This was my 39th cruise and the fifth time that I have completed a Panama Canal cruise. While I have cruised with Royal Caribbean, this was my first time on Celebrity.
I always stay at the Holiday Inn Bayside. It is nice for a Holiday Inn and there are several stay, park and cruise packages available. The hotel has never charged me for extra nights which I appreciate.
Boarding the Millennium was a breeze. We booked Concierge Class, but has a special line, but it appeared that everyone was processed promptly. Rather than board immediately, we left the pier and lunched at Anthony's on the Pier, just steps away from the ship.
Overall impression very nice. The cabin while smaller than mini-suites on HAL and Princess, was quite luxurious. The bathroom was compact and not luxurious at all, but the shower was very large. The huge rear verandah needs some heavy cleaning with a power washer. Also the verandah does not get much of a breeze even when underway. Definitely would be better in a temperate climate.