HELP Worried about booking on the Mercury

[PattyMichael]

My Mom who is 75 and I plan to book the 11 day Mexico cruise. I have been reading that the ship is in bad shape. Mildew shower, beds in bed shape, dirt in arms of chairs, long line at the buffet, next to no on-board activites and the list goes.on. My DH and I are easy going people ever been on a bad cruise. I know he and I would be ok with the ship. But I must say my Mom is another story. She is not very easy to please. She is footing the bill. I am not sure I should take her on the Mercury or pick a new ship with another line. Or I could just leave her home and take hubby. Ha Ha

[Beth & Rob]

I was on the recent 3/17/06 10 day Mercury "Bleach Cruise". I was on HAL Statendam a couple years back for a 7 day Mexico cruise.

 

Aside from the problems due to the norvirus we encountered on the Mercury, I thought there was NO COMPARISON.

 

I thought the Mercury was old, tattered and fraying. Carpets were worn, our bedspread had a big rip down the seam and the furniture in the lounge areas were very worn, stained and fraying.

 

Holland was clean, fresh and lovely.......I took Royals Radiance to Alaska and it was a beautiful ship. We just booked another RCL, Brilliance to the Mediterranean for 10/07.

 

Look at the age of the ships. If it's older than a few years and hasn't been re-furbed, you might want to look for a newer ship.

[Michelle1234]

Why worry when it is your vacation? Book something you are reasonably sure your Mom will be happy with. We just got off the Mercury and had a lovely time but we are like you and can pay no mind to that sort of thing. I paid a good price for transport, good food and reasonable service. I think they may have replaced some of the soft goods after the bleaching because we did not see as many problems with the main areas of the ship as prior cruises. But the posts on a ship are generally accurate with the exception of those that are either overly negative or overly positive. Frankly if all the ships were in tip top shape they would all be really expensive. We are bargain cruisers and as a result end up on older ships or those with other known problems. The key when bargain hunting is to know what will and what won't bother you. My one big mistake was the Zuiderdam. They had a sewer smell and I reasoned that surely they would fix it by the time my cruise came up several months later. They hadn't and it was aweful since the smell was in my room.

 

Good luck!

 

Michelle

[Sunbeam56]

I was on the Mercury from March 6th to 17th.

I went to really cheap hotels in the Caribbean and the decor did not bother me but on that cruise we had a Concierge Class stateroom and it was the worst kept cabin we ever had.

 

The itinerary is really beautiful, the food was good until the norovirus started to attack us.

 

I wrote to Celebrity to mentioned it to them and I got a letter back saying that they were going to send the info to the person in charge.

 

I would not go back on that ship until they clean it up and refresh it. It desperately needs it.

[caviargal]

I was on Mercury last October, my 4th cruise on X.

 

Personally, I was very disappointed in the ship, the staterooms (condition, bedding, bathroom), the gym, the public areas. The senior staff was not up to standards (no surprise to me when the Captain was fired).

 

The food and service in the dining room was very good.

 

It is IMO one of X's "value" ships and I think her pricing reflects that.

 

I personally would not cruise on her again. X (and other lines) have much better to offer.

[luvthis]

We just got off Mercury last Friday. We would sail her again without hesitation. Early one morning I saw a crew member replacing carpeting in one of the lounges. Several public areas appear to have new furniture, as well. The staff was extremely friendly, the food was good, and we slept well on our bedding. As far as activities go, how much is your 75 year old mom going to want to do? Celebrity does not announce times & locations of events on board. Rather, they expect passengers to read the daily sheet. We went to Alaska, so the biggest activity was watching the beauty around us. However, there was all the normal stuff going on. Just no live music by the pool during the day and some of the more light hearted events that many cruise lines offer. We enjoyed ourselves very much and we're in our 50's. The Mercury is 9 years old, so she is not new. However, she is easy to get around on and the public lounges, casino, shops, library, etc. are easy to locate. Our suite had furniture that could have used replacing, but heck...I have furniture at home that could use replacing. The shower & sink did not have sparkling walls and counters, but it was clean and maintained.

 

Bottom line, if you want new, fresh everything, and can afford to sail on a new ship then by all means do so. However, if you are on a budget and are looking for a vessel that will take you to see the beauty of the earth, accepting that many other passengers have also sailed on that ship using the furniture, the bedding, the exercise equipment, the spa, etc. then you will be happy on an older ship. Mercury will be refurbished according to industry standards.

 

From reading so many others comments, I have come to the conclusion that every cruiser sees things differently. We each have our own set of standards and a vision of what they want to get out of our cruise vacation. Pre-planning is the key. Don't book an older vessel if you want new furniture and new everything.

 

A new ship is super if you can afford it. A ship that is a bit older is super if you are easy going & willing to accept that she has been used and enjoyed by multiple other cruisers.

 

I guess we fall into the "Celebrity...take me to my destination of choice" group, that doesn't have perfection in my home and doesn't expect perfection when cruising. We looked for reliability, affordability, good service, and tasty food. Bob & I received all of that on our cruise to Alaska on Mercury.

 

--Jean & Bob, Racine, WI

[excitedofharpenden]

PattyMichael, if you have already read and taken note of the poor comments about Mercury, I'm guessing that asking the question again here won't help you much in the decision making process. You will get the same range of answers and opinions.

 

If you are looking for further approval, then I really enjoyed my cruise on Mercury last year as much as I did three years previous and wouldn't hesistate in going back. You have probably read my review anyway:)

 

Finally, I would say that if you have any doubts about Mercury as far as your mum is concerned, book what you feel comfortable doing. The stress of worrying about whether she would like it isn't worth it. Personally, I think she would really enjoy ship, but then I don't know your mum;)

 

Phil

[bububr]

I was on the March 17th cruise...

 

It was the worst Celebrity cruise I have ever taken and the ship was a mess..I was truly dissapointed.

 

Being said it was the first time I EVER had a bad cruise with Celebrity, and also the FIRST time I was ever dissapointed with Mercury.

 

We have been on the Mercury several times and always found the ship, albeit older, to be in good shape, and the crew to be always wonderful. It is nicely laid out and very intimate.

 

We HAVE booked the Mercury again for a September Alaska cruise. We love this ship, and have high hopes that with all the reports of sprucing up after this NORO thing...she will be back to normal. She will mostlikely be going into drydock soon before the inaugrual trip to Australia.

 

I would say go ahead and book it if you like the itinerary...or wait till she is drydocked if you are unsure.

 

Personally I can't wait to get back on her.

 

Dave:eek:

[SandyMc]

I have a Mom who is very much into cruising and has cruised on some very exclusive lines. Unfortunately, it was my turn to pick the ship for our family cruise this years and I chose Mercury for 3/17 since it was so highly touted and supposed to be a cut above.

 

Don't do it!!! I was sooooooo embarassed at getting my Mom and her friend on this ship. Even discounting the disgusting bleach cruise and the ship so badly in need of refurbishing, this ship is poorly laid out, not one single comfortable chair in any public area, rooms and suites smaller than most and one of the worst buffets I have been to on a cruise.

 

There are so many better ships out there - if you want your Mom to be impressed do not do Mercury!

[luvthis]

We disembarked on May 19. There was many areas with new carpeting and chairs. Our sky suite was 246 square feet. Standard room was 179 square feet. To say Mercury has rooms smaller than most cruise lines is slanted. If you take the time to research you will find larger AND smaller cabins depending on the ship. I agree that the weakest quality of food was at the buffet. However, if you wanted hot, fresh, and personally served food, the Manhattan Restaurant, Pasta prepared fresh bar, and hamburger/hot dog bar were fabulous. People who choose to eat "hungry heffer" food, should understand that the buffets are are not goint to be as hot, fresh, or tasty as a sit down dinner. They're meant to be fast, full of variety, and filling.

 

--Jean & Bob

 

FYI: There was limited observation of bleach damage. Our suite bathroom showed a few stains on the marble flooring from bleach and the plexiglass veranda rail was cloudy, as were some of the big windows on the ship. However, some of that was sea spray. The rest may ahve been bleach damage. The elevators, rails, glass, and bars appeared shiny and back in line with what you'd expect to find on a cruise ship. My gosh...the Mercury had a lot of cleaning to do after the noro-virus outbreak. I was impressed at how back to normal the ship appeared.

[frchteaze]

To give my opinion on the OP's original question...choose another ship. I have nothing against the Mercury, and it sounds like you and your DH would love it. But I do understand people similar to your Mom. And my guess is, she probably falls in the category of the other posters around here who report problems with worn carpet and bedspreads, etc.

 

If that sort of thing bothers her (which it sounds like it would), book a newer ship for the peace of mind. It will be harder for you to enjoy your vacation if you're constantly worried whether she noticed the stain on the couch or the lumpy matress. If she's paying for it, make sure she gets the best! ;)

[luvthis]

That's a good suggestion, frchtease! If the mom is paying the cost and can afford to pay for a new ship, why worry about how she might react to given situations and circumstances that will arise by sailing on an older vessel.

 

Happy cruising, everyone...whichever ship you decide on!

 

--Jean & Bob

[PattyMichael]

Thanks all for your input. I think we are going to go woth the 8 day NCL.

[Jimsgirl]

I see that you have already changed your booking, so nothing I write will make a difference, however I would like to say that sometimes a comment is based on a persons view of life.

 

A few weeks ago, a neighbour of mine, came off a ship of another line, she complained to me about everything, and I do mean everything - starting with embarkation and ending with dis embarkation. In her opinion I was "stupid" to be going on the same ship two weeks later.

 

Well even though I do have certain expectations and standards I was booked and it was too late to change. Embarkation was smooth, my inside cabin sparkling, my attendent attentive, he provided the robe I asked for, the "free fruit" every time I left out the card, the food was good in the traditional dining room. The only "gripe" I had was the lack of books in the so called library

When I got back and told her how much I had enjoyed the ship, she told me that

- "obviously your standards are much lower than mine"-

Wow I guess that put me in my place!

 

On another cruise lines' comments some people wanted "special coloured cards" to distinguish them from people who had paid less money for smaller cabins.

Quote"we need special coloured cards so everyone will know " unquote -

 

Some people always want to be singled out as "superior" beings

[caviargal]

Thanks all for your input. I think we are going to go woth the 8 day NCL.

 

As much as I enjoyed 3 of my 4 Celebrity cruises and am not a big fan of NCL, I would agree with your decision.

 

Mercury is not a good representation of X. I alson had my mom with me - 75 YO - on Mercury last year. She is Elite on X and Diamond on RCI and she was quite let down.

[Leela]

When I got back and told her how much I had enjoyed the ship, she told me that

- "obviously your standards are much lower than mine"-

Wow I guess that put me in my place!

How rude of her! I'm glad you had a good time. People look at things so differently, that's for sure. Look at parents and teenagers, for example.

 

I was on Mercury last fall and felt her to be inferior food- and service-wise to her sister Century, but with prettier decor. And the Mercury itinerary was different and better for me. It's all a bunch of trade-offs. I wasn't on the bleach cruise, so I'm not soured on Mercury, and am in fact considering doing one of the Australia/New Zealand trips in 2008.

 

The bottom line, though, is that only you can know your own personal trade-offs, your own desires, your own list of things that make you crazy and disappointed. If someone is getting a bad vibe and doesn't want to take a trip on a certain ship or to a certain place, then don't. The OP has to do what is right for her and her mother, after all. My mom-in-law won't sail on anything but the newest ships, no matter how big they are or what line they are. My mom, on the other hand, won't sail on anything except Celebrity. In fact, she went on Cunard (not grill class, though) and complained bitterly about the food and service as compared to Celebrity. My point is that both ladies know what they want, and have worked out a way of making sure they get it. Neither one has the secret key and neither one is wrong -- it's just the way it is. Thank goodness that we have choices!

[tbelian]

She is footing the bill.

 

I see where you have already made your decision, however, this would be the driving factor in my mind. She pays, she chooses.

 

Have a good cruise.

[caviargal]

I see where you have already made your decision, however, this would be the driving factor in my mind. She pays, she chooses.

 

Have a good cruise.

 

If she is like my mom, she prefers to leave the researching and decision up to me for all of our trips together.

 

I would certainly detail the options and get her input.

[frchteaze]

The bottom line, though, is that only you can know your own personal trade-offs, your own desires, your own list of things that make you crazy and disappointed. If someone is getting a bad vibe and doesn't want to take a trip on a certain ship or to a certain place, then don't. The OP has to do what is right for her and her mother, after all. My mom-in-law won't sail on anything but the newest ships, no matter how big they are or what line they are. My mom, on the other hand, won't sail on anything except Celebrity. In fact, she went on Cunard (not grill class, though) and complained bitterly about the food and service as compared to Celebrity. My point is that both ladies know what they want, and have worked out a way of making sure they get it. Neither one has the secret key and neither one is wrong -- it's just the way it is. Thank goodness that we have choices!

 

I agree completely. I think cruising is a little like buying clothes. We all have different tastes, styles, and comfort levels. What someone else likes, I may think hideous. But, some people really do look good in chartreuse! ;)

[PattyMichael]

I still keep going back to maybe going on the Mercury. Are the beds and beding real missed up. I would be upset if I took my Mom on the ship and it was in bad shape. I think its inportand to have a nice mattress to sleep on for the 11 night cruise. I just don't know what cruise line to pick for Mexico. My DH are on the Century 9/2 to Europe.

[caviargal]

I still keep going back to maybe going on the Mercury. Are the beds and beding real missed up. I would be upset if I took my Mom on the ship and it was in bad shape. I think its inportand to have a nice mattress to sleep on for the 11 night cruise. I just don't know what cruise line to pick for Mexico. My DH are on the Century 9/2 to Europe.

 

It should be obvious by now that the reviews on this ship are anything but consistent.

 

If bedding is a priority, you will not be pleased with Mercury IMO. My DOV cabin was large and well laid out but the bedding was old and worn and the case goods needed replacing badly, as did the bathroom fixtures.

 

I think the Century is going to be fabulous but X has spent a small fortune on her and has chosen not to do the same for Mercury. I do not believe you will be able to compare the two so you should not make a decision based on Century. I am booked on her in November and cannot wait but I would not cruise on Mercury again based on my October experience.

 

I found food and dining room service to be excellent in the main dining room, not so in the Lido. But in other areas, service was disappointing as was the ship.

 

It all depends what your priorities are and only you can determine that.:)

[Desertbelle]

Yikes!! NCL? Good luck on that.

 

Though our NCL cruise wasn't horrible, everything about that cruise was a notch below every other cruise we have ever taken, with the exception of our Hell Cruise on the Dawn Princess....now that was a horrible cruise. Even our sons, who were 18 and 21 at the time disliked the cruise, especially the food, and they are not complainers. Of course it didn't help that they got food poisoning the second day onboard. There were many people sick on this cruise. I

 

The only redemming factor for the NCL cruise was the itinerary and the Freestyle set-up....truly NCL has that down pat. And a couple of their speciality restaurants were quite nice.

 

The ships interior design was garrish and unappealing (our cabin was gold, blue, green and red....hurt to look at) and the food was pretty terrible. Plus the layout of the ship was difficult to navigate and it was hard to find even a small, comfortable spot to watch the ocean go by in public areas. I never saw anyone cleaning the railings or stair handrails.

 

I know this is my own personal opinion, but I would rather cruise Carnival again over just about any NCL cruise.

[T-sip]

We've just returned from Holland America Oosterdam from San Diego to Mexican Riviera. We are elite Celebrity cruisers and were ready to be disappointed in HAL.

 

Bottom line: We thought the food and ship condition were every bit as good as Celebrity. The mattresses have recently been replaced on HAL ships and are FANTASTIC! We slept better on them than we do at home .

 

In my mind, if you want Celebrity quality and the mattress is a big issue, you should look at HAL. We'd sail them again without qualms.

[caviargal]

We've just returned from Holland America Oosterdam from San Diego to Mexican Riviera. We are elite Celebrity cruisers and were ready to be disappointed in HAL.

 

Bottom line: We thought the food and ship condition were every bit as good as Celebrity. The mattresses have recently been replaced on HAL ships and are FANTASTIC! We slept better on them than we do at home .

 

In my mind, if you want Celebrity quality and the mattress is a big issue, you should look at HAL. We'd sail them again without qualms.

 

I was recently on HAL's ZUI and was also ready to be disappointed...and was impressed :).

 

Beds and linens were awesome, bathrooms great (tubs in outside and above), service excellent and food good to very good. I got rave reviews from my group as well.

 

Booked 2007 on Oosterdam for me and 200 more:D.

[Texed]

IWhen I got back and told her how much I had enjoyed the ship, she told me that

- "obviously your standards are much lower than mine"-

 

You should have told her { Obviously, look who I chose as a "friend".} :D