Additional Millie Review 1/6/08 Sailing

[Jan08Bride]

Hello. I don't usually post much but enjoy reading others reviews and remarks. I thought I would add in a few points that we experienced on the 1/6/08 Millie cruise.

Raves:

· The dining staff was magnificent and extremely professional. My new DH was totally impressed when they removed his lobster tail from the shell. This was only his second cruise and first 7day cruise.

· The cuisine was outstanding. We stuffed ourselves quite well lol.

· The laundry service was excellent. A few of DH's items were quite wrinkled and they had them cleaned and pressed fabulously in record time. Also, the service was quite inexpensive.

· The drink of the day! We had a lot of fun trying new drinks this way while not doing too much damage to our bar bill. Also, the bar service staff was fantastic. Joyce was our server in the Platinum Club and in the dining room and was always a burst of sunshine.

· $10 sale day in the shops. This was great! Although I've collected most of the items they offer during this sale on other ships, it was still fun to see all the women swarming the tables and all the men standing back in fear and amazement.

· The art auction. DH and I purchased a Kinkade for 80% below market value and were just ecstatic. The free champagne was also lovely. The auctioneer was a wonderful young woman who was delightful to work with. She was also very very intelligent.

· Labadee. This was our favorite stop! The beach was gorgeous. There were a lot of opportunities on the island to enjoy peace and quiet and relax.

· The Salon - Fantastic! I had my hair blown out twice as I forgot all of my styling products since we were in such a rush after the wedding to get to the airport (at 3:30am!).

· The Spa - Re: Ladies Night - Also great! We got to sample the products and take home $75 worth, which was what we paid for the event. It was a lot of fun, relaxing and was nice to meet some of the other ladies on board.

· The Casino - lovely. DH entered two Texas Hold'Em Tournaments. Even though he lost he had a great time ! We played a bit together on the Roulette table and won $80 and also about $40 between video poker and Texas Tee nickel machine which was a lot of fun, suprisingly lol.

· Alternative Dining - We were late one evening for dinner so we made 9pm reservations for the alternative casual dining restaurant upstairs on Deck 10 Aft. The menu was a bit more simple but the food and service were fantastic. We really enjoyed it.

· Cigars - Deck 10 Aft, outside. This was a nice area where DH was able to enjoy a cigar while watching the sunset. There was also a lovely bar server up there as well.

Rants:

· Bob, the unpleasant man in charge of the internet service. He did not want to honor our from the VIP shopping guide. His inability to cooperate resulted in me having to actually go down to the desk and bring my professional personality into my vacation which I did not like. As attorneys, my DH and I, were quite upset with this man. I had followed the instructions given on the coupon, bring to the desk on deck 3. That was all it said. No time frame was included although Bob aggressively questioned me as to why I had not brought the coupon down as soon as I got it. Honestly, I didn't know it was in the package and secondly, because I am on my honeymoon! What a twit! This was the point when I informed him that he could stop calling me Ma'am and start calling me Attorney S* b/c I was fed up with his disrespectful and condescending attitude. I may be young but I will not stand to be treated like a child. The story behind the argument is: I bought a package of minutes to be able to view our wedding photos that guests were emailing to us during the week. The coupon said 15% more minutes with the purchase of any package. No other language was included. This should be fairly interpreted as I would receive extra minutes for the package that I bought. Instead, Bob refused to credit us , then he would only credit us the difference between normal rate minutes and package minutes, which came out to an extremely low amount. He stated that they were going to have to change the wording on the coupon, which was not my problem in the present situation. The coupon did not say anything about 15% more minutes at the rate that you purchased. After 20 minutes of arguing with him and being talked down to in an extremely inappropriate and disrespectful manner, I simply left. This was not how I wanted to spend any part of the last day of our honeymoon.

· Our CC Class cabin steward. While he was prompt with the laundry service, he had a bad habit of throwing all of our belongings onto the couch and rewrinkling them. It was annoying.

· Our CC Class cabin steward's assistant who kept keying into our room at 8:20 every night (10 min before our dinner time). And also once while we were packing to leave.

· Casa De Campo - what a waste of a stop. DH and I were all prepared to go to the beach, until we found out it would have cost around $100 to go there for 2 hours. Had we been previously informed, say in the Casa De Campo info sheet that was in our daily activities sheet. We didn't let this derail us, though. We hopped on the shuttle to Altos de Chavon and spent about 1.5 hours just walking around and doing some shopping. Then we went to the pool and had drinks of the day :)

· The Spa - Re: Couple's Massage Tutorial. Perhaps I should have asked when we signed up, but I unfortunately assumed this event would have some privacy and would be in the spa area. When we got there I was wondering why we weren't putting on robes. Then they had us go into the gym and sit on steppers with mats in front of them. I asked the girl if this is where we were having the event and she said yes. I told her that I was not about to massage DH infront of half the ship (in the gym b/c it's a day at sea). I did not feel comfortable with that at all. It definitely would not have been relaxing as promised to be either with everyone watching us! Plus, it was a $52 class + gratuity, which we didn't have to pay. Again, I suppose I should have asked, but it also could have been posted with more detail.

· Disembarkation - We too had to ask for a different color luggage tag after informing them twice that we had an early flight. We had asked our asst. maitre'd if we needed to go to the lounges and he told us no, they would announce it over the intercoms, which was a lie lol. Also, and more importantly, we ordered breakfast to our room using the normal CC menu. They called at 6:30 to say it was on its way, 1 hour early, and they brought us 2 grapefruits! I don't like grapefruits so DH had it, but I ordered eggs! Do you think the woman on the phone at 6:30 could have let me know that I wasn't getting my eggs!

· The evening buffet - while they had pasta and salad and sushi, I expected them to have more of a variety and be more in synch with the dining room menus as I have had on other lines.

While we absolutely enjoyed our honeymoon, having been on now 20 cruises at age 25, I do tend to critique a bit more than the average cruiser. These are simply my personal opinions, so no flames please :)

[RealDeal]

No flames here! I think you're totally justified!

 

Congrats by the way!

 

I'm leaving on Sunday! I see you've sailed Princess....How would you compare the food on Millie to your Princess cruises? I'm a crossover!

 

Were there decent choices in the more casual venue? I'm so used to Princess's anytime dining, this is going to be a challenge (assigned seating, that is!)

 

What did u do in Tortola?

[nps001]

Congratulations!

 

Why would anyone flame such a well written review?

 

I also agree on Casa de Campo. I went on the tour of the caves, and it was very unispiring. However, compared to where others visited, I feel lucky to have gone.

[Jan08Bride]

The food was equally as wonderful. If you love the chocolate cake on Princess, then X will keep you happy there! lol. The pasta bar was good, DH loved the sushi and the Oceanside grill had great hotdogs and hamburgers by the pool.

 

In the more casual venue, we both had the same entree, a Carib meat and rice/veggie dish. It was fantastic. Had some spice but not too spicy, the meat was tender and the portion was filling. The back part of the buffet is their prep area for dinner so if you sit on the left side of the restaurant you can watch them cook.

 

We did always check out the menu in both places before picking where to eat.

 

In Tortola we went to the beach, but with a Taxi, not the ship, even though it was the same beach. It cost $6/pp each way, not including a tip. Make sure to get a seat in the front row if you like the sun b/c the back row doesn't get any until the afternoon. Chairs are $5/each. They have coconuts you can buy and they fill it with rum. DH loved this concept! After you drink all the rum you can bring it back and they will give you a pre-sliced coconut to eat the inside. It wasn't the nicest beach ever, but it was a nice beach. The water was clear and it was clean. However, it doesn't stand a chance against Labadee beaches. There was also some shopping at a few huts on the beach and some great shopping back by the Pier. We found a Columbian Emeralds (my fave!!- DH got a watch) and some other fun souvenier shops.

 

My parents and I are fans of anytime dining as well so it was difficult. We were able to get a table for two since it was our honeymoon, but they didn't decorate our cabin or anything. I think you had to pay extra for that. Our parents sent us one of the fancy packages, but didn't know that they didn't automatically decorate for you. oh well!

 

:)

[Jan08Bride]

Oh I just didn't want to sound like a complainer! lol.

 

Looking back the caves definitely would have been more exciting for us. lol. Although we just started our sail away party a couple hours early with the pina coladas! lol

[CatServants]

CONGRATULATIONS!:) What a wonderfully romantic honeymoon choice!

 

Thanks for sharing your cruise experience. You don't seem like a complainer at all! It sounds to me as though you have a great attitude. I'm sorry about "Bob" and your cabin stewards, but I'm happy to read that you didn't let them ruin your cruise. A poolside "Drink of the day" can do wonders can't it?!;)

 

Happy cruising!

 

Denise

[RealDeal]

So, I'm guessing you went to Cane Garden Bay? That's what we're planning to do too...Wondering if we can also pay a taxi to drive us around for a bit afterward. Thx for the tip on the coconuts!

 

About the menus: I was under the impression that the casual restaurant pretty much serves what the main restaurant does, but on a more limited basis...Not the case?

 

NPS: Hmmm...and we were going to do the Caves tour...I'm not sure my boyfriend can handle another disappointing cave after our last one in Bermuda...we went to the Crystal Caves & he wasn't all that inspired by those....Do you suggest we bag it?

[5fathom]

Could you please comment on the overall condition of Millie ! We have been hearing a few comments on some visible wear and tear. How was your cabin condition ? Did you receive early boarding because of your CC cabin status ? Thanks !

[nps001]

Take a look at my review:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=692820

 

I honestly didn't see signs of the massive wear and tear that many on this board allude to. It is an 8 year old ship but much of the carpeting is new and lots of re-upholstery has taken place.

 

I have said this before and I'll say it again: If you look for the negative, you will find it, no matter what you visit.

 

Enjoy the Millie. It's nice to see all of the positive comments on here again recently.

[RealDeal]

Thx, nps, had read your review...I guess your cave experience sounded a little more promising in the review...lol. Maybe wishful thinking on my part!

[sondrad]

JAN08BRIDE - thanks for the great review. I am excited about the Ladie's Night at the spa. When did that occur? Was it well-advertised - or how did you find out about it?

 

Also, could you give more details about Casa de Campo. Why was it going to cost $100.00. What beach was that? Casa de Campo is my biggest concern on our upcoming trip.

 

Congrats on your recent wedding.

[carlat78]

Great Review and congats on your new marriage! You sound no where near a complainer. What was the package your parents arranged for you and was it nice?

[Jan08Bride]

So, I'm guessing you went to Cane Garden Bay? yes!

 

About the menus: I was under the impression that the casual restaurant pretty much serves what the main restaurant does, but on a more limited basis...Not the case? No, they were different. One night we didn't like the main dining room as much so went upstairs. We ate their twice.

[Jan08Bride]

Sondrad - I found out about Ladies night by going up to the spa on the first day to make a hair appointment and there was a sign up sheet on the table. The cost was $82 and you got to take home products up to that amount. I got some great body scrub and some hair gel (hair products count too!)

 

The cab drivers told us the price. They had a sign. After tip and everything it would have been prob less than $100 but darn close to it for only two of us for two hours! Altos de Chavon is nice to visit, we didn't spend much time there. It is a good location for Cubans though if you are shopping for those. Oh, the cab took you to bayhibe beach which is the same place the ship takes the shore excursion "bayhibe beach break".

 

Carlat78 - the package included two bathrobes which are really nice! Two 1/2 bottles of champagne and two champagne flutes in a fancy boxed package. The champagne is some fancy french kind, I'm blanking on the name! There was also a beautiful floral arrangement and a special in room breakfast menu. If you have a CC room the menus are the same. We still used it though b/c it was a "special" one lol. We also got a dozen chocolate strawberries before each formal night.