celebrity-galaxy11

Note - this page contains multiple reviews.

Name: Art Lovelace
Email: art.lovelace@yale.edu
Age: 44
Occupation: Accountant
NumberOfCruises: 5
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Galaxy
SailingDate: 04-MAR-2000
Itinerary: SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN
Cabin: 4055
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 70
CabinAmenities: 80
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 70
CabinSteward: 70
ShoreExcVariety: 60
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 75
ShoreExcValue: 70
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 80
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 85
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 98
WheelchairAccess: 85
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 65
CruiseActivities: 65
Casino: 70
AirSeaProgram: 75
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 85
DeckSpace: 88
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 85
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 27 Mar 2000
Time: 09:40:01
Remote Name: net217-110.med.yale.edu
Remote User:

Comments

By far the best "entertainment package" we have ever experienced on a cruise. Top quality performers
and vaiety of entertainment both cruise line staff and professionals headlining. Food had attention to
presentation as well as variety and quality. Portions were ample and for the first time ever the wait staff
actually did not recommend an item or two during the week. If you selected the entree they did not
recommend they would also bring your second choice and have it ready for you if necessary. A nice
touch was the live band which performed during dinner.

Loved the fact that Galaxy does not make general announcements. The public address system was
used only for important information. Life boat drills had us gather in large public rooms and then
escorted out to the actual life boat stations. Much more organized than on other cruises we have taken.

Vibrations in back of ship, including dining areas, were SEVERE when entering and leaving port. DO
NOT GET a table at back of dining room if you are at early seating. You might want to ensure your cabin
is not at the rear of the ship either.

Non-Smoking side of ship was generally disregarded. If you were upset by others smoking in the non
smoking area, you generally had to point it out to a staff member and they would ask the other
individuals to cease or relocate to the smoking side.

Did not have a "ships photographer" in your face all day. They took enough photos for you to find one
or two you would like, if desired, but they were not ALWAYS AROUND snapping pictures.

Overall a very enjoyable cruise. Enough activities for the busy bodies with equal amounts of quiet for
those looking to get away from everyday rat race. Never had one staff member mention the importance
of giving them a good rating or the tipping program on board. Overall a step up in class and service
from other lines we have sailed on.

Name: Robert P. Sawicki
Email: rsawick@yahoo.com
Age: 52
Occupation: Attorney
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Galaxy
SailingDate: 03/04/00
Itinerary: Southern Caribbean
Cabin: 1090-inside
FoodDiningRoom: 100
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets: 85
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 95
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 100
LoungeService: 90
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 95
EntertShowLounge:
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram: 95
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 100
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 27 Mar 2000
Time: 20:16:55
Remote Name: user21.olm1.com
Remote User:

Comments

My wife and I booked the air-sea program with Celebrity. We took the Southern Caribbean cruise aboard
the Galaxy for seven days beginning on March 4, 2000. We previously had sailed aboard the Royal
Carribean Sovereign of the Seas, on a 4 day cruise to Nassau, Coco Cay and Key West. We were very
interested to see if the there was a significant difference in the service, food or other amenities now that
both lines are owned by the same umbrella corporation.

EMBARKATION

We arrived at the pier in San Juan at approximately 4:45PM Atlantic Time. (If you come to San Juan from
anywhere in the Eastern Time Zone, you lose an hour on your day of embarkation). The boarding
procedure was familiar, well-organized and painless. Get in line, move to the first available station,
board, and be escorted to your room. The whole business was accomplished in about 20 minutes. This
was comparable to the experience with RCCL.

We opted for an inside cabin on the 10th deck, and we had no regrets, even though we checked to see
if we could pay to upgrade to a balconied suite, (no dice, boat was fully booked). On the Sovereign of
the Seas we had an outside suite, but found that the view was obstructed by the lifeboats and we were
not in the room very much and when we were we were not looking out the window. The room aboard the
Galaxy was more spacious and had much more closet and drawer space. Of more importance, the
shower was roomy and had plenty of water pressure.

THE SHIP

A public room by public room review would be cumulative to other reviews. The ship is a beautiful
example of modern boats built for the cruise industry. From the understated elegance of the dining
areas to the casino, the ship just gleams. The teak decks are amazing, soft to the feet and reflecting the
warmth of the Caribbean sun. Whenever I feel tired this year I will wistfully reflect upon the chairs on the
6th deck and the pleasant naps I took each afternoon of the cruise. It is clean. The staff is vacuuming,
buffing and scrubbing every day.

FOOD

I like to eat and eat well. The celebrated Celebrity reputation did not disappoint. The food was uniformly
good. The dinners in the Orion restaurant were very good. The buffets in the Oasis Café were good.
Breakfast were good in both places. The chocolate desserts were to die for. Afternoon tea was nice.

Like to eat? You have found the right ship.

ENTERTAINMENT

The regular entertainment staff was fair. The lead male and female singers were particularly weak, but
why would anyone expect the regular staff to be particularly good? They were good enough. The
balance of the shows were quite good. A comedian who juggled and played the banjo. A singer with a
powerful voice with a penchant for Andrew Lloyd Weber tunes (which I think are vastly overrated).
Another comedian who had a uniquely female view of thing which my wife enjoyed more than I did.

The “Cirque de Galaxy” show was rather good. Dancing, gymnastics, singing and other skills are molded
into a performance that the entertainers attack with enthusiasm, and the result is worthy entertainment.

PORTS OF CALL

I will not dwell upon the ports of call. The Southern Caribbean route of the Galaxy includes stops at St.
Lucia, Barbados, Martinique, Antigua and St. Thomas. My understanding is that no Celebrity ship will
stop at Martinique in the future. This is a good idea. I will not say that the locals were unfriendly,
because my wife and I were not ashore long enough to tell. We went ashore and made for a park which
is right off the dock. Bummer! It was filthy with trash and broken glass throughout. A group of about 10
of what looked like thugs were drinking in the center. Another guy made us feel right at home by
urinating on a tree in plain view, just like home. Not!!

By 4:00 in the afternoon the Galaxy was so full of people that you would think we were still at sea.
Clearly we were not the only people who found this third world country less than charming.

But to be truthful I am hardly the person to judge ports of call. I like it aboard. I enjoy the peace and
other amenities which are available.

IRRITATIONS

No cruise is perfect, and I will mention a few of my complaints.

Smoking cigarettes and cigars is still allowed in far too many places. I do not care if people are drug
addicts and smoke, but why must it be done around me. The smoke is offensive.

The chairs in the Orion gave me a backache. I could not get through the five course dinner without
discomfort. I wonder if anyone else found the chairs to be without sufficient support.

The midnight buffets are non existent on some nights. Sorry, but having the wait staff carry around trays
of assorted tidbits does not cut it. Not that the tidbits are not good, but overall, I actually prefer the
buffets on the RCCL Sovereign of the Seas.

The pork ribs aboard the Galaxy were disappointing. I love good barbequed ribs, and every time they
were served I dug in, only to have my hopes dashed. Again, the Sovereign of the Seas had great ribs.

CONCLUSION

This was a wonderful cruise. The ship was terrific. The staff was terrific. The food, other than the
midnight offerings, was superior to the RCCL fare. The entertainment entertained. The casino was fun.
But then I felt the same way about our RCCL cruise. The stop at a private island such as Coco Cay
should not be missed.

Let me conclude by saying we will definitely cruise again. Perhaps a European itinerary will be our next
cruise. Perhaps we will be in the Caribbean again. I am ready for Hawaii! We will not hesitate to cruise
on either a Celebrity or a RCCL ship. Neither should you.

Happy sailing!

Name: Becky Eubank
Email: beubank@spacestar.net
Age: 49
Occupation: computer repair technician
NumberOfCruises: 6
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Galaxy
SailingDate: March 4, 2000
Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean
Cabin: 8125/8
FoodDiningRoom: 85
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 85
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 85
LoungeService: 90
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 85
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 85
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 88
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 01 Apr 2000
Time: 19:26:53
Remote Name: ts1-1.riverfalls.spacestar.net
Remote User:

Comments

This was my 6th cruise. The cruise lines I have traveled on were Costa, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity.
This was our third Celebrity cruise. The embarkation went very smoothly. Our cabin was very nice. It was
small but all the cruise lines have small cabins. Our cabin steward did an outstanding job keeping our
room clean. However there were signs of wear on the rug and a couple of stains. Everyone kept saying
how beautiful the ship was. I do not like modern so I couldn't share everyone's enthusiasm One of the
main reasons I like cruising is for the food. We had traveled on the Zenith 5 years before and had found
the food outstanding. The Galaxy left a little to be desired especially the evening meal. I really enjoy
fresh fish and almost all the fish tasted old.The salads offered for the evening meal were mundane.
Basically a green lettuce salad. No aspics or any interesting varieties of salad you might expect. The
deserts at the evening meal were not particularly glamorous and varied in taste. Some of them were
very tasty and some were bland. However, I found the desserts on the buffet and afternoon tea to be
outstanding. The coffee tasted like coffee made from concentrate. The espresso and cappuccino had to
be bought. The service we had for the evening meal was outstanding. My husband and I were seated
alone and everyone would come by and talk to us for a few minutes. Our waiters were very polite and
talkative. Our wine steward was charming and gave us some good recommendations for wine
understanding we did not want to spend a fortune on it. The maitre'd stopped by almost every night to
chat. If your booking a shore excursion, book early. We waited one day and found most of the ones we
wanted were booked up. The ones we did get on were great. In past times of cruising, finding a taxi to
take you around was cheaper and more enjoyable. Not anymore. Our first shore excursion was to the
Piton's in St. Lucia. We took a catamaran down and a bus back. The catamaran was fun filled with free
run punch and lots of group dancing. The lunch was authentic island food not just hamburgers and hot
dogs. There were many stops so you could buy souvenirs. Disembarkation went very smoothly and
quickly. Because the food was such a disappointment, my husband and I will probably try another cruise
line next time.

Name: Mary Ann & Mike Schmidt
Email: romarz@aol.com
Age: 37
Occupation: Stay at home Mom/IT Director
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Galaxy
SailingDate: April 12, 2000
Itinerary: 10 Day Southern Caribbean
Cabin: 9134
FoodDiningRoom: 89
CruiseDirector: 92
CabinComfort: 91
FoodRoomService: 80
CruiseStaff: 94
CabinAmenities: 93
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 99
CabinQuietness: 97
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 96
ShoreExcVariety: 92
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService: 87
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 95
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 95
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 97
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 95
CruiseActivities: 80
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram: 95
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 97
Stabilization: 91
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 97
OverallCruiseValue: 92
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 25 Apr 2000
Time: 20:23:05
Remote Name: spider-wm083.proxy.aol.com
Remote User:

Comments

We selected the Galaxy for our 15th anniversary celebration after doing extensive research using this and
other web sites. Overall, it was a great cruise and was basically everything we expected. We chose the air and
sea program due to the competiveness of the air cost and so we would not need to worry about baggage
handling from our origination point in Detroit or worry about getting to the ship if we had a major issue with our
flight. We had no issues (thankfully), though we did have to wait about 30 minutes at the airport in San Juan
before getting on a bus to the ship. Once delivered to the terminal, it took about 15 minutes to get inside the
terminal. We had just enough time to buy a few bottles of spirits before getting in line to check in, which was a
quick process. We highly recommend bringing your own spirits, as premium liquor drinks cost about $4.50
each. We had no problem bringing bottles and mixers aboard. Once we got to the room, a Category 2 in 9134
with a veranda, we were quite pleased with the cleanliness and comforts. Having a veranda, like many others
have said before us, was well worth the exra cost, as we spent many hours on it enjoying the sites at the ports
and viewing sunsets and sunrises on those days we could see them. It was very private, yet we could also
lean over the rail and converse with our friendly neighbors and compare notes about our island experiences.
There was plenty of room to store all of our 10 days of clothing and stuff. The safe was a great feature. While
we heard others complain about the noise and vibration (they were in the back of the ship), our cabin was
very quiet. We suggest trying to get as close to the center of the ship as you can. We had excellent and
prompt cabin service, though the first day or two it seemed to take too long for the operator to answer the
phone when we needed to order pizza or more ice. We always asked for a large bucket, as the small bucket
they supply is good for about one drink apiece. The food on the ship was good to excellent depending on the
day. The the fish varieties and taste were excellent, while the beef selections were hit and miss. The soups
were really good, the salads fair, the appetizers usually very good with good variety. I loved the desserts, and
often ordered two, much to the chagrin of my wife! The food presentation was beautiful, and the service by
Diego, our waiter, and Deniz, our assistant waiter, was outstanding. We did think they could have used a little
more help with someone to get our drink orders, as usually we ended up waiting too long to get the before
dinner drink. The drink server seemed to have too many tables for one person. The wine steward was really
good and friendly, not pushy, yet helpful. The breakfast lunch buffets were very good, though when we
ordered room service for breakfast, the eggs and meats were usually not hot by the time they arrived.
Because of this, when we wanted hot food in the morning, we went to the buffet. I was hoping for lobster more
often, but we only got in on the last formal night (I ordered two like many others). Since we had the late
seating, we usually ordered room service pizza around 5 pm, which always came quickly and almost always
hot. We loved the pizza! We knew going into the cruise that the entertainment is not a forte of the Galaxy, and
what little we did try, was nothing to shout about. The Cirque du Galaxy show at the end of the cruise was
really good and a not to miss event. Much of the entertainment seemed to be geared to the over 55 folks
(which there were many). The casino was good but our luck was not - we saw a few people hit decent slot
jackpots. We did lots of research to prepare for visits to each of the ports. Here is what we did and what we
thought: Aruba: Taxied to the airport and rented a car with an automatic and air and Economy Car Rental - no
issues. Drove to DePalm Island (you have to take a 5 minute ferry to get there). We had to wait to get on the
ferry, as the first trip does not start until 10 am. The island was decent, the snorkeling pretty good, but that
day it was really windy, so you got tossed around a bit. We went to Charlies Bar for lunch - interesting place,
great giant shrimp, but kind of pricey. The southern end of the island is not pretty. The beaches on the north
west side are super, and watching the windsurfers was cool. A visit to the lighthouse was no big shakes.
Curacao: Taxied to Jan Thiel Bay to snorkel. It was rather dirty and the best snorkeling area was too
dangerous to go to due to the strong winds. We heard others really like the Underwater Museum and wish we
had done that instead. In the afternoon we shopped in Willemstad which was fairly good. Leaving port was fun
with many well-wishers waving goodbye! St. Lucia: Did the Land and Sea excursion. It was very good (tour
guide was excellent), but be prepared for lots of twists and turns on the drive. Our tablemates rented a car
and it was an awful experience for them! Do not rent a car here! Barbados: Paid for a private taxi tour around
the island - very enjoyable. Visted Harrisons cave - if you have been to others caves, skip it - we should have.
If you must go, book in advance, as there were tons of people their and you could wait some time to take it.
The Flower Forest was really good. Make sure to visit Cherry Tree Hill - awesome view! Snorkeling at
Folkstone in the afternoon was decent but nothing special. Martinique: Took the ferry over to Point du Bout
and to the beaches close by. They were crowded and the snorkeling again was nothing that great again. A trip
to the Rainforest we heard was really good. Antigua: Did a taxi tour which was very good. A visit to Nelson
Dockyard was nothing too special. The view from Shirley Heights, though, was spectacular. St. Thomas & St.
John: Took the ferry to St. John and got a great tour by some family members that were vacationing there.
What a scenic island! We snorkeled and swam at Hawksnest beach, which was great. The water was really
clear and many fish and coral. Be sure to buy your booze in St. Thomas - great prices! Puerto Rico: Did the El
Yunque Rainforest tour and a good value for $25, as it gets you off the ship sooner than most other
passengers. It was delightful.

Disembarking was kind of stressful in that you had to find your luggage and actually take it through customs
yourself. Find a baggage handler - its worth the tip cost!

In summary, great cruise, lots of places and things to do. We would love to go again, and would pick Celebrity
again if we could get a similar cabin location.

Name: Richard Heeseler
Email: rcheeseler@cs.com
Age: 54
Occupation: banker
NumberOfCruises: 5
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Galaxy
SailingDate: 4/12/00
Itinerary: Deep Caribbean
Cabin: 8133
FoodDiningRoom: 88
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 92
CruiseStaff: 80
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 89
DiningRoomService: 92
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets: 80
CabinSteward: 94
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 80
LoungeService: 80
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 85
BeautySalonStaff: 90
EntertainmentLounges: 80
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon: 85
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 75
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 85
DeckSpace: 85
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 85
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 27 Apr 2000
Time: 05:10:47
Remote Name: spider-tj013.proxy.aol.com
Remote User:

Comments

As a matter of reference, this was our 5th Caribbean cruise, but the first on Celebrity (others were 2 Princess
and 2 Norwegian). My wife and I chose this sailing because of its date, length (10 days), itinerary, and
Celebrity’s reputation for fine cuisine. We noticed that it was a one-of-a-kind itinerary and found out later that
the ship was chartered to a French company for the previous 6 weeks and this was an open segment before
repositioning through the Canal for the Alaskan season. In fact, there were 300-400 left over French
passengers aboard from San Juan to Martinique (typically rude or uncommunicative with the rest of the
passengers). Our overall impression of the Galaxy and Celebrity Cruises is mixed. Some things were great
and some disappointed us. Of course this didn’t stop us from having a good time. I guess that after several
cruises, you come to expect certain things and their absence may be frustrating. Taken as a whole, we would
rate the Galaxy/Celebrity as somewhat stuffy and perhaps pretentious. So, now some comments about
specific aspects of the cruise. The Ship: The vessel is beautiful and scrupulously clean. The cabins (at least
ours on deck 8) are reasonably spacious with plenty of storage.

The bathroom is well designed. The public
rooms are very attractive – specifically the Orion dining room and the theatre. Having Michael’s Pub with fine
cigars is a nice touch (although it should be open earlier than its scheduled 5 PM). Cuisine: With all of the
hype about the superior food aboard Galaxy, our expectations were very high. Perhaps too high because the
food was not exceptional or 5 star as they like to advertise. Their celebrated chef seems to think that making
better food means not preparing any dish in a traditional way. There were many examples of this, but a couple
come to mind. Onion soup was once served creamy (?) and once clear (as in French onion) but without the
cheese. The Fettuccini Alfredo was never served as it was created. Once it had tomato chunks and another
time chicken. We also got the impression that the acquisition of Celebrity by Royal Caribbean has
necessitated a cost cutting program, especially in the dining room. For example, there is no pasta course.
Pasta was offered twice as a tiny appetizer and two or three times as an entrée. There were nights when no
pasta was available. No expresso or cappuccino is offered in the dining room with dinner. The waiter will get it
for you, but you will be charged for it ($2.75 I think). That’s just cheap! The other two lines we’ve taken offer
these as a normal part of the menu. The same can be said for caviar.

On the other lines, caviar was always
offered (albeit a small portion) as an appetizer once during the cruise. None was offered with dinner on the
Galaxy. You could get it at the champagne and caviar bar, at premium prices. Another disappointment was
tableside cooking. Citing fire concerns, there are no dishes prepared at tableside. This eliminated steak
Diane, cherries jubilee and crepe suzettes. Strangely, one evening after we had had dessert and coffee, our
waiter asked if we wanted crepe suzettes. Our maitre’d overheard me comment about the late timing of the
offer and chimed in to say that since they were made in the kitchen over an hour earlier, they were not good
anyway. Although obviously not a dish requiring cooking, Caesar salad was not made at the table either. On
the positive side, the prime rib (sadly served the same night as lobster tail – on purpose to reduce cost?) was
excellent, as was a Wellington-style loin of lamb (although even that was served with a spinach coating rather
than pate). Waiters: The serving staff was pleasant and efficient. While none seemed extraordinary, they were
friendly and accommodating.

Cabin Steward or Stewardess: They were very efficient and thorough. Unless
you needed them, you rarely saw them. They brought room service requests very quickly. Cruise staff: While
they were friendly, they were very inconspicuous. As opposed to other lines where the staff is always out and
about, greeting and encouraging merry-making, this staff was very reserved. They would have added to the
experience if they were more animated and involved with the passengers. Excursions: Nothing was special in
the nature or price of the offerings. However, the staff was largely absent when it came to physically directing
folks to their tours. Often there was a large mob scene just beyond the gangway. Only once or twice was there
a staff member with a sign directing passengers to a gathering point. Overall, the tour process lacked
organization. As far as the islands themselves go, they were delightful, from Aruba’s stark desert conditions
with cacti to St. Lucia’s tropical lushness.

A word of caution about Martinique: the green park in Fort du
France that sits next to the downtown area and hosts a mini-flea market is an open drug marketplace (sellers
and users). Our guide excused the behavior citing 30% unemployment and a very generous welfare system
(Martinique is part of France). Consequently, although the park is pretty, I would stick to the flea market
corner only. Spa: The facilities and diversity of the offerings were superior. Clearly, a great deal of effort has
been spent on the spa. Unfortunately, this comes at a price. Part of my cruise experience is always having a
massage (I know – decadent). On other lines, the price is about $60-$65 for a full hour. On the Galaxy it costs
$99. The quality was no better or worse. Considering that Celebrity uses the same spa sub-contractor as the
other lines, I think the price was excessive. Information/Announcements: In addition to the daily “newspaper”
with onboard activities, sales, excursions, etc. most cruise lines will announce each activity over the PA
system. For example, you will hear, “good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, the Jackpot Bingo sessions is
scheduled to begin in 15 minutes at 4 PM. Have a great afternoon.” The Galaxy staff indicated that they got
complaints about such announcements and discontinued them. This makes it difficult to know what’s
happening unless you carry the daily activities sheet with you (in a bathing suit?). In one sense I’m surprised
that prior passengers were disturbed by the announcements. There were very few activities planned.

Comparing at-sea activities schedules from Princess, Norwegian and Celebrity, the latter is very thin. Many of
their entries include what I call non-activity items such as “4:00 - enjoy a private game of bridge with your
friends in the card room”. Port Director: Everyone knows that the cruise lines get a kickback or accept a fee
for promoting specific shops in port. That is a fact of life and may actually carry a benefit in terms of
guaranteed service, quality, etc. However, many port directors provide additional advice about cab costs,
exchange rates, off the beaten path sights, low priced restaurants, hazards, etc. The Port Director aboard
Galaxy provided no value-added advice. In fact, she virtually read the text that was contained in each
island-specific shopping guide. Attending her sessions was a waste of time. Stage Shows: These tended to be
very high-brow. There was a classical pianist (popular tunes played as well), a classical multi-instrumentalist
(their phrase) who played the tenor sax, the oboe, and the violin (not simultaneously), an “American” tenor
(read Italian lounge singer - trite), a guitar player (very weak), and a comic (excellent). The production shows
were very well done with energetic dancers and accomplished singers. The highlight of the ten days was an a
cappella group called the High Cs. Generally, they roamed the ship between dinner and the regular show or
sometimes after the show, singing 50’s tunes. They did their own show (unfortunately 30 minutes only) once
and joined a medley show on the last night. They were excellent. We believe that the character of most of the
acts made an impact on attendance at the shows. Some nights there were as few as 100 souls in the theatre.
It must have been embarrassing for the entertainers. On a good night there might be 300 people. (We
frequented the balcony, so I actually counted the house a few times.) Frequent Cruiser Club: Every line offers
discounts on future cruises through membership in their club. Every line’s club is free; except Celebrity. Theirs
costs $35.

Name: maredith schroeder
Email: amare111@aol.com
Age: 30
Occupation: homemaker
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Celebrity-Galaxy
SailingDate: 4/22/00
Itinerary: Panama canal
Cabin: 1210/ Sky Suite
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 98
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 98
FoodMidnightBuffets: 85
CabinSteward: 98
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 100
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon: 95
CasinoStaff: 95
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 95
LoungeService:
TenderService: 100
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess: 95
ExerciseFacilities: 95
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 100
CruiseActivities: 100
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram: 90
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 100
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 17 May 2000
Time: 02:13:04
Remote Name: phn2a020-0002.splitrock.net
Remote User:

Comments

May 16, 2000

The Galaxy is a beautiful ship. Very tasteful and well appointed. We had reserved a category 1-suite but
was upgraded to a Sky Suite (Cabin 1201) which was nice and had all the perks of being in a suite like
priority embarkation (bypassed a long waiting period) and was ushered to our room by tuxedoed, white
gloved, steward upon arriving the port. We used the ships airfare package because we coudn't beat the
price and believe me, I tried and looked everywhere. But it took us exactly an hour from the airport, to
the bus, to the port, and finally to our cabin to get checked in. It had plenty of room for storage and I
pack light and utilized the ships laundry and dry cleaning. The bad thing is, the turn around time is
usually two days for laundry unless you want to pay extra for next day service. They really should have
self laundry facilities. The room we had was georgeous with a very big balcony. We spent more time in
this room because it was so comfortable. The bathroom was marble and had a whirlpool tub. Bring
clothespins and laundry detergent for those small items that can be dripped dried. Because we were
going to be in this room for a couple of weeks I tried to add personal touches like pictures of Nicole (our
daughter) and my parents, my favorite chenille blanket that I took wherever I felt cold because the
air-conditioning is set high, and scented candles to burn. Our butler- Patrick- made sure we had fresh
fruit every day and laid out formal tea every night. We really made our stay special. Our stewardess was
from Switzerland- Celestyne, and Ivan,her assistant, always had our room looking clean and refreshed.
(On our second night home, Kevin was having cruise withdrawals so I laid out his bed and pajamas and
placed a chocolate on his pillow. Ha/ha)

Anyway, Kevin and I, Maredith, are in our early 30’s and have been married for four years. We went on
this cruise because our neighbors who planned this route through the Panama backed out because they
had household priorities. Kevin and I are very strong believers in taking meaningful vacations so
travelling is a important to us. Life is too short, wouldn’t you all agree? We went on April 22nd for two
weeks and we went to San Juan, Puerto Rico for the first day, St Thomas, Virgin Islands, Aruba, Costa
Rica, Columbia, cruised through the Panama Canal, Acapulco and Cabo San Lucas!

We went with a friend of ours- Andy, 36, and two 16-year old, teenage boys. I can tell you that we
weredefinitely of the younger group on the ship. Most the passengers were in their 60’s. In fact, Andy’s
plane did not arrive until 7PM on the day of departure in San Juan and he and the boys had to help
people in their wheelchairs and walkers. (What a guy!) I had an idea that there were going to be alot of
older people because, lets face it, not many people can take off for two weeks from their jobs. Alot of
people ask us if two weeks was too long on a ship and I would have to tell them, absolutely not! We met
so many wonderful people and countless of new friends. The boys met a couple of teenage girls their
age and spent alot of time just hanging around wherever there was an organized event going on by the
entertainment crew. (I did not think they had a teen program going on because there were very few
teenagers aboard.) I know that despite this, the boys had a great time experiencing and meeting people
they would never have given a thought to before and now admire and respect. We will definitely be
taking Nicole with us on our next cruise.

Kevin and Andy went to Michael’s, the Cigar Room, a few nights. It was fairly empty during the first week
, but more people seemed to occupy the place on the second week. I think that room is beautiful. I also
thought the stratosphere lounge was beautiful but everytime we went it was empty. Even when there was
a DJ there. We were told that it usually picked up after 11PM. I read alot and the library was too small
but had great books on the destinations and ports so if you want info...go there. The card room was
always busy. Kevin plays craps at Vegas but on the ship, there were no good nights. He played only four
nights and with not very good luck so enjoy your money in the gift shops instead.

We opted for main seating so we can take advantage of Midnight buffets too- you know, to give our
stomachs a rest in between. Ha/ha.- and a table of 10. We had the best table (table 501) and our
dinnermates were so fun and we became typical cruise friends. WE read so much about the strong
vibration at departures during main seating that lo and behold! Our table was the infamous table shaker!
I was a little concerned that the vibration would be annoying during dinner but you could not have a
better view anywhere else in the restaurant and it was only bad on the very first night and every other
night was not bad or at all distracting. It was located at the very back bottom level with this fantastic
picture window and had the BEST waiter- Alaadiin, from Turkey, and his assistant- Richard from Poland
who was so hardworking and had a dry sense of humor that took some of our table mates a little getting
used to but he was wonderful nevertheless! I requested steamed rice for every meal and he
accommodated my request every night! Kevin asked for mashed potatoes every night and he too got
that request filled! We took advantage of the main lunch meals too because we figured we can eat buffet
style anytime we want to at home but it’s not everytime you can eat a five-six course meal for lunch. We
had main seating breakfast on two mornings and we wish we could’ve took advantage of more because
Kevin says he had the best eggs benedict and French toast ever! Because we were in a suite, we took
advantage of full course breakfasts in our room on the days we were in port so we could get up and get
off the ship early. In fact, we used Patrick, the Butler, as our wake up call when he’d bring in breakfast.
Andy arranged scuba diving on his own over the internet at every port so he had to get off the ship
early. (There were no scuba diving excursions offered by the ship). We were a little disappointed by the
Midnight Buffets but the Grande Buffet was stunning! The ice sculptures, fruit decorations and desserts
were too pretty to eat! I could only gaze. I know that one of the teenage boys went and ate at every
midnight buffet! Now that is admirable! Our bar bill was expected because Kevin and Andy were known
by all the bartenders and waiters. It’s a sad thing when after the third day Kevin and Andy didn’t even
need to show their cards most time because the waiters knew which rooms to charge their drinks to.
Bailey, Ivan, Eton, and all others- Kevin and Andy misses you guys.

I enjoyed days out on sea and there were many activities to do on board. Kevin and I both agree that
thisship had more to do and see than when we were on the Royal Caribbean. We played Bingo, watched
movies in their theater, saw every show, played deck volleyball, pool volleyball, darts, ping pong, the
simulated golf course, and organized trivia and games. I used the spa and the thassalotherapy pool
which was so relaxing. (The Thassalotherapy pool is free to suite guests but not very many persons took
advantage of it. I personally dont think it is worth the $18.00 daily fee.) The entertainment group was fun
and friendly and Todd Ferguson, Entertainment Director, was easy to find and available almost
everytime there was something going on. I want it known that Kevin and I are the shuffle board
tournament champions. We have never played shuffle board in our lives so it was a surprise. Most of the
evening entertainment was excellent. Hi-C’s, the Xtasea provided great music. Mario D’Andrea
(comedian and Guitarist) was so good and friendly when we met him several times throughout the ship,
Noodles Levenstein(comedian), David Lucas (comedian, juggler), and Jack Freedman (Pianist and
Comedian) were all so much fun to watch. Friends that attended the finance lectures by Donald Kuehne
and , the handwriting analyst, Jean Weemboff said they were very good and informative that I wished I
had attended. Andy bought two paintings at the art auction that were a great price and the frames
themselves were a steal! I also heardthat the guitarist, Johnathon, who played in the Stratosphere, was
very good.

This being our second cruise, we were a little bit more adventurous this time around and took only two
excursions off the ship-@ Aruba and St. Thomas- and did our own things at the other different ports.

Our favorite place was Costa Rica where we went to a rain forest and saw wild monkeys, very
poisonoussnakes, frogs, crocodiles, ocelots, and gorgeous birds! It was absolutely beautiful! There were
five of us and we hired a guide and driver for $200.00 right off the pier for the whole day and he was
fantastic! He even took us to a small butterfly farm, a great secluded resort and lookout point, and we
had lunch at this amazing beach! there were big iguanas all over the place! Our friend got too close to
one and got bit by one so be careful.

Aruba was also pretty and we went on a jeep safari there. We’ve been on a jeep safari at many
othercities and although it wasn’t as good as the one we did in PuertoVallarta we still had a great time
and saw most of the island that way.

At St Thomas we went shopping in the morning and was able to call home using our cell phone! (we
were excited about this because the ship rates were $10.00 a minute! In the afternoon we went on a
kayaking expedition that was nice...We went through mangroves towards the ocean and did some great
snorkeling there. It was a little pricey and not as long as we would have liked.

Columbia was scary...I don’t think we would go there again. The place was beautiful but so dirty and
poor. There were street vendors all over the place and beggars. Saw one of the cruise passengers get
accosted by the police but he did get back on the ship after being searched and detained. Take my
advice and stay on the boat.

Acapulco was interesting. Kevin and I really ventured into the country by our selves and was given a
private boat ride and tour to Acu-Zoo (The only zoo in the world on an island.) Actually, after taking a
scary ride in a taxi to a small town called Caletta where no one spoke English, we hired a boat taxi to this
little island called Marrietta and got to this island to find out that the zoo was closed that day- Tuesday.
Luckily we found someone that spoke English and he got the curator of the zoo to allow us to go in for
awhole 4 pesos (which is like 50 cents) and Kevin and I literally had the whole zoo to ourselves, but
when Kevin had to go the bathroom he had to pay 5 pesos to use the restroom! Ha/ha! I cannot tell you
how nice the people were! I want to note that the whole time we were away from the ship in Acapulco
Kevin was such a scardy cat. He thought that someone was going to take advantage of us while I was
quite comfortable putzing around. I would highly recommend our little venture but it would have been
nice to have had someone with us that spoke Spanish. We got back in time for lunch on the ship so we
took advantage of “free food” and met new friends off the boat and went walking on the strip and ended
upeating again at a restaurant right on the beach just a few short blocks from pier.

We had no idea that Cabo San Lucas was that beautiful! We were planning on going on a horseback
riding beach tour but once we got off the tender boat we so pleasantly surprised by how clean and pretty
it was that we did some major shopping there, ate at the Shrimp Factory (Yummy, and reasonably
priced)and took a boat taxi out to Lands End and Los Arcos Beach which is absolutely georgeous. I
have never seen as may fish and coral as I did on there! We would definitely go there again.

Kevin was so excited about the transiting the canal on that he took two rolls of film! We had a sky suite
so we were able to see everything right off our balcony but found out that the best view is of the canal is
on Deck 6 were you can literally reach out and touch the side of the walls during the lock transits. It was
awesome! We would definitely do another Panama Canal cruise. We really lucked out that during
dinner-we were going through the last lock (Mira Flores) and saw it all through the window right behind
us. Our table had the greatest view and we were joking around that we would charge a fee to allow other
diners a better view.

Would I recommend this cruise to people our age- ‘You will be surprised how many older people
willoutlast you!’

Would we go on the Galaxy again-’You Bet!’

Would we do the Panama Canal again- ‘Very Definately!’

Back to Celebrity Galaxy