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The other side of the world! |
| Reviewed By: Collins, Sunbury on Thames on 27th Mar 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises |
Times cruised before: 10+ |
| Cruise Ship: Mercury |
Sailed:
February,
2008 |
| Destination: Australasia |
Age: 46-55 |
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We set off on our long journey to Australia on 9th February, spent 6 delightful nights in Sydney before boarding the Mercury for our 2 week cruise calling at Melboure, Tasmania, then across to the New Zealand Sounds, Dundedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Tauranga finishing up in Auckland for our return flight. The ship lived up totally to our expectations. It was berthed in Sydney harbour where we spent one night before leaving the next evening. We had a fantastic outlook to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. We went Concierge Class, so had champagne, fresh fruit and flowers waiting in our cabin which was quite compact but adequate. Our dining table was well situated by a large window and the service and food was superb - could not fault it at all. The entertainment was not as good as some other cruise lines we have been on, some was a bit high brow! Also often it was difficult to find something to do after the main show. The chocolate buffet and gala buffets were out of this world. All the crew were extremely polite and helpful. Although the ship is looking a bit tired, everywhere was clean. The spa facilities were excellent with lots of special offers to tempt you. The buffet was very well run, although sometimes was a bit difficult finding where everything was, but again the food and service was excellent. We took a couple of the ships tours - one being in Christchurch which included a train ride with a cream tea, lunch and a trip to a sheep station with afternoon tea - that was very good value for money. WE had the tips put on our bill which made settlement at the end much easier. The only thing we had to watch for was to make sure that we had put the correct info on our boarding paperwork to make sure that our US$ bill was put onto our credit card in US$ and not to let the Celebrity convert it into £s. (We had been caught out on a previous Royal Caribbean Cruise!) We would certainly not hesitate to go with Celebrity again and they are now up amongst our favourite cruise line.
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| Quality of Food |  |
| Had breakfast mainly in the buffet. On main sitting for dinner which was a little early at 6pm, ate mainly fish dishes for the 2 weeks as they were all excellent | | Entertainment |  |
| Most enjoyable was the comedian ventriloquist
Least enjoyable was a piano player! | | Shore Excursions | |
| Best - was trip in Christchurch train into mountains. | | Staff | |
| All the staff impressed me - in particular the dining room asst maitre'd | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
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| During the daytime there was plenty to do | | Cabins |  |
| Little bit smaller than we thought, but shower was good size! | | Overall Rating | |
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