Question:
i know celebrity is a 5* line and carnival is not. we have only cruised carnival (about 6 times) and have enjoyed each cruise.

however, i'm interested in a specific adults-only Celebrity Mercury cruise and are wondering how we'll find celebrity in comparison to carnival.

for instance, how does the food compare? the service? the shows? the pools?

Answer: Many think the DR food is the best in the mainstream category. I agree although Carnivals is very good. Carnival's entertainment, depending on the ship, is probably a tad better. Carnival has a very active cruise experience. Celebrity doesn't us the PA for hawking bingo, pool side games and the like. One position report daily at about noon. Usually you are greeted upon boarding with champagne and a white gloved steward to escort you to your cabin. No bottled water on the vanity for SALE but there is a carraffe of water for your pleasure. Upon reboarding from ports, hot and sweaty, you are given a chilled towel to cool you off. Sorbet is served pool side in the afternoons. Celebrity is just more refined and elegant with everyone following the dress standards. The vast majority do stay dressed for the evening. Celebrity is just more relaxed and the ship's decore is more understated elegance. No neon.

In the cabin: bed & pillows better, real glasses....not plastic and same for the water carafe and ice bucket with all on a metal tray on a doily. Not a big deal but just a bit classier. I use enough plastic at home. (grin) We also appreciate the bathrobes hanging in the closet for our use. I believe the towels are even a bit thicker. There are also more little "free" perks in the room. We sure enjoy using the coupons for the casino and when combined with the ones in the daily paper you can do a fair amount of gambling with no out of your pocket money.