Suzy - congratulations. IMHO you made a wise move to 1212.
To answer some of your other questions:
I wouldn't pre-tip if I were you. And you certainly do not need to tip your butler during the course of the cruise for things he will provide for you. Certainly not for bringing breakfast or extra pillows. Wait until the night before the end of your cruise. I think you and your husband will come to realize that the minimum recommended amounts are far too low, and will most likely want to increase it ....
There is no self-service laundry onboard Mercury. I keep the items I feel may need pressing on top of the suitcase (like my evening gowns for formal nights); then they're handy to give to the butler so they can be returned the next morning. Pressing costs are quite reasonable and well worth the charge. You can find a list of these charges on the Celebrity website (I think it's under FAQs). FYI it is prohibited to bring personal irons onboard ....
Regarding shore excursions - having been to Alaska last season (on Mercury!) I have taken these trips and found them all well worth the money:
Skagway: White Pass Railroad; Temsco helicopter ride w/ glacier landing
Ketchikan: Island Wings floatplane to Misty Fjords (with Michele as pilot, who owns IW)
Juneau: Capt. Larry's whale watching
Yes, they're pricey, but well worth the cost. Keep in mind that the people who run these tours are limited to a very short tourist season (May-Sept.); in the case of Michele at Island Wings - she owns her own planes (as does Capt. Larry with his boat) - but I can say that they give you value for your money (and what the hell - when will you get the chance to visit again?)
And if all this still hasn't convinced you, check out some photos of mine from the trip:
http://www.cruise-forums.com/gallery/view.php?id=1960
Let me know what you think .....
