Help! Is the Mercury ship as bad as these mega reviews say? This is my 2nd cruise. The first was with Carnival and I thoroughly enjoyed that. I'm going on an Alaskan cruise on Mercury in late September 2007. Is this ship as old and run down as they say? I've heard so many good things about Celebrity but can't find too many nice reviews about Mercury and in particular their Alaskan cruises. Can someone who has been before tell me what to expect?

Juwil,
I hope I can allay your fears by saying that we we were on the Mercury Sept. 8 - 15, 2006 and sailed to Alaska from Seattle. The ship was in excellent condition, the staff was outstanding, the food and service were above expectations. We had beautiful weather the entire week, with the one exception being Juneau - but then I think it rains in Juneau every day of the year practically! The temperature was in the 60's and even hit 70 in Ketchikan. You will need warm clothes for the day you visit the glacier as it is VERY chilly that early in the morning and they get close to the glacier.

There is lots of deck space for walking and the space at the rear of decks 10 and 11 was our favorite. However, the Mercury just had an overhaul in California in April and added veranda staterooms in the aft section - which I believe wiped out the open deck area on 10. They also replaced all the bedding (I thought our beds were great), carpet in the casino, main dining room, hallways and grand foyer. I'm sure there were other re-do's but can't remember what they all were.

There was a great naturalist on board - Brent Nixon - and you will find that there are no obnoxious announcements being broadcast constantly. The only days we actually heard anyone on the PA system was for the lifejacket drill - day of embarkation, the morning we were at Hubbard Glacier, and the morning we arrived back in Seattle.

The scenery is outstanding! I will be very surprised if you do not enjoy your cruise on Celebrity Mercury. Hope to hear your comments once you return.

Thanks, Moonie, for alleviating my fears. I know that I will enjoy this cruise and will be sure to keep you posted.

Aug 3 2003 I was on Mercury and it was very nice, and was schedule for a make over after the Alaska season. This year we are again sailing Aug 3, 2007 with the Mercury.The ship was suppose to go in for a make-over Apr-2007, ready for the 2007 Season. Hopefully it was done! The food was very good and the help very professional.

Juwil, it looks like you are sailing just a few months after the April refurbishment; everything should be in tip-top shape.

Thanks for the info. I have had nothing but really pleasant reviews on this cruise and I am really looking forward to it. I hope the second time around for you is even better!

So I've been made to understand. I'm really looking forward to it. Incidentally, any ideas for tours in Skylag and 'Jeneau' (sp?)???

Incidentally, any ideas for great tours in Skylag and Juneau or elsewhere?

In Skagway, you might want to take the White Pass Railway tour. In Juneau, go whale watching or to the Mendenhall Glacier, or ride the Mt. Roberts Tramway.

You will love the Mercury and Alaska (I was Moonie's roommate). Ask her how she got that name!