Live(ish) Millie HK to Singapore

[Jim_Iain]

1 minute ago, txflood33 said:

 

I'm hoping this is a British thing and not my own ignorance, but could you please explain what a dalek table is? Maybe it's a ship/cruise term I'm unfamiliar with?

 

I believe it is caused by conversion of a voice dictation that was erroneously transcribed.  

 

I hope it isn't what I came up with when googling on it...

"The Daleks are a fictional extraterrestrial race of mutants in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who"

[Alushar]

47 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

I believe it is caused by conversion of a voice dictation that was erroneously transcribed.  

 

I hope it isn't what I came up with when googling on it...

"The Daleks are a fictional extraterrestrial race of mutants in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who"

Sorry guys I’ve seen the term used quite a bit and it is probably a British thing. It comes from the Dr Who sci fi tv series where daleks were the main baddies and particularly their leader Davros who loved outside his shell 

[Alushar]

51 minutes ago, bebe08 said:

We are wondering the same.  We have a Japan cruise booked on Millie for April 2020.  Really hoping that Qsine is still an option.  It is our favourite Celebrity restaurant.  We got off the Silhouette a few days ago and Qsine has been replaced with LPC....we didn't go...too expensive.  For same price we went to Lawn Club Grill twice (30% discount).

 

 

We were told no LPC yet and that Qsine would be staying 

[lourdest]

@Alushar, we will board the ship this Saturday.  I am so happy that you have shared your trip with us, it has made me even more excited about our trip.  I am wondering is there a bar (on the Summit there is one) right next to the Gelateria serving great alcoholic drinks.  They serve a very limited menu including some drinks made of infused liquor.  

Thanks again for taking us along on your cruising adventure.

[scrapcreator]

Thank you so much for sharing all of your photos! We are sailing on the Millennium in June and I am so excited.

[tomservo]

3 hours ago, lourdest said:

@Alushar, we will board the ship this Saturday.  I am so happy that you have shared your trip with us, it has made me even more excited about our trip.  I am wondering is there a bar (on the Summit there is one) right next to the Gelateria serving great alcoholic drinks.  They serve a very limited menu including some drinks made of infused liquor.  

Thanks again for taking us along on your cruising adventure.

 

The Infusion bar! I’m not sure if it’s on the Millenium, but I was recently inquiring about its status on the Summit in the thread below. 

 

 

[jo-b]

Alushar we are doing a similar cruise next Jan/Feb as 2 B@Bs. Looking at visa situation and the Vietnam Embassy is saying

 

 If you travel on a cruise and make multiple visits at different ports, and after each port, the cruise goes back to the sea, you will need multiple entry visa. Please check with cruise organiser to determine whether your trip is single or multiple entries.

 

Can I ask if you got a multiple entry visa? 

[Alushar]

10 hours ago, tomservo said:

 

The Infusion bar! I’m not sure if it’s on the Millenium, but I was recently inquiring about its status on the Summit in the thread below. 

 

 

Just checked and no Infision Bar

on Millie I’m afraid 

[Alushar]

1 hour ago, jo-b said:

Alushar we are doing a similar cruise next Jan/Feb as 2 B@Bs. Looking at visa situation and the Vietnam Embassy is saying

 

 If you travel on a cruise and make multiple visits at different ports, and after each port, the cruise goes back to the sea, you will need multiple entry visa. Please check with cruise organiser to determine whether your trip is single or multiple entries.

 

Can I ask if you got a multiple entry visa? 

Celebrity took our passports on boarding along with one of the two copies they’d asked us to bring. 

 

A copy stanped was returned for Taiwan and for Vietnam we were given a passenger landing card which was stamped for each of the two entries. 

 

For Thailand we were given an immigration card and our passports back. The card and passport was stamped and you then handed them back to Celebrity Staff unless you were staying overnight in Bangkok. 

 

Celebrity sorted it all out and sort the visas and charge you if necessary. UK passport holders don’t require visas for short stays in any of the countries at the moment 

[jo-b]

4 minutes ago, Alushar said:

Celebrity took our passports on boarding along with one of the two copies they’d asked us to bring. 

 

A copy stanped was returned for Taiwan and for Vietnam we were given a passenger landing card which was stamped for each of the two entries. 

 

For Thailand we were given an immigration card and our passports back. The card and passport was stamped and you then handed them back to Celebrity Staff unless you were staying overnight in Bangkok. 

 

Celebrity sorted it all out and sort the visas and charge you if necessary. UK passport holders don’t require visas for short stays in any of the countries at the moment 

Thanks for this, maybe it will all change after next month!! 

[Alushar]

Day 11. Bangkok 

 

Wow what a hot, humid and hard day!

 

We breakfastes in the MDR and registered for our trip which was called The Grand Palace and Venice of the East. We had decided to do a day trip and not stay overnight for various reasons. We were aware it was scheduled to be a 10 hour trip up to 5 of which could be spent travelling. 

 

We were sent to our bus quite quickly and left on time at 9:30. Our guide Chevy who was very knowledgable both history and socio economics advises that the trip would take around 2hrs 40 mins. He talked about Vietnam the whole time and we arrived as predicted about 12:30 after a comfort stop. 

 

I thought the saying was mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun! It appears that this also applies to Thai tour guides. It was 39 degrees humid off the scale and bad air pollution. The trip had been described as max 1.2 miles walking. We walked over 3 in the next 2 hours with no rests from walking or standing as we toured the sites. All the buildings other than the Emerald Bhudda was closed so whilst the history etc was interesting at first it was soon lost in the heat. 

 

We had stayed so long long we had to reschedule the next stop and go straight to a late lunch. This was a good job several people were ready to mutiny if there was any more walking. The lunch was a decent buffet at an hotel on the river. 

 

After lunch we boarded a boat directly at the hotel and were whizzed along to the Royal Barge Display and I mean whizzed so fast there was water splashing over the sides! The barges were being renovated for a coronation in May of the current King who has been in power already for 3 years perhaps Steve Gayda scheduled it. It was a quick tour and then a bit of a needless wait for boats to pick us back up. 

 

We then whizzed again to Waht Arun, the temple of the dawn. Very impressive Cambodian influenced temple and you could climb to the second level. There was also a flea market at the pier. 

 

Back on the boat after a wait to whizz to a Mall where the coach picked us up. We had been delayed all through so we now hit rush hour and were another 2hr 40 back. We’d been told back at 6:30 we got back at 8! 

 

I don't really see what whizzing along the river getting wet makes the trip Venice of the East. To me if we’d done the river first we’d have avoided the midday heat but apparently the Palace is quieter at midday I wonder why. As we got back people in droves were cancelling trips they had booked for tomorrow everyone was shattered. 

 

On return to the ship long cold drinks were needed so as a mass everyone headed to the Oceanview Cafe and we ended up eating there. They were doing a very good Indian selection in addition to the usual steaks pasta etc. The ice cream to finish was just what was needed. 

 

We showered and changed and headed to Cellar Masters to listen to Shanty who was brilliant. 

 

Cafe bacio and bed. 

 

Thoughts on the day I feel a bit cheated. I don’t feel as if I had an introduction to Bangkok as intended. I would like to return to rectify that. If I do I won’t be going out in the midday sun I’ll be sitting somewhere with aircon and a tall glass of beer! 

 

[Silkroad]

18 hours ago, txflood33 said:

 

I'm hoping this is a British thing and not my own ignorance, but could you please explain what a dalek table is? Maybe it's a ship/cruise term I'm unfamiliar with?

Some people have said that some of the new dining chairs reminded them of the Daleks. The Daleks appeared in a British Sci/Fi series called Dr. Who. 

Edited February 26, 2019 by Silkroad

[PhoenixCruiser]

Great pictures!  Thanks for sharing your vacation with us.

[villauk]

Alushar,

 

We took a two day private tour with a stayover in Bangkok and I have to say it was well worth the added expense. We got all that extra time which gave us an opportunity to see so much more. 

 

Just think, you do have an excuse now to return though .

Edited February 26, 2019 by villauk

[tomservo]

Do you guys prefer the MDR for breakfast? What do you like about the MDR for breakfast vs the Oceanview cafe? 

[Alushar]

8 hours ago, villauk said:

Alushar,

 

We took a two day private tour with a stayover in Bangkok and I have to say it was well worth the added expense. We got all that extra time which gave us an opportunity to see so much more. 

 

Just think, you do have an excuse now to return though .

You definitely got it right and I got it wrong so agreed I’ll have to go back 😂

[Alushar]

2 hours ago, tomservo said:

Do you guys prefer the MDR for breakfast? What do you like about the MDR for breakfast vs the Oceanview cafe? 

We like the peace and calm of the MDR for breakfast. We can get what we would eat in the Oceanview, eggs benedict, omelettes, fruit, cereal and toast/pastries. It sets us up nicely for the day 

[Alushar]

Day 12 Thailand but stayed on board 

 

So after yesterday’s exertions we stayed on board today which quite a few people also seemed to do. A later start saw breakfast in a quietish Openview Cafe and then a day at the pool reading, swimming etc. The day was really hot reaching 38 on board so the pool was very refreshing. The flooring was too hot to touch without shoes on. 

 

All aboard was 3:30 but the queues to get on were massive and at 3:30 still stretches back into the terminal. Everybody was eventually onboard at about 3:50

 

We returned to out cabin late afternoon armed with coffees hoping for a quiet hour  or so but there was an almost immediate knock on the door. On opening we were presented with two platters from Captains Club and Guest Relations of a cake and chocolate strawberry’s for Sharon’s birthday. Very nice. 

 

Having devoured the strawberry’s  there was then another knock at the door. A maintenance manager wanting to check that no mess had been left when the work had been done in our room. Work in room? First we had heard of it. No mess had been left. 

 

So then we started checking. Retainer bars had been added to the dressing table shelf, a new smoke alarm fitted and some absorbers added to the roof bunk bed. A little later there was another knock at the door to fit a new grill to the air con. 

 

It hasn't been unusual to smell turps etc as we’ve wandered the ship. Talking to staff it was clear that the refurbishment hadn’t been completed in the 5 weeks whilst and immense amount of work was done some finishing touches were needed and the refurbishment teams were travelling with the boat. 

 

Once we had the room back to ourselves we got ready for the evening and went up to the Sunset Bar where Shanty was playing. 

 

Dinner was in Qsine and was wonderful. I ate too much! We actually tried to change our last Tuscan appointment to Qsine for the last night but they were full. 

 

After eating we went to Cosmos for another round of Bandeoke. Not a great crowd which wasn’t a surprise as they’d scheduled a silent disco on the poolside at same time! We stayed for a while before going to Cafe Bacio and bed. 

[Alushar]

Day 13 - Last sea day

 

The End is nigh!

 

We lost an hour overnight so a relatively late get up though not really! Breakfast in Oceanview was nice. We then went to Cafe Bacio for a real coffee and sat there for quite a while chilling and talking. 

 

We eventually fought our way through the masses at the Captains Sale and decided to spend some time on our balcony which was very enjoyable. We planned to go back to Cafe Bacio to listen to some music but the refurb fairies struck just before we were due to leave. 

 

We scurried out and on return found that they had fitted a panel above the bed!

 

At the coffee shop we listened to Sea Breeze and had a long chat with an American couple before finally deciding to change for dinner tonight being Evening Chic. Regretting again not bringing a tux We dressed and went to the early showing at the Theatre. 

 

Tonights artist was Claire Maidin describes as one of the stars of the Celebrity artists. We had seen Claire 2 years ago on the Eclipse and whilst the show, disappointingly hadn’t changed much she has a great voice and stage preeence and it was enjoyable. It was nice the the Mysterons paid a visit too! 

 

Dinner in rhe MDR we were expecting and not disappointed featured Sharon’s favourite, beef wellington. I had the rack of lamb, I’m welsh and it’s my fav, and we both started with French onion soup as this would be our last dinner in MDR. 

 

Afterwards we headed for Cellar masters and were disappointed to hear there would be no late night music as there had been every other night. I can only assume Mr Gayda was trying to shepherd everyone to the Cosmos Lounge. We stayed and chatted in Cellar Masters followed by coffee and bed. 

[Alushar]

Day 14 Last Day 😢

 

Where did those 2 weeks go!

 

Woke up early so it was off to MDR for breakfast followed by a leisurely coffee in Cafe Bacio. Then back to the room for the dreaded packing. With a late night flight tomorrow some juggling to be done but eventually all sorted. 

 

We docked at Singapore about 1:30 next to Voyager of the Seas. We know we will be spending some time here next year so we decided to only do a short tour. 

 

We did the Taste of Singapore tour and I don’t think anyone had read the small print. First off was a great bit ride around the harbour seeing much of the sites and a welcome breeze in the heat. Unfortunately the Merlion was covered in scaffolding, never mind next year!

 

After that there was a trip to the imperious Fullerton Hotel for tea and cakes the taste but really did mean that. 

 

This was immesiately followed by a trip to a food hall. This was a superb place full of stalls selling food from all over the world and clearly loved by locals and very cheap. We tried the char Sui chicken rice and wanton soup with Lemon and Mango drinks and they were lovely. 

 

Aftwr that it was back to the comfort of the ships air conditioning. A quick drink in cellar masters then change and up to the Oceanview to watch the lights. 

 

We has dinner in Tuscan which was quiet though Captain Alex was on the next table. We had crab cake and beef carpaccio to start followed by the buretta and then lemon brick chick and the short rib parpardelle. All lovely. 

 

A quick drink in Cellar nasters to say goodbye to Maria who has looked after us so well and then off to Cafe Bacio to say goodbye to wish Dawn and Carl who have been superb goodbye. 

 

Ams so to bws long day tomorrow 

[jo-b]

Thanks Alushar, not only for the ship photos but for the cruise info too. You've really helped with our planning for next year! 

[h20cruzer]

Thank you so much for doing this live review. I loved all the pictures of the ship and your shore excursions.

I have done 2 reviews and it takes a lot of time and effort, even though I enjoyed it.

I hope you will live review your future cruises.

Norma

[Jim_Iain]

@Alushar wanted to thank you for all the hard work in posting all the pictures.   I'm really enjoying being along and share in your joy.   We have a B2B Singapore to Hong Kong booked for next year and taking notes on all you report.  

 

Sorry to see that Merlion was out of operation but hopefully you will get to see her in operation on your next trip to Singapore.

[voyager90265]

On 2/21/2019 at 10:13 PM, Alushar said:

Had a great tour by junk boat of Halong Bay, more on that later but I did manage to get some pics of the Millie! 

Uh oh!  Looks like Millie has her first scuff in that second to last photo.  Thanks so much for a truly wonderful blog and your photos are just terrific.  We are counting down the days until we board on 27 April in Tokyo for the transpacific crossing to Vancouver!

[Rina155]

Truly enjoyed your blog and amazing photos on your journey.  I felt a part of the journey and now awaiting my journey April 13th around Japan!