"LIVE" from Celebrity Mercury / Jan 2, 2010

[GaryNFla]

I believe you do! Why don't you come and sail with us on April 26 on the Jewel of the Seas to the Caribbean and Panama. It's been too long since we sailed together!

 

Garry

 

Hey Garry..not sure when, but we sailed together and met at a CC party. We have moved from Ft Lauderadale and now live in Asheville..Small world..We are sailing Summit again April 10..

[jgnova]

Hi, Radio. It's been a while since I read one of your "Live from" threads -- always a treat, including those super photos. You boarded Mercury after we disembarked from our 12 nighter.

 

Your photos of the cabin look a lot like ours -- our veranda in the middle of deck 9, but not a lot of time was spent on that veranda, given the chill for the first two days and last two days. I loved the gentle rocking to sleep effect. Wonder if we ever outgrow that. :rolleyes: At least it was gentle! And I recall that the captain reported on our way back that the air temp was 57 F and water was 75 F -- because it was the Gulf Stream. I guess it was even colder air when you crossed it, hence that fantasy-look you captured.

 

Glad Wilton got here to ask you about the room service menu -- I suggested he check with you since I forgot to bring home a breakfast hang-tag and the room service menu wasn't complete in our book. We always ate in the Manhattan dining room when we could and never did order room service. (BTW, the executive chef told us that the menu for the canal transit/repositioning in Oct/Nov was different from our 12 night menu to minimize repeats. We liked our menus -- hope you enjoy yours.)

 

Since you enjoy the fresh coffees, I'm sure you'll be checking out Cova Cafe. Say hi to the tall slim young lady from Thailand -- from the ones who usually ordered the iced chocolate (both of us) or pot of tea (me) when we stopped there. If you can catch her name, let me know -- we never got it. She's on her first contract and just started in November.

 

Glad you enjoyed Charleston. We were there on Galaxy a few years ago, but it was July, not January. :)

 

S

[Lobster Mama]

Hi Radio! Your updates and pictures make me so nostalgic for our cruise - we sailed Dec. 12 and it was our first cruise ever - it was hard to leave the ship. Your pics and daily posts make me feel like we are back cruising again! I wanted to tell you that we visited the aquarium in Key West and truly enjoyed it. It is tiny and a "been there, done that" sort of thing, but we found it quite informative and one of the staff came out and did a little show on the different species they had there. He fed the sting rays and picked up a baby shark and showed him around so we all got a chance to see what his skin feels like. I know many head for the Conch Train tours or Hemmingway's house, but we really enjoyed spending an hour or so here. Thank you again for all your pictures and info - I am enjoying the chance to relive our cruise all over again!:)

[TourDeCruise]

Radio: Thanks for the great reports and fantastic pictures. We're on three Baltimore cruises that atb is on including the February 1st cruise along with several others who have posted on this thread. We were on the Panama Canal repositioning to Baltimore cruise in Oct/Nov too.

 

If you happen to see free or cheap wi-fi in ports, could you post that here? Did Harris Teeter's Starbucks have free wi-fi access?

 

We have travelled on Mercury, twice over the last three months. First cruise was 10/23 San Diego to Baltimore thru Panama Canal-17 nights, great time Next one was 12/12. . . . We like it so much, we'll be on board Feb 1!

 

Annieskes2002: We were also on the 10/23 cruise and also will be on the Feb. 1st cruise. Below I posted the link to our rollcall in case you would like to join us and "meet" some of the others on the cruise.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=850606

 

Kathy

[bobavel]

Thanks for the updates, Radio! We'll be on a cruiswe out of San Diego this Friday, but we'll be sure to tune in and get your latest reports.

[annieskes2002]

Hi Kathy,

Thanks for the invite to the Roll Call. DH is not a roll call kind of person. So, it's unlikely that we will meet. We will be seated at a table for two. Perhaps, there will be a time listed for the connections party, can I just show up? Will keep an eye on the roll call board.

Annie

[Andy]

Hi Radio !

 

Thanks for your fantastic photos and updates. I haven't sailed on Mercury in several years, but seeing your photos, brings back some wonderful memories. Mercury looks as beautiful as ever.

 

I look forward to your updates. Enjoy your Cruise !

[*DELTABLUE*]

Thanx to all who have asked Radio to check in on us. He seems to think we have a lot of friends.:rolleyes: We DO...and wish all of you were here to share this cruise with us. ;)As for the cruise, whatever Radio said.;) It is a frosty cruise and we've been plenty cold. Still looking for some place warm. TTFN:D

[viktoriaB]

The weather was Sunny, and a little cold.(It made it up 42F), with light winds.

 

My post will follow soon. . . Thanks for the nice comments.

 

 

 

Radio

:rolleyes::rolleyes:

 

Thanks for your response. I'm really enjoying your photos and report!

[Radio]

Hello everyone. . . We left the Port of Charleston a little after 5 PM yesterday. The seas were very calm as we left, and I can tell you that I am looking forward to being in Key West on Wednesday. Key West might be a little chilly, but I’m sure it will be warmer than 25F.

 

Last night was an early night for me. I guess the windy cold weather makes me go to bed early. But, Hmmm. . . I always go to bed early though.

 

I was able to go to the Celebrity Theatre to catch the show , and listen to some of the music in the Cova Café. I love the coffee in the Cova Café !

 

This morning seems much warmer than last night. There are many clouds in the sky, but the sun is trying to come out. Some other passengers that were out on deck with me has a digital thermometer and suggested that it was almost 60F. The seas today are very calm.

 

The pools have had the netting removed for the first time this cruise, but the pool crew were telling me that when the sun comes up today. . . There will be hundreds of passengers on deck.

 

We are about 50nm East of Port Canaveral , and about 160nm North of Fort Lauderdale. The temperature should be increasing by the hour.

 

Last night at the show, our CD Lisa Richard informed us about the “Steam” effect we witnessed on Sunday. She suggested that the Navigation Staff/Officers had heard of this effect, but have never witnessed it first hand. They informed Lisa that the Air Temps were 45 degrees colder than the water temps. This hardly ever happens, but seems to happen in the Gulf Stream on occasion. Very Interesting. . . I will try to post the short video I made of the event tomorrow in Key West.

 

Here are a few pics from last night, and this morning. I have tons of other pics from the public rooms. I will post several of them throughout the Cruise.

 

Thanks for tuning in. . . .

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

 

The sun sets as we leave Charleston, SC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

La Playa Pool Last night

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Palm Springs Pool this morning

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is very cloudy today. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bust the sun is trying to peek through

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Palm Springs Pool Deck AFT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

[gkm]

Thanks for the updates. I just looked at the weather channel and it looks like it's going to be rather cool in Key West tomorrow. The high is only going to be 59 F. Hopefully the sun will be out to keep you warm!

 

You're making me want to sail on the Mercury. I hope she will be based in Charleston again next year. Bob and I might have to book a cruise on her.

 

Garry

[STXCruisers]

Radio, thanks for the great review and the fabulous pics! We love Mercury and the photos are reviving memories from our cruises onboard that beautiful ship.:)

Sorry it is so cold for your sailing, but it should continue warming up for you. If it helps any, we are 43 degrees this morning on the Mexican border at Laredo, TX, so we are cold too.:eek:

This is my first time to read one of your live reviews and I am enjoying it so much. Keep it coming!:D

Doris

[Ships R Great]

Radio, thanks again for the reviews and the wonderful pictures. Are you going to have a site where all the pictures will be posted together after the cruise? It would make a great album for those of us who love Mercury.

[cookiejarvis]

Looking at the pictures are great. BUt sometimes, very EERIE, with few people included in the shots. I understand that you do this on purpose but sometimes makes me think that you may have a runaway ghost ship.

[Grandma Gail]

Thanx to all who have asked Radio to check in on us. He seems to think we have a lot of friends.:rolleyes: We DO...and wish all of you were here to share this cruise with us. ;)As for the cruise, whatever Radio said.;) It is a frosty cruise and we've been plenty cold. Still looking for some place warm. TTFN:D

Delta - how cold are the cabins? Do we need to bring some blankets? It is still cold and windy here at home.

[MrsKnuts2]

Radio, thanks again for the reviews and the wonderful pictures. Are you going to have a site where all the pictures will be posted together after the cruise? It would make a great album for those of us who love Mercury.

 

At the bottom of Radio's signature is the link to his website

http://www.cruisingwithradio.com/photo.html

[bambam2972]

Thanks for the report! I'm also sailing on March 29.

 

I was so excited to see the ship in port as I drove into work. The last few Mondays it's been foggy and dreary when she was here so I'm glad it was sunny. Even though we've had record cold temps.

 

I'm glad you enjoyed Charleston and now I feel even more guilty that I haven't been to any of the forts even though I've lived here my whole life. :eek::o

[cruzeluver]

Well it looks like half my roll call has reported in on this thread!:p

 

I too will be on the March 29th sailing and am really enjoying your posts Radio. I have followed some of your previous adventures and so far you are not disappointing, once again.

 

Thanks so much!!

[flamingo21401]

Radio, Thanks for the news on the Mercury. I love reading your updates. We'll be aboard on the 1st of February. I have a friend in Key West. She was at the Hog's Breath today and the temp was a balmy 58 degrees. Much better than 28 you had yesterday but not what I expect in Key West.

[Ships R Great]

Thanks for the report! I'm also sailing on March 29.

 

I was so excited to see the ship in port as I drove into work. The last few Mondays it's been foggy and dreary when she was here so I'm glad it was sunny. Even though we've had record cold temps.

 

I'm glad you enjoyed Charleston and now I feel even more guilty that I haven't been to any of the forts even though I've lived here my whole life. :eek::o

 

It was so foggy when we docked in Charleston that it was inded, eerie. Our ship was the only one of ive that were due ot dock that day. Captain Frantzis and the Port Pilot were indeed skilled! We could hardly see the Meeting House all day!

[EmJakeBubbie]

It was so foggy when we docked in Charleston that it was inded, eerie. Our ship was the only one of ive that were due ot dock that day. Captain Frantzis and the Port Pilot were indeed skilled! We could hardly see the Meeting House all day!

Confirmed w/our DearCaptain, that indeed, the Port "was" CLOSED that Monday - we were delayed a couple of hrs, but dock, we finally did - Captain said that there were 4 ships, at anchor, in all that fog, but X worked magic, and so the PilotBoats did guide us to dockside.

[Donzigirl]

Hi Radio,

Thank you so much for your updates and photos. My parents are on that same cruise with you an when my mom found out you were sailing with them, she was so excited. There is a group with my parents celebrating a friends' 40th anniversary. Hopefully you are all having a good time! Thanks again. I love your photos. If you would run into a Karen and Richard McCarter, tell them their daughter says hello:)

[Radio]

Delta - how cold are the cabins? Do we need to bring some blankets? It is still cold and windy here at home.

 

My cabin is not cold (unless you want it to be) The heat works well. I sometimes get up in the middle of the night to turn it down.;)

 

 

Radio

:rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Radio]

Hello everyone! Today has been what sea days are supposed to be. . .enjoyable.

 

I went to the 2nd Shore Excursion presentation, and the New Captains Club Celebration. The Captains Club Celebration was held in the Celebrity Theatre. There were a lot of the Ship’s Officers in attendance, as well as the Captain, Cruise Director, and Loyalty Ambassador.

 

They offered complimentary drinks (or sodas), and several choices of snacks. (Sushi, Crepes, and fruit) The Entertainment staff was there to perform a couple of song and dance numbers with the Celebrity Orchestra.

 

I also was able to go the Captain’s Club in the Pavilion Nightclub on Deck 7(AFT) tonight. There were about 100 (or more) passengers in there, and it makes sense to have this event in the Nightclub in stead of Michael’s Club. They offered a significant menu of spirits, wine, and beer. Waiters also walked around offering hors devors.

 

Oh yeah, I almost forgot to say that I also enjoyed Fortunes Casino a little more today. . .

 

The Internet on board is much faster than I expected. I have been connecting between 200-250kbps. It’s not the broadband like many have at home, but I have been able to post to this thread with ease.

 

The cost for Internet Access can vary. The rates are:

 

Pay as You Go-.65/min

Occasional-.61/min (29.95) 49 minutes

Standard-.55/min (49.95) 90 minutes

Social-.53/min (79.95) 150 minutes

Power- .42/min (99.95) 237 minutes - My Favorite

 

There are several Free Wi-Fi areas in Charleston, Key West, and Nassau. You will even see the crew in these areas. They can use the internet for much less than a passenger, but free is even better !

 

We are just off the coast of Miami. We are actually between Miami, and the Bimini Islands. I can see the Miami skyline!

 

We are still traveling south at about 17kmh, but should turn west soon.

The Captain suggested that we should pick up the Pilot at about 6AM, and be in Key West about 30min later.

 

There are several webcams in Key West, so you see us pull up to the dock HERE.

 

 

We had strong sun today, and it should continue tomorrow. We were able to reach 61F.

 

Here are a few pics from today. . .

 

 

 

Radio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Passengers were out today enjoying the sun

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrity provides blankets for those who wanted to lay out. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Walking around decks today was nice. The Ocean was beautiful. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The cover was in place over the Palm Springs Pool (AFT)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Sushi Chef at work at the Captains Club Celebration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I visit the Cova Café a couple of times per day !

 

 

 

 

.

[Radio]

Hi Radio,

Thank you so much for your updates and photos. My parents are on that same cruise with you an when my mom found out you were sailing with them, she was so excited. There is a group with my parents celebrating a friends' 40th anniversary. Hopefully you are all having a good time! Thanks again. I love your photos. If you would run into a Karen and Richard McCarter, tell them their daughter says hello:)

 

Thanks you Donzigirl for the nice comments. I have met several Cruise Critic members on this cruise, and they have all been very nice. I feel like I have made alot of friends already. We have only sailed for 3 nights ;)

 

 

 

Radio

:rolleyes::rolleyes: