Not good enough to experience Japan
Celebrity Millennium Cruise Review to Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East)
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 14
12 Night Best Of Japan (Yokohama Roundtrip)
Sail date: May 27, 2024
Ship: Celebrity Millennium
Cabin type: Inside
Cabin number: 3067
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 4 months ago
Review summary
I had higher expectations coming from the Caribbean and being in a Royal Caribbean Cruise before. I guess its a bit unfair to compare both Voyages and ships. So, we did enjoy the food; enterntaiment not so much. We definetly enjoyed Japan!! The cruise took away part of the joy. In the cruise no one would be as polite as the japanese were to us. Another thing is the time at each port was reduced significantly. Like in Aomori for example: "oh! so you did not book a tour with us? Too bad for you". Waited more than 3 hours than others to finally get off the ship. Good thing we didnt booked a car rental there. We would have been furious. Also there was so little time to really enjoy other ports that we were in constant strees about the time. But thats not the cruiseship fault and I get it. You are just giving us a taste of Japan. But they already cut down our time in our favorite stop wich was Osaka. Also at Shimizu (that one could not be helped, it was really dangerous). By the way we believe Celebrity hide from us very valuable info about the weather that day. They only told us there was bad weather coming. "Come back 2 hours earlier". But they never told us how bad it was. Like there was a Typhoon named Ewiniar or Aghon heading our way. Thankyou Celebrity for Hiding such valuable information!!!!! We went to the mount Fuji and our car shake a lot once we made it half mountain. Kinda scary and dangerous. It was a terrible stop and night at the cruise. Time and money also wasted.Embarkation
It went smooth!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Ive had better, but this crew definetly deserves the 5 stars. They did an excellent job. Food was amazing, well balanced, good order, clean, etc.
Onboard Activities
We felt like prisoners wanting to get off to Japan shore every time we got in the ship. We felted so much better in Japan. Every time we wanted to at least play Pinpong it was being used. We saw an arcade sign wich it was advertised also (part of the reasons we chosed this ship) but then could not find it. Even the crew we asked were like :"what do you mean arcade?" Finally we understood what they meant by arcade is just a playground for minors only wich is suppose to have some video game consoles. False advertisement!!!! And the pool area was so cold, that we barely got to see anybady in it. At least one day I saw like 4 people in it. The even had to cancel or postponed an activity by the pool because of cold it was. Just a few low rated movies on TV. It was super boring. Could have used that time better on land or another ship.
Entertainment
Most of the background music was American like music not Asian. We did got Katei the amazing Violinist, and some Japanese drummers. They were all awesome. And thats the only reason I am at least giving them 3 stars. We had a show that was apparently for the whole family called Four Seasons. Ill be honest, they kind of struggle during their acrobatics but, Hey! Better than nothing. Ill say they did a 7 out of 10 job. However it was concerning for the type of audience we were. I though it was a "Family show" but it wnded up being being a couple doing adult entertainment. 1 third artist, 1 third acrobatics and 1 third a stripper show. Spreading her legs like crazy and flexing his muscles shirtless.... yeah for the kids and christians right?
Anyways, just warning you about that one.
Children's Programs
I dont have children, and did not pay much attention to it.
Service and Staff
I know they are getting paid to be friendly but they did good. We learned to say thanks in their different languages (well, some of them). The British blonde tall officer lady in the 3rd deck, the Happy Happy man by the Ocean view cafe entrance (he makes such a big difference in the mood of everyone), the crew at the Sushi at Five were awesome (worth the extra money), at our main dining room they were kind of shy at first but I guess we all were at first. Still an awesome job, thanks Nevada, Khan and the friendly Alexander. Also for our room service... thank you Dinesha. There were others, who did amazingly too but cannot remeber their names. Sorry. The Captain seems to have a nice personality, but sadly we could not understand his English through the speakers too fast and too low. We did got some of his jokes though!
Ship Quality
As for the design, well we got to breath the smoke every single time we headed to the dining room at deck 10 throughout the elevator from lower decks. People smoking their stinking cigarettes by the pool in that corner. And those of us who dont smoke still have to swallow their disgusting smoke every time we were headed to the buffet area. What kind of design is that?! Also the windows did not look clean enough to me.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 stars for comfort, but as for the cleanliness.... well we got hit by the toilet water smell as soon as we got in the first day. Also I put a shirt in the uper shelf in the bathroom, and it got covered in dust. Also the cabinet above the fridge was cover in dust. My wife had some issues at first because of that. So she asked kindly our room steward to clean deeper and he did so. We felt the difference right away. Thankyou man!!
Ship tip
If what you are looking for is a ship with no noisy kids, full of middle age and old people, enjoy good food and do nothing for 13 days then this might be tour cruise. But if you want to know enjoy Japan without the stress of probably not making it back to port on time; then dont take this cruise. Just stay in the mainland, a plane ride with Ana is just around $80 from Osaka to Tokyo and other places around Japan. Plus there is plenty of options when it has to do with your luggage. That being said, Ill never take this cruise again.
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
Beautifull, Peacefull and full of sooo many options. So many great restaurants, Sooo cheap. We even stayed $65 per night before embarking and it was sooo clean and convenient.
Sadly, we missed most of it because of the typhoon forming up down south, but we were able to enjoy their welcoming spirit. People were so kind. The time period had to be cut down because of weather. The ship never mention how bad the weather was, they kept it from us. But since this is about the port itself... yes, 5 stars.
Ummm, i think it should say here Osaka... Anyways, we almost cried when leaving Osaka. Wanted to stay there a lot more. 2 hours spent at the Aquarium, some more at
Arashiyama Bamboos. It was too crowded though. But still relaxing. It took some time to get there from the port at Osaka but totally worth it. And the Takoyaki at Osaka, ummm!!!
Again, many sites of interest to visit. We didnt understand the trains there. But people were so friendly and helpfull even without asking them. Such a great hospitality.
Whats wrong with the old people here? No manners at all. Super rude. Be carefull when crossing where there is no crossing lights. They'll run you over even if it is a crossing walk way. However, it is a spectacular site. Lots of good views and food. Younger ones are a lot more happier and friendlier. Interesting!! In such a short time, we decided to head south to the hanging bridge through the ropeway. Iam glad we did. It was awesome. Once you get to the top they have these trails in the woods. It gets very cold there, but is really pretty.
Art, crafts and farming summarize it. So many things made out of apples. It was overwelming and hard to chose what to buy. But so is in other parts of Japan. We pay to get to the 13th floor in the building that looks like an Onigiri and had a nice view of the surroundings. We didn't got far because we needed rest at this part of our journey. But still you get a tasted of Aomory from the port. By the way the apple burger was delicious!!
As many parts of Japan, there are beautifull gardens by the mall next to the port. We took a risk and drove all the way up to lake Toya and visited also the kumakuma bears nearby. Not enough time to take a ride in the cable car to the volcano.
Disembarkation
Too early, but at least we got breakfast before getting kicked out.