Just returned from Galaxy - first Celebrity cruise

[CarolC]

Thanks to all for your helpful information which convinced us to try Celebrity after having cruised several other lines(including HAL, Princess and Crystal). We just returned from the Mediterranean. Initially, the itinerary was what appealed but when Turkish ports were cancelled, we decided to stay with this cruise even though more than half of the ports were repeats for us. Overall, our expectations were exceeded. Posters on this board are right on target with the pros and cons. We were in a Royal Suite and were pleased that the furniture was in better condition than previous cruisers found. The rug, however, had been stained frequently and cleaned infrequently! That aside, We thoroughly enjoyed this experience and the suite with separate bedroom a great benefit for a couple with one early riser who wants breakfast delivered and one who wants to sleep in with no breakfast.

 

We traveled with a group of 12 so the suite was great for entertaining bur we also spent many hours (and many calories!) together in various public areas. Having a group of friends obviously added to our enjoyment. WE were celebrating the marriage of one couple and my husband's birthday. Also, I did a greqt deal of planning and reading this and other travel boards, scheduling all of our own excursions with private tour guides or drivers. Several of the ship's excursions were cancelled, with no reason given so I was glad I had alternatives. We assumed the cancellations were from lack of participants.

 

Becaue most issues have been pretty thoroughly addressed previously, I will just summarize key observations. High marks go for suite accomodations, ship maintenance, food variety (while not gourmet, you never go hungry and sushi, pasta and ice cream bar were big hits), staff friendliness and attitude, no announcements in rooms, wine selection, spa/fitness center, casino staff, port scheduling and disembarkation procedures. A major positive was the relatively new internet lab and the exceptionally helpful staff. The internet costs are high, 75cents/ minute without a package; a 120 minute package reduced costs to 60 cents/min. However, the lab assisted you to download digital pictures and burn a CD for $15. The two internet areas and the lab were busy much of the time. One of our group took a series of 3 classes re digital photography and was very pleased.

 

From our group's perspective, lower marks are given for entertainment; for the new food and beverage manager's catering policy that hors d'oeurves for parties in suites should be purchased, even though all guests are obviously passengers (this has caused butlers great frustration and seems inconsistent with who/what Celebrity is trying to become); for customer service/guest relations response and communication; and for lack of informal dining alternatives (some nights, but not all nights, you had to make reservations for the informal Oasis dining area and were to do so by 5:30 p.m. Often, you don't know you want the alternative until you return from the ports.)

Incidentally, because there are so many posts about these two issues, I will note that in general the passengers observed the dress codes and looked festive on formal nights. I would guess 55 -60 % of men were in tux; women had on variety of evening attire. I would suggest to future cruisers not to over worry about this aspect - dark suit is fine if one doesn't want to take or rent a tux. For women, basic black with jewelry or scarves/ wraps go a long way. Secondly, we carried wine on board in several ports becaue we enjoy the local varieties and our guide in Rome recommended some very good Italian wines. We consumed most in our suite and paid corkage fee of $12 for what we took to dining room. No one ever questioned us or looked in any carryon. We made no effort to conceal it.

I have not addressed ports or our tours but would be glad to answer any specific questions. We had a wonderful day on the Amalfi coast (Naples) and in Santorini. We also spent 3 days in Rome with a tour to Tivoli. WE stayed at the Albergo del Senato, also thanks to other travelers' recommendations . The rooftop terrace was a highlight and started our trip off well.

Sorry if this is jumbled. I wanted to write it as soon as possible before I return to the real world

We would definitely cruise Celebrity and the Galaxy again. Many thanks to so many of you for contributing to a memorable experience. The honeymooners and the birthday boy felt very well celebrated! My friends were also amazed at my wealth of knowledge.

Carol

[camelia]

Wow Carol, thank you for posting such a positive review of your cruise! With just a few days to go before we board the Galaxy on this same itinerary, I was glad to read that your trip was so enjoyable. And thank you for addressing the "carrying wine on board" issue, it eases my mind to see that the policy is the same for Med cruises as it is in the Carribean.

Welcome back!

Camelia

[kayakfam]

Carol - I'm so glad you had a terrific cruise. We just booked the Galaxy Med for May 2005 for my mother-in-law's 80th birthday. They have (so far) reinstated Istanbul & Kusadasi. My e-mail is kayakfam@aol.com.

We want to do our own excursions, so would be VERY interested in websites or other info for Naples/Amalfi and Rome that you may have (when you have time - we are in no hurry, just excited about booking the cruise!) Thanks for the info on the hotel. We were on the Galaxy in April 1998. Did anyone in your party stay in a Family Oceanview cabin or other cabin in the back (aft) of the ship? We have booked this cabin for the extra room (and m-i-l has the verandah, so we can use hers). I'm just wondering if there is still a problem with "pod" vibrations? I know Celebrity/RCCL sued the manufacturers several years ago. I hope it is a "bit" better now - ha!

 

Camelia - can't wait to hear your review upon your return. Bon Voyage.

 

Debbie

[Florida Beach]

I've heard lots of nice thing about Celebrity. Since we are new to crusing, we are not "tied down" to any cruise line as yet. Looks like our next cruise will be with Celebrity

 

Thanks for sharing your experiences

 

March 28, 2004 - Mariner of the Seas

July 4, 2004 - Sapphire Princess - Alaska

[CarolC]

Debbie,

No, none of us were in a Family oceanview or other aft cabin so I can't comment on the vibration problem. I'll be glad to email you guide/ tour info as soon as I get my notes together.

Camilia, hope you have a wonderful trip.

Carol

[ocngypz]

From our group's perspective, lower marks are given for entertainment; for the new food and beverage manager's catering policy that hors d'oeurves for parties in suites should be purchased, even though all guests are obviously passengers (this has caused butlers great frustration and seems inconsistent with who/what Celebrity is trying to become);

 

 

Glad you enjoyed your trip.

 

Just an FYI, the "party platters" have been chargable since day one. The rates are listed in the blue leather binder. However, enterprising butlers have often gone down to the galley and helped themselves.. and not charged the pax in hopes their tips will improve. Unfortunately, this puts the galley staff at odds with their prep work, etc.. and causes problems down the galley line. Newer butlers just simplyput the order in.. and pax pay. It really has nothing to do with who the Food Manager is.. or isn't. They are supposed to be charged to the pax.. even in the Penthouse suite.

 

Nibbles.. such as pretzels.. and goldfish are complimentary for insuite parties.

[newcruiser99]

great review. we are off on the galaxy 8-12. we are a family of four with two boys 12 & 14. we are really looking forward to it. any help with excursions would be great.

 

thanks

 

Galaxy From Rome

[signman]

Carol, What other information can you give me on the digital photography classes that you mentioned. Is there a fee for these. Thanks.

 

Howard

[Stanley]

Carol, we are sailing on the Galaxy in July. You wrote, and I've seen on other posts, that you weren't happy with the customer relations/communications on the ship. Can you give me an example?

[Bobby400]

Carol-I'm on the Galaxy- Aug 23rd- Did you leave from Rome - and if you did- where did Celebrity check you in- at the pier or in Rome and then transfer you?

[nealberk]

Carol,

Great review. Fair and balanced which is what makes a review noteworthy. Good attention to details.

[kayakfam]

Carol - you have my e-mail. When you get a chance for any info, I would appreciate it - THANX. I printed out your review and gave it to my m-i-l.

 

Newcruiser99: Just booked Galaxy Rome for May 2005. Besides cruising with my 80 year old M-I-L, we will also have our 13 year old daughter. After your return, any insights on traveling with teens/tweens would be appreciated. My e-mail address is in my first post at the top. Are you in a family cabin? If so, I REALLY would like to know about the vibration problem. I "think" I read somewhere on this board that the problem had been mostly fixed. Have a GREAT cruise. I haven't been to Rome or Naples, but Athens and the Greek isles are wonderful (and Celebrity just re-added Istanbul & Kusadasi, but I don't think you are going there?). Make sure the kids DO NOT miss the donkey ride to the top in Santorini. So much fun!

 

Debbie

[excitedofharpenden]

Carol

 

Thanks for your review. I am glad you enjoyed the cruise and cabin 1038

 

Debbie, there are no "problems" with vibration on Galaxy. There have been issues with the pod propulsion systems on the M Class ships, for which Celebrity has filed a law suit with the manufacturers (yet to be resolved), but Galaxy does not have pods. You will notice some vibration when the aft thrusters are used in port, but otherwise I don't think you should worry. The most pronounced vibrations we noticed were in the dining room, but it is very localised. It depends where you sit. We never found it an issue.

 

Phil

 

Mercury Western Caribbean November 2002

Galaxy Eastern Caribbean November 2003

 

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Until Galaxy Panama Canal Out Of Galveston

13th November 2004

 

 

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[newcruiser99]

febbie,

 

will do. i will get a complete review from my teenager boys. we are all very excited.

 

less than 60 days to go.

 

Galaxy From Rome

[camelia]

Thank you Debbie and Carol!

 

Debbie: We booked our own private guide for Naples. He's taking us to Pompei and down the Amalfi coast with stops at Positano, Ravello, and so on. I will let you know how it was when we return. We had also booked a tour to Sicily which we had to cancel, but I don't think you'll be going there? Anyway, I really hope your Turkish ports of call won't be cancelled as ours were this year; Turkey is such a great country, I had the best traveling experience ever there just 6 years ago. If you have any questions I'll be glad to help if I can. But right now I just have to start packing!!! We're flying in just 4 days and being the procrastinator that I am, nothing is ready!

Talk (or write) to you soon!

Camelia

[CarolC]

Signman,

I don't believe there was a fee for the digital photography classes. My friend took a series of three - beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons on the use of Adobe Acrobat for pictures. The staff in the computer lab was very helpful on a one on one basis and the last couple of days the lab was packed with passengers downloading and editing pictures. They had as many as 4 staff with about 12 computer stations. This was apparently only the 3rd cruise this had been available.

Carol

[TabithaP]

My husband and I are on Galaxy 8/13 for our first cruise. We were curious if there was a place to download pics since we really don't want to bring our laptop. My question is did they have software available for a wide range of cameras? My guess would be yes but I would hate to get on board and find out they don't. We have an Olympus brand camera. I believe you can download the software from the internet for free. Did you have a problem or hear of problems?

 

Thanks and I'm glad you enjoyed your cruise. I really appreciate you sharing!

[Guest]

That was a good review Carol. I was on the same cruise with you and I can endorse your comments, right down to don't worry about dress and bringing on wine. My only exception to your review would be to your estimate of how many men wore Tuxes. At the first dinner seating I would say that most men were in dark suits, and only about a third were in formal clothes. I hope to get enough time to post my own review this weekend.

 

TabithaP: The computer center can download pictures to a standard disc. I am sure they can handle Olympus - or practically any camera -and the cost is $15. The people in the center are very helpful and obliging.

 

The sundry contemplation of my travels, which, by often rumination, wraps me in a most humorous sadness.

As You Like It, Act iv, Scene 1

[Macjaney]

Carol,

 

Thanks for your review. I have a few questions if you don't mind....

 

What was the weather like? We leave in two weeks and we expect it to be VERY warm.

 

How did you dress for shore excursions?

 

Is there easy access to ATM's on shore?

 

Thanks - I really appreciate the info.

 

Jane

until Galaxy

 

[kekoa3uk]

Carol.

 

Were there free shuttle buses provided in any of the ports on Galaxy?

 

Thanks.

[CarolC]

Macjaney,

Our weather was almost perfect: 70-75 during the day and cooling to low 60's in the evening.

The Greek Islands were warmer during the day but the temperature in Santorini at the top of the Caldera at sunset was very cool. The retaurant where we ate gave tablecloths to use as shawls for those in our group with no sweater!

We dressed casually for shore excursions with slacks/capris and shirts (some wore shorts outside the cities and it will be even warmer when you go). Skirts are actually cooler sometimes so I took a couple. Comfortable shoes are a must as you will be walking A LOT and will be on cobblestone a good bit.

Have a great trip!

 

 

I can't really address ATM's as I didn't use one but I saw them in Rome, of course.

[CarolC]

Stanley,

You asked about examples of lack of communication/ poor guest relations. Prior to leaving home i emailed two questions to customer service. I received an auto response that my question had been received and would be answered. Never heard back. Embarkation was to begin at noon and some of group arrived at the terminal early to enjoy the day, as did many others. Due to a problem with the water system, boarding was delayed. It was hot and crowded in the terminal. We arrived at 4p.m. to find our friends (honeymooners) still sitting there waiting for some information. We were suite holders and supposedly had priority embarkation. There was no information given to us as to why we weren't boarding (although apparently there was a flyer distributed earlier in the day saying boarding would begin at 3p.m. At 4p.m., still no info. I understand problems occur; however, there was an opportunity to inform and engage - one of our group thought of how to turn this into a party. Bring out the musicians who were already there prepared to play during boarding; at least give out waer, if not the champagne which was to be given during boarding. Instead, there seemed to be considerable disorganization and little communication. We finally boarded about 5p.m.

We soon forgot this inconvenience but we saw other such lapses in communication. Our itinerary had been changed from its original because of terrorist activity in Turkey. One of the replacement ports was Taormina, where we had been before. We did not make excursion arrangements because we knew we wanted to walk through the town. Our friends did schedule a tour of Taomina which was cancelled by Celebrity with no explanation. The port was changed from Taomina to Messina with no notice or explanation prior to boarding. What they did not tell us was that we were actually docking one hour away from Taormina. The concierge indicated taking a cab without prior arrangements was risky due to time constraints and expensive, and that she could not arrange one due to liabilty concerns. We learned later that others took a taxi and enjoyed a delightful trip.

I could give you more but as I indicated in my previous message, these incidents aside, we had a great trip. Our group went with the flow and while we noted the significant disconnect in this area compared to the positives and to the terrific attitude of the staff who were actually providing services, we opted to dwell on the positives. I mentioned it only because it seemed so consistent with what others had said and being aware may prevent disappointment.

[radgroup]

Hi Carol C,

What a great review!

We enjoyed our Med cruise on the Millennium 5-21 to 6-2-04, and thank goodness, we did not have any itineray changes. (I was concerned and had written Celebrity prior to cruising --and yes, I received the requisite auto email). I think as you stated, you get much more out of the entire experience if you "just go with the flow".

We had a blast! I love Celebrity!

After cruising Mercury to Alaska, we gave the "M" class ships a shot and you should too; just get a midship room, and believe me, there is NO NOISE AT ALL!

Wonderful!

[Stanley]

Carol,

 

Thanks for the explanation. If something like this happens to us then we won't take it personally. We don't expect everything to run smoothly and it's nice to know ahead of time what could go other than planned. I'm glad that you and your group still had a great time. We can pretty much go with the flow. Getting upset about things that that are out of your control just upsets you more.

[CarolC]

Thanks for the comments. As I indicated, even with the glitches, Celebrity exceeded our expectations. Some of this was because we had a larger cabin (RS). The regular rooms are smaller than some other premium lines, like HAL, Thanks, Radgroup, for the suggestion about trying an M class. We wondered about the comparison from those who had been on both classes and will check it out for our next cruise.

Kekoa3uk, yes there were shuttle buses in two ports, Rhodes and Mykonos. Also, in Santorini we tendered in. The shuttles ran on a regular basis (as soon as one bus or tender filled up, another was available). We always waited until the initial crowds had departed the ship, so we never had a problem and still had plenty of time to see what we wqnted, That's why we were so disappointed in Messina. There is really nothing to explore (with the exception of a unique clock) in Messina and the drive to Taormina was apparently lovely. I will write another post about some excursion experiences.

Carol