Celebrity Millennium Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We returned from our 2 week cruise on the Celebrity Millennium Monday 10/30/16. This review is posted in hopes that it can help others avoid similar miserable experiences. Unfortunately we did not look at Cruise Critic reviews before going on this cruise. If we had we would have seen that for the last two years there are many reviews about the Millennium noting the same problems we experience. This leads me to the conclusion that Celebrity is budgeting the operations of this ship at a very low level; the problems are not going to be fixed as they’re not actually problems …. they are the business plan which the company executes perfectly.
• Boarding experience: okay
• Once one steps on board there is immediate pressure to buy drink packages and specialty restaurant packages. One is approached over and over by different staff members offering the same thing …. It’s much like the unpleasant hawking that goes on in an Indian bazaar. In addition, you are approached numerous times asking if you want to purchase soft drinks or bottled water.
Cabin Review
Concierge Class 1
Although we were concierge class, our stateroom was the smallest that I can remember, however it was adequate. What wasn’t adequate were the electrical outlets: there were only two in the entire stateroom; none in the bathroom. Items like electric razor or toothbrush had to be charged in the two outlets by the desk while alternating with mobile phones; computer, etc. The outlets are on the opposite side of the room from the bed which meant that to power the CPAP machine that I use when sleeping, an extension cord had to be run across the floor … we hoped not to trip on it when we got up in the middle of the night. Stateroom attendant was good; cheerful and conscientious, however out on our balcony the paint was peeling off metal surfaces and there was corrosion all around the balcony door. This is true for other parts of the ship as well. Celebrity has deferred maintenance. It’s shoddy.
Port Reviews
Kobe
Kobe is very accessible. It's great to walk around the downtown and China Town areas. We also took a 30 minute subway-train ride to charming mountain village which is a spa-town where local crafts abound.
Taipei (Keelung)
Taipei is an amazing place that is often over-looked. One day we used the train to get in town from Keelung Port but found the next day that a taxi was not costly and was a big time saver. It's easy to see Taipei's sights on your own by using taxis. The 101 Building (second highest in the world); Chang Kai Shek Memorial and temples are marvelous. Don't miss one of the night markets.
Shanghai
If it's your first visit to Shanghai a tour might be best. As we had previously seen central Shanghai we pre-engaged a car and driver via internet. The driver took us to one of the delightful "water villages" in the Shanghai delta country.
Nagasaki
Nagasaki is easy to navigate by streetcar or taxi. The streetcar line goes from the port area right to the Peace Park. If you prefer a taxi, they are readily available and inexpensive.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a fascinating port but can be confusing because it is a labyrinth of streets on the mountain side as well as the bustling Kowloon side. Everyone should go to Hong Kong - Kowloon once. After that, well, it depends upon your taste and interests.