Galaxy Cruise Ship, Galaxy
Cruise Information
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Hotel Description:
Consistently recognized with five and six-star rankings as the highest-rated premium cruise line, Celebrity Cruises is committed to innovative design, impeccable service and unparalleled spa and dining offerings aboard the Celebrity Galaxy. Sunbathe on the Sky Deck. Meet with friends at Rendez-Vous Square. Your every mood was considered in the imaginative design of the Celebrity Galaxy. loading...
Galaxy Cruise Ship Reviews
" It was with equal amounts of much... "
Submitted By: atodd
It was with equal amounts of much anticipation and trepidation that I, as a forty-something singleton, embarked on my virgin cruise. Would I enjoy it? Would I feel trapped? Would I want to cruise again? What if I missed the ship upon returning from a trip ashore? Would I meet lots of people and, perhaps, the love of my life? Questions were leaping out at every corner? Which cruise line should I book with and for how long; and to where?
The “where” and “the long” were easy decisions. The “where” was the lynchpin as I had longed to visit Santorini and Istanbul. However seven days seemed too short, as I would be leaving the ship just by the time that I would be finding my way around her, and, yet, a fortnight seemed overly long if I did not enjoy the experience. So it had to be a ten or eleven night adventure. With these decisions made, the question was “with which cruise line should I book”. As this might be my one and only cruise, one of the five-start cruise lines was chosen and the holiday booked. Some days later I was contacted by phone to arrange my dining preferences.
The options were, firstly, early or main seating; and, secondly, seated at a table for four or ten. Asking the representative for advice, it was indicated that I should opt for the main seating at a table for ten. This I did. The reasons given were that, if I was on an excursion earlier in the day, I might be rushed for the earlier 7pm seating. Besides if there was a clash of personalities at the table for four there would only be a maximum of two others to socialise with while at the larger table there would be, potentially, eight others. Some days later I received written confirmation that my dining preferences had been met. So it was some excitement that I looked forward to visiting Santorini and Istanbul which, together with experiencing a cruise for the first time and meeting people, were the main reasons for taking a cruising holiday. As the date of departure approached other issues came to the fore.
It is said that manners, or is it clothes or is it looks, maketh the man. I suppose one out of three is better than none. Something could be done about the clothes but the looks are beyond hope. Not wanting to be embarrassed regarding the quality of my wardrobe I paid an expensive, but deeply rewarding, visit to a local up-market menswear store. It was such an outlet as was reminiscent of the Grace Brothers department store in the popular television series “Are you being served?”. Clothes were tailored to fit; even having my inside leg measured seemed perfectly natural in such an establishment. The service was lovely and whole experience, for someone who does not like purchasing clothes as they do hang attractively on me, was such that I would treasure doing it again. The service was quality. Returning to the streets the other issues returned to the fore.
Lack of a suitable early morning flight, which would connect with the departure flight, forced an overnight wait at Heathrow. Here, there was none of the comfortable seating, shops or eating establishments as found at Gatwick. So, through lack of sleep, it was a very tired me that arrived at Rome airport. The transfer from the airport to the port of Civitavecchi, from which the cruise ship departed, was not without incident. The courier instructed me to go coach X outside the airport arrivals terminal. I proceeded to the exit and followed a sign leading to, what turned out to be, bay X rather than coach X. Needless to say I did not find coach X. Upon my return to the courier I was met by others who were going to coach X; so, like a lamb to the slaughter, I followed. Coach X was positioned in bay A which was in the opposite direction to bay X; in fact I did not notice any sign pointing to these groups of coaches. A few visible signs or a well positioned transfer staff would have helped wayward and tired passengers locate the correct coach more easily. At that point I should have been wondering if what had happened was to prove indicative of the cruise. However I was too tired to think like this.
The coach journey was uneventful. The first sight of the cruise ship was impressive. She dwarfed the relatively flat landscape around, which was not that flat but only appeared to be beside the massive ship. So, very tired and hot, I joined the long snake of a queue waiting to be processed to board the ship. Thank goodness for the canopy. This offered some protection against the sun except where the sun pierced the join in the canopy fabric.
I was surprised by the intensity of the check-in procedures. This was totally unexpected as, with the impending excitement of the further coming adventures, security had not even entered my thoughts. Finally, after a metal detector scan of my hand luggage and a body frisk, I boarded the ship and was guided to my cabin. The room was immaculate; double bed but with pillows so thin that I was taken aback. How would I sleep? Roll on dinner time. Was it hunger or was it lack of sleep? Walking is supposed to help one stay awake. How I wished that I had chosen the earlier seating at dinner! There is only so far one can walk without sleep. I was experiencing extreme difficulty in staying awake. This called for another walk around the decks.
At last it was last feeding time for the monkey. Why is it when given two choices I inevitably chose the wrong one? The dinning area was split over two levels; and I had unknowingly chosen to go the lower level thinking that, if need be, one could move between the two decks within the dinning area. This might be possible for staff but it is not the recommended procedure for paying guests. Fighting my way against the incoming hungry diners I made my way to the upper floor where, in my naivety, a waiter directed me to my table. Guess what? I was shown to a table for four where I would be the only one there. The written confirmation that my dining preferences had been met counted for nothing.
If I had been not so tired and disappointed it would have been comical. At least there was no chance of incompatibility with others at the table as I was the only one; but I was not thinking along those lines at that time. Do I laugh or cry? Do I complain or not? Do I do it now or want until later? Tiredness won! It is near impossible not to think that other diners are looking at you, and feeling pity for a first-time cruising singleton, dining alone. While waiting at the table, between courses, I realised that cruising as an opportunity for meeting people had a much higher priority for the reason for cruising than I had previously realised. Feeling exceptionally tired, after almost forty hours without sleep, and a little fragile I could not face eating alone in crowded room or having my first ever five course meal. Crowds can be very lonely places. Back home I would very seldom have eaten a two course meal; usually I eat only the main course. So on this occasion I treated myself to the starter and the main course; and then, feeling slightly hurt and alone, tried to slip away unnoticed to sanctity of my cabin and some much needed sleep.
Ten o’clock. “That cannot be correct!” I thought to myself. What a wonderful sleep. For someone with a seemingly small bladder to get an uninterrupted night’s sleep is almost unheard of. I was still surprised at how well I had slept. Then I remembered the previous evening’s dining experience. I must do something about that but first breakfast. Have I missed it? Where is breakfast served? By asking these two questions I illustrated my naivety yet again. There were so many dining areas serving food. As one temporarily closes to replenish displayed stock another section would open. I was spoiled for choice. The presentation was beautiful. I thought that I could not beat a full English breakfast with orange juice and grapefruit segments. Well I was on holiday; and with so much lovely food. I certainly was for spoiling myself. Now what should I do. Back in my cabin a daily events newsletter had been delivered unseen.
Taking this newsletter and the documentation for a digital camera, which I had purchased at Heathrow, I made my way to a quite part in one of the restaurants. With a cup of coffee for company I started to read both documents. The problems with the dinning arrangements could not be addressed until mid-afternoon when the particular office opened.
It was now lunchtime rather than time for lunch. Despite not being hungry I decided upon a burger, a few fries and a soft drink. Here I encountered my second shock after the previous evening’s dining table incident. On board ship one is expected to pay for the soft drinks. For someone who does not drink much alcoholic drinks this could be prove costly. Checking the literature of what was included in the cruise price I had noted that on-board drinks were not included in the price. I had expected these to be on-board alcoholic drinks and not to include non-alcoholic drinks. On the positive side, or was it, one could subscribe to a one-off price to cover all one’s non-alcoholic drinks for the whole cruise. I signed for this option and was given a card which I subsequently had to show every time I wanted a soft drink. It is a nuisance. At first sight this deal looked good but, in hindsight, it proved not to be that great a saving. So far I had not been that impressed with the cruise.
This first full day on board ship was spent at sea, lounging by the pool, with the only interruptions being the obligatory evacuation drill, becoming orientated with the ship and trying to get the previous evening’s dining arrangements amended. It was now that time and I joined the short queue and waited my turn. I explained what had happened and asked if anything could be done. Without a word of apology I was told that a lot of people wanted to change their dining arrangements and that it would be impossible to accommodate my request at the main seating. However, I was informed that there was space at the earlier seating at a table with eight others who were about my age. So, after confirming that nothing was available at the later seating, I agreed to the change and, feeling relieved, thanked the gentleman. As it would later transpire other passengers confirmed that there were more than ample empty spaces at the later seating. For someone in the service industry I was not impressed with the service so far. How could the written confirmation of dining arrangements be so far short of the mark; and why could greater effort have not be made at the subsequent meeting to satisfy diners requests when there was evidently ample room to do so. This service was certainly not five-star.
I had just time to return to poolside before the afternoon was interrupted by the legal requirement of a drill for a simulated evacuation at sea. The procedure required for all to assemble in the theatre wearing their lifejackets where we would be instructed on how to tie them. Much to my annoyance, as I approached the theatre’s entrance, I was rebuked by a crew member for leaving my lifejacket untied. This was in spite of tying being contrary to the written instructions circulated to each cabin. It was another instance of ignorance amongst the crew. In fact the evacuation drill was, and presumably still is, a disaster waiting to happen. The theatre is banked with many steps that are most unsuitable for anyone wearing a lifejacket that obstructs the view of where one is putting their feet; thereby increasing the danger of tripping.
Quite a few passengers had untied lifejackets with the trailing ties adding to the danger. Once all the passengers had been informed of the evacuation procedures we were instructed to leave the theatre by the way we had entered and gather at various assembly points near particular labeled lifeboat stations. The disorganised medley of passengers entering and leaving by the narrow openings to the theatre reminded me of supporters leaving a packed football stadium each eager to go their own way but, at least, they knew where they are going. Here the drill procedures may be safe for those who know where they are going but, in my opinion, these are most unsafe for those who do not where they are going, and cannot see where they are putting their feet, nor the location of the next step within the theatre.
Most of the remainder of the day was spent by the pool. From the newsletter I discovered that a semester was currently taking place on what to see at tomorrow’s port of call. From the camera documentation, and the cabin’s electrical sockets, it was obvious that I needed a travel adapter to charge the digital camera. So making my way to the location of the talk, which was being presented in that infamous theatre, I was shocked to learn that a courtesy coach would transport passengers to the centre of Mykonos, otherwise it was one hour walk. I thought that cannot be correct because, when I was there twenty-five years ago, it was at most a five minute walk.
What I would see the following day brought tears to my eyes. The small inlet where I had stayed so many years before was now the dock for the cruise ships. I could now understand why it would take one hour to walk to town; which it did, as I had walked it many an evening along a dirt track by torchlight admiring the Milky Way. Now the inlet was serviced by a neon-lit highway and where there had been, at most, one dozen whitewashed adobe-styled cubed apartments the hillside was covered in layered apartments and hotels. Returning to the present and my camera problem I looked in the on-board shops for a travel adapter. Up-market designer labels slapped me in the face at every turn. Upon leaving the shop I asked at the enquire desk in the grand foyer for help. I explained the problem and the young lady said that she would send an electrician to my cabin. This seemed over the top but, sure enough, shortly afterwards the electrician arrived. In broken English he informed me that he could not help and left. So now I have a camera that I cannot use.
Evening arrived and, after being shown to my new table for ten, where a husband and wife were already seated, I struck up a polite but nervous conversation with them. Bill, the husband, asked me if I had seen the smoke and steam spewing from Stromboli as we passed. I retorted that I had not and was genuinely sorry that I had missed the show. Two ladies and a gentleman, all from the deep south of the United States, arrived and we introduced ourselves to each other. As we waited for the first course to arrive I was told that the other three diners, who should have been at the table, had moved to the later diner seating. This fact reinforced my initial thoughts from the meeting earlier where I had tried to have my dining arrangements changed. As I had been told that I would be joining a table with eight others this implied that, at that time, the missing three had not moved from that seating. Therefore it was most probable that there would have been room to accommodate my original dining preference if there had been a will.
When the meal, which was lovely, was over I ambled between the casino and the on-board shops as I waited for the evening’s entertainment in the theatre to begin. While browsing I stumbled upon a travel adapter costing eight dollars excluding tax. This was excessively expensive. As I would be able to purchase one the following day in Mykonos I delayed purchasing. However it demonstrated how little staff knew about what was available on board ship. I was later to discover the most probable reason for this ignorance. Evidence of this ignorance was further reinforced much later in the cruise when the itinerary had to be switched for security reasons to include Katakolon, for a visit to Olympia, rather than Kusadasi for a visit to Ephesus. As the excursion did not interest me I decided to spend some time on the beach. Unfortunately we were informed that the town beach was very small, being approximately 30 yards in length, and was to the left of the town was we approached. However, as one of the information staff was telling me this, I was looking at a crescent of sand that stretched for, probably, three or four miles to the right of the town. It was another example of lack of knowledge amongst the staff. The beach was ideal for parents with small children as the water was tepid and the shelving was practically non-existent.
Despite my misgivings about Mykonos the old town had hardly changed. The windmills were still there and the waves still lapped against restaurant walls that faced most romantic sunsets. A travel adapter was acquired in a local mini-market for three euros which was quite a difference in price from the eight dollars excluding tax quoted on the ship. Embarkation was scheduled for 11pm so some passengers took the advantage of eating ashore. Again I had a table all to myself, albeit a table for ten. However it was not as bad this time as there was a valid reason why I was dining alone.
The next day brought a visit to Rhodes. Again I decided not to partake in any of the excursions but to potter about the old town by myself. I had a most delightful time revisiting familiar streets and having a coffee and snack while people watching. It was truly relaxing. The next day, which was Friday, was one of the main reasons for cruising. It was the visit to Santorini.
I awoke early which was difficult given that my cabin had no natural light and I was on holiday. After a 6.30am breakfast I joined the queue in the theatre for my ticket for a tender ashore; and was rewarded by being on the second tender. Santorini is the remains of a saucer-shaped volcanic island that blew the centre of the island away to create a deep-water centre to a rim of islands. It is reputed to have been one of the largest natural explosions in history. The largest of these islands is referred to as Santorini with the deep-water centre, where the cruise ships anchor, being the caldera. There are three ways to Phira which is the largest town on the island and is perched on top of the cliff overlooking the caldera. Firstly, by walking up the winding path that is shared with the donkeys. Secondly, by riding a donkey up the same path; and, lastly, by riding the cable car to the top. I had planned to walk up and take the cable car down. I got ashore about 8.20am before many of the donkeys had come down the smooth cobbled path for the start of the day’s work. Being polite I let others go ahead of me and as I was about to start the climb a group of tethered donkeys came racing down the slippery pathway.
In trying to get out of their way I went over on my ankle. It was an ankle that I had damaged about twenty years previously. Instantly I felt sick with the shock and pain. The ankle had begun to swell up like a balloon. Do I take a tender back to the ship, and rest and elevate the ankle, or do I go to the top? Visiting Santorini had been one of the main reasons for coming on the cruise. So I decided on the donkey ride to the top to see the view over the caldera. Unfortunately the donkey wanted to race others pushing my swollen tender ankle against other donkeys and the guarding path wall. The end of the donkey ride left passengers about fifty feet from the summit, with Phira’s main street just beyond. It was now 8.50am as I tried to hobble to the summit. Unfortunately I had to admit defeat without seeing Phira’s main street but, at least, I had visited Santorini and had a few digital photographs of the view over the caldera to prove it. In trying to locate the entrance to the cable car terminus I walked over the top of the terminus without realizing it. Eventually I arrived back on the ship some four hours after leaving.
The following day the port of call was Istanbul which was another one of the reasons for coming on this cruise. It was unfortunate that this port of call came so soon after my ankle injury. I had a shore excursion booked that would include visits to the Blue Mosque and Topaki Palace. Arriving at the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum the excursion guide told us that we could leave personal belongings in the coach as it would attended at all times. This I did. The visit to the museum was extremely interesting and informative. I was amazed at how comfortable the nomadic tents could be made by using the famous carpets. The visit to the Blue Mosque was memorable in more than one sense. The swollen ankle limited my speed of movement. After an interesting talk by the guide she informed us that it was time to visit the Topaki Palace. She told us that she would meet us outside. Outside others from the coach were standing beside me as I put on my sandals.
When I looked up they and the group were not to be seen. Despite the thousands of people there, owing to this being prayer time, the groups from the cruise was very identifiable. Unfortunately I could not see my group. I asked three or four of the guides taking other excursions from the cruise ship if they had seen my group. I was informed that they were most probably around the other side of the mosque. I knew this not to be the case. I was worried as my money and maps were on the coach and I had no means of making my way unaided back to the ship. Finally upon asking the fourth or fifth guide she phoned ahead and was informed that the group were at the Topaki Palace. Evidently a head count had been taken on arriving back at the coach and, as it was thought that everyone was back on the coach, they had proceeded to the palace. This guide directed me towards the palace and I hobbled to catch up. Being left behind on an excursion is not exactly professional given that a severely limping passenger had seated himself close to the guide on coach so as to get noticed and to help ensure that he would always be with the group.
The Sunday early afternoon departure was substantially delayed owing to the late return of scheduled Sunday morning excursions and the length of subsequent security queue for boarding the ship. On, at least, two ports of call I had noticed couples being left behind on the dockside. This had been one of my worst fears as it is the responsibility of the individuals to catch up with the cruise ship.
That evening, as we eased through a sunlit serene Dardanelles, I could understand how so many lives were lost but not the reason why. The western shore of the Strait of Dardanelles is so featureless that it offers little cover to those occupying the slight higher ground inland. Over half a million lives lost and for what? It was a tranquil, emotional, special moment that will never be forgotten.
Thankful the remainder of the cruise proved less eventful. Some weeks after returning to work I had a phone call from the company with whom I had booked enquiring if there had been any problems. When I replied in the affirmative the representative stated that she could not deal with these and would pass me to a more senior representative. What was the point of phoning if the person phoning could not take feedback? Without waiting to hear what my feedback was, the senior representative asked me to put these in writing. This was not what I would expect from five-star service. The follow up seemed artificial.
So did I enjoy the cruise? The answer would have to be that it was eventful. However I have never slept as well in my whole life as I did on those eleven nights. The food was delicious with only one poor cut of meat that should not have presented and one course that had been overcooked. Unfortunately the entertainment was not of a generally high standard. Would I cruise again? The answer would have to be “Yes” but I would be more selective of the cruise line. Did I feel trapped? Surprisingly I did feel trapped but this was when I was ashore as there was always the fear of missing the ship before it sailed to its next destination. Did I meet lots of people and, perhaps, the love of my life? The answer is definitely “No” to both questions.
In concluding I would state that, superficially, the service is five-star but ask questions, or do not fit into the mould, and the service is far from five-star. Conversing with some of the staff it emerged that most staff were on two-, three-, six- or eight month contracts. So it is not surprising that basic information about the ship and the ports of call could have been better.
The “where” and “the long” were easy decisions. The “where” was the lynchpin as I had longed to visit Santorini and Istanbul. However seven days seemed too short, as I would be leaving the ship just by the time that I would be finding my way around her, and, yet, a fortnight seemed overly long if I did not enjoy the experience. So it had to be a ten or eleven night adventure. With these decisions made, the question was “with which cruise line should I book”. As this might be my one and only cruise, one of the five-start cruise lines was chosen and the holiday booked. Some days later I was contacted by phone to arrange my dining preferences.
The options were, firstly, early or main seating; and, secondly, seated at a table for four or ten. Asking the representative for advice, it was indicated that I should opt for the main seating at a table for ten. This I did. The reasons given were that, if I was on an excursion earlier in the day, I might be rushed for the earlier 7pm seating. Besides if there was a clash of personalities at the table for four there would only be a maximum of two others to socialise with while at the larger table there would be, potentially, eight others. Some days later I received written confirmation that my dining preferences had been met. So it was some excitement that I looked forward to visiting Santorini and Istanbul which, together with experiencing a cruise for the first time and meeting people, were the main reasons for taking a cruising holiday. As the date of departure approached other issues came to the fore.
It is said that manners, or is it clothes or is it looks, maketh the man. I suppose one out of three is better than none. Something could be done about the clothes but the looks are beyond hope. Not wanting to be embarrassed regarding the quality of my wardrobe I paid an expensive, but deeply rewarding, visit to a local up-market menswear store. It was such an outlet as was reminiscent of the Grace Brothers department store in the popular television series “Are you being served?”. Clothes were tailored to fit; even having my inside leg measured seemed perfectly natural in such an establishment. The service was lovely and whole experience, for someone who does not like purchasing clothes as they do hang attractively on me, was such that I would treasure doing it again. The service was quality. Returning to the streets the other issues returned to the fore.
Lack of a suitable early morning flight, which would connect with the departure flight, forced an overnight wait at Heathrow. Here, there was none of the comfortable seating, shops or eating establishments as found at Gatwick. So, through lack of sleep, it was a very tired me that arrived at Rome airport. The transfer from the airport to the port of Civitavecchi, from which the cruise ship departed, was not without incident. The courier instructed me to go coach X outside the airport arrivals terminal. I proceeded to the exit and followed a sign leading to, what turned out to be, bay X rather than coach X. Needless to say I did not find coach X. Upon my return to the courier I was met by others who were going to coach X; so, like a lamb to the slaughter, I followed. Coach X was positioned in bay A which was in the opposite direction to bay X; in fact I did not notice any sign pointing to these groups of coaches. A few visible signs or a well positioned transfer staff would have helped wayward and tired passengers locate the correct coach more easily. At that point I should have been wondering if what had happened was to prove indicative of the cruise. However I was too tired to think like this.
The coach journey was uneventful. The first sight of the cruise ship was impressive. She dwarfed the relatively flat landscape around, which was not that flat but only appeared to be beside the massive ship. So, very tired and hot, I joined the long snake of a queue waiting to be processed to board the ship. Thank goodness for the canopy. This offered some protection against the sun except where the sun pierced the join in the canopy fabric.
I was surprised by the intensity of the check-in procedures. This was totally unexpected as, with the impending excitement of the further coming adventures, security had not even entered my thoughts. Finally, after a metal detector scan of my hand luggage and a body frisk, I boarded the ship and was guided to my cabin. The room was immaculate; double bed but with pillows so thin that I was taken aback. How would I sleep? Roll on dinner time. Was it hunger or was it lack of sleep? Walking is supposed to help one stay awake. How I wished that I had chosen the earlier seating at dinner! There is only so far one can walk without sleep. I was experiencing extreme difficulty in staying awake. This called for another walk around the decks.
At last it was last feeding time for the monkey. Why is it when given two choices I inevitably chose the wrong one? The dinning area was split over two levels; and I had unknowingly chosen to go the lower level thinking that, if need be, one could move between the two decks within the dinning area. This might be possible for staff but it is not the recommended procedure for paying guests. Fighting my way against the incoming hungry diners I made my way to the upper floor where, in my naivety, a waiter directed me to my table. Guess what? I was shown to a table for four where I would be the only one there. The written confirmation that my dining preferences had been met counted for nothing.
If I had been not so tired and disappointed it would have been comical. At least there was no chance of incompatibility with others at the table as I was the only one; but I was not thinking along those lines at that time. Do I laugh or cry? Do I complain or not? Do I do it now or want until later? Tiredness won! It is near impossible not to think that other diners are looking at you, and feeling pity for a first-time cruising singleton, dining alone. While waiting at the table, between courses, I realised that cruising as an opportunity for meeting people had a much higher priority for the reason for cruising than I had previously realised. Feeling exceptionally tired, after almost forty hours without sleep, and a little fragile I could not face eating alone in crowded room or having my first ever five course meal. Crowds can be very lonely places. Back home I would very seldom have eaten a two course meal; usually I eat only the main course. So on this occasion I treated myself to the starter and the main course; and then, feeling slightly hurt and alone, tried to slip away unnoticed to sanctity of my cabin and some much needed sleep.
Ten o’clock. “That cannot be correct!” I thought to myself. What a wonderful sleep. For someone with a seemingly small bladder to get an uninterrupted night’s sleep is almost unheard of. I was still surprised at how well I had slept. Then I remembered the previous evening’s dining experience. I must do something about that but first breakfast. Have I missed it? Where is breakfast served? By asking these two questions I illustrated my naivety yet again. There were so many dining areas serving food. As one temporarily closes to replenish displayed stock another section would open. I was spoiled for choice. The presentation was beautiful. I thought that I could not beat a full English breakfast with orange juice and grapefruit segments. Well I was on holiday; and with so much lovely food. I certainly was for spoiling myself. Now what should I do. Back in my cabin a daily events newsletter had been delivered unseen.
Taking this newsletter and the documentation for a digital camera, which I had purchased at Heathrow, I made my way to a quite part in one of the restaurants. With a cup of coffee for company I started to read both documents. The problems with the dinning arrangements could not be addressed until mid-afternoon when the particular office opened.
It was now lunchtime rather than time for lunch. Despite not being hungry I decided upon a burger, a few fries and a soft drink. Here I encountered my second shock after the previous evening’s dining table incident. On board ship one is expected to pay for the soft drinks. For someone who does not drink much alcoholic drinks this could be prove costly. Checking the literature of what was included in the cruise price I had noted that on-board drinks were not included in the price. I had expected these to be on-board alcoholic drinks and not to include non-alcoholic drinks. On the positive side, or was it, one could subscribe to a one-off price to cover all one’s non-alcoholic drinks for the whole cruise. I signed for this option and was given a card which I subsequently had to show every time I wanted a soft drink. It is a nuisance. At first sight this deal looked good but, in hindsight, it proved not to be that great a saving. So far I had not been that impressed with the cruise.
This first full day on board ship was spent at sea, lounging by the pool, with the only interruptions being the obligatory evacuation drill, becoming orientated with the ship and trying to get the previous evening’s dining arrangements amended. It was now that time and I joined the short queue and waited my turn. I explained what had happened and asked if anything could be done. Without a word of apology I was told that a lot of people wanted to change their dining arrangements and that it would be impossible to accommodate my request at the main seating. However, I was informed that there was space at the earlier seating at a table with eight others who were about my age. So, after confirming that nothing was available at the later seating, I agreed to the change and, feeling relieved, thanked the gentleman. As it would later transpire other passengers confirmed that there were more than ample empty spaces at the later seating. For someone in the service industry I was not impressed with the service so far. How could the written confirmation of dining arrangements be so far short of the mark; and why could greater effort have not be made at the subsequent meeting to satisfy diners requests when there was evidently ample room to do so. This service was certainly not five-star.
I had just time to return to poolside before the afternoon was interrupted by the legal requirement of a drill for a simulated evacuation at sea. The procedure required for all to assemble in the theatre wearing their lifejackets where we would be instructed on how to tie them. Much to my annoyance, as I approached the theatre’s entrance, I was rebuked by a crew member for leaving my lifejacket untied. This was in spite of tying being contrary to the written instructions circulated to each cabin. It was another instance of ignorance amongst the crew. In fact the evacuation drill was, and presumably still is, a disaster waiting to happen. The theatre is banked with many steps that are most unsuitable for anyone wearing a lifejacket that obstructs the view of where one is putting their feet; thereby increasing the danger of tripping.
Quite a few passengers had untied lifejackets with the trailing ties adding to the danger. Once all the passengers had been informed of the evacuation procedures we were instructed to leave the theatre by the way we had entered and gather at various assembly points near particular labeled lifeboat stations. The disorganised medley of passengers entering and leaving by the narrow openings to the theatre reminded me of supporters leaving a packed football stadium each eager to go their own way but, at least, they knew where they are going. Here the drill procedures may be safe for those who know where they are going but, in my opinion, these are most unsafe for those who do not where they are going, and cannot see where they are putting their feet, nor the location of the next step within the theatre.
Most of the remainder of the day was spent by the pool. From the newsletter I discovered that a semester was currently taking place on what to see at tomorrow’s port of call. From the camera documentation, and the cabin’s electrical sockets, it was obvious that I needed a travel adapter to charge the digital camera. So making my way to the location of the talk, which was being presented in that infamous theatre, I was shocked to learn that a courtesy coach would transport passengers to the centre of Mykonos, otherwise it was one hour walk. I thought that cannot be correct because, when I was there twenty-five years ago, it was at most a five minute walk.
What I would see the following day brought tears to my eyes. The small inlet where I had stayed so many years before was now the dock for the cruise ships. I could now understand why it would take one hour to walk to town; which it did, as I had walked it many an evening along a dirt track by torchlight admiring the Milky Way. Now the inlet was serviced by a neon-lit highway and where there had been, at most, one dozen whitewashed adobe-styled cubed apartments the hillside was covered in layered apartments and hotels. Returning to the present and my camera problem I looked in the on-board shops for a travel adapter. Up-market designer labels slapped me in the face at every turn. Upon leaving the shop I asked at the enquire desk in the grand foyer for help. I explained the problem and the young lady said that she would send an electrician to my cabin. This seemed over the top but, sure enough, shortly afterwards the electrician arrived. In broken English he informed me that he could not help and left. So now I have a camera that I cannot use.
Evening arrived and, after being shown to my new table for ten, where a husband and wife were already seated, I struck up a polite but nervous conversation with them. Bill, the husband, asked me if I had seen the smoke and steam spewing from Stromboli as we passed. I retorted that I had not and was genuinely sorry that I had missed the show. Two ladies and a gentleman, all from the deep south of the United States, arrived and we introduced ourselves to each other. As we waited for the first course to arrive I was told that the other three diners, who should have been at the table, had moved to the later diner seating. This fact reinforced my initial thoughts from the meeting earlier where I had tried to have my dining arrangements changed. As I had been told that I would be joining a table with eight others this implied that, at that time, the missing three had not moved from that seating. Therefore it was most probable that there would have been room to accommodate my original dining preference if there had been a will.
When the meal, which was lovely, was over I ambled between the casino and the on-board shops as I waited for the evening’s entertainment in the theatre to begin. While browsing I stumbled upon a travel adapter costing eight dollars excluding tax. This was excessively expensive. As I would be able to purchase one the following day in Mykonos I delayed purchasing. However it demonstrated how little staff knew about what was available on board ship. I was later to discover the most probable reason for this ignorance. Evidence of this ignorance was further reinforced much later in the cruise when the itinerary had to be switched for security reasons to include Katakolon, for a visit to Olympia, rather than Kusadasi for a visit to Ephesus. As the excursion did not interest me I decided to spend some time on the beach. Unfortunately we were informed that the town beach was very small, being approximately 30 yards in length, and was to the left of the town was we approached. However, as one of the information staff was telling me this, I was looking at a crescent of sand that stretched for, probably, three or four miles to the right of the town. It was another example of lack of knowledge amongst the staff. The beach was ideal for parents with small children as the water was tepid and the shelving was practically non-existent.
Despite my misgivings about Mykonos the old town had hardly changed. The windmills were still there and the waves still lapped against restaurant walls that faced most romantic sunsets. A travel adapter was acquired in a local mini-market for three euros which was quite a difference in price from the eight dollars excluding tax quoted on the ship. Embarkation was scheduled for 11pm so some passengers took the advantage of eating ashore. Again I had a table all to myself, albeit a table for ten. However it was not as bad this time as there was a valid reason why I was dining alone.
The next day brought a visit to Rhodes. Again I decided not to partake in any of the excursions but to potter about the old town by myself. I had a most delightful time revisiting familiar streets and having a coffee and snack while people watching. It was truly relaxing. The next day, which was Friday, was one of the main reasons for cruising. It was the visit to Santorini.
I awoke early which was difficult given that my cabin had no natural light and I was on holiday. After a 6.30am breakfast I joined the queue in the theatre for my ticket for a tender ashore; and was rewarded by being on the second tender. Santorini is the remains of a saucer-shaped volcanic island that blew the centre of the island away to create a deep-water centre to a rim of islands. It is reputed to have been one of the largest natural explosions in history. The largest of these islands is referred to as Santorini with the deep-water centre, where the cruise ships anchor, being the caldera. There are three ways to Phira which is the largest town on the island and is perched on top of the cliff overlooking the caldera. Firstly, by walking up the winding path that is shared with the donkeys. Secondly, by riding a donkey up the same path; and, lastly, by riding the cable car to the top. I had planned to walk up and take the cable car down. I got ashore about 8.20am before many of the donkeys had come down the smooth cobbled path for the start of the day’s work. Being polite I let others go ahead of me and as I was about to start the climb a group of tethered donkeys came racing down the slippery pathway.
In trying to get out of their way I went over on my ankle. It was an ankle that I had damaged about twenty years previously. Instantly I felt sick with the shock and pain. The ankle had begun to swell up like a balloon. Do I take a tender back to the ship, and rest and elevate the ankle, or do I go to the top? Visiting Santorini had been one of the main reasons for coming on the cruise. So I decided on the donkey ride to the top to see the view over the caldera. Unfortunately the donkey wanted to race others pushing my swollen tender ankle against other donkeys and the guarding path wall. The end of the donkey ride left passengers about fifty feet from the summit, with Phira’s main street just beyond. It was now 8.50am as I tried to hobble to the summit. Unfortunately I had to admit defeat without seeing Phira’s main street but, at least, I had visited Santorini and had a few digital photographs of the view over the caldera to prove it. In trying to locate the entrance to the cable car terminus I walked over the top of the terminus without realizing it. Eventually I arrived back on the ship some four hours after leaving.
The following day the port of call was Istanbul which was another one of the reasons for coming on this cruise. It was unfortunate that this port of call came so soon after my ankle injury. I had a shore excursion booked that would include visits to the Blue Mosque and Topaki Palace. Arriving at the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum the excursion guide told us that we could leave personal belongings in the coach as it would attended at all times. This I did. The visit to the museum was extremely interesting and informative. I was amazed at how comfortable the nomadic tents could be made by using the famous carpets. The visit to the Blue Mosque was memorable in more than one sense. The swollen ankle limited my speed of movement. After an interesting talk by the guide she informed us that it was time to visit the Topaki Palace. She told us that she would meet us outside. Outside others from the coach were standing beside me as I put on my sandals.
When I looked up they and the group were not to be seen. Despite the thousands of people there, owing to this being prayer time, the groups from the cruise was very identifiable. Unfortunately I could not see my group. I asked three or four of the guides taking other excursions from the cruise ship if they had seen my group. I was informed that they were most probably around the other side of the mosque. I knew this not to be the case. I was worried as my money and maps were on the coach and I had no means of making my way unaided back to the ship. Finally upon asking the fourth or fifth guide she phoned ahead and was informed that the group were at the Topaki Palace. Evidently a head count had been taken on arriving back at the coach and, as it was thought that everyone was back on the coach, they had proceeded to the palace. This guide directed me towards the palace and I hobbled to catch up. Being left behind on an excursion is not exactly professional given that a severely limping passenger had seated himself close to the guide on coach so as to get noticed and to help ensure that he would always be with the group.
The Sunday early afternoon departure was substantially delayed owing to the late return of scheduled Sunday morning excursions and the length of subsequent security queue for boarding the ship. On, at least, two ports of call I had noticed couples being left behind on the dockside. This had been one of my worst fears as it is the responsibility of the individuals to catch up with the cruise ship.
That evening, as we eased through a sunlit serene Dardanelles, I could understand how so many lives were lost but not the reason why. The western shore of the Strait of Dardanelles is so featureless that it offers little cover to those occupying the slight higher ground inland. Over half a million lives lost and for what? It was a tranquil, emotional, special moment that will never be forgotten.
Thankful the remainder of the cruise proved less eventful. Some weeks after returning to work I had a phone call from the company with whom I had booked enquiring if there had been any problems. When I replied in the affirmative the representative stated that she could not deal with these and would pass me to a more senior representative. What was the point of phoning if the person phoning could not take feedback? Without waiting to hear what my feedback was, the senior representative asked me to put these in writing. This was not what I would expect from five-star service. The follow up seemed artificial.
So did I enjoy the cruise? The answer would have to be that it was eventful. However I have never slept as well in my whole life as I did on those eleven nights. The food was delicious with only one poor cut of meat that should not have presented and one course that had been overcooked. Unfortunately the entertainment was not of a generally high standard. Would I cruise again? The answer would have to be “Yes” but I would be more selective of the cruise line. Did I feel trapped? Surprisingly I did feel trapped but this was when I was ashore as there was always the fear of missing the ship before it sailed to its next destination. Did I meet lots of people and, perhaps, the love of my life? The answer is definitely “No” to both questions.
In concluding I would state that, superficially, the service is five-star but ask questions, or do not fit into the mould, and the service is far from five-star. Conversing with some of the staff it emerged that most staff were on two-, three-, six- or eight month contracts. So it is not surprising that basic information about the ship and the ports of call could have been better.
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2005
- Board Basis:0
- Tour Operator:Celebrity
We were very lucky, they appeared to have put some consideration in the seating and seated us with 2 other couples also in the early 30's and the 6 of us became inseparable drinking and partying till late hours almost every night.
The food was out of this world and we never once had a negative eating experience, the service was brilliant, the staff were a delight, the other passengers (although mostly American and Canadian) were incredibly friendly and chatty, the ports were exceptional. Even our head waiter would sneak my hubby into formal night sans tie and jacket (he doesn’t believe in dressing up). It is really very difficult to find any negatives.
The one thing that I did feel strongly about and the reason this gets a 9 and not a 10, is the water - with the whole point of cruises being that you don’t need to worry about costs, just throw in some bottled water each day into each cabin rather than charge a fortune for it. I'm sure people wouldn’t mind paying a little more in the cruise package and have this essential item provided daily. It was quite a mission to keep on buying litres of water at every port due to the over extravagant cost of water on board. Come on Celebrity, throw in some water!
Also one tip for travelers, just arrange your own public transport to get to the port, you'll save a bundle. I thing we paid around 6 euro each to get from Rome to the port using the local transport, where Celebrity transfers cost in excess of 140 euros.
Otherwise, do yourself a favour and do a cruise (but pick a celebrity, princess or one of the good ones), you can’t knock it till you try it!