Trip report - Galaxy, E. Med, 6/12/06

[signman]

Thanks C 2 C.

 

Canlobef, they don't exactly have flights to the US every hour, but thanks for the suggestion.

[WooKeef]

Mlbcruiser:

 

Taking The Same Itinerary In Sept. Using Nejet Also. Did You Need A Visa For Turkey? Some Much Confusion With Some Yes & Some No. It's Costly To Get Something You Don't Need. I Heard Very Good Things About Nejet. He E-mailed Me Today & Said No Visa Was Necessary. X Says Yes With Independent Tours.

 

Thanks For The Info.

 

You Can E-mail Me At coronadonbc@aol.com

 

Hey Nat! checking it out too. Sounds pretty good huh?

[WooKeef]

I want to thank the OP for all the great review. I am with twoJerseygirl leaving in littlle less than 2 monhs!:eek:

Quick question, Is the first formal night on the first evening or the second?

 

Sorry to hear about the service in the Dining Room. Maybe that was a beginner...I can only hope I don't get that table.

[travelingmcmahans]

Thanks for posting the helpful review. I'm on this cruise next June and hope to have a good turnout of CCers as well. (So those of you reading this on the June 11 sailing who haven't posted on the roll call yet please do!)

 

I'm skimming this right now on my lunch break, so I apologize if I missed it, but what nights do the formal night fall on (I see the post above askign for the first one).

Thanks again - glad you enjoyed the trip!

[mlbcruiser]

I posted this info. last nt., but for some reason it's not on here (?). I doublechecked w/some CCers from our June 12 cruise to make sure:

 

The formal nights are: night 2 (the first full day on the ship and at sea); the evening after we leave Istanbul, before Kusadasi (night 7) and the night before Naples (night 10).

 

The ony ports we tendered to were Mykonos and Santorini.

 

I think you will find many of your fellow cruisers will start posting a lot closer to your respective cruises. For a while we had the same few, until 2 or 3 months prior to our departure. Then things picked up a lot on our thread.

 

Wookeef, I think we just got unlucky and our table waitstaff just weren't too experienced. Sometimes the waiter would actually forget to bring something someone had ordered, and once or twice didn't realize he hadn't gotten someone's order. Sometimes it was hard to get the attention of the busboy. Part of that was simply that it seemed they were handling too many tables at once. Their service station was like Grand Central and there seemed to be confusion much of the time. Some fellow cruisers had waiters that were more at ease, joked around a bit and they reported very good service. (A very good and friendly waitstaff can make a big difference in the enjoyment of a cruise. We've been lucky enough to have had a couple and will always remember them)

 

All of you enjoy the anticipation. It's such a big part of the trip!

[canlobef]

hey mlbcruiser, you may have a point about FCO coz we flew

the same day Galaxy disembarked in Civitavecchia, while the shuttle services were prompt, we had problems w/airport staff giving us misleading boarding times etc and the airline itself, Delta. We had a one hour delay and in addition to that, there were some gusty winds in Atlanta so we were delayed by another hour, so we totally missed our connecting flight to LA,but its a good thing they booked us to the last flight for the evening, and made it back to LA by 1230 am. Quite exhausting but the wonderful cruise made up for it. Yeah we had a good wait staff, Aries and Wayan, very pleasant and accomodating, really made sure you had a great dinner, the lobster was so good on the last formal night, Aries gave me 2 extras, man i was stuffed.:D

[mlbcruiser]

canlobef, one of our CC couples had a big problem w/Delta. They got as far as JFK and had a 4 hr. layover. Then their flt. on to ATL was delayed, twice, and they didn't reach ATL til 1 a.m. and had long since missed their connection. So they got confirmed on a 10:20 flt. But then called at 2 a.m .from their hotel to ask Delta to put them on the noon flight to Tampa as they were SOOO tired and needed sleep. Delta told them they were listed on the 7:50 flight! No one had told them this, and they had the confirmation for the 10:20 flt. Well, Delta had changed it! The couple ended up spending an extra $100 so they could get 4 hrs. more of sleep. There were other "Delta" stories, too. We had not one iota of a problem on AA. The ONLY delay we had at all was when we were going to fly on from Rome to Spain on Iberia. The airport pushback truck broke down and they had to get another one, so our departure was delayed 45 min. or so.

 

Oh! I'm jelous you got extra lobster! (But now that I think of it, I WAS full after one! LOL!) That was one thing we noticed. Even when someone would sort of joke that they would like another of something else, the waiter NEVER offered to go get it. Other waiters in the past have brought us an extra dessert or lobster simply after hearing one of us say that so & so's dessert really looked good - or we wish we would have ordered "that". Oddly, when late in the cruise I remarked that I wish our waiter was a little more relaxed about joking around, etc., one of the diners at our table firmly replied that he didn't want to be spoken to by his waiter unless being asked for his order or about his meal. He didn't like it when a waiter joked around or spoke to him about anything else. Well, guess I'm just not into service that is THAT formal. When I see someone night after night, I'd expect a little chit chat. Our waiter wasn't unfriendly after the first couple of nights. Just seemed to have a bit of trouble doing his job correctly and was not one to go the extra mile if he didn't HAVE to.

[uktog]

This is a great thread for those of up lookiong forward 10 months! At Rome what do you reckon was the LAST time people were leaving ths hip. We are going into Rome to continue our holiday and so whilst we may want to do some more sightseeing that day (will have done 2 days before the cruise) we would happily wait until the chaos of vans has calmed down

[WooKeef]

mlbcruiser,

so very much for the info. I was hoping the first formal night wasn't the night out of Rome. that would have been exhausting!

Great info and I know we all truly appreciate it, with all the coming down to the wire planning.

I guess I will be flying Delta...can't say I am crazy about that idea and there is always some kind of delay out of Atlanta. Not liking that since I go back to work the day after I return. No recovery time for me:rolleyes: .

 

Thanks again! Looking forward to the 10 lbs I am going to gain on this one!:p

Woo

[canlobef]

hey mlbcruiser, i couldn't agree w you more, you figure you'll interact w/your waitstaff for two weeks at least, you need to get to know them a little, i'm a very laidback and friendly person that i really got to know some of the people that are working aboard Galaxy. Some of them i've exchanged email adresses and have kept in touch as to what's going on, what's new w/ Galaxy etc. I actually hung out w/ some of the casino/aqua spa and wait staff when we were at Kusadasi after our Ephesus tour, we went to the grand bazaar and hung out at a Mcdonalds nearby. Its so nice to hear their stories, how they got the job and how they like their jobs in a more candid way. That's why i really enjoyed this trip. I felt like most of the staff have that sincerity to make your cruise a pleasant and memorable one, maybe its just me.. oh well we'll see how Century goes next year. :rolleyes:

[canlobef]

Hi woo, as far as i can remember the first formal night was on the second night which was a sea day so that'll give you time to unwind, relax a bit. Hope you don't run into the same problem w Delta as we did. Have a great and safe cruise. Angel:cool:

[mlbcruiser]

utog, I'd say the port pickup lot started getting pretty clear of vans by around 9:30 a.m. Even 9:00-9:15 weren't too bad. The heaviest time of pickup seemed to be around 8:30 a.m. (The only reason I know is there was a delay in our leaving because another lady had our same driver for their airport pickup to their Rome hotel. They then cancelled only their next pickup w/him - TO the port - but not their FINAL one. However the shuttle co. THOUGHT she meant to cancel both. This caused him to have to check on it, make some calls, get her another pickup vehicle, etc.)

 

canlobef, I'm w/you. We have gotten some of the best shore info. from just asking the staff. Sometimes we've chatted w/some of the performers and have even found ourselves on excursions w/some.

 

Wookeef, we are on the same page. For a few yrs. our neighbors cruised w/us and we two moms would always try to start walking a lot in the wks. beforehand to "get in shape". I used to tell her that I was "in training" before a cruise, which meant I had to eat a lot to stretch my stomach so I would make sure to get my money's worth! The MOST I've ever gained is about 3 lbs. (I actually LOST on Carnival's Liberty last March! Didn't care much for the food is why.) and I don't skimp. If I want it on a cruise, I have it! Everyone frets so much about gaining, but I can't understand why. I don't know about you, but I don't have a gourmet chef at home who will be cooking meals of several courses, rich desserts, snacks and buffets for me! (I can't believe you have to go back to work the day after you get home. YUK!

[WooKeef]

Hi woo, as far as i can remember the first formal night was on the second night which was a sea day so that'll give you time to unwind, relax a bit. Hope you don't run into the same problem w Delta as we did. Have a great and safe cruise. Angel:cool:

 

Thanks, I am going to try and relax. Just found out yesterday that I am flying on US Airways(booked throughX). Though Philly:eek: , they are notorious for loosing luggage. Oh well, I guess you take what you get in life huh?

Woo

[WooKeef]

mlbcruiser,

Yes, I am cursed to have to return to work and it looks like I will be lucky to get home by9 O'Clock pm! I have a 3 hour drive from the airport I am flying out of:eek: .

Yes, I am walking and trying to get into shape for the cruise. I won't skimp a bit! Harder to loose than it used to be:p . I am looking forward to eating some decadent things;) .

I just know we are going to have a fantastic cruise. It is our first one so we are in for an experience.

Woo

[mlbcruiser]

Wow, Wookeef, this is going to be your FIRST cruise?! What an undertaking! This E. Med. cruise is very port intensive as you know. But hey, what the heck! You only live once! Believe me, if you keep cruising you will eventually probably do a caribbean one someday, which, if you are on the right ship, can offer a ton of things to do and still give you more options to just relax as well. (Those out of Miami REALLY make you feel like you are going on a "vacation"! Leaving San Juan is very pretty as you pass the fort, El Morro, and Fort Lauderdale is pretty nice as well. (Many of the other U.S. ports just aren't too attractive and Civitavecchia isn't very attractive, either.) My first 3 cruises were 3-dayers years ago (I lived in FL then) and I'll never forget how beautiful the coastline looked leaving Miami, w/dark storm clouds behind what appeared as white buildings and beaches gleaming in the sunshine!

 

You may already know this, but here's another tip: usually you will do better on the air if you book it yourself (or have your T/A do it for you). Seems you can usually 1. save a bit of money, and 2. End up w/a better flight connection, schedule and time-wise. If you do book yourself, allow plenty of time to catch your ship. Arriving a day ahead is best if you can. The only reason I'd ever book through the cruiseline is if I had to fly in very close to the embarkation/departure time, since people booked through the cruiseline have a better chance the ship might wait for them and are covered if they don't. Some cruiselines allow you to pay for "custom air" - like if you want to go a couple days earlier or use a certain airline, or get non-stop flights. As you get more cruises under your belt and are a frequent customer w/a particular cruiseline, they sometimes give you the custom air perk free. Celebrity probably does a better job in providing decent flights than some airlines, but I've really heard some HORROR stories! (Esp. when people book their air close to their cruise date.) Anyway, I'm sure everything will go fine and you will have a great time!

[canlobef]

I totally agree w mlbcruiser, we booked our flight separately and arrived in Rome two days prior, It really allowed us to explore Rome independently at our own pace. We figured we're too tired to tour Rome after the cruise, all we wanna do is to fly back home, but surprisingly, i wasn't as tired as when i did backpacking in Italy three years ago. Guess, i'll be cruising for the rest of my life. Just imagine all the perks especially gourmet dining every single night, wow.. Have a great cruise , woo..... Angel:cool:

[WooKeef]

Wow, Wookeef, this is going to be your FIRST cruise?! What an undertaking! This E. Med. cruise is very port intensive as you know. But hey, what the heck! You only live once! Believe me, if you keep cruising you will eventually probably do a caribbean one someday, which, if you are on the right ship, can offer a ton of things to do and still give you more options to just relax as well. (Those out of Miami REALLY make you feel like you are going on a "vacation"! Leaving San Juan is very pretty as you pass the fort, El Morro, and Fort Lauderdale is pretty nice as well. (Many of the other U.S. ports just aren't too attractive and Civitavecchia isn't very attractive, either.) My first 3 cruises were 3-dayers years ago (I lived in FL then) and I'll never forget how beautiful the coastline looked leaving Miami, w/dark storm clouds behind what appeared as white buildings and beaches gleaming in the sunshine!

 

You may already know this, but here's another tip: usually you will do better on the air if you book it yourself (or have your T/A do it for you). Seems you can usually 1. save a bit of money, and 2. End up w/a better flight connection, schedule and time-wise. If you do book yourself, allow plenty of time to catch your ship. Arriving a day ahead is best if you can. The only reason I'd ever book through the cruiseline is if I had to fly in very close to the embarkation/departure time, since people booked through the cruiseline have a better chance the ship might wait for them and are covered if they don't. Some cruiselines allow you to pay for "custom air" - like if you want to go a couple days earlier or use a certain airline, or get non-stop flights. As you get more cruises under your belt and are a frequent customer w/a particular cruiseline, they sometimes give you the custom air perk free. Celebrity probably does a better job in providing decent flights than some airlines, but I've really heard some HORROR stories! (Esp. when people book their air close to their cruise date.) Anyway, I'm sure everything will go fine and you will have a great time!

 

mlbcruiser,

I know it is gonna be a busy cruise. But, the DH and I have traveled extensively all over the world and even though this is our first cruise we probably will be okay. But, it will surely be an adjustment for us independent travelers!

 

We have so much going on in our life right now that it was almost easier to have X book our air for us. Gave us the security we needed when our life is a bit upside down. Otherwise we probably would have been outraged at the price diff.:eek: We are looking forward to the MUCH needed vacation here in just a bit less than 2 months. I have a short "mini-vacation" to squeeze in on a trip to Mobile, AL. That will be nice to see the white sands of the Gulf Coast:) .

I love the ancient world so here is to cruising Europe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for all your advice it has been very much appreciated. Now, I only hope I don't get lost on the ship when I have to much wine:p .

Woo

[mlbcruiser]

Wookeef, since you have traveled so much already, this won't be as tough for you. There are little things you "learn" the first time you cruise and since you are on these boards, you no doubt have learned a lot of them already. We cruised the first time when I was 20 yrs. old in 1972 and didn't know one person who had done so (except my husband who came over on the Stockholm at 5 yrs. old!). There was no "net" then, and I read every single word in the back of my brochure and in the dailies we got on the ship. All that stuff about putting your luggage out the last night, tipping, customs forms, finding independent tours, etc. We didn't even know you were allowed to order a second steak (or whatever) until we cruised the 2nd time! We have since cruised w/"newbie" friends along and I have repeatedly been AMAZED that even after having been told about so many of these things, they are like deer caught in headlights once they are ON the ship. Never read a thing; never went online to find out anything, etc. And, apparently, never listened to anything they were told ahead of time! We once went w/2 families on our st. - one new at cruising. We had a get together to go over things so the new family would have a clue. One on the cruise we were discussing getting money for tips at the purser's desk. They were stunned and said they didn't realize they had to tip! They said they didn't have any money left! Well, of course, we and the other couple sort of made up for them w/our wait staff. But live and learn! Sounds like you have done both already!

[WooKeef]

mlbcruiser,

Well, you definitely learned the hard way huh? I have never failed to somehow make a fool of myself even after this much traveling.:p These message boards have been fantastic and it is amazing the things I have learned though. I try to overlook the negativity that seems rampand on these boards, it isn't always easy. Your comments have put me more at ease.

We are cruising with family in a few years...that ought to be interesting. Nothing like being trapped on a ship with your mother:rolleyes: . Been doing research on my three days in Rome, I thought three days would be plenty. But, it is looking like a week would be more like it.

Thanks again!

Woo

[mlbcruiser]

You'll be amazed at what you can see in 3 days in Rome! Mostly all of the "important" things, w/a few others thrown in. I worried the very first time we cruised w/friends, even! If ground rules can be set so that everyone has lots of time to go/do what/where they want - maybe w/just meeting at dinner - then it's much easier. That's the good thing about a cruise - there are things for all ages to do.

[WooKeef]

mlbcruiser,

I meant to ask you a question...again, if you don't mind:p . What is the best time to board the ship? With Customs, transportation and any other changes for the flight I think I should be at the port by 2:00 or 3:00. Is that a good time to get on board. I would like to get settled and then go up for the "pulling out".

Did you have enough for a critic party? Can't remember if you answered that one or not.

Woo

[mlbcruiser]

Wookeef, that was a big concern to many on our CC roll call thread. Celebrity was very good about letting people on early - no matter WHAT it says in their booklet! I checked ahead of time and they said that even if we got there at 12:30 they would take our luggage and then most likely let us go onto the ship - just not to our rooms. And that is exactly what happened. People arrived at all different times throughout the afternoon, but if you can get there before the "official" boarding time, that will probably help save a little time. It wasn't like in Miami or the American ports that have the HUGE terminals you go through, sometimes w/very long waits of an hr. or more. They did have a small terminal at Civitavecchia, and people were boarding when we got there (early), but we didn't have to wait more than 3 minutes! We were not allowed in our cabins yet. They said to wait until about 1 p.m. and then check them. We walked around the ship just a couple of minutes and then went to the buffet area. No crowd at that time, but pleasantly populated. Easy to find seats. By the time we finished, we went down to our cabin and took a look. Our room steward came by and we did the "introductions". Two suitcases came several hours before our last one came. We asked at the purser's desk about it and called as well, and were told there were still many to be delivered. We've cruised so much we knew that the luggage pcs. usually doesn't do not arrive THAT far apart. Most times they arrive all together, or maybe within an hr. of each other. Finally we saw our steward and his assistant and explained the situation to them. They asked about what the missing suitcase looked like and if it had any identifying ribbons or anything (it did and I HIGHLY advise something odd and noticeable!). Within 5 minutes we had our suitcase! But back to your question, we couldn't see into the terminal from the decks, of course, so I can't tell you for sure what the most crowded boarding time was. I'd say that MOST people did arrive around the official time (2:00, I think?) judging by the number of people in the buffet and all around the ship around that time, though. If I were you, I'd leave Rome early and try to get to the ship around 12:30 or 1:00. That way if there are any traffic hold ups or anything, you will be there in plenty of time to eat and if you are lucky, get your luggage, put things away and so forth.

[Porsche Lover]

Thank you for the great review. You gave us a wonderful overview of the ship, food and ports of call. We are on the Galaxy for the 12 night cruise in September of 2007. Looking forward to our first Celebrity cruise. Again, thanks.

[mlbcruiser]

You're welcome. I'm glad if someone can get some info. from this or even if it just helps them to anticipate their cruise a little more!

[cruizluver]

Just reading some of the reviews of a cruise we will be taking (some variations as we will not be doing the Turkey port since we did that a few years ago). It was interesting to us to see that Nejat is still guiding as that is who we had as our guide a few years ago and we were delighted with his service!! He is so knowledgable about the area and makes the history of the area come alive.

Also good to see that there are not ALL negative reviews about the Galaxy--we have yet to encounter a BAD cruise--all in all, it is about attitude, right?!!!