Supplement to Travel Trade
April 2002

Celebrity's Galaxy

A Contemporary Classic

Sisters they may be. Identical twins they are not. The Galaxy is no "chip off the old block." While there is a definite relationship between the Galaxy and the Century, there are obvious differences. The Galaxy is about 7,000 tons larger, is about 50 feet longer, has an additional passenger deck and carries about 100 more passengers.

What Celebrity did with that extra tonnage is what makes the difference and increases our expectations that the line's next ship will also be different from her two older sisters.

Lengthening allowed for a "mini" second atrium aft, between Rendez-Vous Square and the Orion Restaurant; and "magrodome" sliding roof over the aft swimming pool, which makes it an ideal location for evening deck parties and perfect for glacier watching in Alaska.

Like the Century, the Galaxy combines hardware with leading-edge technology without sacrificing any of her award-winning qualities. She's the second largest cruise ship afloat, but her gentle mix of large and small public rooms brings her within manageable proportions. She's traditional in layout and futuristic in technology.

The first impression on embarkation, boarding directly into the Grand foyer, is one of entering a grand and elegant reception lobby in a contemporary resort complex. Like the Century, the Galaxy is a modern interpretation of classic European styles. She's a magnificent work comprised of video walls, rare marbles, impressive woods, brass and steel, textured fabrics, soft leathers, plush carpeting, mirrors, etched glass and soft colors.

Art is an integral part of the cruise experience. John Chandris, chairman of Celebrity, said that the Galaxy is the second in a trilogy of ships designed as "contemporary museums at sea." Adding to the brilliance of the ship's design is an exciting collection of avant-garde art. Assembled by Chandris's wife, Christina Chandris, it is not surprising that it has the same focus as their family art collection of Abstract Expressionists.

The Grand Foyer a multi-level atrium designed by Agni and Michalis Katzourakis as a free-flowing space linking activities on five decks. A half-round staircase of stainless steel provides access. To the aft is a dramatic 40-foot-high video wall, backed by a waterfall that gently tumbles four decks into a reflecting pool below. The video wall, framed by four fluted columns, offers a constantly-changing audiovisual environment for guests.

Attention is immediately drawn upward to the illuminated dome that simulates a starry night by use of fiber optics. The ceiling's centerpiece is a nautical compass, measuring more than 13 feet in diameter. The compass tracks the direction of the vessel automatically via links with the positioning system on the ship's bridge and features lighting effects that change according to the time of day.

Beneath the compass on the upper level of the Grand Foyer is a cloistered seating area that houses a collection of handcrafted replicas of famous wooden ships. On the starboard side is Sony Wonder, a room with newly-introduced Sony PCs and modems for demonstration and use by guests.

The Grand Foyer extends the width of the ship on its lowest level and narrows as it goes up to accommodate a promenade and other public rooms. Passengers who have sailed aboard the Century, Zenith or Horizon will have no trouble finding their way. The layout is similar, with staterooms on decks 6 and 7, deck 11 devoted entirely to public rooms, and decks 5 (cabins) and 12 (Sky Suites) used for both cabins and public rooms. The centerpoint is the Grand Foyer with its curved walkways on each level that seem to float in space, thanks to extensive use of glass. Promenade Deck (6) is the heart and center of passenAll suites come with private verandahs, butler service, marble bathrooms, sitting areas and baths fitted with whirlpool jets. Some have separate showers. All are luxurious, and additional amenities include laundry service, shoeshine service, seamstress repairs and mail and message delivery - not to mention the complimentary hors d'oeuvres served en suite between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Accommodations for families range from spacious Sky Suites with adjoining rooms that provide beds for five or six persons to inside and outside adjoining staterooms that can hold up to six people. Some staterooms have been designed to hold four or five family members in comfortable togetherness.

Celebrity's leap into technology is most evident in staterooms. State-of-the-art, user-friendly, in-room systems, first installed on the Century, have been expanded and enhanced on the Galaxy. From televisions in every cabin and suite, guests can preview shore excursions and purchase tickets, book a spa appointment, select their dinner wine, receive updates about the ship's activities, order room service and a myriad of other services.

Celebrity puts great emphasis on food service on board its ships, and the Galaxy is no exception. Celebrated for its award-winning cuisine, guided by renowned chef Michel Roux, the Galaxy's menu and quality of food presentation live up to the company's deserved reputation.

In addition to special vegetarian dishes, the Galaxy offers diabetic, low-sodium, low-cholesterol, kosher and "lean and light" meal services. Service quality is another area in which Celebrity excels. It is correct, friendly and professional.

While not the largest at sea, Galaxy's AquaSpa is one of the most extensive. Located in a prime position on Resort Deck (11), the 10,053-square-foot facility has some unusual features. Inspired by designs of Japanese gardens and bathhouses as a tranquil retreat in which guests can unwind and "de-stress," the AquaSpa provides a serene environment for a complete range of beauty and health treatments.

Treatment rooms are centered around what looks like an indoor swimming pool, but is actually a 115,000-gallon Thalassoptherapy pool with jet massage stations. There's a $10 charge for the use of this facility, but no charge if used in conjunction with other treatments. Spa treatments are sold individually or in commissionable packages which can be pre-booked through travel agents.

The fitness center is fully equipped with excellent machines. Special attention has been paid to creating an inviting multi-generational atmosphere. Not only are there activities for each age group, there are "club houses" especially designed to keep each group interested and occupied.

Ship Mates (under 10 years old) are divided into two groups and have the Fun Factory specifically designed to be explored with hands and imagination. There are computer games and other video adventures.

For the "Arcade Generation," there's Cyberspace, an action-packed room filled with the latest video games. Teens also have their own room on Deck 12, just off the starboard entrance to the Stratosphere Lounge. It is equipped with a juice bar, jukebox, dance floor and video games. Trained counselors administer the Family Cruising program.

The Galaxy sails Western and Deep Caribbean itineraries from Fort Lauderdale every Sunday through April 13. On April 20, she will sail a 15-night, trans-Canal cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles through the Panama Canal before inaugurating her Inside Passage Alaska season roundtrip from Vancouver.