Overall Score
| BERLITZ'S RATING |
| |
Possible |
Achieved |
| |
| Ship |
500 |
410 |
| Accommodation |
200 |
165 |
| Food |
400 |
282 |
| Service |
400 |
308 |
| Entertainment |
100 |
71 |
| Cruise |
400 |
306 |
| |
OVERVIEW. Celebrity Galaxy will be withdrawn in March 2009 and transferred to TUI Cruises, a joint-venture company between RCI and Germany’s TUI Cruises, for whom the ship will enter service two months later for the German-speaking family market.
Slightly longer than sister ship Celebrity Century (by 45.9 ft/14 meters), Celebrity Galaxy’s extra length provides room for a third swimming pool, which is covered by a retractable glass magrodome. Although there are more than 4.5 acres (1.8 hectares) of space on the open decks, it does seem a little small and crowded when the ship is full. This ship also has excellent tender loading platforms.
Inside, the decor takes a clean, minimalist approach. There are two atriums; one is a four-deck-high main foyer, and the second is a three-deck-high atrium. There is a small, dedicated cinema, which doubles as a conference and meeting center with all the latest audio-visual technology, including simultaneous translation in three languages and headsets for the hearing-impaired.
The ship has a superb, somewhat whimsical collection of artwork, which casts an eclectic look at life in some of its many forms. The collection is the result of the personal work of Christina Chandris. The company’s “zero announcement” policy is appreciated by its passengers.
Apart from the “front of house” aspects of this ship, it is the “back of house” facilities, the design and flow of the main galley (23,700 sq. ft/2,200 sq. meters), where the ship really shines.
“Stratosphere,” the large combination observation lounge (with forward-facing as well as wrap-around views) and discotheque, provides what is probably the best viewing room when the ship operates Alaska cruises.
For a big-ship cruise experience, this one has just about all you need to have an enjoyable and rewarding cruise experience. Celebrity Galaxy delivers a fine product that is worth much more than the cruise fare charged when compared to several other large-ship cruise lines. A 15% gratuity is added to bar and wine accounts. The onboard currency is the US dollar.
Although this is a fine ship, the shore excursion operation, embarkation and disembarkation remain weak links in the Celebrity Cruises operation, and the cruise staff has little finesse. Standing in line for embarkation, disembarkation, shore tenders and for self-serve buffet meals is an inevitable aspect of cruising aboard all large ships.
The interactive TV system is frustrating to use, and the largest suites have several remotes for television/audio equipment (one would be better). The one area of congestion is the Photo Gallery, when passenger flow at peak evening times is impeded.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2009
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008
