Which Ship?
 

My husband and I are planning a cruise for January 2001. We are in our upper 20s and are looking for a relaxing, romantic vacation. We would also like the opportunity for some activities and good entertainment. We are thinking of either Celebrity Galaxy, RCCI Monarch of the Seas or Grandeur of the Seas. This will be our first cruise. Any comments or suggestions would be wonderful!

The Monarch is OLD. Between the two others, I would opt for the Galaxy. You'll find much better service and much finer dining. Probably better entertainment on RCCL. RCCL owns Celebrity; it is their upscale product.

Ditto, the Galaxy is on my wish list, we've sailed the Century & Mercury. We sailed on the Grandeur 8/99 and were disapointed. We leave on the Ocean Princess 11/12.

Of the choices you mentioned, I too would opt for Celebrity. You didn't mention specifically what part of the world you're interested in cruising to...?? Celebrity is a nice line, not as nice as Holland America(overall best service and food and gorgeous ships) but a step above most. Good Luck!

Without knowing where you want to cruise to makes this a difficult question. I've been on most of the lines and many many ships. I think for a relaxing and romantic cruise I'd recommend: <BR>Holland America <BR>Radisson <BR>Seabourne <BR>Celebrity would work as well but not as high a choice as the other three lines.

If you could be more specific as to where you're interested in cruising to, we might be in a better position to give suggestions. (Europe, Caribbean, Alaska, Mediterranean, Panama Canal etc.)

Jennifer, Everyone seems to wonder where you want to go but it seems obvious that if you chose these three ship in January you want the Caribbean. Any of the three will be great. Look closely at the itineraries and maybe that will help you decide. I believe you will have better service and the food is better on Celebrity. The other two are good also so you won't go wrong. I would personally choose Grandeur second. You may even like it best. We have actually had more fun on the RCCL ships than on the Celebrity ones but as I said the food was better on Celebrity.

I just returned from a RCCL Mexican Riveria cruise on Rhapsody of the Sea, the cruise was terrible (food, serive and entertainment). RCCL quality has been on the decline recently as I had a much better experience before on Vision of the Sea. Celebrity would be a much better of based on my experience on Galaxy and Mercury. The service and food are much better than RCCL. The atmosphere is also more formal which is great for honeymooners. I believe you could ask for a two-persons table if you want more privacy in your honeymoon. You'll also find you fellow passengers more sophisticated on Celebrity cruises.