Celebrity Millennium Review

Millennium Alaska May 13-20 2011

Review for Alaska Cruise on Celebrity Millennium
User Avatar
kitegirl
2-5 Cruises • Age 60s

Rating by category

Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Service
Cabin

Additional details

Sail Date: May 2011
Cabin: Deluxe Ocean View with Balcony 2A

What can I say but WOW! Just returned home after a 7 day Alaska cruise on Millennium, from May 13-20th. Here is my review and thoughts on my first cruise with Celebrity.First, the line to get on the ship was huge, and I was thankful for once that I am a disabled person, and my husband had to use a wheelchair for boarding as well. We were greeted with a smile and were assisted through the cues quickly and on board in about 40 minutes. Some I heard were in line for over two hours. I believe this was due to computer problems in the terminal. Once on board we were handed champagne and greeted with big smiles and a hearty welcome aboard. We were taken to our room a little ahead of some others due to the medical equipment we were carrying. Just a fast drop off of the items and then we headed up to deck 10 for some lunch. I was only in the buffet area for a few minutes and there was a crew member to assist me with my tray and find us a place to sit. I felt so lucky to receive such help right away. Oh, before we entered the buffet we signed up for the Non Alcohol Premium package. ( About the package, I have to say it was convenient and we sure drank our fair share of diet soda, coffee, hot chocolate, mochas, capps, and water. I probably would not get one again as I do not think between my husband and I we broke even at all. That said it was convenient for sure.)Well, I can see already that a long review is in my future, but will try and do this fast and then answer any questions.We were in room 7137, a HC room just off the centre elevators. It was very nice, with a well appointed HC bathroom, large bed and sitting area, and large balcony. I have to say I spent a great deal of time on that balcony due to lack of mobility. There were three comfy chairs and a small table. Not once did we smell any smoke or see any cruisers sneaking a smoke on the balcony. Our room steward, Alison, was amazing. Kind, efficient and always with a smile, running down the hall to open the door for me if he saw me coming. We had early, 6pm, sitting for supper in the dining room and had a wonderful table just at the bottom of the stairs, on the port side. Our waiter Jose always went above and beyond and we were delighted with the service and the food. Presentation and taste was always very good. OH, and for those who have said the bread sticks are really good, you did not lie. YUM, had them each night! Both of us enjoyed every meal in the MDR, and had not one complaint. We had shrimp cocktail each night, soup, and main course. We had everything from Lobster, steak, fillet, quail, and salmon to name a few meals. We also had breakfast four times in the MDR and each time it was very good.Had some fun in Fortunes, won and lost the money I took for the machines, and had a blast for the week.Did not make it to any of the entertainment shows so cannot comment on those.We did one tour. In Icy Straight Point I did the Forest Tram and Tribal Dance. It was wonderful and we learned a great deal about the local life of the people, the traditions, eatable plants, crafts and hunting. We were in the last tram due to the room needed for my walker, and other than the two of us the rest of the people were from Asia. At the half way point I finally had to speak out as they were talking nonstop and very loudly, so we were unable to hear much of the narration for this tour. I mentioned to the head guide and she quickly arranged for a guide (who was also in the tribal dance show) to sit with us and answer any questions we had for the ride back to the starting point. We so appreciated that as my husband is very interested in the local way of life, and what plants are used and eaten etc. Once back at the start we headed to the tribal dance and what a wonderful experience. The story was informative and funny at the same time. I would recommend this tour to everyone.Glacier Bay was next and the weather was fabulous. Sunshine and blue sky and a lot of ice. Lots and lots of ice. I was so happy to sit on the balcony and just enjoy every second of the day! We drank hot chocolate (with a little Baileys) and took hundreds of pictures. Next up was Juneau and then Ketchikan. Both days the weather was fine. We had about 3 minutes of rain in Ketchikan and didn't need the ponchos we had planned on using here. Juneau was lovely and finally had a day that we could go up Mount Roberts Tram. What a view from up top. I again would recommend this to everyone IF you can see the top from the base station. Our ship was docked right there and I enjoyed seeing the trams going up and down during the day. A few hours were spent at the Red Dog Saloon and the entertainment was great. Of course the shopping too was fun and I bought the lion's share of my gifts for those back home at the Alaska Shirt Company. If you are a larger size, this is the place as they carry up to a 5x shirt.We were lucky to be invited to a tour of the bridge, but my husband had a medical emergency in the Buffett just before our tour was to start, so we missed out on this wonderful privilege. For those who wonder about formal night, yes they insist men are in a jacket. My husband was in dress pants, dress shirt and tie, but no jacket... so one was given to him to wear. Once at the table off it came and stayed on the back of his chair. What made me laugh was that when the other couple to sit at our table arrived, he was in jeans, an open neck shirt and no jacket.... So I wonder on why some were allowed in, in dress that was not even remotely dressy? This did not take away from the evening as we just enjoyed every minute of the cruise. To be honest, if my hubby had not been stopped at the door I would not have blinked at what our table mate wore, it just made me chuckle.I did use the room service for lunch three times. Each time our room steward brought it to my room. All three meals were served hot and were wonderfully presented. I have to recommend the chicken noodle soup as it was very tasty.Disembarkation was a bit of a challenge. Hard to have the assistant stay right till we got the luggage and he had no idea how to maneuver a wheelchair on ramps and hills. Almost sent my husband for a tumble many times and would not take direction to turn around and wheel him backwards down the ramp. Anyway, we finally made it through customs and to the luggage area. This is where I had a meltdown, as our second large piece of luggage was missing. After 45 minutes we had to leave without it as our scheduled HC transportation was waiting for us. Good news was that a few hours after getting home I got a call that our bag was located on the ship, and would be sent by taxi to our home. In conclusion I will say the ship was in wonderful shape. Clean and THE most friendly and helpful crew I have ever seen. Food was above expectations and service top notch.If you have any questions just ask.

Cabin Review

Deluxe Ocean View with Balcony 2A

Cabin 2A

Quiet, lots of storage, accessable, long balcony with three chairs and a small table, sofa, very comfy bed!!!

1 Helpful Vote
previous reviewnext review

Find a Celebrity Millennium Cruise from $902

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.