Late REVIEW: 5-star Mercury Cruise, Jan '11

[JEDIKNIGHT]

Apologees for the late review, but we fell ill upon returning home and that delayed everything.

******************

 

Cruised Mercury, early January 2011.

 

Myself, DW, 2 year old DD in Penthouse Suite 1044

 

My parents, in Royal Suite

 

 

 

PREFACE

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Anything I write is not meant to be absolutist, but is rather my best recollection of events, and opinions based on my preferences.

 

I'm not a customer who whines about EVERYTHING, but I'm also not into just letting everything slide, thereby implicitly teaching the cruise industry, air industry, etc to just cut, cut, cut, cut....and provide a fine cattle experience at the lowest price.

 

I'll name crew who did a great job, I'll refrain from naming crew where it was bad....because they aren't here to defend themselves.

 

 

BOTTOM LINE (details to follow in the rest of this review)

************

 

A MAGNIFICENT cruise. Our 2nd Mercury cruise, and our 2nd time feeling that the Mercury service is SUPERIOR to lux line Regent, that I've cruised 4 times.

 

I compare our 2 Mercury cruises to our Summit Cruise, and I can truly say that Summit was a mass-market cruise, while Mercury was luxury. Too bad Mercury can't be it's own cruiseline....because in my mind, it is.

 

 

EMBARKATION

************

 

A breeze. Our keys were marked "G.R.M" so the agent knew to bring Guest Relations over. The Guest Relations lady introduced herself, and escorted us onto the ship.

 

It's an important thing to me not so I can pretend I'm a bigshot....but because a big reason I choose suites is to make things easier. The escort to suite really helped, considering were were lugging DD and her bag of food and supplies.

 

 

BUTLER (Bonnie, Buff you out there?)

*******

 

I'd say he was "better than adequate", but not in the league of a Ram or Rikki.

 

I won't name the Butler, but a few of us had a convo about him before my cruise. The comments weren't good, so I was concerned because the Penthouse Butler is THEE most important feature for us.

 

He greeted us in the lobby as we got onto the ship. Friendly, and he told us to follow him to the suite. He could see DD was squeamish after all the hustle and bustle, and I was trying to take off her coats/hat/etc. So twice the Butler nicely says 'let's go' and then takes off....we followed behind.

 

Certainly he's got other things to do. But RAM or RIKKI wouldn't have done that...not in a million years.

 

For the whole 12 day cruise....he certainly did what we asked...mostly. Here's a few examples as to why I can't brag about him:

 

*He was off one afternoon. Fine. So we ordered peas and carrots for DD in the afternoon. AASHWIN the butler(not our butler) says "no problem", delivers it nice and covered in plastic.

 

Also, we ordered an omelette with American cheese. It was delivered.

 

The next day I make the same request and our Butler's response: "It's not available in the afternoon". So I explained how Aashwin had good luck. So then our Butler did it...after explaining how he'll have to put in a request. DITTO for the American cheese omelette.

 

 

*We requested that the veggies be delivered everyday at 1pm and multiple times had to call to remind him.

 

*We requested (just like on previous cruises) that two nightly fruit plates be left in the fridge. Usually, he'd leave one big one so yeah, there was enough fruit but we requested (2) plates, as it's easier for 2 people to eat.

 

On the bright side....he handled dinner room service very well. Food was correct and hot.

 

So..."better than adequate" is how I describe him, when compared to my previous butlers.

 

BUFF: I CAN TOTALLY see what you had described. I don't doubt you one bit. I think my being in the Penthouse, + him having some time to settle insured that I didn't encounter what you did.

 

AASHWIN, our substitute Butler was great. He is another elite Butler for sure. Hopefully we'll get him one day.

 

 

PENTHOUSE SUITE

****************

 

Yep, older ship. So I won't waste time on a few scratches here and there.

 

Everything was well maintained and worked well.Beds, furniture, washroom were fine. The one problem was AIR CONDITIONING. Every night we were WARM and didn't sleep well at all. DW looks like an owl our pictures due to black circles under her eyes.

 

I won't say how, but I was informed that due to engineering...the air conditioning in our suite WAS INDEED less powerful at night.

 

I know nothing about this stuff. All I know is that I wish it were more comfy at night.

 

One note: 1044 was waaaaaay noisier compared to 1047.Footsteps, all sorts of noise. I dunno if that's relevant to Century or not, but I just thought I'd mention it.

 

 

FOOD

*****

 

Overall it was marvelous.

 

Buffet was very good. The daily Indian food was stellar quality again, unlike Summit. The daily stir fry had authentic toppings unlike Summit. And judging by the long lines.....I wasn't the only one enjoying stir-fry daily. Most other dishes were hot, tasty, and fresh.

 

MDR was excellent. Perhaps one night we had an issue....and our waiter was DELIGHTED to handle it.

 

Portions are a tad small....but they are pleased to bring out seconds if asked. And I asked ;)

 

TARRAGON was our head waiter, ALPER his assistant. Both wonderful gentlemen who made dinner enjoyable. AMIR was the assistant Maitre'D and he was a gracious host. Again, a superior team vs Summit. (LOL...Alper is from Turkey. And while I'm no scholar, he was shocked when I asked him about current Turkish politics. The next morning at buffet....him and I actually had a lovely political discussion....I think I actually changed the guy's mind about something. Hey....when you're right, you're right:) Anyway..he's a hardworking, intelligent young man.

 

I meet people like this and feel small. I feel my beloved America is slowly institutionalizing the art of whining. Guys like ALPER...if he had the opportunities we have in America, would do very well for themselves.

 

 

ENTERTAINMENT

***************

 

Acrobats: Nice to watch, enjoyed it.

 

Singer Couple: Brits. I forget their name. Some people seemed to like it, but I wouldn't go back.

 

Pianist: Russian fellow, he was marvelous. And like my family he is an immigrant to the United States, and isn't ashamed to say that he lives in the Greatest Country in the World. (I know, I just said the eff-word according to some people. If only I could see your annoyed expression right now ;)

 

 

Comedian: I forget his name. Tall fellow who talks about his big family.

 

"Clean" isn't a must for me in comedy. "Funny" is. This guy was both clean and very hilarious. A great show.

 

 

SERVICE

*******

 

JUST GREAT. IT'S THE MERCURY SERVICE THAT got me in love with Celebrity.

 

KAROL the concierge: So responsive...amazing.

 

TATIANA: Gift shops: Went above and beyond.

 

SHELDON: Just a busboy in the buffet but when I asked directions...he actually escorted me to the destination.

 

GEORGE LIMA: Omelette Chef: Learned preferences quickly, and it was a pleasure to visit with him.

 

Here's a few tiny reason why I love Mercury:

 

*We get a call from front desk: Did your baby lose a stuffed zebra? No, we don't own one. "Ok, we'll keep calling guests with babies".

 

WOW....they're worried that some kid is without his toy.

 

*At buffet I ask for pepperoni pizza and the response is "we're out, but i'll put a new one in the oven....where are you sitting, I'll bring it to you" .

 

Whereas on Summit, basic things were missing, and staff weren't concerned.

 

CASINO

******

 

While I'm not an anti-smoking nut....I do love the non-smoking casino. The staff was great, the management so-so. For instance....they take roll-call(you have to sign up in advance) at every poker tournament, and start 20 minutes late every day.

 

On the last day I'm one minute late....the game had already started. Management didn't follow procedure so I lost out. The BAD news was that I was down $400 in blackjack. Sad that I missed poker....I decided one last hurrah at blackjack and mad back $400 in 2 hours.

 

 

GERM EPIPHANY

**************

 

I understand that people have to go to work. Fine.

 

But beyond that, I've ALWAYS quarantined myself when I've got a bad cold. I don't have the right to infect people at the grocery store, or fellow cruisers, or even a waitress at my local coffee shop. If DD is sick, we do NOT take her to her weekly music/gym classes. Of course, we always encounter very sick people be it on cruises, at restaurants, wherever.

 

At the start of this cruise a woman next to us in MDR was hacking hard. Sounded like a dog the whole cruise. On the last day....I felt symptoms and figured, screw it. I guess I'm wrong about quarantine. So I went out and about in the ship....buffet, MDR, you name it. Maybe someone caught it from me, maybe not. Not my worry anymore.

 

LOL we get home...and DW shows symptoms that day. NASTY cold for 6 days. Turns into sinus infection and bronchitis for both of us. Takes anti-biotics and 15 days to get better.

 

Oh well, no more missing out when we're sick. It's time to join others and just live life, I guess.

 

 

GUILTY PLEASURE

***************

 

At the omelette section....I'm listening to a lady semi-bark at the chef "GIMME ONIONS! PUT CHEESE ON THERE! PUT HAM ON THERE!" So right after her last word I quietly said to the chef: "Please!". He snickered, she glared. I felt like I cheated on DW :)

 

 

PROBLEMS

*********

 

Other than air conditioning: Only ONE: SALADS NEED TO BE COLD!

 

The salad bar is well stocked, but not cold. Barely cool. Ditto MDR...the salad should be cold. It's not a luxury as places like Olive Garden and Old Country Buffet do it.

 

Sad Mercury is leaving. Not just the cozy size of the ship.....but the 1st class crew that should be an example for others. It's also tough that X is leaving Baltimore altogether. I'm sure I'll sail X again......but I can guarantee I'll be trying other lines out also now.

 

 

Anyway...I join most CC'ers in bidding fond farewell to Mercury and her crew.

 

May the Force be with you guys and gals. Best wishes to the finest crew at sea, and may they come closer and finally achieve whatever it is that they aspire to in this world.

[BonnieVA]

I've been waiting & waiting to here a report from you. Haven't even read thru the whole thing but did see you liked Ashwin a lot. He's home now & could use some good news. Can't wait to tell him tomorrow how highly he was thought of !!!!

 

I have heard from another CCer who's onboard now that your main butler is currently the head butler. Not sure if that's true or not but she was told that by a cabin steward.

 

Sorry you were sick but glad you're well & back on the boards.

[BonnieVA]

Great review. Thanks for taking the time to write it up, even though there will be no more sailings :(.

 

Amazing how many pax do not use simple, kind words like "please" & "thank you" with the buffet crew. I know that MOST of us are considerate but I am saddened & embarassed when I am near someone in line & they are terse & unpleasant to the buffet staff. A smile as you approach the person goes a long way, too.

[c-legs]

Hi,

Thanks for your comments

So, you '' sampled'' Aashwin's calibre of service.....Lucky you !! We had the very good fortune of having him on MERCURY this past october ( full canal transit ) and he was s u p e r b . The epitomy of excellent service in the hotel / cruise industry....and not stuffy one little bit.

I hope he ''lands'' a higher position on one of the '' S '' class ships when he returns from his well deserved time-off ( he had told us he was really looking forward to go back home to his wife and two children ).

 

Glad you're feeling better. Must have worried you for your DD...kids do catch every single germ and nasties that float around, don't hey...! ( but do they ever bounce back quick !!!!!! )

Cheers

:)

[BonnieVA]

So, you '' sampled'' Aashwin's calibre of service.....Lucky you !! We had the very good fortune of having him on MERCURY this past october ( full canal transit ) and he was s u p e r b . The epitomy of excellent service in the hotel / cruise industry....and not stuffy one little bit.

I hope he ''lands'' a higher position on one of the '' S '' class ships when he returns from his well deserved time-off ( he had told us he was really looking forward to go back home to his wife and two children ).

 

Ashwin has been put on Century when he returns in mid-May but might go to a different ship.

[JEDIKNIGHT]

Hi Bonnie...

 

Glad you saw the review.

 

Thanks again for your help pre-cruise.

 

Yep, Ashwin was great and I'm glad you'll pass it along. I wrote his name on the comment card also.

[JEDIKNIGHT]

Thanks C-legs.

 

It's a special work ethic, a talent actually that butlers like Ashwin-Ram-Rikki have. (I'm sure there's others, these are the 3 I know)

 

They work very hard. They cater to unique request from guest that are at the very least discerning, at very worst demanding. Yet they anticipate someone's desires, they fulfill all requests.....and they do it in a way where it doesn't look like they are "working". They almost trick you into believing that they love doing it.

 

In my own small business, I've tried to instill that in my staff. And while my staff is great, I've not succeeded in doing this. And I bet my guys earn much more money than cruise staff.

 

Kudos to X's training, and kudos to the elite Butlers who know what it's all about.

[fernem]

I hope this isn't off thread but I want to express appreciation for the butlers on the Century as well. We have been lucky enough to spend two weeks with Challs from Goa and two weeks with Arles from Honduras and they made our sky suite experiences. They were wonderful and proactive, professional and friendly at the same time. They replaced lost sea pass cards, brought us lattes each morning, always smiling and thoughtful. They found out I was vegetarian and had special little crustless sandwiches made up for me at tea time. They made our two Century trips so much nicer. We are going on the Century end of April in another sky suite (up top, twelfth deck. Best cabin we have had.) for a two week Panama Canal crossing and look forward to another of Celebrity's very well trained and delightful butlers.

 

Fern

[c-legs]

Ashwin has been put on Century when he returns in mid-May but might go to a different ship.

 

Good ! That means he's spending the summer season up our way for the Alaska sailings...I'll do my darndest to get in touch with him and meet him on turnaround days, even it's only for a short coffee....

 

Cheers

C

[buffi001]

Jedi, You made me feel much better about my review of our butler.

I would certainly think he would put on his best face for guests in the

Penthouse Suite, but what you described was exactly what we observed...

the need for constant reminders, a negative attitude towards most questions/

requests, a scketchy record on following through etc.

 

I, too, am not a complainer. I began to doubt whether I was too hard on him

in my evaluation. Your review makes me feel a lot better about it and that

is was, at best, an average performance, but yet disappointing.....If I want to

be turned down, with a dose of attitude, I can count on my family....kidding!

 

I am glad that you had a nice cruise. We did too. A "special" butler could have

put our experience into the stratosphere. May the force be with you......

[Texed]

Mr. Knight,

Thanks for posting the review. :)

[kellybrennan99]

Well it’s nice to see that someone on a cruise also had an experience that was not all “rainbows and unicorns”. I get frustrated when people assume that I am either lying or insane when I admit that my cruise was not 100% perfect.

I was just on the Mercury for the 2/5/11 sailing in Concierge class in 1011 and I had a few issues with our steward and a faulty sauna bench that put my friend in the infirmary.

The food was wonderful and we had ALPER as our assistant waiter as well. He was a fantastic waiter and I enjoyed hearing all about Turkey and his life on the cruise ship. We chat on Facebook now that I am home and he is all settled and happy on the Solstice. I agree that a man of his character would do well in the US if given the chance and I wish him all the luck in the world.

The entertainment was better than I had expected and I enjoyed the comedian as well. I was worried that I would be watching the equivalent of a high school production of “Cats” every night and I was pleasantly surprised.

Overall, I had a wonderful time!!

[2SeaWithMe]

I think Alper and Danilo made our cruise!