Mercury March 21-28...7th Part and Final Thoughts

[Lois R]

After 7 days, the cruise is on its final ride back to San Francisco.
The week has been outstanding, the food, the crew, the new friends I have made. We are now going back north.
These 2 days were the roughest of the entire cruise. Saturday wasn't as bad as Friday...which was very rocky. I didn't feel ill (thank goodness) but for me, it was more of an annoyance thing. I wanted to be able to walk straight...try that on a ROCKING SHIP.
And Friday night's sleep was awful. Everytime I thought things had smoothed down and I could feel myself going into a good sleep...all of a sudden....BAM [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img] and I would wake back up. That happened at least 6 times.
Saturday night was somewhat better. I think I slept pretty much straight throught the night.

Saturday night was the Talent show which I had previoulsy mentioned. I am so glad my new friends and I decided to watch it together.

I met Karen in the foyer after the show and we planned to meet in the Navigator. The ship was rocking at both very foward and aft.....so we decided to have a coffee in Cova instead. She and I had not talked much during the week so it was nice to sit and chat with her.

Sunday morning I realized there was no rocking...but then I thought "we are back"...it was so still.
I got up and took a shower and had my last breakfast in the dining room.
Disembarking was VERY SMOOTH. Nobody held anyone up by not doing what they were supposed to do. There have been many times when pax hold up others due to...immigration, etc.

I saw Lisa and Ken in the Rondeaveau and was able to hug both good-bye but I missed Phil and Marti, which I was quite uspet about. They are something else!

I was off the ship before 9:30. I had purchased a transfer from Celebrity which was 20.00 and worth every penney. The bus was right downstairs in the terminal and took us directly to the airport.
My flight from SF to Atlanta was on time but when we were on the tarmac the Captain announced we had to go back to the gate as there was a mechanical problem. After about 15 minutes they announced we had to get off the plane and were directed to a new gate and new plane.
This ended up being a 2 hour delay and so lots of us (including me) missed our connecting flights. I stayed in Atlanta Sunday night. They put me up in a "Red Roof Inn". It was clean and had a good bed and hot shower. By then, that is all I wanted. We arrived in Atlanta about 11:00...my flight to Jacksonville had left at 10:00.
I was put on the first flight Monday morning which left about 9:00 and I was home in my place by 10:30.
After a wonderful week, that was the worst thing to happen and I did get home safe and sound.

Final thoughts.....the Mercury is beautiful with a more modern line than the Century. I would sail her again anytime but the Century will always be my favorite ship. (First ship...first love)....
This staff and crew were excellent as well...it is after all "Celebrity". But this cruise was really very special for me in another way.....my new Cruise Critic Friends "made the cruise" this time. I do meet people very easily and I try to use that as an asset but sometimes you just don't always know how things will turn out.
A short story for a moment...I was sitting in Cova one late afternoon having a coffee, talking to the bartender. A lady was sitting to my left (her first cruise) and she asked "Do you always talk to everyone"?....I still don't quite know how she meant that...but, I answered..."yes"...and its a cruise..its so easy to talk to others. The bartenders are always friendly and so are most of the other passengers.

Anyway, I want to thank everyone who really made this cruise so wonderful. If I could have this group again on the Century...it would literally be a perfect week for me.
I never realized how much of a difference a fun group can make for the week. I looked forward to seeing all 5 every night for dinner and we always had a great time during the day as well.
And the other CCr's too. It was such a pleasure sailing with this group.

I have come to the conclusion I love to cruise! And I hope everyone enjoyed reading my review...as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

Any questions or comments will be happily received.

Next up...HORIZON Sept 18th to Bermuda!

[This message was edited by Lois R on 04-02-04 at 08:05 PM.]

[This message was edited by Lois R on 04-02-04 at 08:07 PM.]

[trcori]

Lois, thanks again for the multi-part review. Re: "talking to everyone" -- I know you are about my age (mid-40s) but that reminds me of my long-departed grandma, perhaps the coolest person I have *ever* known for a variety of reasons. She could strike up a chat with anyone. She would give anyone the shirt off her back ... literally. And guess what -- she loved to cruise! She generously took my mom, brother, and me on three cruises when I was a kid (back when cruises were sooo much longer) and set the stage for me to rediscover cruising as an adult with a family of my own. Your warmth comes through all your posts and it's a beautiful thing to have on a message board, when the online media can sometimes be so crisp and cold. So three cheers for you and your review, and we'll say hi to the ship and its crew this Sunday [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

trc
Mercury 4/4/04
****
Infinity 8/03, Century 3/03 & 9/02
Princess Carla 1971
Statendam (IV) 1970
Matson Mariposa 1967

[Lois R]

trc..thank you so much [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Next up...HORIZON Sept 18th to Bermuda!

[yanceycruiser]

Lois,

Thanks for taking the time to post such a wonderful and enjoyable reading review. I've only been on the Celebrity board since November and I feel like I know you. It's great that you already have another cruise planned for September. Have a nice weekend.

Yanceycruiser

Dreamward 1/95
Norway 1/97
Grandeur of the Seas 1/99
Grand Princess 2/01
Carnival Pride 2/03

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;08;22;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]

Until the Infinity on
August 22, 2004

[Lois R]

Thanks Yancey...and a good weekend back at you[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Next up...HORIZON Sept 18th to Bermuda!

[cruising with marti]

Just a great job darlin, and Iam so sorry we missed each other to say goodby, but we will cruise together again I am sure.

Marti and I share your thoughts about the cruise and especially our 5 new found friends.

As you know we are activley Looking researching for a cruise in the Fall. I looked at your Horizon sailing in sept. but from our point of view there are a couple of negatives, I just don't know if I can sail without a balcony on which to enjoy early morning coffee (and a smoke) and the evening sunsets. the other negative would be the hurricane season, but the Idea of sailing with you might outway the aforementioned negatives.

Also looking at a 10 day r/t from San Diego to Mexico on the Mercury in Nov. Anyway I could talk you out of your Sept sailing and join us.



phil

[cruise_girl_too]

Very nicely done Lois! Glad you had a wonderful cruise [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[MISSYLOU]

Thanks Lois.

Karen & Paul
[img]http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/8/8_3_23.gif[/img]

Galaxy B2B 10/04
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=800080&cdt=2004;10;16;17;45;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]
Mercury 03/04
Radiance 01/04
Summit 09/03, Infinity B2B Hawaii 03/03,Infinity 10/02,
Maasdam 07/02, Sun Princess 03/02,Maasdam 11/01,Statendam 07/01,Dolphin 1990?

[kastaway ken]

Hello L,
Thanks for the wonderful review, it made me feel like I was on the ship with you.... oh wait a minute I was. You did forget to mention a few things though.

Your card not working the night you ordered that expensive wine. Phil and I had fun with that.

You accusing the female honored guest of the cruise line of actually being a man.

The in fighting amoung your team at the battle of the sexes trivia game. (Lois does know sports)

But it was a great review, and a trip that I will remember the rest of my life. I would cruise with you guys again anytime.

Ken

[cruising with marti]

ken

Shame on you, I thought we took a blood oath, not to mention those things. LOL But other than those omissions it was a great review.

hope she isn't mad at you.

phil

[brigittetom]

Lois, Outside of one major complaint about your reviews, I loved reading them. NOT LONG ENOUGH. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

I had forgotten that you missed your flight. Had you planned on going back to work on Monday?

I really liked your intinirary but would have a hard time flying to the opposite coast to get to the ship. I'm surpised someone would ask you if you talk to everybody. I thought that's what we are supposed to do on a cruise. I always do. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

I'm glad you had such a good cruise and I know that you will love the Horizon. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

Zenith from Jacksonville
Feb. 13 05

[Ginnylou]

In keeping with my quiet ways, I agree with all the above. Virginia [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

05/29/04 Oosterdam 7-Night Alaska
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=191970&cdt=2004;12;05;21;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]

[Eagle1]

HI, We did the Horizon to Bermuda in Oct 03.,and will be doing the Mercury in Oct 04., you mentioned that it only cost$20 for your transfers was that both ways, we only need transfers to the ship, we will be staying two days in SF after the cruise. Can you get trans-fers one way ? Great review.

Eagle1

[rbrighin]

Hi Lois,

I really enjoyed reading your review. Great job!

One question: how long did it take to get to SFO on the bus? If speed was a concern, would you recommend it over say, a taxi? Did you travel to the airport on a weekday, or weekend? I've heard the traffic is much worse on weekends, and would definitely slow the commute to the airport, as opposed to making it on a weekday.

Thanks.

[Lois R]

Hi and good morning[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]...

thanks for the compliments [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

First to the serious questions LOL...the transfers...I arrived in SF a day early...took a shuttle to my hotel.
I only needed it one way (transfer) and didn't decide to use it until after I boarded the ship. The bus took only about 20 minutes from the Pier to the aiport. I know a cab would have been probably double the price...why pay 40.00 if 20.00 got it done? [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img].
The cruise ended on a Sunday....I flew out Sunday afternoon. The traffic to the airport wasn't too bad at all.
Brigitte....I had already decided to take Monday off from work (thankfully)!

Ken and Phil...I could never be mad at either of you forever [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]. You are the best of the best!
Phil...I really want to do this Bermuda cruise...come with me!! If you noticed cruise_girl_too on the reply...she and I are sailing together for that one!
But let me know what you are doing in 2005...that would be the one we could definitely look at....and Ken you and Lisa too[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img].
Phil...which address should I send pictures to? Last time I tried you never got them...remember? I got my photos back [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Next up...HORIZON Sept 18th to Bermuda!

[cruising with marti]

Hi Lois,

Send those pics. to [email]marti9_7@hotmail.com[/email]


phil

[Lois R]

Hi Phil[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] 12 pictures are on the way....I hope you receive them!!!

Next up...HORIZON Sept 18th to Bermuda!

[10s nut]

Lois...Awesome review. I can't wait to meet you on the Horizon! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]

And, hey, Bermuda got hit LAST year. Let's hope the hurricane gods will be good to us.

[Lois R]

Hi...Phil, did you get the photos?

10...thanks...did you read all 7 Parts?

Next up...HORIZON Sept 18th to Bermuda!

[cruising with marti]

Lois

No luck, no Photos please try again.

lowercase [email]marti9_7@hotamil.com[/email]

I recieved some photos from rosie yesterday, so I know my mail address is working.

Are you putting the underscore_ between the 9and the 7 ?

Phil

[Lois R]

Hey Phil...I think the Cruise Gods are at war with your and my addys.....
this has happened before [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif[/img]...I did it correctly...but I will try again....

Next up...HORIZON Sept 18th to Bermuda!

[yanceycruiser]

Lois,

Are you going to post the photos for all of us?

Yanceycruiser

Dreamward 1/95
Norway 1/97
Grandeur of the Seas 1/99
Grand Princess 2/01
Carnival Pride 2/03

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;08;22;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]

Until the Infinity on
August 22, 2004

[Lois R]

Hi Yancey...I don't know how to post them...I have a friend who I work with who will be coming over next week and is setting up webshots for me.
Then all 3 of my cruise pictures can be viewed...for anyone who wants to see them[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img].

Next up...HORIZON Sept 18th to Bermuda!

[reggierail]

It will be great to see all of your pics from your cruises. Enjoyed reading all 7 parts of your review. I'm glad you enjoyed the Mercury.
The rough seas in and out of SF seem to be a problem for many, on both of my cruises also.
Thanks for the great review, I'm very anxious for my next Celebrity cruise.

Reggie [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=CD20CD&cdt=2004;10;17;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]
Rhapsody 10-17-04

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=CD20CD&cdt=2004;09;03;17;45;00&timezone=GMT-0700[/img]
Mercury 9-03-04

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=CD20CD&cdt=2004;03;29;17;30;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img] Monarch 3-29-04

Viking Serenade 1998
Viking Serenade 1999
Voyager of the Seas 2000
Viking Serenade 2001
Majesty of the Seas 11-2002
Norwegian Sea 11-2002
Vision of the Seas 11-2002
Mercury 5-03-03
Monarch of the Seas 6-09-03
Mercury 10-12-03
Monarch 11-17-03
Monarch 1-19-04

God bless the USA and all freedom loving people. May God protect all those who fight and die to protect those freedoms.

[Lois R]

Hi Reggie[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] good to see you again!!! I have 6 more months..then onto The Horizon [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Next up...HORIZON Sept 18th to Bermuda!