Cruise Talk: Galaxy-Alaska

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Author

Topic: Galaxy-Alaska

Alice
Just Boarded
Member # 14

posted 07-08-1999 09:36 PM

Does the ship offer a varied and good selection of excursions? Any hints on which ones to choose? Also, what entertainment can we look forward to on this cruise? Does this ship have many speciality "dress-up" nights? Is formal attire really necessary?

Posts: 4 | From: Blairsville, Pa USA | Registered: Jul 99

CruiseBuff
First Class Passenger
Member # 94

posted 07-09-1999 10:28 AM

I just returned from the 6/4 sailing of the Inside Passage on the Galaxy. I think Celebrity has an excellent variety of shore excursions for their Alaska cruises. In Juneau we took the helicopter tour and landing on the Mendenhall Glacier ($189/ea./about 2 1/2 hours), and in Ketchikan we took the Misty Fjords Deluxe Flightseeing/Cruise ($199/ea./4 hours). Both of these were outstanding and well worth the price. Others on the ship took the wildlife/whale excursions and the White Pass Yukon Train trip in Skagway and both were very much enjoyed (not certain of the cost on these). I can ride a narrow guage railway here in Colorado, so this didn't appeal to me. The first day on the ship you can only book your excursions from the interactive TV in your stateroom. After that they have to go to a number system which seemed really confusing to me, but apparently the best excursions (the ones I've mentioned above) sell out quickly. If for some reason the shore excursion part of your interactive TV doesn't work, go to the Guest Relations Desk and ask to speak to the gentleman in charge of the TV software. Don't wait a couple of days to book your excursions as you probably will not get them. On a scale of 1-10, the shows were a 7. Cirque du Galaxy was the best, but we also enjoyed the production show the second evening. The group Onyx in the Savoy Nightclub is extremely good, and they had a men's barbershop quartet that performed at various venues around the ship (also excellent). The remaining nights were comedians, jugglers, etc. There are two formal nights of which about 1/3 of the men were in tuxedos (rent one from the cruise line. It's so convenient) and the women were not in glitzy outfits, but just more dressy attire. It's an entirely different atmostphere than a Caribbean cruise. You're here for the grandeur of the scenery, not the pool/beach/sun/party atmostphere. It's still an unforgettable cruise, however. Have a great time!

Posts: 27 | From: Denver, CO USA | Registered: Jul 99

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 07-11-1999 08:07 AM

Hi, I visited Alaska last year on the Mercury (Galaxy's sister ship). I found the choice of excursions excellent. They include walkes, bus ride, bikes, canoes, helicopters and float planes!

However, we also found them ALL rather expensive*...that's not to say that they were not of good quality. (*This applies to all Cruise lines). We thought that the White Pass Yukon Train trip in Skagway was particularly excellent! We found the interactive TV a very easy way to book excursions without queuing in line. If you request it, Celebrity will send you an advanced copy of their excursion booklet. But you will have to wait until the tip to book them. At least you can do all the planning at home.

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago!

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 07-11-1999 08:10 AM

...celebrity entertainment is pretty good. Most people enjoyed at least something. We both enjoyed the enrichment (Science and wildlife) lectures. The formal night are great fun! We looked forward to dressing up a bit. I just wore suit and tie..I don't own a tux!

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago!

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