Celebrity Millenium - Atlantis SE Asia Cruise

[sfgoguy]

OK. Cabin mate and I have booked our pre- and post-cruise hotels: Holiday Inn Orchard Centre in SIN; ICON (Kowloon) in HKG. Anyone else staying at one, the other, or both?

 

New question: Do US citizens need Visas for SIN, Thailand, Vietnam or HKG? Doubt it, but thought I'd ask. My doc has already advised certain shots to take and I'll comply in Feb.

 

See everyone in ~ 3 months. Start packing! :eek:

[sfgoguy]

If you haven't booked your hotel in SIN or HKG, you might check out the Atlantis offerings.

 

Atlantis is also offering a 2-day pre-cruise tour of Angkor Wat (Siem Reap, Cambodia).

 

For details, check out the air/hotel link on Atlantis's webpage for this cruise.

 

See you guys in +/- 11 weeks. :)

[ORDPLATAA]

8 Weeks & Counting!

 

Starting to run through checklists, finalizing our sightseeing plans. Hotels are booked in SIN, BKK and HKG. Flights have been reconfirmed (a few schedule changes...grrrrr...) and all is well.

 

Just trying to naildown our touring in BKK - thinking of trying to make it out to an elephant sanctuary on our first day, overnight BKK and then city tours back to the ship on the second day.

 

Excitement is def building in our happy little home!!!!

[ORDPLATAA]

Just finalized our BKK excursion. Worked with Absolute Bangkok - prompt responses, easy to understand and offered great suggestions. We have a guide & driver meeting us on 4/3 and heading to Kanchanaburi to visit an elephant sanctuary (ride/feed/bathe them) with lunch in the area and possibly seeing the Bridge over the River Kwai. When then return to BKK (we are staying at the Royal Orchid Sheraton using points). The next day we have a full day of sightseeing in BKK (Wat Arun, Grand Palace, long tail boat ride, floating market) and then back to the ship. All of our Singapore excursions are done and we'll do the ship tours in Vietnam.

 

Is it March yet????:D

[BJMadison]

Cabin mate and I are booked in a Concierge class cabin on deck 9. Went on a Celebrity cruise last December and had Aqua class cabin, the Blu restaurant was well worth it.

Wanted to go on Ankor Wat pre cruise tour but when I called Atlantis I was told they weren't planning any pre or post cruise tours. We decided to take a trip to mainland China (Shanghai/ Beijing) instead. In hindsight it may have been a mistake because going to China is a hassle, getting a visa, etc. When Atlantis DID publish their pre and post cruise tours it was too late to cancel our China trip.

Spending two nights pre cruise at the Fullerton in Singapore because that was one of the hotels that Atlantis is using. Hoping to meet some other gays before we get on the ship.

Spending three nights in HK at the Panorama Hotel. The location looked good and the price for area seemed reasonable.

We're waiting for Atlantis to publish their shore excursions before we commit, any suggestions?

[ORDPLATAA]

Cabin mate and I are booked in a Concierge class cabin on deck 9. Went on a Celebrity cruise last December and had Aqua class cabin, the Blu restaurant was well worth it.

Wanted to go on Ankor Wat pre cruise tour but when I called Atlantis I was told they weren't planning any pre or post cruise tours. We decided to take a trip to mainland China (Shanghai/ Beijing) instead. In hindsight it may have been a mistake because going to China is a hassle, getting a visa, etc. When Atlantis DID publish their pre and post cruise tours it was too late to cancel our China trip.

Spending two nights pre cruise at the Fullerton in Singapore because that was one of the hotels that Atlantis is using. Hoping to meet some other gays before we get on the ship.

Spending three nights in HK at the Panorama Hotel. The location looked good and the price for area seemed reasonable.

We're waiting for Atlantis to publish their shore excursions before we commit, any suggestions?

 

The shore excursions from Celebrity are online for viewing now. You should be able to book them at the end of February (about 30 days out) when Atlantis gives us our confirmation numbers. I don't believe that Atlantis itself does anything "special" in terms of shore excursions (at least that was our experience with Alaska in 2006 and Baltics in 2007). We plan on doing the ship's excursions everywhere but Bangkok (where we hired a private guide), Singapore (where we cashed in a bunch of credit card points to pay for the excursions) and Hong Kong (we are taking the jetfoil to Macau).

 

I am currently in Bangkok on a bit of a mileage run this weekend and getting a lay of the land. Can't wait to actually do some of the tours we already set up with Absolute Bangkok.

[sfgoguy]

...the Holiday Inn Orchard City Centre? Cabin mate and I are there for 2 nights, Mar 29 and 30, after a 3-day Angkor Wat/Cambodia tour. Would love to connect for drinks, dinner, sightseeing. :)

 

Less than 7 weeks before we two depart - really getting excited now. ;)

[HumphreysDad]

We are going to be neighbors. Just returned from Alaska on the refurbished Millenium. We had a balcony cabin (8135) in Alaska. Moving to the Deck 11 Aqua class for Asia.

 

Parents has a suite (8125) in Alaska and they did upgrade to large flat screen TV in their cabin but there was only a VHS! Not a DVD or Blueray.

 

Really enjoyed the Qsine dining experience and highly encourage everyone to try it!

 

Can't wait until March. Neither of us have been to Asia.

 

 

Hey d2b2 and Navybt - We are also booked on deck 11. Have you heard any pros/cons about these new cabins?

 

We are using points; at Grand Hyatt Singapore, Le Meridien Bangkok, Sheraton Towers Hong Kong.

 

Anyone interested in renting a Junk in Halong Bay?

Also, we really would like to do a cooking class in Vietnam. Anybody know of any good ones?

[ORDPLATAA]

Hey d2b2 and Navybt - We are also booked on deck 11. Have you heard any pros/cons about these new cabins?

 

We are using points; at Grand Hyatt Singapore, Le Meridien Bangkok, Sheraton Towers Hong Kong.

 

Anyone interested in renting a Junk in Halong Bay?

Also, we really would like to do a cooking class in Vietnam. Anybody know of any good ones?

 

We are also on Deck 11 - have heard positives about the cabins except showers are a tad small (but wasn't sure if poster was a tad large ;)). We will be at the Grand Hyatt as well pre-cruise March 28-31. We would be interested in renting a Junk in Halong Bay.

[BJMadison]

Cabin mate and I would be interested in joining a group in sharing a junk for a day trip of Halong Bay.

[HumphreysDad]

Hi, I'm getting some quotes on an 8 passenger junk. I'll keep you posted.

[HumphreysDad]

Here is what I was able to find for a private junk cruise. They said the junk can hold up to 30 people, but pricing is based on a minimum of 8 people. PP price would go down if we had more people. This is from a reputable destination management company that I use globally for my job, so I know they are trustworthy.

 

Exclusive transfer and cruise. $135 USD per person.

 

Excursion Timing:

From To Activity

11:30 12:00 Drive from port to Bai Chay pier

12:00 16:00 Boat trip in Ha Long Bay with seafood lunch onboard and visit Sung Sot Caves

16:00 16:30 Disembark the junk and return to port

16:30 Arrive to the port and re-embark on the ship

 

Prices include:

- Port fee

- Private transfer and tour as mentioned in the programme

- Service of professional English speaking guide escort

- Boat trip and admission fees to all attractions

- 1 Seafood lunch, including a unit of soft drink or local beer

- Cold towel and bottled water on board

 

Celebrity price is much less, but then I don't know how many pax they cram on their boats. Any interest?

[ORDPLATAA]

Here is what I was able to find for a private junk cruise. They said the junk can hold up to 30 people, but pricing is based on a minimum of 8 people. PP price would go down if we had more people. This is from a reputable destination management company that I use globally for my job, so I know they are trustworthy.

 

Exclusive transfer and cruise. $135 USD per person.

 

Excursion Timing:

From To Activity

11:30 12:00 Drive from port to Bai Chay pier

12:00 16:00 Boat trip in Ha Long Bay with seafood lunch onboard and visit Sung Sot Caves

16:00 16:30 Disembark the junk and return to port

16:30 Arrive to the port and re-embark on the ship

 

Prices include:

- Port fee

- Private transfer and tour as mentioned in the programme

- Service of professional English speaking guide escort

- Boat trip and admission fees to all attractions

- 1 Seafood lunch, including a unit of soft drink or local beer

- Cold towel and bottled water on board

 

Celebrity price is much less, but then I don't know how many pax they cram on their boats. Any interest?

 

Count us in! We are Bob & Dan from Seattle. PM me (Bob) with payment details. See ya onboard!

[Navybt]

We were on this ship in Alaska in June right after retrofit. It seemed the area is isolated and private. Balconies are on covered as on other decks if I remember correctly.

 

We are staying at Singapore Marriott and Grand Hyatt for two nights each pre cruise and five nights at J W Marriott in HKG. We are over-nighting in BKK at the Renaissance.

 

Can't wait for the cruise.

[sfgoguy]

Guys, just saw on the Atlantis Alum site that the Dame Edna Experience will be one of our "performers." FABULOUS! If you haven't see this guy immitate Dame Edna...and more, you're in for a real treat. Superb entertainment.

 

Can hardly wait for this one. :)

 

Happy Valentine's Day. See you next month.

[BJMadison]

Has anyone decided what shore excursions they may be going on in

2 April Ko Samui, Thailand 8 AM 6 PM

 

 

7 April Nha Trang, Vietnam 9 AM 5 PM

 

 

8 April Hue/Danang (Chan May), Vietnam 10 AM 6 PM

 

I was thinking a relaxing beach day or short tour.

 

Thanks, BJ

[sfgoguy]

Did a quick review of the standard Celebrity excursions at our ports-of-call and saw one for the overnight port associated with Bangkok that's interesting. It's a several-hour visit to an elephant reserve with hands-on petting, rides, etc. Not too keen on the trip into Bangkok and the overnight there and think this may be a better alternative. Definitely want a pic of me astride a pachyderm! :eek:

 

If I do this one instead of the Bangkok visit, will just enjoy the relatively-quiet ship (and the in-port spa discounts!). ;)

[ORDPLATAA]

Hey sfoguy-

 

We are doing a private tour w/Absolute Bangkok out to Kanchanaburi to an elephant preserve there & to see the Bridge over the River Kwai upon arrival in BKK, spending the night at the Royal Orchid Sheraton and then guided day of sightseeing in BKK with return to the ship on April 4. The one we will be going to will give us time to ride/feed/bathe the elephants and then do some sightseeing in BKK the next day.

[plevnaboy]

Im taking my first time cruise with the SIN to Hong Kong Atlantis cruise, and still trying to figure out how the shore excursions work - like for the overnight in BKK, are we on our own to find a place to stay? Im excited about the whole thing, but want to make sure i have fun and dont spend my time trying to figure out what is where.:)

[SkyGuy747]

Im taking my first time cruise with the SIN to Hong Kong Atlantis cruise, and still trying to figure out how the shore excursions work - like for the overnight in BKK, are we on our own to find a place to stay? Im excited about the whole thing, but want to make sure i have fun and dont spend my time trying to figure out what is where.:)

 

Heya! You can do it either way... there is a transportation only option offered by Celebrity - you'll find your own hotel, or,

There are organized tours which include transport, sightseeing and hotel.

 

Depends on how independent you want to be in Bangkok.

 

We've opted for the former so that we can explore at our own pace.

 

BTW, we're in Ottawa too! Happy to get together for a drink in the next few weeks if you want to chat about the adventure that awaits!

[sfgoguy]

Hey sfoguy-

 

We are doing a private tour w/Absolute Bangkok out to Kanchanaburi to an elephant preserve there & to see the Bridge over the River Kwai upon arrival in BKK, spending the night at the Royal Orchid Sheraton and then guided day of sightseeing in BKK with return to the ship on April 4. The one we will be going to will give us time to ride/feed/bathe the elephants and then do some sightseeing in BKK the next day.

 

Appreciate the information and it sounds exciting. I think I may opt just for the elephant preserve day excursion offered by Celebrity (presuming they do offer it), and spend the night on the ship. For some reason I can't get excited about visiting Bangkok for such a brief time. Would rather come back and stay for a few days and add on side trips to the beaches - making it a more relaxing visit. See you guys in about a month! :)

[Two Boys Cruising]

I have been on the cruise, and I have been living part time in Bangkok for 12 years. I will be in Bangkok when the ship arrives. If anyone needs any Bangkok advice, let me know. I will be available in Soi Twilight on the night the ship is in Bangkok if anyone needs any assistance (as I have done in past years). One of the gay hotels is offering pick up at the port, overnight accommodations in the gay district (Patpong near Soi Twilight) and return to the port at a good deal if anyone is interested.

 

TBC

[plevnaboy]

Heya! You can do it either way... there is a transportation only option offered by Celebrity - you'll find your own hotel, or,

There are organized tours which include transport, sightseeing and hotel.

 

Depends on how independent you want to be in Bangkok.

 

We've opted for the former so that we can explore at our own pace.

 

BTW, we're in Ottawa too! Happy to get together for a drink in the next few weeks if you want to chat about the adventure that awaits!

 

would love to get together:cool:

[radtechy2003]

Did a quick review of the standard Celebrity excursions at our ports-of-call and saw one for the overnight port associated with Bangkok that's interesting. It's a several-hour visit to an elephant reserve with hands-on petting, rides, etc. Not too keen on the trip into Bangkok and the overnight there and think this may be a better alternative. Definitely want a pic of me astride a pachyderm! :eek:

 

If I do this one instead of the Bangkok visit, will just enjoy the relatively-quiet ship (and the in-port spa discounts!). ;)

My partner and I are going with another couple and with Atlantis not posting excursions sooner chose to book on my own. We are doing a private tour to BangKok and staying at the Lebua Tower Club which has a spectacular rooftop bar. The tour group is Thaitourguide.com who is going to pick us up at the boat and take us from the port to Bangkok which is 2.5 hours away and then take us on a tour of the city and drop us off at the hotel around 5:00pm.

 

Below is the itinerary. We have arranged to pay extra to have him drive us back to the boat the next day.

 

*Meet & Greet at Laem Chabang Port + Private Transfer to Bangkok

+ The Royal Grand Palace & The Royal Temple + City + Temple Tour

**Private Transfer to Laem Chabang Port

 

Recommended & Flexible Itinerary:

 

Wednesday, April 03, 2013: Sawasdee…Krub or Ka / Welcome to Thailand

8:00AM – 5:00PM Meet & Greet at Laem Chabang Port

 

 

Morning: Meet & Greet at Laem Chabang Port (Atlantis Asia on Celebrity Millennium)

8:00AM Private transfer to Bangkok, It will take approximately 2 hours

Thai Tour Guide will show your sign’s name at the Arrival hall at Laem Chabang Port, Please recognize your sign’s name.

 

The Royal Grand Palace & The Royal Temple are the perfect introduction to Thailand’s Architecture, Culture and Tradition, You will visit the highlight attractions around this complex such as

The Royal Temple (Wat Phra Kaew, The Temple of the Emerald Buddha), The Golden Chedi, Pantheon of the Chakri’s Kings, A miniature replica of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Coronation Throne Hall and Royal Reception Hall

 

Wat Pho (The Temple of The Reclining Buddha) is one of the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok and still an important center for Traditional Thai Medicine and Traditional Thai Massages School

 

Afternoon: Canal Tour, Take a Private Long-Tail Boat, continuing your exploration of Bangkok along the bustling Chao Phraya River & quiet Klongs (Canals).

Passing picturesque scenes of Thai River Life

By the river, See Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn) is an important landmark located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The main shrine, decorated with glazed ornaments and ceramics, rises 67 meters towards the heavens. Built during the beginning of the Rattanakosin era, the magnificent temple reflects the glory of the Thai culture. The highest Prang in Thailand symbolizing Hindu-Buddhist cosmology

 

Pak Klong Talad (Flowers & Vegetables Market)

It is known mostly as a wholesale flower market serving everyone from flower vendors to florists, but it also has a good selection of fresh vegetables, which are bought in the pre-dawn hours to be transported to neighborhood markets around Bangkok for sale in the morning. Pak Klong Talad is the most important flowers & Vegetables wholesale market in town

 

5:00PM Check in at your hotel – Lebua Hotel

 

Note: The Royal Grand Palace & The Royal Temple of the Emerald Buddha is Thailand's most sacred temple,

Thus the following Dress - Code (applicable to both ladies and gentlemen) will be strictly enforced:

 

These are recommended:

1. Recommend wearing shoes, which are comfortable for walking and are easy to be worn and taken off.

- You need to take your shoes off before entering into some buildings BUT you don't need to take your socks off.

2. Recommend to make a copy of your passport & carry with you

3. Take your hat off & fold your umbrella before entering the building

4. Carry your sunglasses, sunscreen lotion and medical

 

Dress Code: These are allowed:

1. T-shirts are allowed

2. Long trousers, Pants, Jeans are allowed

- Please prepare your short to change after the grand palace & the royal temple as you prefer

2. Sandals are allowed

3. Long skirts lower than your knees are allowed

Dress Code: These are not allowed:

1. Shorts, mini-skirts, short skirts, as well as tights cannot be worn as outer garments

2. It is not just only the knee-leveled ones. Quarter length trousers cannot be worn

3. Tight fitting trousers are not allowed

4. No hole in any part of jeans, skirts, pants and trousers should be seen.

5. See-through shirts and blouses cannot be worn

6. Sleeveless shirts or vests cannot be worn

7. All shirtsleeves, whether long or short, cannot be rolled up

8. Sweat shirts and sweat pants, windcheaters, pajamas and fisherman trousers cannot be worn

 

 

Thursday, April 04, 2013: Private Transfer to Laem Chabang Port

 

 

2:00PM: Our driver will meet you at your hotel’s lobby

Private transfer to Laem Chabang Port

 

 

Wednesday, April 03, 2013:

+ Meet & Greet at Laem Chabang Port

+ Private Transfer to Bangkok

+ The Royal Grand Palace & The Royal Temple + City + Temple Tour

Price B: 11,900 Baht for 4 persons

Inclusive:

-Private tour as indicated in itinerary

-Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel

-Private qualified and experienced english speaking tour guide

-Private air-conditioned minivan with driver

-All admission fees as indicated in itinerary

-All transfers and taxes

 

 

Thursday, April 04, 2013:

+ Private transfer: your hotel to Laem Chabang Port

Price B: 3,000 Baht by private air-conditioned minivan

 

 

Note:

1. The tour is flexible and designed exclusively for you

2. Thai Tour Guide is based on First Confirm, First Serve

3. The tour does not include meals

“We believe that our clients should have the freedom to determine their own food preferences, styles and tastes, so we do not pre-arrange meals at pre-set restaurants in case we guess wrong. Instead, we want to listen to you first before recommending what we feel to be the best restaurant for you.”

 

We have also hired a private tour group Best Cruise to take us to Hanoi and Halong Bay plus this tour group does Ho Chi Minh below is that itinerary.

 

would like to confirm your services as belows:

 

Call 1: 6 April 2013 - Saigon Full Day Tour from Phu My Port ( Meals: Lunch )

 

07h00 A.m: You will be picked up by our guide and car at Phu My port in Vung Tau. The transfer to Ho Chi Minh City is app. 2.50 hrs. to its centre. Saigon is not only sightseeing, but about street markets, where bargains are struck and deals are done; the pavement cafes, where stereo speakers fill the surrounding streets with a melodious thumping beat; and the sleek new cafes and pubs, where tourists chat over beer, pretzels, coffee and croissants.Today you will have a sightseeing tour in Saigon which includes visits to the:Former Presidential Palace, the Reunification Palace,or the independence palace was completed in 1966. This site started being built in 1962 after having being air-raided by the sortie of two South Vietnanmese pilots namely Mr.Quoc and Mr Cu during the Diem presidency.This building was under a design of architect Ngo Viet Thu winning the excellency of architectural prize in Rome as a Roman champion. Most people will remember the image of a North Vietnamese tank crashing through the gates on 30 April 1975, signifying the fall of Saigon. The tank still graces the front lawn. Rooms open to the public remain exactly as they were in 1975, showing where important meetings were held during the war, as well as some of the private quarters of the president and his family. Most fascinating are a series of underground tunnels housing a telecommunications centre.Cholon (China Town) with Thien Hau Pagoda: Cholon is in District 5 and is a maze of narrow streets, bustling with people. Most of Vietnam"s ethnic Chinese live here and they are the largest single ethnic minority group in the country. Merchants began to settle in Cholon in the 1770s, although many ethnic Chinese fled the country in 1975.The Thien Hau Pagoda is one of Cholon"s must-sees. It is dedicated to the goddess Thien Hau, protector of the sea. Photographers are spoilt for choice with the ornate decoration inside the pagoda and the statues of Thien Hau. It is popular with worshippers (the air is always heavy with the smell of incense).Notre Dame Cathedral: The twin towers of the Notre Dame Cathedral have been a familiar landmark in Ho Chi Minh City since the 1880s. In front of the cathedral in a small garden is a delicate statue of the Virgin Mary. The interior of the cathedral is rather plain, unlike most French cathedrals, with no stained glass but it is a cool escape from the heat outside.Former Post Office: Across from the Notre Dame Cathedral, the vast Post Office was also built in the late 19th century in European style. The interior has hardly been touched since it was built and is dominated by a huge portrait of Ho Chi Minh. The building always seems busy but most people are just visitors rather than customers.02.30 p.m.: Transfer back to port about 17h00.

 

Quote Price: $79 / Per Person

 

Group: 4 Pax x $79 = 316 USD

 

Call 2: Bai Tu Long Bay & Halong Bay Full Day Tours ( Meals: Lunch ) on 9 April 2013

 

Greeting at the gate of Halong port in the morning. You will transfer to Bai Chay harbor and board the private junk for a about 7- 8 hour cruise of this stunning area, stopping along the way to visit one of the limestone caves in the area: Sung Sot cave ( Amazing Cave ), Ga Choi islet, Titop island, You also visit one of fishing village on Bai Tu Long Bay – Vong Vieng fishing Village. Discover the village by bamboo rowing boat with visiting If the time permit, We will visit ( the communal hoof the village ) and fish breeding farm. This tour take about 7 – 8 hours on the Bay. You will back to habour about 18h00. Back to Bai Chay Beach do shopping at night market then have dinner - see Water Puppet show.

 

Quote Price: $148/Per Person

 

Total: 4pax : 592 USD

 

Tour included:

 

Private vehicle with A/C

 

Private Luxury Junk in Halong Bay.

 

All entrance fee to sightseeing sites as mentioned

 

Local English speaking tour guides

 

Meals

 

Tour Excluded:

 

Travel insurance

 

Tipping, drinks and other personal expenses

 

Permit dock.

 

Total 2 booking: $316 + $592 = US$ 908

 

For secure the booking, Pls deposit 50% is 454 USD add 4% surcharge credit card is $ 472.16 cent. The balance will pay by cash on the day.

[BJMadison]

Cabinmate and I are interested in a private tour to Saigon since Atlantis tours all include a visit to a lacquer factory that we're not interested in. The cheapest I could find is $177 per person. Any suggestions or interest in putting together a larger group?