pizzas were made at the pizza/pasta station and the waffle station made THE BEST waffles. Of course the ice cream station was always busy. Stateroom QualityWe booked an outside cabin and when we checked in we discovered that we had been upgraded to a veranda!! We still don't know why and wish we had been able to find out. We just got sly smiles and "very nice" or "aren't you lucky"
That veranda made the cruise an absolute dream come true. The cabin was always fresh and clean and even though we put our towels away as suggested they were still changed after every use. We were missing our complimentary Celebrity bags but received them as soon as I asked about them. I chose the port side due to the direction of travel and location of the land and even with the upgrade we were on the same side so we where very happy with that. Ship Staff QualityEveryone we spoke to was very helpful, polite and friendly. I appreciated the fact that a cabin attendant very politely said it would be better for us to place the room service tray on the bed and not in the hall because of sfaety issues. Also we must make sure the large Celebrity towels placed in the room were returned to the room or a charge would appear on the final bill.
Natalie, at the Stir fry station was a lot of fun and went beyond to help make the cruise a success. She had a very large personality and everyone enjoyed her.
Christian Bell at the concierge desk was very helpful in helping me with a lost item. Entertainment & ActivitiesThere was a lot of entertainment and sometimes what I wanted to do would overlap but I think that happens on every cruise. They had very good and interesting lecturers, one on true crime and one for the Panama Canal. The shows were fantastic. There was a repeat performance of a Cirque style show.
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Acapulco, MexicoWe visited the fort and had a great guide but the walk along the city got tiring for some. The people that booked their on taxi saw more of the city and sights than we did.
Cartagena, ColombiaI must admit I was leary about going ashore because it was Colombia so stayed onboard. I am very sorry now as everyone reported how great it was. The architecture was beautiful and the people friendly.
Don't Miss: just go to town and don't stay on the boat Huatulco, MexicoWe did the city walk tour but the town was a mile and a half away with really nothing to see in between. I think it would be better to drive to the city and get to see the town of La Cruscita in more detail. The port was cute but as soon as we got off the ship they were all hounding us for drinks! They seem to be new to the tourist business. More needs to be developed for the traveler or upgrade the beach.
Colon, PanamaAll tours got off before the Gatun Locks and we went on the river cruise to see birds and monkeys. That part was great' we also went to the Gatun Locks for 1/2 hour to see ships passing thru, very interesting. We left for Colon and traveled thru the worst part of the city. Upon arrival at the docks we were turned away as the ship hadn't arrived so they drove us to the port that had shops and wanted us to stay there. There seemed to be no communication with the ship as each guide gave different explainings to the issue. One couple went into the casino as their guide said that when the Lyrica left our ship would dock and they could board. They left their group and almost missed the cruise as the ship never docked there! We were finally sent over to the empty cruise terminal and had to wait inside until the ship had been cleared. A prison riot had happened after we had passed by and 9 people had been killed. The later arriving buses had police escort theu the city to the port!
Don't Miss: Staying on the ship Puntarenas, Costa RicaOur original tour was cancelled due to lack of participation so we chose the one closest to it- a coffee tour. The ride from the port to near San Jose was 2-21/2 hours long each way and we spent @45 minutes at the two stops. The coffee tour was good but nothing was actually being porcessed so we watched a video showing us what happens during harvest. The gift shop did a very brisk business of coffee and chocolate covered coffee beans. The lunch that was provided was delicious and although the artisans weren't there a silversmith/jewelery maker was and was very reasonable with his jewelery.
Don't Miss: the drives were very long to see anything. Cabo San Lucas, MexicoWe went zip lining which was a blast so we didn't see much of the port or city. It was a long drive but worth it. Only 9 people from the ship went. I will say that since camera weren't allowed on the lines the zipline company had a photographer that took pictures. He did an excellent job but since we didn't know that we would be able to purchase pictures he would be taking we missed getting some great shots of ourselves climmbing and Zipping!! Better communication on that would have made them a bit of money and giving us more pictures.
Don't Miss: I think the Whale watching event was most talked about. There were mamas and babies everywhere. Lots of breaching , etc. 7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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a good cruise by
William R from Florida Sailing date: Dec 2008Pros: entertainment and food Cons: there were 400 on kids on board and they ruined alot of the adult stuff Out of 5 cruises this was the least enjoyable due to the amount of kids on board (400) Parents weren't responsible for them and staff seemed afraid to say anything to them. Dining/Food
Stateroom Quality
Ship Staff Quality
Entertainment & Activities
Children's Programs
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Ensenada, MexicoThe entertainment was very good along with rest of tour.
Honolulu, OahuWe did the China Town tour which was excellent. Was under rated in brochuer
Hilo, HawaiiRained whole time we were there.
Kailua-Kona, Hawaiienjoyed the tour
Lahaina, Mauienjoyed the deluxe Maui tour
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Wonderful Experience, first cruise by
Theresa from La Crescenta, CA Sailing date: Oct 2008Pros: Food was wonderful! Service top notch! Cons: Lighting in bars/lounges too bright; check in security surley and rude My husband and I went on our first cruise in October on Celebrity from Seattle to Naimimo, Canada, to Victoria, Canada with return to Seattle. We stayed in a Concierge Class Veranda room. We cannot say enough great things about our experience. Food was top notch, high quality with many choices either at the buffet or the main dining. Service was impectable everywhere. Our room was clean, efficient and the bed absolutely heavenly. One of the best in all our hotel stays. The ship was clean, well maintained. Ship Quality
Dining/FoodWe ate in the Main Dining for dinner each night. It was wonderful. Four course meal with excellent taste, quality and choices. Stateroom QualityThe bed was very spacious and very, very comfortable. Ship Staff QualityService was impectable throughout. Our state room attendent went out of his way to make us feel special. Entertainment & Activities
13 out of 16 people found this review helpful.
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A nice cruise by
Barbara Y. from Ramah,New Mexico Sailing date: Oct 2008Pros: activities and shops Cons: food wasn't what we expected for a north west cruise The ship was larger than we expected,it was fun to explore all the things they had available.It was very well kept. the crew was great always asking if we needed anything.Even remembering our names.There was enough variety in restaurants to choose from and the musical variety was great.We missed the first show of the cruise but the last on was very good and very enjoyable. Ship Qualityship was kept clean how ever there were some places that needed some repair the layout was very good and decor was very nice Dining/Foodfood quality was a little below what we expected Stateroom Qualitythe room was always cleaned and left in good condition. the state room attendent was very ameniable Ship Staff Qualityseveral of the crew members were very very nice and even remembered our names Entertainment & Activitiesdid not take part in to many of the activities as we spent much of our time on excursions
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Nanaimo, British Columbiathe tour guide was exceptional but the time was a little short
Don't Miss: Cathedral forest and coombs market Victoria, British ColumbiaButchard Gardens and butterfly gardens weregreat but didn't have enough time to finish especially Butchard gardens . Didn't have time for any thing else.
Don't Miss: Butchart Gardens 2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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What a BUST!!!! by
Gail from San Francisco Sailing date: Oct 2008Pros: That it was only 3 days of disappointment. Cons: All of it - the lines, lack of coffee, indifference of the staff and broken sink in our cabin! Concierge class is a waste of money! We compared amenities with our friends next door and neither of us got all that we were promised. The ship overall was quite nice - older but not too shabby. Overall appearance was okay. Ship Qualityaverage - less than expected but not dismal. Dining/FoodSad - very small portions, no ambience, harried and terse wait staff, lack of variety of options for dinner. The lines were unlike anything I've encountered outside of Disneyland, frequently resulted in finding no trays, silverware, coffee, butter etc. etc. Stateroom QualityLooked fine until the sink in the bathroom started making loud noises. It refused to drain so we called for service. They did come fix it, they said. When next we turned the tap on it leaked all over our floor. Oh - and they used our bath mat and half our towels to sop up the water without replacing them for 24 hours. The bed was comfortable. Ship Staff QualityWe were shocked at how prevalent the sheer indifference to, or outright anger at, passengers experienced from the crew in general. We saw lots of bodies but they did not appear to be communicating with each but walking around, or drinking, or even canoodling in the bars... Our waiter in casual dining the last night was wonderful - Marcos - and restored my faith in humans. Otherewise, these people should not have been in the service industry. When I called to complain on our 2nd day (of 3) I was politely thanked for passing on the information and told that since this cruise is over (???) they will be sure to pass it on for the next bunch. It was apparent that this cruise was a filler and the staff interaction reflected that. Cancel the 3 day Celebrity! 6 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
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