Celebrity Cruise Lines
Celebrity Galaxy Cruise Review
Western Mediterranean

Michael Agus

T
I have just returned from the above cruise and think it is important to set the record straight relative to a number of very negative reviews on this ship I read on various chat lines prior to sailing.

Those who wrote negative reviews on everything from shoddy furnishings to poor food and service, were I can assure you, on a different ship than me! Maybe they live in a different Galaxy!

Is the ship sparkling new and shiny – No. But neither is it shoddy. There are a few signs of wear on some of the chairs and the odd stain on a carpet but even our homes show a little wear and tear and this ship has 2000 passengers every week. The ship is bright, nicely decorated throughout and certainly where there may be a little wear it is nothing to detract from an otherwise wonderful cruise vacation.

The service and food in the main dining room were extremely good. The menu was varied and had lots of options no matter what your tastes may be. The buffet on the 11th deck was perfectly adequate – I personally don’t care for buffet’s where you stand in line and then try to find a table before your food gets cold but lots of people use the buffet particularly for breakfast and lunch. The Dining Room was colorful and warm – but it’s often your dining companions that make the difference and in my case they were wonderful. We have probably made some long-term friends from this experience.

The stateroom an ocean view on the 8th Deck was nicely decorated and the beds were comfortable. At about 180 sq ft it’s a nice size and the bathroom shower is large and the small step prevents water flooding the bathroom floor as it has on some other cruises.

Unlike its sister ship the Mercury – the staff on this ship managed embarkation both on joining the ship and at the various ports of call in an outstanding manner. They were organized and rarely did you wait long to join your tour with no great congestion we experienced on the Mercury in San Diego in 2005.

I think it true to say that getting on and off a cruise ship in Europe is a far more happy experience than in US Ports. It was a pleasure to fly into Rome and pass through their customs and immigration in a little less than 8 minutes. Similarly on leaving the ship it took only 5 minutes to pick up the luggage, exit the terminal and get to our transportation.

Incidentally, while I was a little concerned about the Istanbul stop due to recent terrorist attacks – I found it an interesting city and one in which I felt extremely safe. Indeed we hired a local guide, traveled on public rail and trams, ate in the evening at a typical Turkish local restaurant with our guide and visited a couple of very enjoyable bars. This is an Islamic nation but one which is tolerant and liberal. I found the people no different than us – they want to live in peace and prosperity.

I understand that Galaxy is going in for a refurbishing in 2007 and that will enhance an already great experience. If you are thinking of a cruise on this ship, ignore the negative comments – some people you will never please and I know you will have a wonderful cruising experience.