Celebrity Millennium Questions

[GenSteve]

I'm posting this as a new thread because I can't edit or delete my previous one with the specific cruise date.

 

I'm VERY interested in booking Millennium's April 30th repositioning cruise. I have been on Princess (Grand) and Royal Caribbean (Jewel of the Seas).

 

1) This cruise has the best transatlantic itinerary I've found, but I have concerns about Celebrity being a bit too formal. We never eat in the dining room, preferring to casually eat at the buffet. I've read that Celebrity doesn't offer a buffet option for dinner, but does have menu dining. Any feedback?

 

2) Also, I understand that Millennium will be undergoing some updating before heading back to Europe with this cruise. Any details?

 

3) And, finally, I would appreciate any comments about the gym, spa, sauna, steam setup on Millennium.

 

Thanks...Steve

[garykool81]

I've read that Celebrity doesn't offer a buffet option for dinner, but does have menu dining. Any feedback?

 

This is incorrect. Celebrity transforms an entire section of the buffet, in fact, into a casual dining venue where you can still enjoy many of the items served in the main dining room while wearing jeans, etc.

 

The other questions in your post I am uncertain of, but I can honestly say that Millennium is a beautiful ship. Public areas were in good condition, but we found that the staterooms were in dire need of better upkeep. Bedding was worn, etc. This seems to be a common problem industry-wide from my experience, however.

 

As far as the gym or spa, I am probably the worst person to ask. I don’t think I’ve set foot in them on any ship I’ve ever been on :-)

[PahoaGuys]

Gary is correct about the buffet becoming a casual dining area. You can also order room service to your cabin. So I wouldn't worry about food!

 

I really like the spa/gym setup on Millenium. The men's locker room has a steam room with a very large window overlooking the ocean. It's really amazing to be sitting there enjoying the steam while looking at the sea. The Persian Gardens is an area with several types of steam/sauna rooms all around a central area. The whole thing is very nicely tiled. It does cost extra and I'm not so sure it's worth it. When I was on a Pied Piper cruise they worked a deal to make it for the exclusive use of the Pied Piper group for the duration of the cruise at a discounted price. I'm thinking it normally doesn't get much use.

 

I had one of my best massages ever in their spa. It was by an eastern european guy. Everyone was raving about him. I can only hope he's there for my next cruise. Now only if I can remember his name.

 

The "Ocean Float" is truly relaxing. They put a seaweed mud mask over your entire body, wrap you in foil and blankets, and then you lay on a waterbed like table. Do this while the ship is at sea and you'll be gently rocked by the waves. Pure bliss.

[Faygelah]

We bought a pass to the Persian Garden on our Connie Transatlantic last spring. We only used it two or three times, but it was heaven. On a TA with lots of sea days, I think it's probably worth the extra cost. There was hardly anyone ever using it, and I don't think anybody ever checked to see if we had actually purchased the pass. I doubt you'd have problems just going on in, whether you paid for it or not. I loved the eucalyptus steam room (really cleared my sinuses) and the scented showers and the warming bench.

 

The free sauna in the locker room is nice, too, and the naked men only add to the ambience. We've heard that the dancers frequent the steamroom about 4:00 in the afternoon. We'll have to check them, I mean, "it" out on our Millennium cruise next month!

[Faygelah]

We bought a pass to the Persian Garden on our Connie Transatlantic last spring. We only used it two or three times, but it was heaven. On a TA with lots of sea days, I think it's probably worth the extra cost. There was hardly anyone ever using it, and I don't think anybody ever checked to see if we had actually purchased the pass. I doubt you'd have problems just going on in, whether you paid for it or not. I loved the eucalyptus steam room (really cleared my sinuses) and the scented showers and the warming bench.

 

The free sauna in the locker room is nice, too, and the naked men only add to the ambience. We've heard that the dancers frequent the steamroom about 4:00 in the afternoon. We'll have to check them, I mean, "it" out on our Millennium cruise next month!

[Faygelah]

We bought a pass to the Persian Garden on our Connie Transatlantic last spring. We only used it two or three times, but it was heaven. On a TA with lots of sea days, I think it's probably worth the extra cost. There was hardly anyone ever using it, and I don't think anybody ever checked to see if we had actually purchased the pass. I doubt you'd have problems just going on in, whether you paid for it or not. I loved the eucalyptus steam room (really cleared my sinuses) and the scented showers and the warming bench.

 

The free sauna in the locker room is nice, too, and the naked men only add to the ambience. We've heard that the dancers frequent the steamroom about 4:00 in the afternoon. We'll have to check them, I mean, "it" out on our Millennium cruise next month!

[CruiseAholic]

Have sailed on the Millennium 2 times and the Summit 1 time. These ships are a great and very elegant layout.

 

That being said, I find Celebrity to be a bit more 'stuffy' than my taste, and prefer Princess, but you will have a great time.

 

Try the 'healthy' lunch options near the spa, really excellent. Also, even though it is formal, try the speciality restaurant, a true experience.

[CruiseAholic]

Have sailed on the Millennium 2 times and the Summit 1 time. These ships are a great and very elegant layout.

 

That being said, I find Celebrity to be a bit more 'stuffy' than my taste, and prefer Princess, but you will have a great time.

 

Try the 'healthy' lunch options near the spa, really excellent. Also, even though it is formal, try the speciality restaurant, a true experience.

[Schplinky]

One thing to keep in mind, if you are considering Celebrity, is that the dress code is for the whole ship (outside of Casual dining) for the whole evening, meaning that others will expect you to dress for the shows and bars. This seems a bit silly to me (how are you supposed to get tot he casual dining if not through other areas of the ship and also, are you sent to your room afetrward if you won't dress up?) but it's a debate that rages bi-weekly on the Celebrity board. Of course, this is the internet and it seems to attract the extremists.

[GenSteve]

I've been reading the nonsense about a shipwide dress policy on Millennium and other Celebrity ships. Frankly, we don't dress up, but we also don't wear the "unholy" shorts or jeans to dinner either. The Millennium transatlantic departing 4/30/06 is the best itinerary I've seen, but I don't want to get hassled, or worse, denied entry to a show on formal night. I think you're right about extremists on the boards. I don't believe that show access would be denied to someone in khakis and a polo shirt.

[Schplinky]

I've been reading the nonsense about a shipwide dress policy on Millennium and other Celebrity ships. Frankly, we don't dress up, but we also don't wear the "unholy" shorts or jeans to dinner either. The Millennium transatlantic departing 4/30/06 is the best itinerary I've seen, but I don't want to get hassled, or worse, denied entry to a show on formal night. I think you're right about extremists on the boards. I don't believe that show access would be denied to someone in khakis and a polo shirt.

 

I agree and most of the people engaged int hat debate depict it as though you're either dfressed up to the nines or you're in a tube top and cut-off jeans. Most people acknowledge a better diversity of experience on the ships. I think the hard-liners on the boards are just trying to scare off what they see as an element that would change their cruise.

[DavidLloyd]

Steve,

 

You got lots of answers about the neked stuff, never to be overlooked, but the workout facilities are very good also. I love running or using the eliptical machines which face right off the bow.

 

Funny story on myself . . . On the Millie in 2004 I was doing my pre-workout stretching on the hardwood floor when the absolutely dreamy S. African trainer approached me and offered to show me a better way to stretch my hamstrings. There I was flat on my back, with this pretty, blonde, 24 year old pushing one leg over my head . . . with a look on my face like I had just taken a happy pill. Unknown to me, my partner walked in the gym right at this moment and stood in the corner laughing his butt off. It was just like the Travelocity commercial with the surf instructor "Am I doing it right - hee hee, giggle?" I would have booked a suite for life if they'd asked me to at that moment!

 

Enjoy your cruise.

David

[GenSteve]

Thanks for the replies. Actually, I love reading about the "neked" stuff, though one must be discreet when writing about such things here.

 

David - Great gym story! Who knew stretching could give RISE to such a memorable experience.

 

In all likelihood, I'll opt for Princess or RCCL because of dinner situation, but I'm still tempted by the Millennium transatlantic on April 30th. Decisions, decisions.

[ahoymatey3]

Gays that don't like to play dress-up? What is the world coming to. ;)

[mbiggers]

My 2 cents- Go for the Millennium. We've been on both the Connie and the Millie, and it's almost exactly like RCCL's Legend of the Seas. Even though they say it's "Formal" night, you see everyone in different levels of attire- even in the shows. After dinner people get comfortable. If I were you, I would stroll through the Casino and if everyone were still dressed up, I'd keep walking through. We did use the Casual Dining in the Buffet a couple of times. Also, the Sushi Bar was really good for an early dinner. And as someone else said the healthy dining next to the Thalassotherapy pool was very good too. So, don't let "stuffiness" of the dining room keep you away from a great itinerary (we're going next Sept) and a beautiful ship!

[VacationBob]

Hi,

I was on the Grand Princess on 9-11 and we just got back from 12 days on Millennium in May. I enjoyed both cruises and for the most part they are very much alike. I think the Grand has better entertainment and maybe better lido food. Millennium service was a little more polished. If you felt at home on the Grand the Millennium will also be a great adventure. I know you said you do not like formal dinning, but one of the sea days I would highly recommend the Olympic. I have had some really good dinning experiences but this is one of the best. The service and food was beyond anything I have experienced. It takes a few hours but, it will truly make any night and the cruise special.

 

Have fun and let me know what you think when you get back.

[GenSteve]

Thanks for the feedback! Some background...

 

We've cruised twice. First time was Aug '04 on the RCCL Jewel of the Seas in the Baltic. The ship was brand new and simply amazing. There's a breathtaking 10-story Centrum with glass elevators facing the sea. The ship was extremely well run. The food in the Windjammer buffet was top-notch, expertly presented and mirrored what was served in the dining room each meal. Our inside cabin was a bit small but offered plenty of storage space. The fitness center was large, almost never crowded and overlooked the sea on three sides. There are changing rooms on the lower spa level that lead to a shower area with 4 showers, including 2 that are side by side. This same area has the sauna and steam room. This area is completely private.

 

This past June, we were on the Grand Princess for the Greek Isles and Eastern Med. The ship had undergone a minor drydock just prior to our cruise, and the cabin reflected new bedding. The ship is older but generally doesn't show much wear and tear. The Horizon Court buffet was not as nice as on the Jewel. The food was of good quality, but the presentation was uninspired. The fitness facilities are poor compared to the Jewel. The gym is smallish, though adequate, and faces the sea. The changing room is in the spa area. The biggest design flaw is the sauna/steam setup. There's an outdoor lap pool with room for maybe 20 people on chaise lounges. There are men's sauna and steam on one side of a small bridge over water into the pool, with women's facilities on the other side. There are signs as to "ladies" and "gents," but there were a few occasions where women were in the men's facilities. I think this was only because their steam was briefly broken. You have to wear your bathing suit, as this whole area is completely public.

 

If you have any questions about the RCCL Jewel of the Seas or the Grand Princess, please let me know. I have lots of impressions of both ships.

 

As for Millennium, it sounds like it may work, but I'm also looking at a similar transatlantic on Voyager of the Seas. Any additional feedback on Millennium or Voyager is welcome (ship? food? fitness facilities/sauna/steam?) Thanks!

[Schplinky]

We'll be on Constellation in January (same design, I think) and I'll let you know. The steam/sauna on Navigator were not often used and that surprised me.