My husband and I are taking our first cruise on Celebrity Galaxy over New Years. I have a few little questions I can't seem to get answered so if anyone could help I would appreciate it. First, how is dinner handled the first night and what is the attire? I am concerned that because we will have a very long flight to San Juan we may arrive on the ship much later than most--how quickly do shore excursions and spa appts sell out? Is there any way to book these ahead of time? Also on tours which include a stop at the beach, are there places to change or do we need to plan on wearing swimsuits the entire day. Thanks so much!!

Anne, I'll try to give you answers. For dinner on the first night you may dress casually as they know that some luggage may be in transit. The dinner time may even vary slightly. You may also choose room service or the alternative dining upstairs. Some excursions do sell quickly so if there is a particular one you want it is best to book as early as possible. Others will be available up to the last minute. Check with the excursion desk. Spa appointments do fill up quickly so book early. These can be bought ahead of time and even though you don't schedule until you arrive on the ship, you will have priority. Most beach stops will provide a place to change but not all do so that can also be checked on at the Shore Excursion desk. You can at least go in a restroom and change if nothing else. Happy Cruising!

Marilyn--Thanks so much for your help! I am also wondering about seating for dinner. We wanted late seating, but we were only able to get main. Our TA said she wait listed us for late seating. How likely is it that it will be changed? Also we selected an inside cabin, but our TA told us that won't be assigned until we actually arrive. She told us there is a possiblilty we would be upgraded to an oceanview. What's the story with that? Thanks again for any answers!

Your chances are good. The moment you get on the ship - go see the matride (sp?) in your dining room. Ask that your dining be changed. I have heard that people have had good luck doing this.

If you go visit the dining co-ordinator as soon as you board there is a very good chance of you being moved. Just ask where to go when you arrive as they will probably have a place set up for questions like yours. You also might ask your agent to re-check for you a few times. We have always preferred late but am now leaning toward early depending on the cruise. I think your formal nights are either on a day at sea or ports that require you be back on ship by four o'clock so early wouldn't cut into your shore times. That is usually the downside to early seating. Apparently you have a cabin "guarantee" which means you don't get a cabin assignment until you arrive or shortly before. It could be anything and I think Celebrity does a great job of up-grading if there are available cabins. If the cruise is very full you will have less chance. Good luck and let us know how you do. If you don't get an oceanview, don't worry and just have a great cruise. <BR>

Congrats on what should be an excellent choice. My husband & I have sailed on the Century & Mercury, the Galaxy is on my wish list. On the first evening you can wear whatever you flew in or put in your carry-on. Make sure you pack AT LEAST 1 change of clothes in your carry-on or RUN do not walk to the outlet-mall in San Juan before you sail. Last year on the Grandeur (RCI) we didn't see our luggage until the 3rd day. If you don't care about 1 or 2 of the ports you'll have better luck making an appt on a port day. The spa may even be open the day you sail. Celebrity also offers (or used to) packages- For example 1 massage, 1 facial & a manicure for a set amount (?$250??) Look in your Celelbrity brochure or make sure your TA gets one for you when the new ones become available mid October. They also offer a wonderful anniversary package- 2 robes, chocolates, fresh flowers & champagne breakfast in bed- I think that's about $120-150-at least it was in '97 & '98. My Celebrity robe is one of my favorite things. Happy sailing

Hi, <BR> celebrity is a wonderful cruise line and as the last poster said, my celebrity robe is also one of my favorite things.The chances of you getting an upgrade though from inside to oceanview is remote though,they usually always upgrade within the same category. Of the 9 celebrity cruises we've been on we have been upgraded every time,we always take inside and have never been upgraded to oceanview.Our travel agent says she doesn't think this ever happens.

Donna is correct that the chances of an upgrade to an oceanview are slim but it can happen. It never has to me but some of my clients on Mercury ( first time cruisers ) recieved an oceanview when booked in a Cat 12 guarantee so you never know. I still think it just depends on timing an how full the ship is.

I don't think you should go. We don't need your kind of element on cruises.

Thanks to everyone for your help-except of course, the last entry. I have really appreciated using this website for valuable opinions and advice. Comments like the last one are really unnecessary and uncalled for.

What kind of nasty un called for message was that? Anne, My husabnd and I have been on 3 cruises and will be taking our next day after thanksgiving. Any little question I can answer for you feel free to email me. <BR>Janet

Anne, <BR>If you are a parent, you already know how to handle nasty, snide remarks. Ignore the pediatric personality and they disappear. Enjoy your cruise!

Anne, <BR>We are sailing on Celebrity Galaxy in March (Southern Caribbean) and it will be our first cruise. Please let me know what you thought of it and how your cruise experience on this ship went. Also, if you have any suggestions for what to do or not do. (Shore excursions, spa, dining, shows, ect.) I hope it went well and you had a Happy New Year! Thanks!