Galaxy Med. 05/31/04 Never done X before

I have never cruised X before...We are booked for 2 families eachfamily with 2 boys ages 7-9...total of 8 people we booked 3 cat 2A rooms figuing one would be a 'play' room...We have done many RCCL cruises and the last one being Granduer Northern Europe July-August 12 night Owner's Suite (8502)...We are somewhat concerned that the children will be disappointed in the kids club...We were considering the Brilliance but the couple traveling with us wanted the Galaxy cruise (their first cruise)...While we know our way around RCCL we have no idea about Celebrity...We have 3 Vista veranda rooms any information would hepl...TIA!

You'll love Galaxy. We just sailed on her in late March for a repositioning from San Juan to Baltimore and had a wonderful time.

For a ship of her age, she is in remarkable condition and well maintained.

I took a lot of interior shots with a good camera that will give you an idea of what you are in store for:

[url="http://www.cruise-addicts.com/picturepost/view.php?uid=2192"]http://www.cruise-addicts.com/picturepost/view.php?uid=2192[/url]

If you have any further detailed questions, feel free to ask.

Gary Kulash
[url="http://www.badelephant.com"]www.badelephant.com[/url]

Carnival Holiday 8/02
NCL Majesty 1/03
NCL Norway 5/25/03
NCL Sea 7/03
Celebrity Galaxy 3/04
Celebrity Mercury 10/04
HAL Zuiderdam 12/04

How is the childrens' program we loved RCCL for that ...Do you know anything about that program?

Thanks for all the awesome pictures!

Unfortunately, we do not have any children so I can't really give a solid answer to that question from first hand experience.

However, while on the Galaxy trip recently I did see a handful of children (anywhere from 8ish to early teens) participating in the kids programs...they all seemed to be well entertained and having a great time.

I must say I was very impressed on Celebrity with how well behaved the kids were -- all of them...even the teenagers!

On a recent cruise with NCL in the summer of 2003, it was a disaster. Kids were running up and down the halls totally unsupervised, playing jokes on random people by knocking on their doors, leaving trash all over the place, etc. It was a real mess and downer on the trip [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif[/img]

I am assuming, as more of a mass market line, that RCCL has more kids-oriented programs...but again I am not an expert.

Anyone else here care to share first hand experience and enlighten us???

Gary Kulash
[url="http://www.badelephant.com"]www.badelephant.com[/url]

Carnival Holiday 8/02
NCL Majesty 1/03
NCL Norway 5/25/03
NCL Sea 7/03
Celebrity Galaxy 3/04
Celebrity Mercury 10/04
HAL Zuiderdam 12/04

We have sailed X about 7 times since our girls were 4 and 8. They are now 12 and 16. They have always enjoyed the Kids programming, especially when they were in the 4-12 year range. The teens tend to meet the first night, then do their own thing during the days and hook back up in the evenings. Most of the evening activities for the under 13 set occur after first seating, so if you have second seating, they will miss the evening programming. Also, on formal nights you can sign up for them to eat in the Kids' Club (free). After a certain time (11 pm, maybe) babysitting in the form of a pajama party is available for a charge. It's been a while since I've had a child young enough to attend, so I'm not sure what the cost is now. I think the kids in your group will have a fantastic time. We have sailed RCCL as well as X and I think the programing is very similiar.

BTW, We were also on the repo cruise in March and will be on the 5/21 sailing from Rome, so we will be getting off when you are boarding. Just a warning, I will be very jealous! We TRULY enjoyed this ship. Having been on 4 other X ships, I have to say that this was my very favorite. So happy to be sailing her again so soon.

Becky

Forgot to tell you that there is an arcade on this ship, as well. I saw several kids there as I walked past on the March cruise. If I remember correctly it was near Cova Cafe or the Casino.

Becky

Stockargus, we are also going on your cruise so welcome to the group. Have you checked in on the roll call yet?
It's at [url="http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=9243096327&m=8353042467&r=440107041#440107041"]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=9243096327&m=8353042467&r=440107041#440107041[/url]

Galaxy May 31st
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;5;31;19;0;00&timezone=GMT+0100[/img]

I would call my travel agent and ask them to check with the line about kids activities on the cruise. I wouldn't expect that there would be much of a program given that the number of kids cruising the Med is significantly less than the Caribbean. They might even be able to give you a idea of the number of kids on board.

Hi -just back from the galaxy 4 days ago.LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!We stayed in a cat 2 veranda on vista deck-cabin 9164.Loved the cabin,although the veranda is small.The children's program seemed to be well organized with many activities-especially in your children's age group.Did not take any kids so can't say first hand.This was my favorite of 9 cruises.If you have any other questions,I would be happy to try to answer them.Happy sailing!!!

Thank you for all your input!!!

I am very excited!!!!