Millennium Review from "Loyal to Royal Cruiser

[digital_curator]

DH (41) and I (40) reached Platinum status on RCI last year. We have enjoyed our four cruises (Navigator, Explorer, Serenade, and Independence) so much that we have been hesitant to try another line. However, we really wanted to branch out with a new ship and/or itinerary; the Oasis class was on our minds but the prices were outrageous.

 

Since we were given Select status with Celebrity, we decided to look at what they have to offer. A great sale, $200 OBC from a large online TA, and $200 in shareholder credit sealed the deal for us on the January 14th 10-day Southern Caribbean sailing on the Millennium. We booked Concierge Class cabin 8076 for about $76 pp/day after the discounts, including all taxes and port fees.

 

We got so much valuable information from Cruise Critic members that I wanted to give back with an account of our trip in hopes that it might help others.

 

I will first give a day-by-day overview and end with some comparisons to RCI. All opinions are IMHO and based on our experiences- so no flaming please! I will be happy to answer any questions that I can.

[digital_curator]

We left Toronto on the 11th, trying to leave lots of time in case of snow delays. Luckily, we didn't have too many problems, which was miraculous given the storms that hit the east coast that week!

We took the Megabus to the Buffalo airport ($23 for 2), because flights were half the price that they were from Toronto ($313 pp including taxes on U.S. Air). We spent the night at the Millennium hotel ($74 on Hotwire, including taxes and fees). We picked this one because it was the cheapest we could find with an airport shuttle. I was a little worried about the mixed reviews but it was fine for a night. The rooms were pretty dated (think 1970's living room) and a little worn but it was clean and quiet. The shuttle picked us from the airport in a matter of minutes and we also used it to go to the Walden Galleria for dinner at Cheesecake Factory and some last-minute shopping.

As the day progressed the snow got worse and we were worried because all of the flights to Charlotte were cancelled. We had our fingers crossed that our 6:30 a.m. flight would be a go the next day. The hotel has internet in the lobby but only checking flights and printing boarding passes is free.

At 4:00 a.m. we were on the airport shuttle, in the thick of a snowstorm. We totally lucked out though, as our flight left for Charlotte with only a slight delay for fueling and de-icing (the later flights were cancelled).

We also lucked out in Charlotte- we just made it to our gate as they were boarding for San Juan!

When we landed in San Juan on the afternoon of the 12th, I was a little disappointed to see dark rainclouds but at least it was warm and there was no snow!

The taxi to our hotel (Sheraton Old San Juan- $105/night including taxes but not including the $7.50 resort fee) was $19 plus $1 for each bag, which was only 1 each- tried to pack light despite the fact that it was a two-week trip.

And then the vacation began!

[digital_curator]

We loved the Sheraton Old San Juan- it was so convenient to all the sites, great restaurants, and last-minute shopping. It was very busy (we were there for the opening of the San Sebastian festival) but the staff was very friendly. Our room was large but pretty dark- it was on the third floor, the bottom of an interior courtyard, and only had 1 small window.

 

The layout was also a little odd, with the (very large) bathroom directly across from the entrance.

 

Not that we are complaining- it was clean and quiet with a very comfortable bed. The toiletries were nice and the large flat-screen t.v. was a nice touch, even if we couldn't get the in-room internet to work (there is free internet in the lobby).

 

We were given 4 $5 match play coupons for the casino but didn't use them, nor did we eat in the restaurants.

 

We headed out to the Don Q rum "museum" just down the street, where we looked at the display about rum production and the history of the company. Hint for shoppers: the rum here is the same price at the airport and everything is available in both places except for the 12-packs of mini bottles ($12 for flavours or $15 for the Cristal). We were offered 1 drink each and ended up with a small sample of their pre-mixed mojito. It was o.k. and you can't argue with the price.:D

 

We stopped in at the tourist office which is almost next door to Don Q for a schedule of events for the San Sebastian festival, then headed back for dinner. At the suggestion of CC members, we went to Latin Roots which is dirrectly behind the hotel.

 

It was very busy and kind of hot but the service was incredible and the food was excellent. We both had the lunch combination: 1/2 pound of roast pork with cracklin', choice of starch (we both had friend yellow plantains), and rice (I had it with pigeon peas, DH chose sausage- mine was good, his was AMAZING). Make sure to use the pique sauce on the table-it adds a great little kick! We feasted for $12 each, not including our Medalla beer and 1/2 pitcher of sangria (as I said, let the vacation begin!)

 

 

Afterwards, we were a little drunk, um I mean tired, so we called it a night, stopping at the CVS just down from the hotel for some last minute cruise supplies.

[5150lock]

Thanks for a review of the Millennium sounds like a fun start. Really want to hear about Millie as we will be doing a Sept cruise on her.

 

Didn't even come close to your nice deal but we are looking forward to it. Sandy and I will be going to see the Canal in March on the Island Princess. Sandi's best friend is going with us so I will have two wives so I need a list of all bars. ;):p:p

 

Looking forward to next installment, like the pics.

 

Larry

[luv2camp04]

Looking forward t hearing more as we are doing this cruise in April. Thanks for the photos of the Sheraton Old San Juan. We will also be staying there. Looks like it is a good choice (and we got the same price as you through Hotwire). I will have to remember the name of that restaurant for dinner.

 

Kelly

[Italy52]

We are Platinum on Royal Caribbean and have never cruised with Celebrity. Due to the Radiance going into dry dock, we rebooked our B2B Alaskan cruise on the Millinneum. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.

 

A couple of questions for you:

 

We also have a Concierge Class cabin and was wondering if you felt it is worth the extra money.

 

Did you go to the Olympic Restaurant? If so, how did it compare to CHOPS or Portofino on RCI.

 

Looking forward to more installments.

 

Karen

[JRarey]

Great start Tracey! Keep it up, it will be like re-living it from this cold **** we are stuck in.

[digital_curator]

Looking forward t hearing more as we are doing this cruise in April. Thanks for the photos of the Sheraton Old San Juan. We will also be staying there. Looks like it is a good choice (and we got the same price as you through Hotwire). I will have to remember the name of that restaurant for dinner.

 

Kelly

 

Thanks Kelly! Make sure to call ahead and ask for a room along the front. If you can get one, you will have a lovely view of the piers. And if you have a nice night, make a trip up to the whirlpool/pool. It's open 'til 11 and you will get a great view of the city and stars.

 

Latin Roots is easy to find. The entrance to the hotel is in an alley and if you turn right upon exiting you should be able to see the sign. We liked it so much we went back after the cruise!

 

We are Platinum on Royal Caribbean and have never cruised with Celebrity. Due to the Radiance going into dry dock, we rebooked our B2B Alaskan cruise on the Millinneum. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.

 

A couple of questions for you:

 

We also have a Concierge Class cabin and was wondering if you felt it is worth the extra money.

 

Did you go to the Olympic Restaurant? If so, how did it compare to CHOPS or Portofino on RCI.

 

Looking forward to more installments.

 

Karen

 

Hi Karen,

 

I will do more of a comparison at the end but the Millennium reminded me a lot of the Radiance-class ships (minus all the glass unfortunately).

 

We only paid $100 more each for Concierge Class. We appreciated the slightly larger cabin/larger couch. The champagne was nice and we ate a lot of the fruit bowl (which was refilled each day). The afternoon hors d'ouvres weren't always our cup of tea but, again, a nice touch.

 

I liked the flowers in the room (the ones on the desk lasted the whole cruise; the rose in the bathroom was replaced about 4 days in). Shower head was nice. Used the binoculars a few times. The extra umbrella came in handy.

 

I LOVED the expanded breakfast menu (especially the baked bananas) and we ate breakfast on the balcony each morning.

 

Would we do it again? If it didn't cost much more and we had a longer itinerary- in a heartbeat!

 

We didn't go to the Olympic. We have only been to a specialty restaurant once (Chops on the Serenade0 and had a pretty mediocre experience so we haven't been in a rush to try another one).

 

I think you will find the Select events to be a big step up from RCI's platinum. Lots of party invites, each with lovely food and (alcoholic) drink offerings.

 

Great start Tracey! Keep it up, it will be like re-living it from this cold **** we are stuck in.

 

Thanks JRarey! It's bitter here today and I am missing the aft bar and you all terribly!

[digital_curator]

Thanks for a review of the Millennium sounds like a fun start. Really want to hear about Millie as we will be doing a Sept cruise on her.

 

Didn't even come close to your nice deal but we are looking forward to it. Sandy and I will be going to see the Canal in March on the Island Princess. Sandi's best friend is going with us so I will have two wives so I need a list of all bars. ;):p:p

 

Looking forward to next installment, like the pics.

 

Larry

 

Hey Larry!

 

Nice to run into you again. You would have liked this cruise. The CC'ers reminded me a lot of the Sourdoughs.

 

I think you will love the ship. It reminds me alot of the Serenade, though as I said, without the glass. Lots of lovely bars and lounges. Are you doing Alaska again?

 

Wish I could tag along that bar crawl as third wife on the Island Princess- sounds like fun!;)

 

Cheers,

[rollie]

Karen, make sure to do the Olympic. It is soooooooooooo much nicer than Chops or Protofinos.

 

Rollie

[Italy52]

digital_curator: Thanks for answering my questions. The one thing that I will miss about the Radiance is the bed by the balcony windows --- especially while cruising Alaska.

 

I heard that the Captain's Club perks for the elite level (which we are) are a lot nicer than RCI's elite class so we are definitely looking forward to that.

 

Looking forward to more of your feedback.

 

rollie: I have made reservations for the Olympic and looking forward to the experience. The only thing I am a little concerned about are some of the menu items --- a little more saucier and exotic than I am used to -- Oh well, guess my Crestor will just have to work a little harder that night. :)

 

Karen

[Gabrielle R.]

Over Christams The Milliennium does a 4 & a 5 day out of Miami. I want more than a 7 day, but can't find anything that will fit my time off. Wondering how a back to back would work AND how did you like the Milliennium? I've cruised with Royal, Princess, HAL (Not impressed), Carnival, I crusied once With X on the old Horizon! So I'm relly excited about this post!

Gie me all your milliennium info- PLEASE! :D

Gabrielle

[srpilo]

Wow Tracey, it's almost like I'm there.. Wait a minute, I was !!!! :D:):D

 

 

 

 

Keep it going.. I'm reliving the cruise through your great review

Pete

[luv2camp04]

Thanks Kelly! Make sure to call ahead and ask for a room along the front. If you can get one, you will have a lovely view of the piers. And if you have a nice night, make a trip up to the whirlpool/pool. It's open 'til 11 and you will get a great view of the city and stars.

 

Latin Roots is easy to find. The entrance to the hotel is in an alley and if you turn right upon exiting you should be able to see the sign. We liked it so much we went back after the cruise!

 

Thanks for your info. I will try to call ahead to the Sheraton and see what I can do. I have made myself a note about Latin Roots. I know my husband really wants to have some local cuisine while we are on our trip so this sounds perfect for out first night of vacation. This is our first cruise ever so we are looking forward to all of our experiences!

 

Kelly

[rollie]

Gabrielle, generally on B2B's you will meet in change day and be escorted off the ship, and the cruise line has to clear the ship for the next cruise. You will then be escorte to a waiting area in the cruise terminal. After the ship is cleared you will be the first to be let on the ship. It is much easier to have the same cabin on both cruises as you won't have to pack and move. It is really fun to say good bye to the poor smucks that have to go home. lol

 

 

Rollie

[JRarey]

Hey Tracie,

 

I sure am enjoying your review, Like Pete said it is like I was there lol

 

Looking forward to reading more, and reading about all the fun things we did.

 

FYI Joe is looking at doing something on RC Oasis type ship, or a Windstar cruise in Costa Rica, we will send the info to you and everyone else to see if anyone can make it. I would love to cruise with you guys again!

 

I am still looking for Michelle's pictures, especially of Captain Hunk!

 

 

Talk with you soon,

Jan of Jan and Joe

[fdpevey]

Just like a miniseries, I am eagerly waiting for the next parts. We have this cruise coming up in a little over a month.

[srpilo]

Gabrielle, generally on B2B's you will meet in change day and be escorted off the ship, and the cruise line has to clear the ship for the next cruise. You will then be escorte to a waiting area in the cruise terminal. After the ship is cleared you will be the first to be let on the ship. It is much easier to have the same cabin on both cruises as you won't have to pack and move. It is really fun to say good bye to the poor smucks that have to go home. lol

 

 

Rollie

 

On Rollie, thats cruel :):):)

 

 

But true :D

Srpilo

[rollie]

I've only done it once Pete, and it sure was nice.

 

Rollie

[Gabrielle R.]

Gabrielle, generally on B2B's you will meet in change day and be escorted off the ship, and the cruise line has to clear the ship for the next cruise. You will then be escorte to a waiting area in the cruise terminal. After the ship is cleared you will be the first to be let on the ship. It is much easier to have the same cabin on both cruises as you won't have to pack and move. It is really fun to say good bye to the poor smucks that have to go home. lol

 

 

Rollie

Thanks Rollie!

[digital_curator]

Sorry for the delay...real life got in the way (don't you hate when that happens? :cool:). Since it is late, I will post the rest of San Juan tonight and start in on the ship tomorrow:

 

We really enjoyed having some extra time in San Juan (if nothing else, it gave us time for 2 more pre-cruise drug store stops :p). I have heard a lot of people complain about this port, but I love it- the old town is beautiful, the people are friendly, the drinks are strong, and I get a chance to practice my very rusty Spanish).

 

We woke up relatively early and chose to skip the hotel's expensive breakfast options. Instead we took a short walk (uphill-good for burning off the delicious Puerto Rican food and drink ;)) to the Cafe Mallorca where we indulged in the signature mallorca, a round bun-like pastry that is grilled and topped with sugar. I had one with butter and DH had ham and cheese. The cafe is an old-school diner, nothing fancy, but it was a good cheap breakfast. The coffee, like everywhere else in San Juan is strong and delicious and served properly with hot milk (why can’t they do this in Canada and the States without charging $5 for it???)

[digital_curator]

After breakfast we walked back down to the piers. Despite hearing mixed reviews, we decided to spend the afternoon at the Bacardi distillery. It was great! I wouldn’t necessarily pay $30 for the cruise ship tour but for $7 is was a steal. The ferry across to Catano was only $1 pp return and provided a lovely ride to the other side of the harbour. We were then directed to the taxis, which cost $3 pp each way.

 

When we arrived about 10 minutes later, we were presented with tour tickets (free) and 2 free drink tickets each. Soon were on a little trolley bus that drove through the grounds to the museum. Our delightful guide explained about rum production before we headed into see a short movie about the history of the Bacardi brand.

 

Then we saw reproductions of the distilling facilities and the office of Bacardis before moving on to a bartending demonstration during which we learned how to make various drinks. Then it was back to the museum, with lots of cool Bacardi artifacts and a great bottle display where you can shoot a video of yourself and email it to jealous friends back home.

A quick trip back through the grounds returned us to the starting porint and the gift shop. We took a quick peek (prices are the same at the airport, including for the Bacardi Reserve $85) but wanted to get to the important part- the tasting :D. Bacardi isn’t my favourite rum but I enjoyed my mojito and sample of Bacardi 8. The café also sells slices of very delicious rum cake, so we sat back and enjoyed our time in the open-air pavillion.

Unfortunately, we relaxed a little too long and it started to POUR (sadly, a common occurance on this cruise). We got a taxi without too much trouble but there is about a block walk between the taxi depot and the ferry terminal. We decided to wait out the storm at Don Tello’s, just across from the ferry terminal. Normally one would have a great view from San Juan from here but we could hardly see across the street! The food was good though and the drinks were strong! I can heartily recommend the Don Tello punch. ;)

When it cleared up, we headed back to OSJ. Unfortunately, the ferry windows were still wet so we couldn't get good photos.

We went back to the hotel to rest and digest before we headed out to meet our fellow CC members for dinner at Barrachina (the home of the original pina colada). We were so fortunate that JRarey set this up- it was a great opportunity for 16 of us to meet up and get to know each other before we officially started our cruise! We had one of the best CC groups on any of our five sailings!

Afterwards, we headed out to enjoy the San Sebastian festival, a street party that spills out all over Old San Juan. Lots of music, cheap drinks, artisan stalls, and very festive people!

Feeling the effects of much rum, we called it a night fairly early so that we could be ready bright and early to board the Millennium!

[digital_curator]

Wow Tracey, it's almost like I'm there.. Wait a minute, I was !!!! :D:):D

Keep it going.. I'm reliving the cruise through your great review

Pete

 

LOL Pete!

 

Gabrielle, generally on B2B's you will meet in change day and be escorted off the ship, and the cruise line has to clear the ship for the next cruise. You will then be escorte to a waiting area in the cruise terminal. After the ship is cleared you will be the first to be let on the ship. It is much easier to have the same cabin on both cruises as you won't have to pack and move. It is really fun to say good bye to the poor smucks that have to go home. lol

 

 

Rollie

 

Rollie- thanks for answering this. One day I hope to do a B2B....

 

Hey Tracie,

 

I sure am enjoying your review, Like Pete said it is like I was there lol

 

Looking forward to reading more, and reading about all the fun things we did.

 

FYI Joe is looking at doing something on RC Oasis type ship, or a Windstar cruise in Costa Rica, we will send the info to you and everyone else to see if anyone can make it. I would love to cruise with you guys again!

 

I am still looking for Michelle's pictures, especially of Captain Hunk!

 

 

Talk with you soon,

Jan of Jan and Joe

 

Jan- both sound great. We will really try to make anything you guys come up with, since you two really helped make our cruise. I too, am anxious to see Michelle's photos. We have over 500 and I can't believe how much I missed!!!!

[EdO338]

We woke up relatively early and chose to skip the hotel's expensive breakfast options. Instead we took a short walk (uphill-good for burning off the delicious Puerto Rican food and drink ;)) to the Cafe Mallorca where we indulged in the signature mallorca, a round bun-like pastry that is grilled and topped with sugar. I had one with butter and DH had ham and cheese.

Another great place while in San Juan is the La Bombonera. They also serve the mallorcas and we'll be there in March to enjoy.

[susanks1]

Do you have a picture of your room on the ship? I am staying in the same room on the Infinity this summer. Thanks.