Galaxy, Southern Caribbean, 3-7 To 3/17

[Lois R]

I booked this cruise in March 2007 while on Mercury. The

itinerary looked awesome (it was wonderful) and it would be

my 1st 10 nighter for my 50th birthday and my first time

on Galaxy as well.

 

 

I know I have been called a cheerleader but will try to be

fair and balanced here. Was it perfect? Nope. Was it close

to perfect? Yes.

 

I flew down a day early and stayed at the Sheraton in Old

San Juan. Got the room on Priceline for 100.00. Great spot.

Dinner was at El Mallorquinas on a recommendation from one

of my Cruise Critic friends. It was founded in 1848 and dinner

was really good. One of my friend's from these boards flew

in from Vancouver and so it was the first time in ages I sailed

solo but with someone if that makes sense. We shared a table

in the dining room which made things fun as well.

Dinner in San Juan was good and so the trip was on!

 

 

Cabin was 1242, Sky Deck starboard. Good location right

around the corner from the stairway down to the lido deck

aft.

Cabin attendant was Marcivilla and asst was Rehymar.

Both were very nice and kept the cabin clean.

 

Dining room, we had table 517. Center, downstairs in front

of the Capt's Table.

Our waiter was Augusto and Asst was Leonardo. Asst

Maitr'd was Mazi.

The wait staff was ok. Not bad but I have had better in

the past.

Night #7 service was slow and #8 I spoke with Mazi after

dinner as it was really slow....we were the last to be served

so I spoke with him quietly and told him it was unacceptable.

Even with appetizer, soup and salad...that evening our entrees

were not served until 9:45.

The chat must have helped because on the last 2 evenings

everything came out very, very promptly.

 

Most of my dishes were quite good. They had a few new

choices (from my memory) and I enjoyed the cold fruit soups

very much. They are one of my favorite things in the dining

room.

We ended up with a fun table. Donald and myself,

one couple from Nova Scotia and one from Arizona.

We hit it off really well with the Canadian Couple.

The last evening was really, really nice. They ordered

bubbly for my birthday, Donald ordered a red....Chateau

De Paupe (sp), spectacular!!!!! And I ordered a dessert wine

from South Africa that was out of this world. More than

I normally spend but at that point I did not care. It was

a celebration and worth every penney.

 

The Arizona couple did not show up on the last evening....

not sure if they were so tackey as not to tip, had tipped

earlier and just didn't eat with us or what happened.

So it was 4 of us drinking 3 bottles of wine. We had a blast!

 

The dessert wine (if memory serves) is

Klein Constantia. It is a black bottle (opaque) and when

the Sommelier poured it~well, it looks like liquid gold with

a hint of rose to it. Absolutely fantastic. Drink it with a cheese

plate. No need for anything else really. It was 72.00 and

I would buy it again in a heartbeat.

 

The Ship: It was my 1st time on Galaxy and so I was comparing

it to Mercury which I have sailed 5 times.

Overall they are quite close but a couple of areas I really

prefer on Mercury.

#1) Cova....on Galaxy it is starboard. On Mercury it is located

in the Center area. I like that deckplan better. Easier to see

things on both sides.

#2)Navigator vs Statosphere. Navigator wins in my book.

It is odd on Galaxy there is a Martini Bar inside the Stratoshpere

located Port side. The area blocks what is going on

on the other side (dance floor, other people, etc.). Personally,

I just think it is an odd set up. But that is why this a review.

Giving my thoughts on the sailing and ship.

 

They also have the Martini Bar AFT which I like better

on Galaxy. Roomier by a long shot than on Mercury, which

I think has to be the worst layout of any of the Martini Bars.

Galaxy's is set up more like the Champagne Bar on Mercury.

More room (a good thing).

I believe Galaxy is the only ship with 2 Martini Bars.

Drinks before dinner was the usual every night (in the AFT one)

and Eduardo was "THE Bar Server"...fun, smiling always

enjoying himself and the passengers.

 

Victoria was "THE BARTENDER" in the forward bar and many

evenings I would go see her after dinner.

 

They are brother and sister and are an asset to the ship.

 

----------------------------------------------------------

To be continued:

[Lois R]

Dress code: For those interesed: if not skip over it.

Informal nights in the daily states for men:

Sports Jacket and Slacks, no jeans. That seems to be the most

prevelant question.

We had 2 formal nights and yes they do the Baked Alaska

Parade and the Midnite Buffet.

 

They also offered a Chocolate Buffet (first one I can ever

remember on any of my sailings). It was held in the Savoy

Lounge, which was not the right place for it. The lines were packed

from both entrances. Literally, for 90 minutes straight the lines

went.....from 11:00 pm until 12:30am the people came.

Offer Chocolate and they will come.

I was there but decided not to eat. Had a couple of drinks

at the bar and chatted with some of the staff.

It would have been much more efficient if they had offered

this up at the pool. Even with lines it would have been much

roomier.

I am not sure if this will be on the rest of the Carribean

sailings but it seemed to be a hit.

 

Entertainment: I did not go to any shows so I can't comment

on anything.

 

Ports of Call: Tortola, I did the Cultural and Historical

Tour. Enjoyed it.

Grenada I stayed on the ship.

Curacao~Donald has a friend who lives and he took

us on a private tour for the day. Fabulous!

St Lucia, I did the Pirates of Caribbean Extravaganza and

it was alot of fun.

Barbados, "Taste of Barbados", excellent. Rum Factory,

Mahagony Factory and we had lunch at Sunbury Plantation which

is over 300 years old. VERY, VERY good tour and recommend it

highly. 4 course luncheon and only about 17 of us. Great

tour guide as well.

St Martin, just walked around.

Aruba, Kuko Fun bus to the beach. I hung out with a family

of 5 from Canada and we had a nice time together.

 

More later.........

[Lois R]

Cruise Critic Gathering was held 6 days in because this

was such a port intensive cruise our first sea day was a ways

in......we had 49 people sign up but only about 17 showed up.

The CD was there (Luke), along with Princess (event

coordinator). I had met her 2 years ago on Zenith so

that was a really nice surprise. They had coffee, tea and

danish set up for everyone. As I have learned from these

boards, some CC gatherings are very well attended while

others not so much. It was nice to meet those who were there.

 

I did meet quite a few other folks from these boards over

the days and that made it nice too.

 

I attended a Chardonney Blending which was fun. The Cellarmaster

is Marius who used to be on Zenith and most recently on Millennium.

I had not seen him in a couple of years so that was a pleasant

surprise too!

 

I tried the waffles and the sushi and both were good.

 

The coffee is still lacking (in my opinion) and I made sure

to put that in my comments at the end. Too bad it is so

inconsisant. I had some that was really good and at other

times barely drinkable.

 

The windows in the Stratosphere: They are ALL supposed

to be replaced between April 18th and May 2nd.

Were they foggy? Yes. Did they have a negative affect for me?

Nope.

 

---------------------------------------------

 

More later........

[tompeter]

Thanks Lois, I have been waiting for this as we think so much alike..

Glad you enjoyed the cruise and a (now) belated happy B-day!

 

We hope to get a chance to cruise on Galaxy before she departs from Celebrity.

 

Tom

[moorefunn]

thank you lois

 

were there many spring breakers on your ship or in san juan

[Lois R]

Dining room was closed on port days for lunch. I know

I do enjoy lunch there but from what I have been told, yes,

it is cost cutting.

 

I always found more than enough choices on the buffet

whether it was a spinach wrap with turkey and veggies,

pizza or even a hot meal.

No lacking of food (in my opinion). I also enjoyed

the sandwiches and pastries in the 4:00 hour.

 

They had an elegant tea in the dining room but I did not

attend this time.

 

I treated myself to a massage which was on the day

we were in Grenada. It was heavenly. And I had a complimentary

facial on the last sea day too!

I used the T-pool a few times and enjoyed it as usual.

 

Pool Band was Fusion and personally I thought they were

really good. Great drummer and that is what is needed

to keep everyone on beat.

 

I really enjoyed the Ocean Bar located downstairs portside

at the pool. Willie and Evo were the bartenders and it was

a great spot to hang out.

 

Staff and crew were wonderful as usual. Bartenders, waiters,

other Maitr'ds. Bruno worked the casual dining (never ate there)

but saw him quite often. Very nice. And I had heard about

Alex and met him (Alexander). Also, Caner from Turkey was

a big help to us (he actually got the Canadian couple moved

to our table) and he was terrrific. Reminds me of Zafer who

was my Maitr'd on one of my Mercury sailings.

 

Astacio from Portugal worked Aft Bar portside and was always

pleasant.

I also saw Gerald if any of you know him. He is the Asst Bar

Manager, from Jamaica. I met him on Zenith and then saw him

again on Mercury and to my surprise he is on Galaxy now.

It is truely like seeing old friends again. Makes for a wonderful

time.

 

Break time.......more later

[Lois R]

thank you lois

 

were there many spring breakers on your ship or in san juan

 

Hi,:) nope, not that I noticed at all. Actually hardly any kids

from what I could tell.

I think even on Spring Break the longer cruises attract less of them.

[Lois R]

Thanks Lois, I have been waiting for this as we think so much alike..

Glad you enjoyed the cruise and a (now) belated happy B-day!

 

We hope to get a chance to cruise on Galaxy before she departs from Celebrity.

 

Tom

 

Hi Tom,:) thanks for the birthday wishes.

I was a bit concerned when reading things a few months

back but I must say I had a totally fabulous time:D

 

I will finish with some more thoughts later.

[moorefunn]

well we leave to go to san juan one week from today

[nps001]

Thanks for the time in posting such a thorough review. It was most informative. I can't wait....one week to go!

[Lois R]

Joe, I hope you both have a wonderful time:)

 

More information~I spoke with Laura (Future Cruise Consultant)

and was told X is NOT going back to the old on board credit

procedures.

 

A list of Officers:

Captain: Isidoros Karamaounas

Chief Engineer: Konstantinos Kallinikos

Hotel Director: Damien O'Connor

Staff Captain: Georgios Theodoro

-----------------------------------

Restaurant Manager: Fatih Koorkmaz

FCC: Laura Goor

Capt Club Host: Wes Savory

[BEARFACE]

Hi Lois:)

 

Great review...didn't expect any less from you;) Shoot me an email when you get the chance.

 

And yes, I'm sure we will cruise the high seas together some day....it is bound to happen;)

 

Chat with ya soon:)

Laura

[Lois R]

While In Aruba I decided to go jewelery shopping. This

is the first time I have ever seriously looked for anything.

I know many people always shop in the Caribbean, though

I have never been a shopper.

 

This time I knew before I left I wanted to find a special

purchase for myself. I did not want to use one of the

"ship's shops on shore"..they all get a cut and they either

pounce as soon as you walk in or, it seems you cannot

find anyone to help at all.

 

I also know many people consider St Martin and St Thomas

the best stops but we didn't go to the latter and I didn't

feel like shopping the day we were in St Martin.

 

I looked in St Lucia but didn't find anything. Then In Aruba

after my excursion I decided to walk around before going

back to the ship.

Slowly went from one store to the next until I came across

a store called "Boochlands". The store itself felt different.

No pressure? Ahhhh..that was it. They were there to help,

not to pounce.

They have been in business since long before the cruiseships

started arriving. 1930....and the store itself was calm.

I felt quite comfortable and the salesman was very nice.

Of course, I didn't know if they would be in my price range

but decided to really look and see what they had and suffice

to say I found something!

I was looking for a sapphire....not a solitare and not something

that looked like a wedding ring. No prongs either and so it had

been hard to find what I wanted.....until I looked down and saw

"THE RING".

It is a band style but a bit wider. Beautiful pave blue sapphires

going east/west. 3.10 carats. There are 2 small rows of diamonds

going north/south and it is set in white gold.

This was a 50th birthday gift from me to me. They did come

down on the price and I am REALLY HAPPY and I would recommend

this store in a heartbeat. If and when I go back, I would shop

there again.

 

Overall, I had a fabulous cruise~good mix of passengers,

sailing with a friend for my birthday, first 10 nighter, first

time to 5 ports, first time on Galaxy.

Wonderful crew and staff and I would sail this ship again

without hesitation. She might be 12 years old but she looked

in fine shape to me.

 

Disembarkation was smooth as silk.....I had 10:30 leave time.

(last off)

When I got through Immigration there was only my color left!

Easy as pie........cab to the aiport was 21.00.

 

Can I go back now? I miss the ship!

 

If you have any questions I will be glad to try and answer them.

[cheffip]

Hi Lois

Great review...thanks. You've done some comparisons with Mercury but how about rating Galaxy against (refurbished) Century?;)

 

BTW was the ship sold out? I know there are often last-minute sell-off cruise bargains available for residents of PR.

 

-Phil

[Lois R]

Hi Lois

Great review...thanks. You've done some comparisons with Mercury but how about rating Galaxy against (refurbished) Century?;)

 

BTW was the ship sold out? I know there are often last-minute sell-off cruise bargains available for residents of PR.

 

-Phil

 

Hi Phil, not sure if it was 100% full or not. It didn't feel

overly crowded to me.

Oh, I did notice the buffet staff was carrying plenty of trays

for people. Actually a couple of waiters offered to carry mine but

I declined. Figured I am still young enough to do it:eek: ;) :D

 

It is hard for me to do a full comparison against Century

because that cruise was such a funky one in December.

I mean I had a good time but the 4 nights were so different

from this 10 nighter.

Let me think about that one.......

[nps001]

Lois,

 

Any idea if the CA will be the same one we will have? We are in SS 1218.

 

Thanks. Joe

[JWJs]

Lois ~ that was a wonderful review.:) :) :) Felt like I was experiencing the Galaxy with you. Your ring sounds beautiful. I like it that you bought a birthday gift for yourself. Pretty neat. I'm also happy that you found the Galaxy in good shape. You know how some of the reviews have not been so good. Anyway...where are you going on your next cruise? I'm sure it won't be too long.

Talk to you later.

Jeanne

[Lsimon]

Lois: Thanks for all of your detailed and thoughtful observations.

 

Looks like a lot of us sailing on the next 10 day cruise in a little over a week are listening to every word you, and other recent Galaxy cruisers, have to say!

 

Especially interesting are your comments on the informal dress code - there's been a lot of discussion that on some earlier Galaxy cruises the code printed on board did not mention a jacket for men. Interesting to hear it is back in print - I'll be sure to be prepared.

 

We'll be across the hall from your cabin. Looking forward to our first experience in a Sky suite - should be quite a treat. we'll say hello to the staff for you.

 

Thanks again!

[jmps]

Thanks so much for this review. We will be on her on March 28th. Congrats on the wonderful gift to yourself. The ring sounds really really nice.

[Lois R]

Lois,

 

Any idea if the CA will be the same one we will have? We are in SS 1218.

 

Thanks. Joe

 

Hi Joe, 1218...quite a ways down from my cabin. Not sure

if you will have the same attendants or not. 1242 is the very

last cabin. Across the hall were all Concierge Class and/or

Suites.

(I had an inside). I did notice some of the suites near me had the

"Head Butler". Cannot think of his name but we met a couple

of times. He was extremely nice and not bad on the eyes

either;) :D

[Lois R]

Lois: Thanks for all of your detailed and thoughtful observations.

 

Looks like a lot of us sailing on the next 10 day cruise in a little over a week are listening to every word you, and other recent Galaxy cruisers, have to say!

 

Especially interesting are your comments on the informal dress code - there's been a lot of discussion that on some earlier Galaxy cruises the code printed on board did not mention a jacket for men. Interesting to hear it is back in print - I'll be sure to be prepared.

 

We'll be across the hall from your cabin. Looking forward to our first experience in a Sky suite - should be quite a treat. we'll say hello to the staff for you.

 

Thanks again!

 

Larry, I was reading from the daily but not all the guys

wore them....I am sure you will look just fine:)

[Lois R]

Lois ~ that was a wonderful review.:) :) :) Felt like I was experiencing the Galaxy with you. Your ring sounds beautiful. I like it that you bought a birthday gift for yourself. Pretty neat. I'm also happy that you found the Galaxy in good shape. You know how some of the reviews have not been so good. Anyway...where are you going on your next cruise? I'm sure it won't be too long.

Talk to you later.

Jeanne

 

Hi Jeanne,:) I should have pictures posted soon. Maybe

one of these days I will find a small digital camera I feel

comfortable with......still using disposables and they

are at Walgreens. I will have the discs tomorrow.

I actually used up 3 cameras for this cruise!

[moorefunn]

hi lois

another couple of questions please

 

1 was your cabin quite any noise rom the walking deck above

 

2 new menus? how did you find the food

 

3 what time was the lifeboat drill

 

4 open seating the first night?

 

thank you,:p

 

mark

[moorefunn]

hi lois

another couple of questions please

 

1 was your cabin quite any noise rom the walking deck above

 

2 new menus? how did you find the food

 

3 what time was the lifeboat drill

 

4 open seating the first night?

 

thank you,:p

 

mark

[Lois R]

hi lois

another couple of questions please

 

1 was your cabin quite any noise rom the walking deck above

 

2 new menus? how did you find the food

 

3 what time was the lifeboat drill

 

4 open seating the first night?

 

thank you,:p

 

mark

 

Hi Mark, cabin was quiet, no problems there.

Open seating first night yes...either 6:00 or 8:00.

I ate late.

Muster was between dinner times (if memory serves).

I am almost 100% sure my muster was before dinner....

If Donald reads this review he can confirm it too.

 

Most of the food was very good. Chicken moist,

beef tender, good soups, I enjoyed the salads too.

Remember though, food is subjective.

Lamb chops were great as well as Co Cou Vin....

I know I misspelled that...sorry. Chicken in wine was

like butta......fabulous!