Michael Sullivan

Age: 36
Occupation: Healthcare Administration
Number of Cruises: First Cruise
Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises
Ship: Mercury
Sailing Date: October 10th, 2001
Itinerary: Hawaii to Mexico

Just came back from our 1st cruise. It was great. About 70% of passengers over 60 though. Staff was very accommodating when tips were on the line, however, some were pretty cold during breakfast and lunch.

Getting on the ship was slow but we expected that due to reviews we read. The Captain had us do the life boat drill at 11PM the 1st night and many people were very tired from traveling.

We arrived in Honolulu at 2PM and sailed out of port at 6Pm so it didn’t give much time to see the capital city. Other ports were great.

Ship was very clean. Our cabin steward was great. She didn't like the fact we kept our door to our veranda propped open with a table. I suggest you bring a door stop!

Entertainment was pretty good. The cruise entertainment staff worked really hard.

Food was great in dining room but lacked options in other food areas. Spa staff pretty weak.

Dining staff exceptional, and was most impressed with the guest relations folks. Our biggest surprise was the opportunity to attend Catholic Mass every day. Great idea and I applaud Celebrity for hiring a Priest to sail with them.

I learned good tips here about bringing your own (large coffee mug which saved many trips, joining Capt Club as soon as we boarded ship...)

I advise you to get clear info about departure. I didn't learn about ours until 3 weeks before the trip. We had to be out of our cabin by 5AM, got on a bus at 7AM in Mexico and brought to San Diego Airport at 11AM for a 3PM flight. Didn't make our ending too enjoyable.

Brought beer and rum on board as well as water and munchies. Saved a bundle.

Michael's Club is the best kept secret. Cigars are not selling well but the drinks in there are great. The room is open all day and cigars don't start until 5pm. Great place to read a book! Disco doesn't begin to hop until midnight and Casino was surprisingly quite. Martini Bar was a favorite of ours.

Don't bother going to bingo until the last night of the cruise. You could win a bundle. One woman made $4,500 on the last night - and it only takes 20 minutes.

Despite staff, spa was great. You don't have to spend money to use the gym, lockers, steam and sauna. Must pay for the thalassotherapy pool which I lived in.

Wished we could have stayed in a couple of ports longer but loved seeing all of Hawaii this way.

Overall it was a good experience and I recommend it.

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