bette Ann

has anyone sailed the Millenium the last few months? We are leaving Dec. 7th, and wanted any last minute advise. we are sailing the Eastern Carribean.Thanks

Norman

We've been on the Millennium. It's quite beautiful but very difficult for staff to work on, especially in the dining room. They have such a great distance to travel from the kitchen to the dining room, not to mention the supersonic escalators that they have to stand on with heavy trays, that we found the staff somewhat less willing to go get that little extra item you forgot to request while ordering. We noted that the service was not up to Celebrity's high standards but was still quite good overall. Notably, we were on a Meditarranean itinerary and the staff had tons of free time. Hence, we concluded that they were not quite as attentive generally since the less you do, the lazier you get (ever have a slow day, and as the day progresses you almost pray for nothing else to disturb your reverie?).<BR><BR>Another thing was that the construction standards on Millie were definitely not like those of other Celebrity ships built by Meyer Werft. The Millie was built by a French shipyard and the quality just did not match that from the German yard noted above.<BR><BR>One visit to the Olympic Restaurant is a good idea. It costs about $25.00 or so per person but it's neat and the food's fantastic there. Yet, having visited this alternative restaurant once, the next time we would probably elect to stay in the main dining room.<BR><BR>One other problem we noted was that the balcony cabins in the mid-ship area overlooked lifeboats with an obstructed view of the ocean. Definitely an annoying design feature when you pay all that much extra for a balcony!<BR><BR>We definitely prefer the Century Class Ships as well as the Zenith and Horizon.<BR><BR>Nonetheless, overall, the impact of this ship from a visual and sensory perspective is excellent. The food was still top quality, and service was merely good (for Celebrity anyway, which has generally higher service levels). Moreover, I expect that when she is sailing in the Caribbean or similar type itinerary where more people tend to stay on the ship, the crew will be sharper and more up to the Celebrity standards unlike the Mediterranean itinerary.

Paul Therault

I also found the service and food on the Millennium and Summit to be not that of the older ships. I wouldn't call it anything to write home about.<BR><BR>Still an enjoyable experience.<BR><BR>Paul

Theresa

We sailed Millennium in February in the Caribbean.<BR><BR>Our service was poor, especially in the dining room. Part of it is because of wait staff has so far to go to get our food. We were often booted from our table before our desserts arrived. The food quality was also inconsistent and lacking in flavor. Maybe because it was prepared wrong more often than right.<BR><BR>I do have to say that the dining room is stunning - absoutely gorgeous! I loved watching out the big window in the front (?) of the dining room.<BR><BR>I would not sail her again. There are so many other ships that I prefer the service/food and design better on.<BR><BR>Hope your experiences are different than mine!

Cathy

Did any of you write letters of complaint to Celebrity or its parent company RCCL? <BR>I found that complaining helps improve things! I sailed the Voyager summer of 2000 then again summer of 2001 and I found that the quality of the food improved greatly over that time period due to passenger complaints.

Cathy

Oh yeah, I was thinking about taking this ship this summer. I like the way they will be doing 10 day cruise. You leave from Florida, but they sail to the Southern Caribbean to some great ports of call. I hope they improve the service. But I have often found this to be true of brand new ships that often have unseasoned crews.

Theresa

Actually I did write and was very satisfied with the response.<BR><BR>Though my complaints in the letter about the ship did not relate to the dining, we had more serious problems on that sailing.

Lisa

We sailed on the Millenium in the Med in June (our first cruise, so not much to compare to) and I have to agree about the service. Although our waiter was very good, it was hard to get service from any other waiter ie at breakfast or lunch in the buffet area,<BR>as they know that they will not be getting tips. Nevertheless, it was a fantastic experience. We thought the ship was great, but of course, it was also the itinerary that was the highlight.

Bette Ann

Do you think we should try the Olympic just the one time?Also, how were the activities? Was the staff helpful for esp. getting off the ship the last day? We have an 11:00 flight, and we are a bit worried. How was the entertainment? No one has mentioned that yet. Thanks

Theresa

Everyone who went to the Olympic raved about it! No one regretted the $25/per person. The only complaint was that they try to push expensive wine at each course. This can be very expensive!

Nancy

Did the 11/4 sailing. The food and service were very good, no complaints.<BR>Do to 9/11 everyone must go through immigration every time the ship reenters US territory, disembarkation at Ft. Lauderdale included. The ship was cleared about 9AM and as Captains Club members we disembarked about 9:30. Our flight was at 11:55 and with all the security lines we arrived at the gate at 11:20. They were however calling people out of the security lines that had 11AM flights so I think you'll be alright.

Bette Ann

No one has given me a hint as to the entertainment and the activities. Anyone?????? Thanks

Cathy

Theresa, do you mind sharing some of the other problems you had? I would like to know before I "plop" down money and book this ship. I would hate to spend 10 days trapped.

Theresa

The other problems deal with my mom who has is visually impaired and uses a Seeing Eye dog who I traveled with on this trip. To make a long story short - cruiselines that dock in any US Port must comply with ADA regulations. We ran into some problems here along with staff who had never dealt with a service animal on board. If you want me to elaborate more - email me directly.<BR><BR>I did write Rich Sasso and was pleased with his response. I believe it was sincere and he indicated their committment to honoring ADA regulations and has hired someone to make sure that these issues do not happen again.<BR><BR>FYI - my mom and her Seeing Eye dog will be featured in March's issue of Cruise Travel Magazine. I think the issue will be out at the end of January/first of February if anyone is interested. If you do not subscribe to the magazine - it can be found at Barnes and Noble.<BR><BR>

Theresa

Bette Ann - I thought the pool side activities were a blast. <BR><BR>As far as entertaiment, I preferred Princess' entertainment. I am also younger than the average Celebrity cruiser which may account for my preference - I am 30. The lounges and showrooms were gorgeous and very well done. They went above and beyond in decorating.<BR><BR>The ship was truly the most beautiful ship I have ever sailed. Though I had this "uncomfortable feeling" through out the entire cruise - sort of look but don't touch feeling. I didn't feel as relaxed or enjoyed it as much as I did on the Grand which I had sailed 2 months previously. Just a personal feeling.<BR><BR>If you do book the ship - try to get an aft balcony. We had cabin 8176 and we had a balcony that was 10 x 20'. IT was huge! The aft balconies are fantastic!

Cathy

Theresa: Thanks for the reply! And I will be looking for that issue of Cruise Travel. How cool!

Bette Ann

Thanks Theresa, I and my husband are 50, but my son and his girlfriend are in their early 20's. Is there a dance lounge? Alos, do you have to reserve a poolside chair early by putting a towel on it? Did you eat brekfast in the dining room or poolside? Just curious. You have been a great help, thanks so much.....

Theresa

I ate breakfast at the buffet and very much enjoyed it. There is also an excellent breakfast in the "spa" area near the thallosopy (sp?) pool - a lighter breakfast with fresh squeezed orange juice, healthier foods, etc. . I ate lunch a couple of times in the dining room but never breakfast.<BR><BR>I don't remember a dance lounge but my guess is there is one. There are tons of lounges and they are all a little different. I was with a large group and we normally got together in a lounge and just talked.<BR><BR>As far as the pool area and deck chairs - we were always able to find a chair but it wasn't always near the pool. I often went up a deck and found a chair there overlooking the pool.

Theresa

Actually there is a dance lounge. Our group had a cocktail party in this huge lounge that was a very high point on the ship. It had a great view with several windows looking out.<BR><BR>There was an area near the front that had a wood floor that was big enough for a band and dancing. Sorry - can't remember the name. It was a huge lounge though.

Toto

We also sailed on the 11-4 sailing of the Millennium and were not impressed with the food or service on board. Compared to other Celebrity ships (such as the Zenith) this ship really could stand some major improvements in the service and food departments.<BR>The buffets for breakfast and dinner were of low quality and the items seemed to repeat too often for a 7 day cruise. The dining room was a bit better, but still not up to the quality that we have grown to expect from Celebrity.<BR>The one thing that we found to be outstanding was the entertainment on board. Some of the best shows that we have seen to date onboard a cruise ship. Very talented performers and great costumes.<BR>Just shows that there are different strokes for different folks. That is why there are so many different ships to choose from.<BR>We would not sail on this ship again for any reason as we were not impressed by anything (except the entertainment) that it had to offer.