Celebrity Press Release 5/12/16 - Celebrity Completes Millennium Makeover

Hi Everyone,

Thought today's Celebrity Press Release would be of interest. Enjoy !

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Celebrity Cruises Completes Newest Modern Luxury Makeover

Celebrity Millennium emerges from drydock refresh more luxurious and stunning than ever, joining Celebrity Summit and Celebrity Infinity in offering new onboard venues and experiences

May 12, 2016 – MIAMI, Fla. – Movies viewed under the stars and paired with a specially curated menu of delectable food; freshly redecorated suites; a modernized, fully realized Italian steakhouse -- modern luxury vacationers need look no further than Celebrity Millennium to understand what all of these experiences have in common. This month, the 2,138-guest vessel will emerge from a drydock refresh reenergized and more luxurious than ever, with the same lineup of stunning enhancements that Celebrity Summit and Celebrity Infinity have received in recent months. Guests sailing on Celebrity Millennium in Alaska this summer will be among the first to enjoy her new spaces and experiences.

“We are beyond thrilled that Celebrity Millennium will soon be even more stunning than ever before as a result of the $8 million that we’re investing in this drydock,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President & CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “We have added new elements and experiences that will help open up the world for modern luxury travelers, from our gorgeously updated Suite Class staterooms onboard to the amazingly delicious Tuscan Grille menu, and, of course, the new Rooftop Terrace.”

The new Rooftop Terrace, complete with its large screen, chaise longues, cabanas, soundscape and decorative lighting, is a modern relaxing backdrop for Celebrity’s sumptuous new multisensory experience, “A Taste of Film,” which presents films that evoke a specific cultural, culinary or destination experience, paired with cuisine that brings the scenes on the screen to life through guests’ taste buds. The cruise brand’s culinary team, led by Michelin-starred chef Cornelius Gallagher, has specially crafted a multi-course tasting menu for each “A Taste of Film” selection. The Rooftop Terrace is on the ship’s 12th deck.

Additional drydock enhancements will include significant renovations of the ship’s Penthouse and Royal Suites.

As part of the $8 million refresh plan, Celebrity is investing heavily in its Suite Class experience on Celebrity Millennium, as every Penthouse and Royal Suite will receive new glimmering fixtures, marble surfaces, and comfortable seats in the bathrooms. The rest of the suite will get refreshing touches like new carpeting, drapes, and bed linens.

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Celebrity Completes Newest Modern Luxury Makeover 2/2

Conversion of Celebrity Millennium’s Olympic restaurant to Tuscan Grille, Celebrity’s popular, Italian-inspired steakhouse that debuted on its Solstice Class ships, will include complete refinishing of the space and the introduction of a refreshed menu designed to tantalize, including fresh pasta made in-house; an Italian cocktail menu, a first for Tuscan Grille; a wine list focused on the wine-growing regions of Italy; and new foods like artisanal salumi and cheeses; crispy crab arancini with lemon pepper aioli; grilled branzino with spinach and olive oil; swordfish with Castelvetrano olives, fennel and white wine; and oven-roasted USDA Prime dry-aged steak.

On Celebrity Millennium, the maritime artifacts in the Olympic will be featured in a special display area in the casino’s entry vestibule. Items include charts, maps, an original place setting, a ship model, and more.

Additional work taking place onboard will include:

-- The addition of an enclosed portrait studio similar to that found on Celebrity’s Solstice Class ships, Celebrity Eclipse and Celebrity Equinox

-- The creation of a new future cruise sales office, where guests can take advantage of special offers

-- A refresh of the Solarium, with new furniture, new floors, and refinished pool tops, and a refresh of finishes in the spa café

-- The removal of the themed décor in the ship’s casino

Celebrity Millenium entered drydock on April 26, 2016 and will emerge on May 12, 2016. This summer, Celebrity Millennium will sail a series of open-jaw itineraries between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seward, Alaska, before heading to Asia in September for her winter season there.

About Celebrity Cruises:

Celebrity Cruises’ iconic “X” is the mark of modern luxury, with its cool, contemporary design and warm spaces; dining experiences where the design of the venues is as important as the cuisine; and the amazing service that only Celebrity can provide, all created to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers’ precious time. Celebrity Cruises' 10 ships offer modern luxury vacations visiting all seven continents. Celebrity also presents immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska and Canada. Celebrity is one of six cruise brands operated by global cruise vacation company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE RCL). For more information, dial 1-800-437-3111, visit http://www.celebritycruises.com, or call your travel agent.

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Thank you, Andy. I would love to see her now. We got off the day she went into drydock.

Thanks Andy for posting the article.

I hope they spent some money on the Celebrity suites as well because the one we were in last fall/winter was awful. The living room furniture was shabby and worn out, cupboards and drawers didn't open and close properly and the bathroom was moldy and disgusting. It was almost the first and last time cruising with Celebrity. If we hadn't already booked and made plans around a 2nd one we would never try Celebrity again. I am hopeful that our experience on the Equinox this fall will be much better or it will be the end of cruising with Celebrity for us.

Thanks Andy for posting the article.

 

I hope they spent some money on the Celebrity suites as well because the one we were in last fall/winter was awful. The living room furniture was shabby and worn out, cupboards and drawers didn't open and close properly and the bathroom was moldy and disgusting. It was almost the first and last time cruising with Celebrity. If we hadn't already booked and made plans around a 2nd one we would never try Celebrity again. I am hopeful that our experience on the Equinox this fall will be much better or it will be the end of cruising with Celebrity for us.

Had you shared this experience with X after dis-embarking? I trust so, so that the next guests will appreciate your observations and they be corrected during dry dock.

bon voyage

Looking forward to boarding her in 15 days.....!!

Thanks Andy for posting the article.

 

I hope they spent some money on the Celebrity suites as well because the one we were in last fall/winter was awful. The living room furniture was shabby and worn out, cupboards and drawers didn't open and close properly and the bathroom was moldy and disgusting. It was almost the first and last time cruising with Celebrity. If we hadn't already booked and made plans around a 2nd one we would never try Celebrity again. I am hopeful that our experience on the Equinox this fall will be much better or it will be the end of cruising with Celebrity for us.

Hi 1982CruzStart,

I cannot speak directly for what was done, but the odds are good that some refurbishment and repairs were performed on cabins, especially where it's needed.

As for Equinox, we've sailed on her many times - including last year, and thought the ship was in excellent condition. Hopefully, you will be much happier onboard Equinox, and I wish you a wonderful cruise.

Does anyone know when the Constellation will get her refurb?

I sure hope she lives up to all that was written about her and more. My DH and I board on the 20th and end up in Vancouver. Being on an M class ship was never my intention, so I can only hope that my disappointment will be minimal at best. Yes, it is very obvious that suites are the most important money-makers at this time. I definitely will post my observations and photos about the new refurb and try to be as non-biased as possible. However, I am not in a suite on this voyage; only a C2.

I sure hope she lives up to all that was written about her and more. My DH and I board on the 20th and end up in Vancouver. Being on an M class ship was never my intention, so I can only hope that my disappointment will be minimal at best. Yes, it is very obvious that suites are the most important money-makers at this time. I definitely will post my observations and photos about the new refurb and try to be as non-biased as possible. However, I am not in a suite on this voyage; only a C2.

I don't think it matters what room you are in...if you get on an M class ship expecting an S class you will be disappointed. Equally if you are an M class fan you could find an S class lacking in certain areas!

We cruise both S and M class and understand and respect their differences...There are certain aspects of S class we prefer but M does have its highlights...

If you go on board expecting an S class ship you will be disappointed...it isn't an S class ship. Board with an open mind to experience a new adventure!

I sincerely hope you have a great trip!

Summit just went thru the same refurb in February. Looking forward to seeing some of the changes as we sailed her last year. Some of the pictures posted of the solarium look very good. Since we are staying on Deck 11 this time, I'm worried about the noise from the outdoor theater above us.

I don't think it matters what room you are in...if you get on an M class ship expecting an S class you will be disappointed. Equally if you are an M class fan you could find an S class lacking in certain areas!

 

We cruise both S and M class and understand and respect their differences...There are certain aspects of S class we prefer but M does have its highlights...

 

If you go on board expecting an S class ship you will be disappointed...it isn't an S class ship. Board with an open mind to experience a new adventure!

 

I sincerely hope you have a great trip!

No doubt we will enjoy our trip. Mt. Denali is the major emphasis and the weather appears to be looking very good! We are staying in the states due to my father and a promise I made to him regarding staying in the country this year. He was living with us, but now is in an assisted living 8/10's of a mile from our home and enjoys his new residence. My experience with an older ship stems from a cruise I had on another line. I hope the Millie will be better than my thoughts, but it will not dampen my cruise. This vacation is so deserved no matter what happens...In no way do I expect an S class ship unless it is in Europe. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and expectations...:)

Thanks for the information Andy. As someone said, the M & S class ships each hold, (or held), their own allure. However, no matter how Celebrity spins it, the replacing of the ship themed specialty restaurants on M class ships with the Tuscan Grille is a huge step down. Just my opinion.

Thanks for the information Andy. As someone said, the M & S class ships each hold, (or held), their own allure. However, no matter how Celebrity spins it, the replacing of the ship themed specialty restaurants on M class ships with the Tuscan Grille is a huge step down. Just my opinion.

Mine as well.

Thanks for the information Andy. As someone said, the M & S class ships each hold, (or held), their own allure. However, no matter how Celebrity spins it, the replacing of the ship themed specialty restaurants on M class ships with the Tuscan Grille is a huge step down. Just my opinion.

I also agree. We are very disappointed. So did they turn BO5 to the Sushi ? Hoping not.

Thanks for the information Andy. As someone said, the M & S class ships each hold, (or held), their own allure. However, no matter how Celebrity spins it, the replacing of the ship themed specialty restaurants on M class ships with the Tuscan Grille is a huge step down. Just my opinion.

I totally agree with you, Linda and Rich.

The specialty restaurants on M-class ships were excellent and were the dining experience that we always looked forward to the most on M-class ships. The Tuscan Grille is my least favourite of all Celebrity specialty restaurants.

It will be interesting to hear back from those who are sailing on the Millennium in the next few weeks.

Thanks, Andy, for posting this information.

I don't think it matters what room you are in...if you get on an M class ship expecting an S class you will be disappointed. Equally if you are an M class fan you could find an S class lacking in certain areas!

 

We cruise both S and M class and understand and respect their differences...There are certain aspects of S class we prefer but M does have its highlights...

 

If you go on board expecting an S class ship you will be disappointed...it isn't an S class ship. Board with an open mind to experience a new adventure!

 

I sincerely hope you have a great trip!

S and M class? :eek:

That would provide for a unique cruise experience..... :D

If you've never been on an M-class ship, be sure not to miss the fabulous Thalassotherapy pool. Warm, relaxing, adults only. Cannot understand why it was not incorporated into the S-class design. Yes, the S-class ships are more modern, but there's no Thalassotherapy pool. We book for the itinerary, service, and ambience (and the almond croissants) on =X=. Makes no difference whether it's S- or M-class.

Betsy

If you've never been on an M-class ship, be sure not to miss the fabulous Thalassotherapy pool. Warm, relaxing, adults only. Cannot understand why it was not incorporated into the S-class design. Yes, the S-class ships are more modern, but there's no Thalassotherapy pool. We book for the itinerary, service, and ambience (and the almond croissants) on =X=. Makes no difference whether it's S- or M-class.

 

Betsy

I read simewhere here on the boards that they have removed the tall 2" pupes in the corners of the T pools during the latest drydock. This is progress?

Be advised also that the Summit drydock also included switching the dining room areas. The Select dining is now on the larger bottom deck and traditional dining is on the upper deck. I would guess they will do the same thing on the Millennium.

Had you shared this experience with X after dis-embarking? I trust so, so that the next guests will appreciate your observations and they be corrected during dry dock.

 

bon voyage

Yes Bo1953 i definitely shared my thoughts with Celebrity. I think it is important to let them know when something isn't right.

Hi 1982CruzStart,

 

I cannot speak directly for what was done, but the odds are good that some refurbishment and repairs were performed on cabins, especially where it's needed.

 

As for Equinox, we've sailed on her many times - including last year, and thought the ship was in excellent condition. Hopefully, you will be much happier onboard Equinox, and I wish you a wonderful cruise.

Thanks Andy. I am hopeful this will be a better experience. The staff was fantastic but the suite was a major disappointment which is a problem for me as i like to spend a lot of time in my cabin when we aren't out touring.

I read simewhere here on the boards that they have removed the tall 2" pupes in the corners of the T pools during the latest drydock. This is progress?

Say it isn't so! :eek: Love letting the water pound my shoulders. Aaaah.

Betsy

Thanks for this update. We are sailing June 3rd and will be interesting to see the changes as we sailed the Millennium back in 2012 in the Caribbean. I too was disappointed in the restaurant change as the Olympic was a highlight for us back then.

Somewhat of a hijacking of the thread but ........

Can anyone report that they got an explanation from someone at the corporate level about why the 4 Ocean Liner specialty restaurants were removed from (or will be removed from) all the M class ships?

I am aware from people I know in the restaurant business that a themed restaurant has a life span of 3-5 years. After that customer interest fades and if you own one of these, you re-theme it. Maybe that's what's up.

Regardless, after multiple cruises on the Century class ships before the introduction of the M class ships, Millenium being the lead ship in this class, we sailed Millenium on a Panama Canal itinerary. We were stunned and impressed by the 5 Star quality of the Olympic Restaurant.

Subsequently, we've sailed and dined in all the Cruise Liner themed specialty restaurants aboard the M class ships and loved them. Even as MDR service and food quality took a step back, these restaurants never did.

While we're fine with the Tuscan concept, in my opinion removing these very special and varied by ship restaurants and replacing them with a homogenous brand of the Tuscan Grill was a stupendous marketing mis-step on the part of Celebrity Corporate. I just don't get it. We'll sorely miss these fantastic dining experiences.

As an aside, I had heard talk that these specialty restaurants were experiencing a decline in reservations and that was behind the move. I'd offer it wasn't that the restaurants were not being enjoyed at all, it was the exorbitant up charge associated with dining there that commenced several years back.

Just speaking for myself, I am much more likely to book a reservation for Tuscan Grill than for the Olympic. I'll definitely be going to Qsine.

So for this passenger, they made the right call.