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Name: Pat Nuznoff
Email: pan@neoucom.edu
Age: 43
Occupation: Educational Administrative Assistant
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Mercury
SailingDate: March 1, 1998
Itinerary: Western Caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 92
FoodRoomService: 88
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets: 85
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 75
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 75
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService:
TenderService: 80
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges:
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram: 85
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 09 Mar 1998
Time: 15:19:19
Remote Name: 140.220.10.1
Remote User:
Comments
There were four of us travelling--a girlfriend's cruise if you will. We opted for a
pre-cruise night at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 which is always a nice
way to begin your vacation, but in our case, our travel documents directed us to do one
thing and the Celebrity Cruise Reps. at Fort Lauderdale
another, so it was a bit confusing. The Hyatt is very nice, but getting to the rooms is a
real pain in the butt and a long way from everywhere. While
only two levels, at least where we were staying, there are only two elevators, so you are
almost forced to use a porter for baggage even if your
luggage sports wheels, because every room is a long way from check-in. Needless to say,
however, this was my second year at the Hyatt for a
pre-cruise stay and I'd do it again.
Embarkation was a breeze. We were transferred to the pier from the Hyatt promptly at 2:00
p.m. We checked in at the pier--hint, be sure to have
your embarkation card completed and signed (on the back). If you don't you don't get into
the check-in part of the building. Incidentally, the pier
buildings have been totally remodeled complete with Floridian colors (pinks, etc. and air
conditioning) so it was auite comfortable. Check-in is by
cabin number and includes passport/birth certificate identification, securing your
on-board account, and surrenduring your cruise ticket(s). So, once
you check-in, your checked in.
Entering the Mercury was somewhat less glitzy than other cruises I have been on. No piano
music or string quartet, balloons, etc., but nevertheless,
we were greeted by white gloved staff who were very pleased to show us to our respective
cabins.
The cabins are beautifully decorated, but somewhat smaller than those of the Veendam of
Holland America, but comfortable. Our luggage arrived by
4:30, just before we sailed.
The required mustering drill was the most pleasant I had ever experienced. No attendance
was taken and we were instructed in an air conditioned
public room. So, no heat exhaustion from standing on deck during the drill. The entire
drill lasted about 15 minutes.
We had main or early seating and the first night it was perfectly acceptable to wear what
you had on, as many passengers had not yet received their
luggage. The food on this cruise is first class. Lots of variety, hot food's hot and cold
food's cold. The service in the dining room was par excellence
and overall a very pleasant experience.
Most of the time our breakfasts and lunches were eaten in the Palm Springs Cafe--a
cafeteria type set up--with lots of choices and delicious tasting
entrees. The only complaint I have about the Palm Springs Cafe is the size of the glasses
you are given to drink iced drinks out of (about 6 oz and
plastic) and that the desserts are very fancy--mostly pastries. I would have really
preferred more common desserts like bread pudding, cakes, and a
larger assortment of sauces and toppings for the ice cream/frozen yogurt. Also, the in
cabin ice is awful. It's very thin and melts in an instant when
you pour your beverage of choice over it. A very small inconvenience, though.
The gym was well-equipped, but crowded, especially in the morning. It opened at 7:00 a.m.,
and by five after, all the tredmills--about 10 were in use.
There were many other machines, but too technologically advanced for this novice to
fitness. Also, the gym is staffed by only one person, and if you
happen to need assistance with the equipment it is sometimes difficult to locate her, as
she circulates through the steamroom, sauna, etc.,
periodically.
As with all cruises, there are never enough chaise lounge chairs for all of the passengers
on board. Those that can and shouldn't worship the sun
pretty much hog all of the chaises all day long. There are however, alternate chaises on
other nearby decks, as well as chairs, so there is plenty of
room for everyone, just not as comfortable as the furniture closest to the pool--which, by
the way, was absolutely freezing cold. But, there are nice
and warm hot tubs at each end of the ice cold pool as well as warm fresh water showers, so
if you need invigorated--the pool's the way to go, as
warmth is only steps away.
As far as shore excursions go, I can only speak to one: Xcaret Eco Park was terrifc,
despite the fact that one of us had our camera ripped off while
we were there. It was our fault, though. We stopped to apply suntan lotion, and left it
laying on a bench. When we returned, it was missing. Another
comment about Xcaret: the biodegradable suntan lotion you are asked to wear is quite nice
and only runs about 8.00/tube. Caution: exchange your
money before shopping in the gift shop. These folks have very little US dollars for
change, and you don't want to be stuck with a ton of pesos. Also,
my understanding is that on the other side of the lagoons (swimming area) there is a nude
beach--while we didn't learn this until we got back on the
ship, for those of you who are curious, you may want to peek if you dare.
We only shopped in Cozumel--my group was not real big on snorkeling, diving, etc.--but
Cozumel is the place to do it.
We also shopped in Key West: a quaint, trendy, expensive little part of the US.
Grand Cayman was beautiful, but unfortunately, we didn't have enough time there. Our
tablemates raved about Stingray City, so if your so inclined,
it's one not to miss.
Disembarkation was unremarkable--a necessary evil of cruising, and there are always
glitches involved. But, we were off the ship by 9:30 a.m.
Overall, this was a terrific cruise experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone.
Please contact me directly via e-mail if you have any questions.
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