Mercury Review January 29th Mexican Riviera

[STUR]

Cruise Review Celebrity Mercury Mexican Riviera Monday January29th to Febuary 9th 2007

We arrived in San Diego Two days early on Saturday January 27th

We were to leave Dayton,Ohio at 7:45am. to connect in Cincinnati at 9:00am. The plane from Dayton had mechanical problems and did not leave until 8:20am. Delta met us at the Comair part of the airport with a van and took us to concourseB to catch our 9:00am. There were 22 of us to make conection’s (GOOD JOB DELTA) This was a sign of good things to come.

 

We stayed at the Hampton Inn San Diego Downtown

We had dinner in Little Italy at Buo Apetito RistorantItaliano.

 

Sunday we took the Double Decker Bus around San Diego. Sunday evening we met with a few of new found friends from Cruise Critic (Connection Meet & Mingle) at Anthony’s for dinner,

Embarcation was smooth and speedy when we went about 11:30 am. We were greeted with a glass of champaign. We found our room on the 12 th floor, unloaded our carry-ons, explored the ship a bit and then headed to the buffet on the 11th floor. We found the food presentation sumptuous and very attractive. We joined

my sister and brother in law from Arizona.

 

We went to the muster, then the sail away party from

San Diego, then to Meet and Mingle.

Where we met some of the 65-member group of our Cruise Critic post. We went to first seating dinner where we met up with our friends from Montana. Our table seated 6 and had a beautiful view of the waves at the back of the ship.

We were treated to spectacular sunset views as we dined

lavishly each evening. Our maitre d’, waiter and busboy

took care of us and beckoned to every whim and call.

 

Although the ship was over 10 years old and not

glitzy like other newer ships we’ve been on, it was the perfect size with right amount of people. We did not find it overwhelmingly large.

 

Our room was a sky suite which came with a large balcony and an adequate bathroom with a jacuzzi. We had our own personal butler and room steward who were at our beck and call 24 hours each day. Our room size was sufficient for our needs and was in an ideal location. We were 20 feet from the outdoor track and just one flight up from the swimming pool and the buffet. Our sky suite also included unlimited use of the aqua spa which we found to be a totally relaxing and invigorating experience. The drawbacks, however, included a substandard hair dryer and a lack of electrical outlets.

 

We spent most of ourtime on the ship and enjoying it. The shows onboard were far beyond our expectations.

The cruise had 4 at sea days and 6 Port days (CABO SAN LUCAS, MAZATLAN, PUERTO VALLARTA, ACAPULCO, IXTAP / ZIHUATANEJO, MANZANILO)

 

The only tour we took was in ACAPULCO .

A private tour was set up with Rosie through Cruise critics (there where 26 of us in two vans I would give her a C.

We paid $30 per person. The van was air conditioned and we were supplied with plenty of cold water, beer and pop.

While she gave colorful

descriptions in her accented English of everything,

we found ourselves going up and down the main roads several times. Instead of lunch at a resort hotel with

a better atmosphere and selection of food, we were stuck

in a Mexican restaurant with no air conditioning (it was over 90 degrees). Instead of letting us shop in a market with a plethora of merchandise,we were taken to a jewelry

store. Also, instead of the divers being included

in our $30, we had to fork up another $3.50 per person to

watch the divers.

 

The food on the Mercury has just been wonderful.

I even had Steak and eggs for Breakfast and 3 Lobster Tails for Dinner. Everything on the ship was included, from the ice cream bar and the afternoon tea to champagne drinks served before several shows.

 

 

I would rate this cruis as a A- (as nothing is perfect)

 

Disembarcation was fast and smooth.We were off the ship a little after 9:00am.and where at the Hampton Inn by 10:00am Our room was ready. We took a cab to the San Diego Zoo to spend the rest of the day. We then went to the Gas Light District for dinner Chianti Restaurant (Vary Expensive but good $116,80 inculding tip)

 

We fly home in the morning at 11:45 am. and are to arrive home about 10:30 pm. (to the cold)

 

Can’t wait to get back on the Mercury January 20th of next year 2008 Australian / New Zealand

 

 

 

Mexico offered a stark contrast. From the dazzling,

glittery harbor of Acapulco and its pristine beaches to the

brick, pot-holed streets of Cabo San Lucas, we were

overwhelmed by the sights, smells and sounds. Along with

an over-abundance of jewelry stores, there was

an endless supply of women and children plying their wares of dolls, trinkets and beaded jewelry to eke out a living and survive.

 

This was one of our best Cruises yet and will recommend Celebrity to all.

 

STUR DAYTON,OHIO

 

[Buckeye Geo]

Stur:

We did the same cruise in April of last year. We could not be more please with the Ship. Thanks for your your review.

We know what you mean about being cold when you get home. We had the same weather here in Columbus. (BURR)

More cold and snow on the way next week. Stay warm and think about warm and sunny Mexico.