Was wondering if anyone has sailed on the Millenium to the Caribbean? Looking at the 10 May 02 departure from Ft Lauderdale to St Kitts, St Lucia, Barbados, and St Thomas. Cabin we are considering is on the Vista deck - Premier with veranda. Never sailed Celebrity before (only on Cunard QE2, NCL Sky, and Renaissance R4)...just curious about other cruisers thoughts on this ship and line. Thanks in advance.

I was on the 1/20 Eastern Carribean cruise on the Millie, our 1st time with Celebrity. It was a great trip, and we would not hesitate to sail the ship again. Here are some obeservations from the cruise:<BR><BR>Positives:<BR><BR>* Beautiful ship, very clean and well maintained, with constant cleaning throughout the trip. Ship was of modern but not futuristic in design. <BR>* Modern artwork THROUGHOUT the ship; paintings,prints,photographs, and sculpture are Museum of Modern Art quality, and quite unusual for a cruise ship.<BR>* Outside staterm Midship, Continental Deck)was comfortable, nicely appointed and designed, with mirrors placed to enhance the feeling of speciousness. Bathroom was well designed, with plenty of storage and even rm for extra paper supplies. Shower was roomy, with good pressure and very HOT water. Window was a Very large, round picture window. No noise was detected from halls, adjacent rms, or anywhere else from the ship, nor were any unpleasant odors noticed.<BR>*Cabin attendant was friendly and efficent, with bedding and towels made/changed twice daily. Cabin steward also brought up rm service, which was prompt and correct.<BR>* Food quality in main dining rm ranged from very good to excellent - meat dishes were generally better than seafood, Rack of Lamb was SUPERB!<BR>* No obtrusive PA messages.<BR>*Beautiful 3-level theater, with great sight lines and no obstruted views.<BR><BR>Negatives<BR><BR>* Overall ship staff not particularly friendly; efficent, yes, but not 'gracious'or 'outgoing'.<BR>* No beverages besides water available for free when not dining hours.<BR>* 'Notes' CD listening Rm. was non-functioning throughout the trip - no one fixed the listening stations<BR>* Grilled burgers on pool deck only cooked 'well done', thus not very good at all. The grilled hot dogs were better.<BR>* Production quality of shows marginal at best. Performers were good, but costumes, sets, and music/choriography (sp)were amaturish.<BR>* Although we had enjoyed a very nice massage, it ended with a surprise 'consultation', which was nothing more than a sales pitch to by 4 beauty products for the OUTRAGOUS price of $300!!!<BR><BR>General Observations<BR><BR>* Very little fresh flowers/plants but BEAUTIFUL & CREATIVELY arranged silk flower arrangements throughout the ship.<BR>* Drink service on pool & sunning decks a little sparse; by the same token, very little 'hawking' of daily drink specials by the poolside.<BR>* Late seating, which is at 8:30, seems a little too late; 8:00 would be optimum.<BR>* CNN International in cabin TV's, decent size set; in-rm booking via TV of excursions is a great feature.<BR>* Cosmos Lounge is a large & beautiful space, but underutilzed as a disco. The space was always empty on just handfuls of people throughout the wk's cruise. Additionnaly, the DJ played the music way too LOUD, uncomfortable when dancing.<BR>* Plenty of lounge chairs, which are padded, around pool area. Sunning deck above did not have padded lounges, but never a shortage.<BR>* Nice size workout area with nice views, that wee never crowded.<BR>* Sauna (at least the Men's) had a large window in which to view the ocean and meditate.<BR>* Many senior citizens(&gt;70) on this particular cruise, many whom seemed rude, pushy and were constantly complaining out loud.<BR>* Many very obese (&gt; 100lbs overweight)<BR>on this particular cruise.<BR>

Paul, are you out there? I love your comments!!! I'm trying to get more information on Millenium's cabins, especially the ones with verandas. Which locations are better? <BR><BR> Having been on Mercury and QE2 before, I thought Millenium would be great (newer ship, etc.). However, after reading all comments, I'm not quite sure. Although with Conde Naste's rating, I'm feeling a bit better about it.<BR><BR> We're a small group of 8 adults from different economic backgrounds. I think the simplicity of having one dining option on Millenium will work better for us (and upgrading to the other restaurant sounds nice, too). <BR><BR> Any comments on the cabins, etc.?<BR>Thanks!

I am also considering cruising on the Millennium...<BR><BR>Anthony, thank you for the detailed comments. I take it you've been cruised with other lines so I want to ask how would you compare your 1st Celebrity cruise with any recent cruises you have been on. I'm particularly interested in the food. (I'm not one those 100 lb. overweight folks, but could easily become one, given the opportunity.) My most recent cruises were on Princess ships and I was not thrilled. Also, while I don't know what itinerary you were on, were there any excursions you took that you would recommend?

Hamlet:<BR>Thanks for your comments. Thank you for not 'bashing' me on some of my observation comments.<BR>I had received 'hell' on some other cruising-specific posting boards I had placed my review on. It's strikes me as odd that if you read my comment carefully regarding obese people, it was merely an observation, and not a judgemental comment. I too, could lose about 10 pounds, but when people are over 100lbs overweight, that becomes an health issue. It's funny how Americans spend BILLIONS of $ a year on losing weight, yet the mention of observing alot of obese people seems to raise the ire of people. Some even questioned my patriotism; which is kind of ironic, since as an New York born and bred Asian-Amercian Gay man, I was 2 1/2 blocks away from the WTC on 9/11, and had to walk over 4 miles from my office tomy apt,ever fearing additional bombings and attacks.<BR>Anyway, I digress.<BR>As to your questions, my partner and I had sailed 2 previous times to our Millie cruise, both times on older Norwegian Cruise ships. With Norwegian being a 'class' lower than Celebrity, the overall food quality also reflected that.<BR>As a person who has eaten at many of the country's top restaurants, I am quite familar with fine cusine.<BR>Dispite what I may have written in my cruise review, the overall food quality on the Millie is NOT of a #1 restaurant in a 1st class American city. The only dish on my 1 wk cruise that approached that level would be the Rack of Lamb entree I had 1 one evening. <BR>I could not tell from your post where you are from, but in order to give you some type of overall food quality comparison, I would compare the general fodd quality of the Millie to that of the better national restaurant chains such as Outback SteakHouse, Houstons, or Legal Seafoods.<BR>As a basis of comparison, some ofthe restaurants I consider #1 (And I have eaten at)in various cities are:<BR>Chicago: Charlie Trotters<BR>New Orleans: Bayonna<BR>NY: Le bernardin<BR>LA:Citris<BR>Seattle:Rovers<BR>Miami: Pacific Time<BR>SF: Zuni Grill<BR>Phoenix: Roxsands<BR>With regard to the Olympic Restaurant, we were 'talked' out of eating there by one of the couples at our table. Our reservation was for later in the wk., but as we got to know our tablemates, and felt comfortable with their background and thus their information, they had convinced us that it wasn't worth the extra money. They felt the food wasn't of any better quality, and it was the added 'fussiness' that distinigushed(for better or worse)it from the main dining rm. For example, all women in the Olympic are 'escorted' to the Rest Rm.<BR>Our cruise was an Eastern Carribean cruise, so if you are going there, let me know, and I will give you some more info.

Anthony - <BR><BR>Interesting comments.<BR><BR>I sailed on Millennium about a year ago.<BR><BR>We found the staff unfriendly. This was the first cruise that I can honestly say that. Our room steward was poor. First time I didn't "over tip" a room steward. I have always believed my room steward deserved more then what is suggested. Not in this case.<BR><BR>We found the food mediocre/average. Houstons would have been very welcome after spending a week on that ship.<BR><BR>We were also disappointed in the buffet times - very limited. I often returned at 3 pm from an excursion to only find "hamburgers" available.<BR><BR>I think I may have had a bad cruise and am willing to try them again . .but I am going to Princess for my next cruise.

Very interesting to hear the varied replies.<BR><BR>I did read a couple of posts that stated do not ever order the lamb on Millennium but the above poster claims it was the best. I thought is was very good. The restaurant staff tries to be efficient and professional but you can "make" them jovial and fun. Try it! Everyone is correct when stating that there is no buffet available when one comes back from tours. This is a sore thumb for many. There is tea-time where small food items are available (this ends at 5PM) and the room service menu is varied and rather tasty for a mid-priced cruise line.<BR><BR>You will find cabin stewards good and bad on any cruise line but less on Celebrity. Some are new and some just hate their jobs and wished they never signed on for the 9 months.<BR><BR>I know of 167 passengers that sailed Celebrity first (not Millenniuim) and Grand Princesss second. They ALL did not care for the Grand. Surprise!.<BR><BR>Your best bet is to cruise with an open mind. Do not expect the Four Seasons and since they are serving thousands of passengers in the dining room do not expect true gourmet food. <BR><BR>Anthony gave a great review. He should not ever sail out of Tampa since that is a senior area and complaints are the norm. <BR><BR>Here is some info on cabins. One should not choose a cabin above or below the Galley if you wish to sleep later than 4AM in the morning.<BR>The galley areas on the Millennium are on the lower decks and you are OK.<BR><BR>Most passengers would like to be high on the ship. This is not necessary unless you wish a larger cabin (all Celebrity ships). The elevators will take you anywhere rather quickly. As a matter of fact the lower deck outside cabins will give you a better view since you can look out the window and see other than sky without standing up. Also do not get below or above the disco or dance lounges if you wish to go to bed early. But then on the Millennium not too many stay up late.<BR><BR>Most passengers believe the ride is better lower midship and you will be less apt to get seasick. The fact is when the ship is rolling it is rolling all over the ship. Who can say the the lower cabins midship would make you less sick. You can only be in one place at any one time.<BR><BR>Midship cabins on any deck on any mega-ship are better since one does not have to walk the entire length of the ship to get from the front to the rear or vice-versa. It seems like it takes forever, but if you need the excercise, it is a good thing. Near an elevator is convenient. Veranda cabins are great but on the Penthouse Deck you will be looking down on the lifeboats. Higher cabins also look down on the lifeboats but they will not be so predominant. No big deal really. But if you had the choice and had the extra money go higher.<BR><BR>Enjoy the Millennium is is a great ship.<BR><BR>Paul

Anthony, I'm doing almost the same itinerary as you did - just an added stop in St. Maarten. I've been to San Juan, walked around the "old" area which, IMO, more resembles a suburban shopping mall, and the fort. I've also been to Magen's Bay and explored the shops by the port. I'm not much of a beach bum so I'm always looking for other things to see or do. <BR><BR>If anyone has ideas for me for things to do in San Juan, St. Thomas, Nassau or St. Maarten (ship sponsored or not), please let me know.<BR><BR>As far as the food issues go, well I don't eat lamb, so I'll never know about that one. Some call me "picky" when it comes to food - I just like what I like. I know of half the "best restaurants" you mentioned, but haven't eaten in any of them, but I have eaten in Houston's, so I guess I get your drift. I plan to make a reservation for the Olympic experience for one of the later days of the cruise and I'll decide before then if I should go or not. Would that work, or do you have to pay in advance anyway?<BR><BR>I think I may be more critical or cynical, but I'll try to go with an open mind. I am going with someone who worked on board Princess ships for about 8 years so he has his distinct POV too. You might imagine what are dinner conversations are like should we have any criticism.<BR><BR>(and to digress, I am a NY born and bred Asian American female. I was stopped on the bus from NJ on the access ramp before the Lincoln Tunnel with a clear view of the towers that morning 6 months ago.)

went on the Millie over Thanksgiving 2001--it was NOT good--staff was complacent,not overly friendly-DINING ROOM food was ok,but not great nor up to CELEBRITY normal standards--this was our 3rd Celebrity cruise in as many years and the WORST! Our best sailings on Celebrity were the Century and the Zenith....<BR><BR>On the Millie, we did have a Verandah-midship on the Panorama deck----do NOT do the VISTA deck as you are right under the pool and all the people running and walking around--<BR><BR>The outside cabin with the verandah were the BEST part of the cruise. Spacious enough and killer views.<BR><BR>We did eat in the Olympic Rest. and do as Anthony suggested--forget it! It is not worth the extra $25 pp and the food is really no better than the Main Dining Room---And we have eaten at just about ALL the restaurants that Anthony mentioned thruout the US--and he has wonderful taste in fine dining!<BR><BR>The ship has a problem with STABILITY--it rocks side to side--they had barf bags out and the weather was sunny and gorgeous! Stabilizer problems. Ship is very top heavy.<BR><BR>If you eat in the dining room, make sure you are in the LOWER dining room.<BR>Food is delivered from a 3rd level below- and if you are in the balcony area of the dining room,your waiter has to take an escalator up 1 flight and then walk up a 2nd flight to deliver your food--it usually will arrive lukewarm to cold. Our waiter was wonderful but his helper was nowhere to be found,making the waiter do ALL the work....This was substandard to any Celebrity cruise we had ever been on.<BR><BR>The entertainment was FABULOUS!!!<BR>Do not miss the Broadway revues---<BR><BR>And if you want good food for lunch, and not be around a ton of kids etc, go to the SPA lunch-where the 2nd pool is located--the food was MUCH better than the regular lunch buffet on the pool deck and NOT crowded and very peaceful and calming.....with great views!<BR><BR>Sorry to be so negative, but I would not take the Millie again even if she were FREE!

I agree about eating on the main floor.<BR><BR>It took forever for our "wrong" food to be replaced with the "correct" food. Our waiter seemed to always deliver the wrong entree or deliver a steak well done when we ordered it medium rare. With the current setup - it takes a very long time for them to go back and get it replaced. They should have put a separate galley on the second floor.

I spent a week in St. Martin- avoid Philipsburg when the ship comes in, it is wall-to-wall people. Take a taxi to Marigot for better shopping. Just down the road is Grand Case with some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean.Imagine French/Carib fusion.Have lunch!<BR>The most beautiful beach is Orient.... a mile of the white sand and turquoise water. Clothes optional on the better part of this beach- you'll see some , uh, interesting sights.

ttt

We've booked 6061 on Penthouse Deck and are wondering if the view of the ocean will be blocked by Life Boats on the lower deck?

any other comments?

<BR>Hi Larry,<BR><BR>I never heard of a complaint about the lifeboats. They are below you but it does not really block your view unless you wish to look straight down. Most passengers just ignore them.<BR><BR>Paul

We sailed to the Caribbean on the Millennium last November. We have also sailed on Princess (5), RCI (3), Premier (1), Carnival(3) and Celebrity Zenith in the past.<BR>We loved the Zenith, but did not like the Millennium.<BR>The ship to us appeared to be built cheaply and quickly. It lacked the appeal of other ships and we felt it just wasn't up to Celebritys standards in any way. <BR>We were in an Aft cabin with the largest balcony we have ever seen, but the cabin was very plain and lacked any style, and the vibration and movement back there really wasn't pleasant. In fact, even when the seas were calm, that ships seems to do some major rocking and rolling.<BR>The food was well below standards for Celebrity. Dinning room food was quite good at times, but buffets were plain and very limited compared to other ships and lines. <BR>Would we ever consider sailing on that ship in the future? No Thank You.<BR>If you read numerous reviews on this ship, you will see that our opinion is the norm for this ship as many others find the same thing. Sorry<BR>Toto