HAL cruisers who've sailed Celebrity - Help!

[ekerr19]

I need a bit of advice and I'd like to stick with this board rather than Celebrity - only because I've gotten a feel for the posters here and have a level of trust with those on this board.

My Mom & Dad are in their late 70's - they've been on HAL, Princess & Cunard - my Mom loves cruising but they do not get around that well anymore. We are looking at purchasing an Anniversary Cruise for them in April/May 2005. They really do not like to fly anymore, so I was looking for a cruise out of San Francisco.

I found a 7-day California Coastal, RT San Francisco on Celebrity. I spent some time on their website and I think this cruise might work well for my folks. My concern is the size of the ship (Mercury) holds 1,950 pax.

Is there a HAL cruiser out there who might have experience on the Mercury? If so, how does it compare to the S-Class? Is it fairly easy to get around? We are looking at a balcony cabin, with the butler - is this similar to HAL's Suite?

B-T-W: the Millineum looks absolutely gorgeous.. I wouldn't mind taking a cruise on that ship! :)

Thanks in advance for any help :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

I feel I shouldn't even respond because I've not been on the Mercury, but I've been on the Millennium which I would liken to the Vista Class ships. And you're right ... she is a magnificent ship, though huge (IMHO who likes smaller ships).

But I would doubt the Mercury would be like the HAL S class because it's considerably larger, isn't it? I was on the Maasdam and it seemed ever so much smaller than the Millennium. So if you want a Maasdam feel for them, I don't think the Mercury would do it.

But as far as Celebrity in general, my own opinion is that it's quite comparable to HAL. Many do not agree with me, but I prefer the food on Celebrity. And on my Millie cruise last December, I found the staff, particularly in the dining room, was out of this world.

[ekerr19]

Heather-

Thank you for your input. :) After spending some time on Celebrity's website, I had the feeling it would be comparable to HAL too.

I think we may have to go with the Mercury as it is the only ship out of San Francisco I could find (except Crystal - which might be a bit over-the-top for Mom & Dad - it looks pretty high-end and they prefer simple). I just hope they can get around the ship easily enough.

Have you ever had a cabin with the butler? The cost is pretty decent - it sounds like there are some nice amenities.

[Lois R]

Hi...I sailed on the Mercury back in March and had a fantastic time:D Now, I cannot give an educated comparison because my first HAL cruise is still upcoming.
I don't feel the Mercury Is too big at all. My first cruise on X was on CENTURY:D and I sailed her twice within 8 months. (She is my favorite ship).
Anyway, back to the Mercury....she is 77,000 tons~she doesn't feel "TOO BIG" to me.
I was able to learn my way around very quickly. That might be because she is the sister to Century so the layout was very similar.

I would sail her again without a doubt.....but then again, I am Celebrity Fan;)

[sail7seas]

I cannot comment about Mercury as we have never sailed her.
We have sailed on Celebrity a number of times with the Butler.
While I find them to be very charming, very obliging and happy to assist in any way, I found them of no particular use for us. Our cabin Stewards and Concierges on HAL do everything for us that we could possibly need or want.

I enjoyed chatting with the Butlers but had no special requests of them. They were a little bit 'inconvenient' rather than an asset. IMO They would knock on the door just to inquire if we wanted something. There goes my nap now that I've been woken.

[lindacat]

I have cruised on the Galaxy which is the sister ship to the Mercury twice. These were my two all time favorite cruises. The ship was beautiful and easy to get around.

On one of the cruises we were fortunate to get a sky suite. This cruise was not selling well and we were able to upgrade for a very low price. At the time this was the lowest category which came with Butler service. The room was very nice but not very large. The balcony was huge. The room came with stationary, robes, and canvas bags for shopping. The butler served us breakfast each morning on the balcony, coffee/tea service in the afternoon, and drinks and appetizers each night before dinner. We had never had a butler before, so if he was supposed to do more --we didn't know enough to ask.

I have always enjoyed the food and had spectacular service on Celebrity ships.

[ekerr19]

Hi...I sailed on the Mercury back in March and had a fantastic time:D Now, I cannot give an educated comparison because my first HAL cruise is still upcoming.
I don't feel the Mercury Is too big at all. My first cruise on X was on CENTURY:D and I sailed her twice within 8 months. (She is my favorite ship).
Anyway, back to the Mercury....she is 77,000 tons~she doesn't feel "TOO BIG" to me.
I was able to learn my way around very quickly. That might be because she is the sister to Century so the layout was very similar.

I would sail her again without a doubt.....but then again, I am Celebrity Fan;)

Thanks Lois! This is the kind of recommendation I am looking for. I think they will do well on the Mercury. It sounds like it should be pretty easy for them to get around. :)

[ekerr19]

I cannot comment about Mercury as we have never sailed her.
We have sailed on Celebrity a number of times with the Butler.
While I find them to be very charming, very obliging and happy to assist in any way, I found them of no particular use for us. Our cabin Stewards and Concierges on HAL do everything for us that we could possibly need or want.

I enjoyed chatting with the Butlers but had no special requests of them. They were a little bit 'inconvenient' rather than an asset. IMO They would knock on the door just to inquire if we wanted something. There goes my nap now that I've been woken.

Now that I think about it - they may enjoy this either... thanks Sail :)

[ekerr19]

I have cruised on the Galaxy which is the sister ship to the Mercury twice. These were my two all time favorite cruises. The ship was beautiful and easy to get around.

On one of the cruises we were fortunate to get a sky suite. This cruise was not selling well and we were able to upgrade for a very low price. At the time this was the lowest category which came with Butler service. The room was very nice but not very large. The balcony was huge. The room came with stationary, robes, and canvas bags for shopping. The butler served us breakfast each morning on the balcony, coffee/tea service in the afternoon, and drinks and appetizers each night before dinner. We had never had a butler before, so if he was supposed to do more --we didn't know enough to ask.

I have always enjoyed the food and had spectacular service on Celebrity ships.

linda-

Thanks! The price I am being quoted for the cruise we are looking at is very reasonable too. I'm happy to hear so many positive posts about the food and great service. I'm not too sure about the butler now - my parents don't like to be "fussed" over.

It's enough to make me want to try the Millie! The virtual tour is spectacular! :D

[lindacat]

My parents and I were a little uncomfortable with the thought of a butler as well. We usually cruise in ocean view cabins, and are not use to suite perks. However at the beginning of the cruise we talked with the butler, and he usually only brought those items that we asked for. We were never uncomfortable with him during the cruise, and while I would not specifically pay a lot extra to have a butler, if one came with my cabin I would not be adverse to having a butler.

Again I am not sure we used his services to the extent that they may have been available. That was mostly our choice.

[akeka]

We sailed on the Mercury to Alaska a few years ago and loved the ship, service and the staff.

I'm was amazed that it holds so many people, because it has a smaller ship feel and it is easy to get around.

[WallyB]

I categorically prefer the Celebrity product to the Holland America product. The cuisine on Celebrity is far superior to that on Holland America. The entertainment is comparable. However, the foremost distinction is the quality of service rendered on Celebrity. I have attached the recent ratings from Porthole Cruise Magazine clearly demonstrating others preferences for Celebrity Cruises in certain particular categories. My cabin assignment on the Mercury was # 8009. The cabin was gorgeous, with an outstanding view of the ocean. There was a VCR in the cabin, which I never used, however videotapes were available free of charge from the library. I have been on seven Celebrity cruises, and two recent Holland America Cruises. . As soon as your parents board the ship have them sign up for the Captain's Club. Benefits begin immediately. This isn't any charge to sign up for the Captain's Club. I hope your parents enjpoy their cruise.

Captain's Club Benefits:
One-Category Upgrade (available on the second cruise)
Complimentary Custom Air Arrangements
Presailing Specialty Restaurant Reservations (not available on the Mercury)
Priority Embarkation
Exclusive Captain's Club Party (Open Bar)
Welcome Gifts
Casino Certificates
Golf Clinic
Complimentary Wine Tasting Party (worth $8.00 each)
Preferential Debarkation
Reunion Cruises
Quarterly Newsletters with exclusive offers

Bon voyage,
Wally



PORTHOLE CRUISE MAGAZINE
DECEMBER 2002
READERS' CHOICE AWARDS

BIG, SMALL, AND IN BETWEEN
BEST SMALL SHIP - Seabourn Legend
BEST MEGASHIP - Grand Princess
BEST RIVER CRUISE - Peter Deilmann Cruises
BEST PARTY SHIP - Carnival Destiny
BEST LEARNING OPPORTUNITY - Holland America Line
BEST LUXURY LINE - Radisson Sever Seas Cruises

FOOD, FAMILY, AND VALUES
BEST VALUE FOR THE MONEY LINE - Carnival Cruise Lines
BEST MODERATELY PRICED LINE - Carnival Cruise Lines
BEST FAMILY-ORIENTED LINE - Disney Cruise Lines
BEST MAIN DINING ROOM CUISINE - CELEBRITY CRUISES
BEST ALTERNATIVE DINNING CUISINE - Carnival Cruise Lines
BEST ROMANTIC DINNING AMBIANCE - Norwegian Cruise Lines

SERVICE, SPAS, AND SMILES
BEST OVERALL SERVICES - CELEBRITY CRUISES
MOST SPACIOUS AVERAGE CABIN - Carnival Cruise Lines
BEST CABIN SERVICE - Princess cruises
BEST COMPUTER FACILITIES - Royal Caribbean International
BEST ONBOARD SPA FACILITIES - CELEBRITY CRUISES

KIDS, KICKS, AND KUDOS
BEST MEDICAL FACILITIES - Princess Cruises
BEST OVERALL FACILITIES FOR PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED PASSENGERS - Holland America Cruise Lines
BEST CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS - Carnival Cruise Lines
BEST SHORE EXCURSIONS - Discovery Cruise Lines
BEST ECO-FRIENDLY CRUISE LINE - Royal Caribbean International

HOT SPOTS AND COOL PLACES
BEST ENTRAINMENT - Carnival Cruise Lines
BEST DISCO - Carnival Cruise Lines
BEST NORTHERN EUROPE ITINERARIES - Princess Cruises
BEST WORLD CRUISE ITINERARIES - Cunard Line
BEST ALASKAN ITINERARIES - Holland America Line
BEST CARIBBEAN ITINERARIES - Royal Caribbean International
BEST MEDITERRANEAN ITINERARIES - Costa Cruises
BEST SOUTH PACIFIC ITINERARIES - Princess Cruises

Past Cruises
1. Norwegian Dreamward, 08/94
2. RCCL Sovereign of the Seas, 09/95
3. Carnival Inspiration, 05/96
4. Norwegian Crown, 11/96
5. Celebrity Century, 08/97
6. RCCL Song of America, 06/98
7. RCCL Nordic Empress, 09/98
8. Carnival Triumph, 11/99
9. Carnival Paradise, 07/00
10. Carnival Paradise, 09/00
11. Celebrity Horizon, 05/01
12. Norwegian Sea, 07/01
13. Carnival Elation, 10/01
14. Carnival Spirit, 12/01
15. Carnival Victory, 04/02
16. Celebrity Galaxy, 08/02
17. Celebrity Mercury, 10/02
18. Carnival Inspiration, 03/03
19. Carnival Paradise, 04/03
20. Celebrity Century, 06/03
21. RCCL Explorer of the Seas, 08/03
22. Star Princess, 10/03
23. Celebrity Mercury, 03/04
24. Celebrity Galaxy, 04/04
25. Holland America Rotterdam, 04/04
26. RCCL Grandeur of the Seas, 05/04
27. Holland America Zuiderdam, 08/04

[ekerr19]

My parents and I were a little uncomfortable with the thought of a butler as well. We usually cruise in ocean view cabins, and are not use to suite perks. However at the beginning of the cruise we talked with the butler, and he usually only brought those items that we asked for. We were never uncomfortable with him during the cruise, and while I would not specifically pay a lot extra to have a butler, if one came with my cabin I would not be adverse to having a butler.

Again I am not sure we used his services to the extent that they may have been available. That was mostly our choice.

linda-

I think I'd like it too !!!! :D

Thanks for your help!

[ekerr19]

I categorically prefer the Celebrity product to the Holland America product. The cuisine on Celebrity is far superior to that on Holland America. The entertainment is comparable. However, the foremost distinction is the quality of service rendered on Celebrity. I have attached the recent ratings from Porthole Cruise Magazine clearly demonstrating others preferences for Celebrity Cruises in certain particular categories. My cabin assignment on the Mercury was # 8009. The cabin was gorgeous, with an outstanding view of the ocean. There was a VCR in the cabin, which I never used, however videotapes were available free of charge from the library. I have been on seven Celebrity cruises, and two recent Holland America Cruises. . As soon as your parents board the ship have them sign up for the Captain's Club. Benefits begin immediately. This isn't any charge to sign up for the Captain's Club. I hope your parents enjpoy their cruise.

Captain's Club Benefits:
One-Category Upgrade (available on the second cruise)
Complimentary Custom Air Arrangements
Presailing Specialty Restaurant Reservations (not available on the Mercury)
Priority Embarkation
Exclusive Captain's Club Party (Open Bar)
Welcome Gifts
Casino Certificates
Golf Clinic
Complimentary Wine Tasting Party (worth $8.00 each)
Preferential Debarkation
Reunion Cruises
Quarterly Newsletters with exclusive offers

Bon voyage,
Wally

Past Cruises
1. Norwegian Dreamward, 08/94
2. RCCL Sovereign of the Seas, 09/95
3. Carnival Inspiration, 05/96
4. Norwegian Crown, 11/96
5. Celebrity Century, 08/97
6. RCCL Song of America, 06/98
7. RCCL Nordic Empress, 09/98
8. Carnival Triumph, 11/99
9. Carnival Paradise, 07/00
10. Carnival Paradise, 09/00
11. Celebrity Horizon, 05/01
12. Norwegian Sea, 07/01
13. Carnival Elation, 10/01
14. Carnival Spirit, 12/01
15. Carnival Victory, 04/02
16. Celebrity Galaxy, 08/02
17. Celebrity Mercury, 10/02
18. Carnival Inspiration, 03/03
19. Carnival Paradise, 04/03
20. Celebrity Century, 06/03
21. RCCL Explorer of the Seas, 08/03
22. Star Princess, 10/03
23. Celebrity Mercury, 03/04
24. Celebrity Galaxy, 04/04
25. Holland America Rotterdam, 04/04
26. RCCL Grandeur of the Seas, 05/04
27. Holland America Zuiderdam, 08/04

Wally-

Thank you for taking the time to post this - it is very helpful indeed. I am happy with the choice of this cruise - I think my parents will be very pleased, especially since they will not have to fly to the embarkation port. As they have never cruised Celebrity, I expected the fare to be much higher than it is - it is a great bargain. It excites me to be able to give this to them as an Anniversary gift, especially as they introduced me to my first cruise 20 years ago! :)

I have always wanted to give Celebrity a try and the pictures of the spectacular Millie are very tempting indeed. Perhaps one day soon. :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

.

Captain's Club Benefits:
One-Category Upgrade (available on the second cruise)
Complimentary Custom Air Arrangements
Presailing Specialty Restaurant Reservations (not available on the Mercury)
Priority Embarkation
Exclusive Captain's Club Party (Open Bar)
Welcome Gifts
Casino Certificates
Golf Clinic
Complimentary Wine Tasting Party (worth $8.00 each)
Preferential Debarkation
Reunion Cruises
Quarterly Newsletters with exclusive offers

This list is just a bit misleading. I know WallyB is not happy with HAL and I totally respect that. I love Celebrity and will sail with them again in the blink of an eye, but listing these Captain's Club benefits as if they all apply right away is just not right.

While you can sign up for Captain's Club on your first cruise, no benefits apply on that cruise (this according to the Celebrity website).

Only Founder's Members (which are those people who signed up for Captain's Club back when there was a charge for membership) get priority embarkation. Otherwise you wait until your 6th cruise. Wally may have gotten a Wine Tasting Party, but it is not a standard benefit. The gifts in the room are just "comeons" to get you into the casino and the spa(IMHO). The category upgrade has all sorts of rules attached to it as well as a "when available" clause.

All the rest are the basic amenities you get on any cruiseline you've cruised on before. I'm not trying to be difficult here, but I do think it's misleading.

Everyone has their favorites. Frankly, at this point we like Celebrity and HAL equally. There are some things better about HAL and some better about Celebrity. I've already mentioned food and service are superb on Celebrity. I think EKerr's parents will abolutely love the line, but this list is practically an advertisement.

[luv2cruise450]

I agree with Heather about what Wallyb wrote...we've sailed on the Millie twice now...and we enjoyed the cruises very much...but I still think that the service and staff on the HAL ships are among the best and do not have to take a back seat to anyone.
I'm sure that your parents will enjoy their cruise immensely because you have put so much thought into their anniverdary gift.
Happy cruising!

[jazzsea]

Your original post mentioned that your parents did not want to fly. I think that sums it up nicely.

In your place, I would book Mercury and concentrate on making this cruise the best ever for your parents.

I've sailed on Mercury and thought it was every bit as easy to get around on as "S" class Holland America ships. The number of passengers never presented a problem.

The butler will be an added benefit to your parents. He will answer their questions and will help take the guess work out of their planned excursions.

I love HAL with a passion but in your case Celebrity is the best choice.

[ekerr19]

Thanks everyone! I talked to Mom last night, she is excited. I haven't told her we are paying yet - I just wanted to make sure it was something she could do at the time (next April) and that she could get my Dad to agree to go.

She really likes the idea of cruising the California coast and I could tell she was really happy with whole prospect. Imagine her surprise when we purchase the tickets for them!

Thanks so much for all your help and advice - I really appreciate it! :)