Just Cruises Plus

Last week’s Trivia question:  What is the original name of Celebrity’s first ship? 

Correct Answer:  Galileo Galilei

We had only two correct answers to our trivia question.   Rhoda & Matt Refsin of Huntingdon Valley,PA and Rocky Cestroni of Huntingdon Valley, PA.  gave the correct answer.   Since there were only two right answers, we decided to award the $25 credit toward a future cruise to both winners.

SS Galileo Galilei

The Galileo Galilei was originally built as an ocean liner for the Italian shipping company, Lloyd Triestino. Its maiden voyage was from Genoa, Italy to Sydney Australia in 1963.  In 1977, she was reconstructed into a cruise ship and put into service with the Italian Line.

The ship was purchased by the Chandris Group in 1983 and the ship was rebuilt once more – this time with cabins added to the forward deck.  She sailed with the named shortened to Galileo under Chandris’ Fantasy Cruises brand. 

SS Galileo

In the late 80’s, Chandris’ executives decided to create a new up-market brand and, with this in mind, sent the Galileo to Bermerhaven, Germany for a multi-million dollar refit.  In March of 1990, she emerged as the stylish SS Meridian, the first ship of the new Celebrity Cruises brand. The Meridian cruised in the Caribbean and also sailed to Bermuda from Boston, New York and Philadelphia.

SS Meridian

In 1997, the ship was sold to Sun Cruises, which operated her as SS Sun Vista.   Within two years, the ship experienced an engine fire and sank..  All passengers and crew were safely evacuated.