Just back from AK on Millenium Misc Info

[Djaye]

We just returned from Alaska on a 7 night southbound cruise on the Millie. I am happy to report that she is in very good shape. We were in Concierge Class and were extremely with our accommodations. Food and service on the ship was very good. Entertainment was also very good. We only missed one show.

 

A nice discount was offered in the Tuscan Grille on the first night - $30 opposed to $45/pp. We were the only ones in there for early dinner at 6:00. Muster was at 7:45 and just getting over when the ship pulled out. Deck 10 aft is a great place to watch sail away, and one of our favorite places to hang out.

 

Qsine was not something that originally captured our attention, but one of the dining room managers talked it up to us one night and we negotiated a 20% discount for that one. It is very unique and we enjoyed it a lot. It's unlike any dining experience we have ever had.

 

A note about luggage valet: We were counting on this service, as we had an early flight out of YVR. I had spoken directly to Celebrity to make sure this service was offered in Vancouver, and I was assured it was. However, we found out after we got on the ship that it was cancelled as of the beginning of the AK season. This was a surprise to Celebrity, as well. It is handled by the airport or a third party. We elected to do a walk off the morning of debarkation. It was well organized and went quickly. We were in a cab by 7:45 and at our gate by 9:00.

 

A note about TSA precheck: It is of no value at the YVR airport. We had to wait in line with everyone else and do the normal stuff. Luckily, I had packed all our "baggie items" in our checked luggage since we carried off everything that morning.

 

I will not give a full review, as there have been others posted, but happy to answer any questions. We had a great time, wonderful weather and extremely pleased with our second Alaska Celebrity experience.

[Bo1953]

Thank you very much for your review. It is appreciated. We will be on Millie next year and look forward to a similar experience...

 

bon voyage

[matondo]

Thank you for the information. We are taking the same trip next summer.

 

How was the food in the main dining room?

 

Where, in your opinion, is the best place to be when viewing the glaciers?

[ArubaGal]

Leaving in 2 weeks. Really having tough time with clothing issues. Shorts, cApris, jeans ???? Evening attire ??? Any input?

[beach_lover_58]

Thank you for the information. We are taking the same trip next summer.

 

How was the food in the main dining room?

 

Where, in your opinion, is the best place to be when viewing the glaciers?

Not the OP but in my opinion the helicopter pad.

[beach_lover_58]

Leaving in 2 weeks. Really having tough time with clothing issues. Shorts, cApris, jeans ???? Evening attire ??? Any input?

Layers!! When I was there on the Milli last year at Hubard Glacier I had lycra work out pants under a pair of pants, a sports/hiking shirt, something else and a cold. As for Juneau and the like pants and sweater at a minimum. Also make sure you have a raincoat, the possibility of rain is high. Personally, I would not bring jeans for outside wear. If they get wet you will be cold and they take a long time to dry.

 

As for evening attire, pretty much anything goes except shorts and non dressy sandals. I usually wore a dress on formal night and chino type slacks with a nice top otherwise. You could also go with some dress pants in black or brown and change the tops for a different look.

 

That's just my 2 cents, others may recommend differently.

[cruisestitch]

Too bad you were given such misinformation about liugage valet, which would not have worked for your early flight if it had been offered. Flights always had to be after 11 am or so. Not sure it was even offered in .vancouver even when the program was in effect.

 

Also TSA pre check is a US

program, not valid in Canadian airports, as you found out.

[Keith1010]

Thanks for your report.

Keith

[Djaye]

As for clothes - you should be prepared for anything. Weather was unusually warm while we were there. Even into the 80's a couple of days. Our glacier day was warm - only needed light jacket, but we have been there when it was bone chilling. Windbreakers were worn mornings and evenings of our warmer days, and peeled off later. I took cotton pants and jeans. Could have easily worn capris or even shorts a couple of days. You can't go by anyone else's experience on weather. And the long range forecast before you leave, may not be of any use, as it changes so much. Raincoat with hood is always a good idea. As everyone else says - layers - take them off, put them on. We carried a back pack for long days off ship to carry our layers, or have a place to put them.

 

Evening attire was all over the board. I took one pair of black pants - wore nice, casual tops most nights and took a couple of dressy tops for evening chic nights and dressed them up with some jewelry.

 

Food was very good in the MDR. We had select dining so we could dine at different times, but found that the good tables go to main seating times, and select diners get what is left over. After three bad tables (in the back by service areas), we asked to be placed at a better table.

 

Helipad is best for glacier viewing, but very crowded. We went to deck 11 where the jogging trail is so we could move side to side, as the ship was turned, and it worked out well. The roof top terrace is another area where you could move from side to side easily.

 

Luggage valet was available out of YVR until this AK season. The gal at customer relations said they were surprised when they arrived for the first cruise to find it had been cancelled. Our "early" flight was at 11:55. Since we walked off we were at the airport early. I would imagine the security line gets pretty long and time consuming as the morning goes on - especially if there is more than one ship in port. The Millie was the only one there the day we disembarked.

 

Hope this helps!

[ArubaGal]

Thank you DJaye! Pretty much what I have layed out already. Was worried about being overdressed. Someone had mentioned jeans and sweatshirts and that you can get away with it in the dining room . I was surprised to hear that, esp on Celebrity. When we cruise I like to dress up more like I'm going to a nicer restaurant . If I will be in jeans all day I don't want to wear jeans in the dining room and I think sweatshirts are just disrespectful in the dining room ....just my opinion. Already booked times for select dining and have excursions booked to. Getting excited. Are menus the same as on the Caribbean sailings or do they change them out for Alaska ? I'm assuming that this won't be a leisurely sleep in trip ! Lol.

[Djaye]

I don't know how to compare the food to Caribbean sailings. We've only gone to AK on Celebrity. But, the food was good every night. There is enough variety to please everyone, IMHO. I agree with you on clothes for the dining room. My thoughts exactly. Jeans are fine for land, but have no place in the dining room. However, I have to say, I did not pay a lot of attention to the other diners. We were with friends and just enjoying our time together. Have fun on your trip. It is great!! And, no, it's not a sleep in type trip. Too much to get out there and see!

[CHEZMARYLOU]

Leaving in 2 weeks. Really having tough time with clothing issues. Shorts, cApris, jeans ???? Evening attire ??? Any input?

 

We've done 2 Alaska cruises in Mid July and late August and never had the need for shorts or winter jackets. I think I only used capris when we had a few days pre cruise in Vancouver. Layering is the key, along with water resistant jacket and possible pants. We did use head bands and gloves at the glacier. Evening attire is less dressy, no need for a sports coat, tie, cocktail dress unless you want to bring them. There is a lot of good info on the Alaska Boards about what to pack for your trip.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

[Djaye]

We enjoyed breakfast and lunch more at the buffet. It offered a lot of variety and was quicker for getting off the ship in the morning. The front of the Ocean View Grille (buffet), as you enter, is very crowded, as is the seating in that area. You will find much more room in the back. Some of the food stations are repeated in the back, as well. The poached egg station was almost overlooked the first few mornings, but got discovered as the week progressed. It is toward the back, starboard. We tried b'fast twice in the MDR, but not particularly impressed. Just our opinion.

 

Ice cream is free at the buffet, and Gelato is a charge on Deck 5.

[ArubaGal]

BeachLover58 , Thank you for your recommendations also !

Looks like I've been on the right track after all, and the boards have been so helpful. Don't know why I got so bogged down with all this. Guess it's because we always do Caribbean cruises and it's effortless. I will bring just a few capris and shorts for 3 days in Vancouver and travel to/from FL.

DJaye, sounds like you discovered our secret for dining in Oceanview buffet ! Plus closer to outside bar for my mimosas !😉

We are so excited about this trip. We had to cancel it last year and rebook for this year. So, been an extra long wait !