Review: Galaxy Panama 2/14/05 - Long

[idssms]

You can use the T pool in a SS.

 

All suites have a platinum shipboard card now. Just show the card to the Spa Desk attendent and they will let you use the pool.

 

They dont actually check the card in the computer to see your cabin number, they just want to make sure that the card is a suite type platinum card.

 

If you paid for the T pool in a sky suite, Celebrity owes you $99.

 

idssms

[brentp]

brentp:

Enjoyed your review-It was a great cruise, wasn't it. I may have to rank it as tops of the ones we've taken. The 12 days was just right (if you have to eventually get off, of course) and the itinerary a good mix of relaxing sea days and port calls. Sharon and I really enjoyed meeting you and wife, and also Jeffe and his better half.

 

Yes it was a great cruise! We would rank it up there near the top of our list too. Unfortunately, . . . life is starting to get back to normal here and I now realized I am going to have to work a little harder this spring to shed the extra pounds I picked up this winter (mostly from the Orion I'm sure). I never would have guessed that a couple of extra entrees the last few nights or an extra desserts here or there would add up that quick :) Ok - I really did know, . . . but they tasted so darn good!

 

It really was nice meeting up with the 2 of you. We hope you have a wonderful trip this spring. If your plans get you close to Nashua, NH, . . . please try to get in touch. EMAIL: brentp_at_roadfly_dot_com.

[Maryr1]

Videogirl-we had 1047 PS and 1051 SS. The fold out bed was in 1047(that was broken). These cabins connected with a door. Sorry for the confusion!

[emccully]

This is free of charge for suite passengers. I was on this cruise and used it a number of times for free. Erik

[Debi_D]

Thanks for a great review, we are looking forward to it this fall. Last time when we were on the Infinity all we had to do to use the TPool was show our Platinum Card and we went in free and we were in a SS.

 

Deb

[reklawr]

brentp - GREAT review! Thanks for taking the time to do the review.

[Once Upon A Time]

:) Really enjoyed your critque. My husband and I will be cruising on the Galaxy 3/21/05, same itinerary and many of the excursions you mentioned. I've been a little curious about the shape of the Galaxy. We're traveling with a group of friends from Gig Harbor, WA and are really looking forward to this cruise. Some of us are in suites on Sky Deck and some in concierge cabins. Anyone know the name of the butlers in 1203/05/07?

[Pincus]

:) Really enjoyed your critque. My husband and I will be cruising on the Galaxy 3/21/05, same itinerary and many of the excursions you mentioned. I've been a little curious about the shape of the Galaxy. We're traveling with a group of friends from Gig Harbor, WA and are really looking forward to this cruise. Some of us are in suites on Sky Deck and some in concierge cabins. Anyone know the name of the butlers in 1203/05/07?

 

Welcome, O U A T....we have been on Galaxy three times, always in a Sky Suite.

 

The three suites you mention are well located; most likely you will all have the same butler, usually there is one butler for the odd numbers, and another for the even. Perhaps someone who has been on Galaxy recently can answer your question about the name of your butler.

 

A personal request, like you I have read the accounts of tired furnishings on the Galaxy in the SS; when you return, would you post your honest impressions. I am most interested in the quality of the beds, and the bathroom fixtures.

 

Hope you have a wonderful cruise...

 

Pincus

[barbydaul]

My Dh, My Mother, And Myself Are In 1203 Leaving This Thrusday, March 10.

We Will Take Good Care Of Your Cabin.

Happy Sails To You

Barb

[LisadelRio]

Barb, there are 3 other sky suites filled with Cruise Critics leaving on Galaxy this Thursday. We're in 1229. Everyone's meeting at the sky bar around 3:00 on Thursday. Be sure to join us!

 

Lisa

[fireguy091]

Steve is in 1206 and we're in 1207....:)

[Once Upon A Time]

:)

My Dh, My Mother, And Myself Are In 1203 Leaving This Thrusday, March 10.

We Will Take Good Care Of Your Cabin.

Happy Sails To You

Barb

Thanks Barb... we are really looking forward to this trip... have a great group of friends going with us... in fact, we have 8 cabins in that area... Tell the butler to get ready!!! Three of his cabins are having "big" birthdays!

[Once Upon A Time]

Welcome, O U A T....we have been on Galaxy three times, always in a Sky Suite.

 

The three suites you mention are well located; most likely you will all have the same butler, usually there is one butler for the odd numbers, and another for the even. Perhaps someone who has been on Galaxy recently can answer your question about the name of your butler.

 

A personal request, like you I have read the accounts of tired furnishings on the Galaxy in the SS; when you return, would you post your honest impressions. I am most interested in the quality of the beds, and the bathroom fixtures.

 

Hope you have a wonderful cruise...

 

Pincus

I'll be sure to give you an update when we return. We've sailed on several Celebrity ships, but not the Galaxy. I was in the travel industry for nearly 35 years, until retiring 10 years ago, so I know what to look for.... Thanks for the information.... Marcia

[Pincus]

Thanks, Marcia.

 

We've been on Millennium once, and Galaxy three times.

 

I'd be glad to try to answer any questions you might have.

 

Pincus

[ccletzgo]

Lisa

Everything I have read says the T- pool is free for suite guests. Bring your article but I don't think we will need it....:)

 

 

Your room key card will be silver. You show it and you are IN the T.pool. I think the cabin level below CC have blue cards? not sure, but yours will be silver which means free T pool.

[CarRan]

Unfortunately, we had to leave the ship at Cozymel due to my father's death.

Although it took me awhile before I wanted to read any details of the cruise, I really appreciated the review. Thanks Brent for the great description of events. We were set to be on some of the same trips. I enjoyed Jeffe's thread also (No Part 2?). It was fun to meet the the CCers that first day.

Bascom, the kind words from you and Sharon were very comforting as we departed. We just knew we would be having some fun with y'all. Thanks again.

Pina, the Concierge on Galaxy took great care of us, arranging our return home and escorting us all of the way to a taxi at the end of the pier. She made a bad day better.

We have looked at trying the same cruise again next year. This is not our first case of "cruisetrip interuptus", but this time we were actually on the ship, and that was a first for us. Guess we can celebrate 26 years instead of 25.

The fact that the rates are 20% more for the same room has kept us from actually pulling the trigger on a reservation though. I hate that.:(

[Basfreeman]

Unfortunately, we had to leave the ship at Cozymel due to my father's death.

Although it took me awhile before I wanted to read any details of the cruise, I really appreciated the review. Thanks Brent for the great description of events. We were set to be on some of the same trips. I enjoyed Jeffe's thread also (No Part 2?). It was fun to meet the the CCers that first day.

Bascom, the kind words from you and Sharon were very comforting as we departed. We just knew we would be having some fun with y'all. Thanks again.

Pina, the Concierge on Galaxy took great care of us, arranging our return home and escorting us all of the way to a taxi at the end of the pier. She made a bad day better.

We have looked at trying the same cruise again next year. This is not our first case of "cruisetrip interuptus", but this time we were actually on the ship, and that was a first for us. Guess we can celebrate 26 years instead of 25.

The fact that the rates are 20% more for the same room has kept us from actually pulling the trigger on a reservation though. I hate that.:(

Randy,

Good to hear from you. Again, Sharon & I want to extend our sincere condolences to you and Carla on your loss. We missed sharing the evening dining experience with you-it was memorable. Marino (the head waiter) turned out to be a pretty good magician, and entertained us each night with various tricks.

 

If you decide to cruise out of Galveston again, please consider staying with us prior to your departure. We can't offer the view or the proximity or the parking convenience of the Harbor House, but I imagine we can make up for it with our cheap rates.

 

Sharon and I both seriously considered booking the same cruise again, however a 14-dayer on the HAL Ryndam out of Tampa has caught our eye for next Feb.

 

I believe I gave you our address and phone-my e-mail is Basfreeman@aol.com

[tabasco]

How would you compare Grand Princess to Rhapsody of Seas to Galaxy? Been on Grand and Rhapsody. Liked them both - kind of liked Rhapsody a bit better overall.

[Basfreeman]

How would you compare Grand Princess to Rhapsody of Seas to Galaxy? Been on Grand and Rhapsody. Liked them both - kind of liked Rhapsody a bit better overall.

 

 

I've never been on the Grand (her size turns me off a liitle bit), but I've cruised other Princess ships. I like Princess, but rate them behind Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. The Rhapsody is a great ship-I really like her. The Galaxy is right up there with the Rhapsody, but its 12 day itinerary out of Galveston can't be beat. If Rhapsody sailed the same schedule, I'd probably pick her, but it would be a hard call.

[Once Upon A Time]

Just returned home from the Galaxy (Mar.21 sailing) Itinerary was great, weather was great, food was great....service outstanding . Ship was a little tired. (needs some TLC and a few repairs) One of the best ever cruises. :) Only thing I might tell you to check ahead.... Grand Cayman really cannot accommodate as many ships as we had (7):eek: in port at the same time. What a mess!:(

[Pincus]

Just returned home from the Galaxy (Mar.21 sailing) Itinerary was great, weather was great, food was great....service outstanding . Ship was a little tired. (needs some TLC and a few repairs) One of the best ever cruises. :) Only thing I might tell you to check ahead.... Grand Cayman really cannot accommodate as many ships as we had (7):eek: in port at the same time. What a mess!:(

Welcome home, Once Upon A Time...

 

thanks for your post. A question: how was the bed in the Sky Suite, and did it have a pillow top mattress on it?

 

Also, I share your opinion of more ships than ports can absorb these days. We have decided to avoid the Caribbean for that reason. A town of 5,000 just cannot support the passengers and crew of 8 ships. That's how many were there the last time we were in Cozumel.

GC is small...

 

In any event, I'm glad you had a good time!

 

Pincus

[Fedora]

Ok --- as I indicated on another thread --- I'm thinking of booking a group on this cruise --- on of whom has a bad inner ear problem. I'm concerned about references I've heard to a vibration problem. Can you address this?

 

Also, we are looking at cruising in April of 2006 --- you said they will be putting the GALAXY in drydock after the first of the year --- did you get any indication of whether they were bringing another ship in to run this itinerary?

 

Loved your review. Thanks for taking time to clarify things. :)

[Once Upon A Time]

Ok... here is the truth about Sky Suite 1203 on the Galaxy. The bed is definately NOT a pillow-top (although we did have 6 pillows) it is comfortable, with nice sheets and a down comforter. The Bedspread is Ok, but in general the furnishings need to be shampooed or replaced. The carpeting really needs a good shampooing as well. The hairdryer is a little slow, so if you require more air, you may want to pack one. There are three lounges on the balcony. One of the cushions should be thrown overboard. The other two are fine. There is also a nice deck table with two nice chairs. We managed to get good cushions for those after asking. The jucuzzi tub did not work when we arrived, but got an engineer to fix that, so it should be fine. There is a clock on the wall of the cabin that does not work. You may want to put a tissue on the minute hand just in case it starts up in the middle of the night, cause that puppy is really loud if it deceides to run! The air conditioning fan runs constantly and becomes a noise you will probably need to block out. We didn't have much trouble there after the first night. Overall the room was kept very well by Diaz and his crew (he was wonderful!!) The butler, Vasant, was a disappointment. He has a bit of an attitude and started out by telling us what he would not do for us. Basically he is responsible for the "Table" in the cabin. He will bring you food or drink as requested. Although he refused to bring me Latte's in the morning because it didn't work for his schedule. He is responsible for 10 suites. If you are lucky enough to get Carl (our friends in 1207 had him) he was great. By now all of the butlers should be aware that suites are supposed to get unlimited cappicinos and champagne for the entire trip. You do not, however, get flowers or an extra hairdryer as they do in concierge cabins. The number 5 and 6 slot machines in the slot tournament are the ones the won both times! Have a great time... we did!

 

Per the vibration question. I only really noticed it when we were backing up...then it was very noticable. I think you always have a certain amount and of course it depends where on the ship your cabin happens to be located.

[Pincus]

Once Upon a Time...

 

thank you so much for describing the condition of the suite in detail. That's pretty much how I remember it from last October.

 

Sorry that your first butler experience wasn't a delightful one. On four Celebrity cruises, we've generally had good service from the butlers. But when someone starts out telling you what he cannot do, it does seems a rather inhospitable beginning.

 

Welcome back.

[tabasco]

Is there an early show scheduled if you have late dining or are the shows after dinner - the celebrity web site says it varies for each ship.