Cruise Talk: Celebrity's Mercury

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Topic: Celebrity's Mercury

marcus
Just Boarded
Member # 686

posted 02-21-1999 08:21 PM

I am traveling on Celebrity's Mercury in March, Western Caribbean. Any advice is welcome. Specifically: recommendations for things to do at ports of call, how do I get a room upgrade (I currently have best available), should I take early or late sitting for meals?, is sea sickness common, and what are common regrets that people have.
Info: I am 33yrs old and would like interesting and adventurous activities

Posts: 3 | From: Toronto, ON, Canada | Registered: Feb 99

jessica
First Class Passenger
Member # 616

posted 02-21-1999 08:45 PM

I have traveled on the Mercury and she is the a beautiful ship with lost of things to do. I am booked again on Mercury next January. I'm not crazy about the ports but love the ship. The first stop is Key West, youwill be there early so don't stay up late your first night out. Other than your basic shopping, Kelly McGillis has a restaurant there and they don't open until about 11:00, it is a nice place to have your first cocktail and light hors d'oeuvres. Make sure to visit Ernst Hemingway's house and maybe even pick up a souvenier painting while yo are there. My next favorite place to go is Margaritaville, They have a souvenir shop and restaurant and if you are lucky Jimmy Buffet may event be there. You have to be back on the ship by 1:00 PM so don't have too many Margaritas. You should be able to walk just about every where once you get into town. (They take you there by bus.) Calica, very nice and very pretty, If you are into partying, go to Senoir Frogs. If you are not into a big party, just enjoy the natural beauty. Cozumel is the next port for yet another party. Carlos and Charlies is the best daytime party you will find and just ask any crew member, they can direct you there. (they only serve Corona beer here) In Grand Cayman the shopping is ridiculous. Prices are higher here than anywhere else, so get this done before you get here. Hire a cab with a group and go to the little town called "Hell" and then to the Turtle farm. Just don't press your time too far because traffic becomes not so easy to get through if yo wait too late. The beaches are beautiful and water sports are recommended here. If you really want to save some money, don't take the ship shore excursions, just stay in a small group and you will have more fun and see more than you would on an excursion.

Have a great trip!

Posts: 11 | From: Winston Salem NC USA | Registered: Feb 99

jessica
First Class Passenger
Member # 616

posted 02-21-1999 08:51 PM

I forot that you had other questions, definitely take the late seating. You will be rushed to get to dinner from port if you are at early seating. You will find more people your age at late seating.

You can get an automatic upgrade with Captain's club membership, talk to your travel agent about it because it has many perks, and the cost is only $35.00 for life and it pays for itself the first day you use it.

I don't know who the social hostess is on Mercury now but get to know her, she can help you make some decisions about what activities to get involved in.

Try to get to know some other guys on the ship early and start practicing for the volleyball tournament between the entertainment staff and the guests.

If I think of anything else, I'll respond again....

Posts: 11 | From: Winston Salem NC USA | Registered: Feb 99

Coast
Just Boarded
Member # 88

posted 02-24-1999 08:22 PM

I haven't traveled on the Mercury, but I have visited a few of the ports that you mentioned. In the Cayman Islands I suggest Stingray City. You get to swim with the stingrays and feed them. The water is simply beautiful. I'm sure that you can purchase this excursion on the Mercury. After you tender into port a bus will be there to take you to the boat that takes you out to stingray city. The bus will be packed, but don't worry because you will only be on it about 5- 10 minutes max. The boat ride out to stingray city takes about 30 minutes, but it is worth it. If you do this be sure to take a disposable waterproof camera. You will want to take pictures of the stingrays and the water. You could get someone to take a picture of you holding one of them. Shopping in Grand Cayman is expensive. Be sure to try the Rum cakes. They are out of this world. In Cozumel you may want to save a little time for snorkeling. It is known for its snorkeling. There are many bargains in Cozumel. Most of the shopping is on the Main street, and the taxis are cheap. We went off of the main street and found some beautiful baskets, and good prices on silver. The people in Cozumel are friendly. We ate while we were in Cozumel, and we did not get sick. We ate at the Hard Rock Cafe and drank bottled water. If you do eat there do not eat anything that may have been washed with water. I would hate for you to get sick and ruin your trip. I would suggest a burger and fries if you decide to eat there. On the ship I suggest late dining. This gives you a little longer in port. I wouldn't worry about sea sickness too much. You shouldn't usually feel the boat moving. The boat will provide you with free tablets to prevent this. Get them from the pursers desk when you get settled in. I would take them to be on the safe side. If you have any more questions I will be glad to answer them. Misty

Posts: 7 | From: Muscle Shoals, AL 35661 | Registered: Feb 99

CruiseAholic
First Class Passenger
Member # 93

posted 03-05-1999 07:57 AM

The Mercury is a lovely ship, I sailed on her in January. We were in a Cat 1 Suite and it was absolutely great. I had just gotten off the Grand Princess the week before and did not find the food to be as good on the Mercury. It was much better on the Century, but you won't go hungry, that's for sure.

Take second seating and try not to be on the bottom level toward the back. We were and the engine noise was terrible. Waiter told us that it was normal for several evenings. The second level is much preferred, was there on the Century and enjoyed it very much.

Posts: 32 | From: Hagerstown, MD USA | Registered: A Long Time Ago!

marcus
Just Boarded
Member # 686

posted 03-05-1999 10:03 AM

Thanks for the comments. We are off on our cruise this week end. We tried to get late seating but got early.... For excursions, we are going to Tulum and Sting Ray City. Thanks again. Marcus

Posts: 3 | From: Toronto, ON, Canada | Registered: Feb 99

marcus
Just Boarded
Member # 686

posted 03-15-1999 02:00 PM

Just came back from a Mercury Cruise and it was everything that was promised. I had a great time. If anyone wants my full critical summary, send me an email and I will send a Word document to you.

Some quick points: Inside staterooms at 171 square feet are great. I do not think I would pay up for an outside cabin. The ship is impressive; I love the big modern ships. We had a full five course meal room serviced to us. The dinner entres were above expectations with the fillet mignon and lobster as good as in fine restaurants while two of the dinners were the quality of medium priced restaurants. Entertainment was below expectations with only one show worth the time. Some interesting activities: Art Auction, wine tasting, Martini tasting. Cabin Steward service was a 10 out of 10. They do nickel and dime you: $1.75 for a coke. I thought the service was good but a bit over-the-top and in-your-face though everyone I spoke with thought it was perfect. To me the service seemed a bit fake, trying establish this upper class image to a middle class clientel just looking to have some fun. But effecient service none the less.

Overall I had a great time and any little critisms did not take away from a wonderful experience. My trip was heavily discounted: 650 US for the cruise + $100 US port + $250 flight = $1000 US so I thought it was a great value.
Marcus

Posts: 3 | From: Toronto, ON, Canada | Registered: Feb 99

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