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We just returned from the Mercury - 7 day cruise to Alaska (Sep 1/02). It was my first Celebrity Cruise. A lady on board told me she joined on the first day and it was her first cruise. She was invited to two cocktail parties! She said the $35.00 paid for itself before the cruise was over. We joined on the second to last day of the cruise. We got priority in disembarking and received temporary membership cards that day. I recommend doing it at the start of your cruise!