Would you select RCCL Brilliance or Celebrity Galaxy for Holiday Sailing?

[SanFranBayCruiser]

Well, we (meaning 20 members of our family...so far) have committed to book a cruise during the holidays for 2006. Our main objective is to be onboard for both Christmas and New Year's. Most of us were ready to deposit on Celebrity Galaxy but, then it was suggested that maybe Brilliance of the Seas is the way to go.

 

Here's what I can offer you to help us decide:

 

Galaxy - Southern Caribbean, 11 nights leaving from San Juan

 

Brilliance - Panama Canal with stops in Aruba and Curacao, 11 nights leaving from Miami

 

Our group is diverse to say the least raning in ages from 1.5 (at the time of sailing) to 76. Most of us fall in the middle and are in our thirties and fourties.

All but, 2 members of the group have cruised previously.

 

We consider the following the most important factors and they are listed in order of importance: good food, nice casino, relatively good evening shows, things to keep us occuppied at days at sea (spas, game rooms, etc), then cabin selection, and last itinerary.

 

If you've done either of these itineraries, I'd really love to hear from you and get your opinion about the overall experiences at the ports of call.

 

Thanks all, you're help is appreciated!

[cruiseman_tx]

I've not done the Galaxy, but have done the Brilliance of the Seas Panama Canal cruise out of Miami and it is our favorite to date.

The ship is truly marvelous. Very open and has vast expanses of glass to view the ocean, even from the elevators. There is something for every age group happening every day. Adventure ocean for the kids. The pool deck will have the standard games, steel drum band, line-dance lessons, horse races, ice carving demonstration etc... while there are still areas like the promanade deck, game room and library where you can retreat from the noise and activities. Then you have wine tasting, art auctions, napkin folding, cooking demonstrations, bingo and on and on. The diversity of activities that RCI offers appeals to virtually any age group. It appealed to us when we were in our 40's, and now, in our 50's and I dare say it'll be the same in our 60's...hey, that's next year for me!!! :eek:

The dining room food was good with a few items in the very good range. The food in Chops & Portafino's was excellent. You'll find that a range of music from big band, easy listening and salsa, to good old rock & roll.

Bottom line, I don't think anyone in your group would be disappointed with this ship or itinerary. Exciting ports, pleasant sea days on a beautiful modern ship with great service on every level. I gotta do that one again.