Warm

Author: By Jerry Morris, Globe Staff

Date: SUNDAY, March 16, 1997

Page: M1

Section: Travel

This is cruising?

Yes, and I'd try it again aboard one of the most pleasurable ships I've sailed on in years.

Let's face it, you don't go on a cruise for any heavy lifting. If you want that, take a hike. A cruise vacation is meant to be for pleasure. Celebrity Cruises' brand new Galaxy provides a world of pleasurable experiences at sea. And since cruises are designed to pamper and please travelers, it was only fitting that I indulge in a few experiences in the ship's AquaSpa, one of the grandest, if not the grandest, fitness and health facilities on the ocean.

The Galaxy is huge, not the largest ship at sea but large enough to provide just about every amenity one could wish for without crowds of people. The ship is listed at 77,713 tons, and Celebrity says it will be the largest ship to travel through the Panama Canal and the largest ship sailing off the coast of Alaska this summer. But unlike some ships this size, it carries a comfortable 1,870 passengers with room galore to roam or play. The Galaxy says it has the largest percentage of usable public space of any ship in the world.

The Galaxy is very big on shipboard amenities designed to make this ship a destination in itself.

It's a vessel that is classy yet subdued, one that's easy to get to know, relax on, and enjoy.

The ship also offers many innovations, from high-tech interactive computer and television offerings and grand theatrical experiences to a cigar lounge and a bar specializing in martinis.

The ports of call on the Galaxy's Caribbean itinerary only added to the pleasure. From Fort Lauderdale, we sailed to Key West, Fla.; Cozumel, Mexico; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Grand Cayman Island. In May, the ship will begin sailing the Alaska coast.

So, for all those who say they would be bored taking a cruise, feel confined by the lack of space, or even feel ships offer too sedentary a lifestyle for their taste, just consider what you can or could do aboard the Galaxy.

Sedentary? No way. There's a lot to do on this ship besides taking a mud bath. The AquaSpa area also offers all the latest in workout equipment -- all with a grand view of the ocean -- as well as an area for aerobics. A personal trainer is ready to get you in shape, or you can join an aerobics class. Also available are meditation classes and massages.

Ah, but the AquaSpa has something no other ship has -- a 115,000-gallon thalassotherapy pool. Yes, that's what they call it, and I thought they were joking until I tried it. This is no hot tub -- the ship has four outdoor whirlpool tubs; the thalassotherapy pool provides a variety of stimulating water massages that can be enjoyed sitting, lying, or standing during a 20-minute ``workout.''

On the Galaxy, the spa exceeds one's expectations, which is why I got myself in that messy mudbathing situation. I decided to try the Rasul, the proper name for the mud bath which was temptingly described as having its origins in the antiquity of the Orient and promised a meditating, rejuvenating, sensuous experience. First, I entered an application chamber where medicinal earth was applied thickly to the body. Then as it dried, I entered an herbal steam bath, rubbing in natural salt with the mud. The room becomes more humid, then showers in the ceiling opened, sprinkling warm water over me, and most of the mud melted away. Then it was on to a shower to get rid of the remaining mud, and finally having my body covered with a balm. I was told I would feel refreshed, newborn. I felt foolish but good. The secret to a Rasul, I was told, was to do it with a close friend. I, unfortunately, was alone.

There is also a hair, hand, and facial beauty salon. The spa also provides a variety of holitic water treatments, from hydrotherapy baths to seaweed wraps.

Outside, there is a jogging/walking track -- nine laps equal one mile -- as well as four pools, one with a retractable sliding glass sunroof to cover it in inclement weather, allowing passengers to also enjoy the area for dining (it is just outside the ship's Lido restaurant) or relaxing.

Inside, there is the five-deck-high Celebrity Theater with facilities that would be the envy of some Broadway theaters -- from a revolving stage to high-tech sound and fiberoptic light systems.

The ship boasts a highly advanced interactive communications system. In cabins, the television system allows one to choose from a variety of on-demand movies, shop, gamble, book shore excursions, keep tabs on your shipboard account, or order room service. The system also allows groups, even family reunions, to keep up with what is going on by being able to program notices for the staterooms where you and your companions are staying.

There is a Sony Center where one can learn about and explore the use of computers.

There is a children's area where the youngsters can be entertained, allowing parents free time.

There is a cigar club aboard. Within Michael's Club, guests can enjoy an after-dinner drink and a cigar, freshly and custom rolled within the club for passengers.

Martini lovers have their own special lounge area, with every type of martini available, from the classic to the unusual.

There's the spacious Fortunes casino, with everything from slots to roulette.

If you want more, you'll find a shopping arcade, champagne and caviar bar, golf simulator, art galore, a theater and conference center, a night club, a card room, and a library.

The lounges are beautiful. On the top deck, the Stratosphere lounge offers solid glass views on three sides -- it should be a spectacular place to view the glaciers when the ship is in Alaska. Telescopes and binoculars are placed along the window wall. Also on this deck is a spectacular dance/disco area with 7,000 watts of power and a $1.7 million lighting and laser system that swings to the music.

And there is food, and that alone is worth the price of the cruise. Celebrity boasts that all meals aboard are prepared from scratch under the supervision of famed chef Michel Roux, who owns the 3-star Michelin Waterside Inn restaurant just outside London. Meals, needless to say, are a delight, and you can taste the fresh difference. The food selections throughout the ship are plentiful and will meet the demands of all palates, young or old.

Where has this cruise experience been, you say. Until recently, Celebrity was, well, almost a secret, with but three ships. By next December, the line will have not only one of the newest fleets but also will have more than doubled its cruise capacity within five year, from around 3,600 to 9,324 passengers. In December, with the introduction of its newest ship, the Mercury, Celebrity will have three ships similar to the Galaxy: the Century, introduced in 1995; and two smaller vessels, the Zenith and the Horizon, a fixture on the New York- Bermuda run each summer. Celebrity's oldest ship, the Meridien, built in 1963, was recently sold, and will continue in the fleet until October. Otherwise, the oldest ship is the Horizon, which dates to 1990.

Celebrity's new-found success is not just because of a ship like the Galaxy but also because of its attention to service, cuisine, and price. For the money, Celebrity provides an experience that is one of the best values on the seas.

From the moment we board the ship in Fort Lauderdale, service is very apparant. A room attendant helps us with our carry-on luggage and guides us to our room.

At lunch, we frequent the Oasis cafe, a nicely designed casual dining area with many touches of elegance. The Oasis provides four buffet serving areas so there are no long lines. At first, I am embarrassed when a waiter at the end of the line reaches out to take my tray to a table.

Later, when my back slips out, as it tends to do for no reason, I thoroughly appreciate the extra service that is offered to all. While it may seem impossible to become hungry on this or any cruise ship between meals, it does happen, especially after a day ashore when there are a few hours before the late sitting at 8:30 p.m. Then a call from the stateroom brings sandwiches and drinks, no charge. We could do this 24 hours a day, even have our main meals served in the stateroom. Premium-priced staterooms even come with butler service, ready to attend to needs from sewing to bringing orders before dinner. The feeling of friendly and attentive service is found throughout the ship.

Our stateroom is good-sized, with all the amenities and storage space one could ask for. Many rooms have whirlpool tubs as well as showers. All have an interactive television where, besides a couple of regular movie channels, CNN, and shipboard programming, we can also select from a variety of pay-per-view, on-demand movies; do some shopping; book shore excursions; even gamble. If we were with a group, when the TV is first turned on, we would see messages directed just to us. There is also direct-dial phones to call home (a bit expensive at $9 a minute, but handy). Our room also comes with a refrigerator and a private balcony.

The ship has a variety of staterooms to select from. When it was in Boston for a tour, we checked out one magnificent suite with not only onehuge whirlpool bath but also a secondone on a large private deck. The suite had a bedroom, a huge living area with a large-screen TV, even more interactive electronic goodies, including a personal stereo system, a dining area, and the option of an additional bedroom. And a personal butler for your needs. This isn't just cruising, it's a bit of heaven. Of course, heavenly things do come with a price. The listed price for this Penthouse Deck stateroom was $4,445 a person -- still, less than one might pay for a less lavish room on a luxury cruise ship.

Another nice setup includes family staterooms with two separate sleeping areas, a little tight for my taste but ones that do offer some privacy to those traveling with the youngsters.

The attention to detail and plus fine design is everywhere. Unlike on many ships, the Galaxy's interior was the work of 12 international designers, each with and individual area, each area satisfying, and all blending to create a fine ambience.

By day, most activity is centered on the upper decks for swimming, sunning, relaxing. The inviting and adjacent Oasis dining area means no one has to move far for food and drink. Hamburgers and hot dogs as well as pizza are served on deck near the pools.

In the evening, we dine in the two-tier Orion restaurant, an elegant room with tables for two or up to eight. Overhead, a stunning blue dome has a backlit bronze representation of the continents. The meals are innovative and served with style. Adding to the freshness is Celebrity's use of two preparation areas with a total of 46 chefs to give each meal individual attention. In addition to the regular menu, there is one for other tastes, from vegetarian to children.

After dinner, there are many choices for the evening's entertainment -- quiet lounges for conversation, others for dancing, and grand presentations in the Celebrity theater. Unfortunately, not all the shows keep us entertained. Our favorite is ``Cirque du Galaxy,'' a mixture of the famed Quebec ``Cirque du Soleil'' and another of my favorite shows, ``Riverdance.'' The show on the ``Goldwyn Years'' wasn't so enjoyable. Son Jeff noted that only because he had taken a film course at college did he recognize any of the ``stars.'' Even I, who all but lived in movie theaters in my youth, had trouble recalling some of the stars featured.

But that's one of the beauties of a cruise. If you don't like a show or band, just stroll down the deck to another showroom or lounge -- no cover, no minimum to worry about.

In the Caribbean, the ship calls on some nice ports. My two favorites were the Cayman Islands and Cozumel, Mexico -- and both for some fishy reasons. At Grand Cayman, we visited Stingray City, where friendly stingrays caressed us and ate from our hand. In Mexico, we visited Xcaret, a park built around centuries-old Mayan ruins. While there, we floated in a crystal clear underground river, then got to swim with dolphins.

The Galaxy provided a memorable week -- civilized, satisfying, and pure fun.

The Galaxy is 865 feet long, has 15 decks, five pools, 935 cabins (639 are outside, and, of these, 220 have private verandas), carries 1,870 passengers (in lower berths) and a crew of 908. The ship's staff consists of Greek officers and a European and international hotel staff.

The ship currently is sailing in the Caribbean on seven-night cruises to Key West, Fla.; Cozumel, Mexico; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Grand Cayman Island. In May, it moves to Alaska.

Brochure prices begin at $1,795 a person, including air fare. Lower prices are often available. As with all cruises, shore excursions and spa treatments are extra. The spa treatments are provided by Steiner, which operates spas and salons on some 90 cruise ships -- however, none as extensive as on the Galaxy. The thalassotherapy relaxation pool is $10 a person, and the Rasul is $35 for one, $60 for a couple.

Travel agents have details. For information, call Celebrity Cruises at (800) 437-3111.