Rare Lois R Posted March 19, 2008 #1 Share Posted March 19, 2008 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: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lois R Posted March 19, 2008 Author #2 Share Posted March 19, 2008 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......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lois R Posted March 19, 2008 Author #3 Share Posted March 19, 2008 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........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tompeter Posted March 19, 2008 #4 Share Posted March 19, 2008 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moorefunn Posted March 19, 2008 #5 Share Posted March 19, 2008 thank you lois were there many spring breakers on your ship or in san juan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lois R Posted March 19, 2008 Author #6 Share Posted March 19, 2008 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lois R Posted March 19, 2008 Author #7 Share Posted March 19, 2008 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lois R Posted March 19, 2008 Author #8 Share Posted March 19, 2008 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moorefunn Posted March 19, 2008 #9 Share Posted March 19, 2008 well we leave to go to san juan one week from today Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nps001 Posted March 19, 2008 #10 Share Posted March 19, 2008 Thanks for the time in posting such a thorough review. It was most informative. I can't wait....one week to go! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lois R Posted March 20, 2008 Author #11 Share Posted March 20, 2008 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEARFACE Posted March 20, 2008 #12 Share Posted March 20, 2008 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lois R Posted March 20, 2008 Author #13 Share Posted March 20, 2008 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheffip Posted March 20, 2008 #14 Share Posted March 20, 2008 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lois R Posted March 20, 2008 Author #15 Share Posted March 20, 2008 Hi LoisGreat 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....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nps001 Posted March 20, 2008 #16 Share Posted March 20, 2008 Lois, Any idea if the CA will be the same one we will have? We are in SS 1218. Thanks. Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWJs Posted March 20, 2008 #17 Share Posted March 20, 2008 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lsimon Posted March 20, 2008 #18 Share Posted March 20, 2008 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmps Posted March 20, 2008 #19 Share Posted March 20, 2008 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lois R Posted March 20, 2008 Author #20 Share Posted March 20, 2008 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lois R Posted March 20, 2008 Author #21 Share Posted March 20, 2008 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:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lois R Posted March 20, 2008 Author #22 Share Posted March 20, 2008 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moorefunn Posted March 20, 2008 #23 Share Posted March 20, 2008 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moorefunn Posted March 20, 2008 #24 Share Posted March 20, 2008 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lois R Posted March 20, 2008 Author #25 Share Posted March 20, 2008 hi loisanother 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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