Galaxy or Millenium in the Med?

[1inamillion]

I am a first time cruiser to Celebrity and thinking of booking on either the Galaxy or the Millenium. Can anyone explain the main differences between the two except that one is older than the other? I have also read that both are in need of refurbishment- is this correct?

Many thanks for your advice.

[tom_uk]

Differences between Millenium & Galaxy: class, and age. Millie is the lead ship of the M class. It's bigger than the C class (of which Galaxy was the second of three) - 90,000 tons approx as against 77,000 tons - and crucially has more facilities, e.g. a specialist 'additional' restaurant (chargeable) which Galaxy does not have. The Aquaspa facilities are more comprehensive on Millie, and the better cabins - Concierge class especially - are larger than on Galaxy.

 

As regards age, Galaxy dates from 1996 and Millenium from around 2000, so there's not a great deal of difference. Both are old enough for areas of wear and tear to be apparent, and for remedial work to be done. There have been threads on here about recent cruises on Galaxy during which facilities were unavailable, or severely impacted, because of remedial work being done, e.g. the resurfacing of the decking around the pool areas. Annoying for the people on that cruise, but good news for everyone on subsequent cruises..... And Galaxy is reported to be scheduled for a major refit in spring 2008, but there is no official announcement of that yet. As regards the condition of Millie, others will know better than I. And just to throw another spanner into the works - Millie has podded propulsion while Galaxy has a traditional system.

 

Similarities: both are large(ish) Celebrity ships, which means that Celebrity will be trying to make sure the two ships present an identical experience as regards cuisine, service, ambience, etc.

 

To sum up, it's probably the case that Millenium is the 'better' ship - a bit newer, a bit bigger. However, I cruise principally for the itinerary and the overall experience, I'm not that fussed about particular ship's facilities. I cruised with Galaxy last year (first time with Celebrity) because of the itinerary, and will be on her again this summer, for the itinerary again and because it's Celebrity. Either ship has the capability to give you a good cruise. If ship's facilities - spa, cabin features, dining possibilities - are at the top of your list of priorities then it sounds as if Millenium would be a better fit. But if the itinerary is more important, then go for the ship that vists the ports you most want to see.

[Willy44]

and the better cabins - Concierge class especially - are larger than on Galaxy.

 

1inamillion:

 

However, the regular ocean view cabins on Milly (170 sq. ft.) are smaller than on Galaxy (172 sq. ft.). may not sound like much, but they seem to have taken it all in closet space.

 

I have been on M class 3 times and C class 7 times. I don't think you will be disappointed whichever one you choose.

[pcur]

I believe the Millie is in drydock this week, and getting herself all spiffed up from what I read on another thread this past week.

 

Closet space problems are pretty much part of cruising in the average size cabins. I have been hanging "like" fabric clothing layered on the same hanger for over 30 years. It doesn't have to be a big problem; you just gotta be creative!!

[adegner]

I agree with tom_uk. (very excellent summary). Both ships are just fine. The Med is so much more about the ports than the ships. I would look at the embarkation city too as you might want to spend some extra time before you board. The last time we did the Med, we embarked from Venice. We had 3 days before we left and it made the entire trip!!

 

As far as the two ships are concerned, you will get Celebrity's great service and pampering no matter which one you choose, so go by the itinerary (and maybe the price).

 

Either way - you will have a wonderful time.

[arkcruiser]

I wouldn't base my decision on the ship, but rather on the itinerary. While the two ships have differences, they are less important on an port-intensive cruise than they would be on one with lots of sea days. I have done both itineraries and enjoyed each, but they are different. Istanbul, Ephesus and Rhodes are particular highlights of the Galaxy route, while Millennium's is more western European (I particularly loved Venice, Dubrovnik and Barcelona). I recommend both!

[1inamillion]

Thanks for all the great replies,sounds like both ships would be a great choice. Will look at the itinerary for both ships and make our choice from that.

[1inamillion]

Thanks for all the great replies,sounds like both ships would be a great choice. Will look at the itinerary for both ships and make our choice from that.

[rebeccalouise]

I think that with a port intensive cruise- I'd opt for the one that is least expensive. That way you can spend more on excursions, purchases and trying the cuisine on land. I'm frugal!

I have sailed both ships and they are both nice. Millenium is bigger of course.