LIVE Blog! MILLENNIUM, SE Asia - Dec 8, 2018

[Addicted2Ships]

Another early start yesterday at 5.30am. We met in Cafe Al Bacio at 6.45 and then headed straight off the ship at 7.

 

There was a bit of confusion where our private minibus driver was meeting us. After a phone call or 2, we were told to walk 5 minutes or so out of the port. Sure enough, he was waitng for us. 

 

Unfortunately, due to the time wasted, it meant we would no longer have time to visit Hoi An. Bit of a bummer for me, as that was one of my personal highlights and the reason I booked this tour. 

 

We reached Ba Na Hills at around 9am. The place is immense! 

We headed straight for the 25 minute cable car ride and were soon up in the clouds!

First stop was at the amazing Golden Bridge. I think it looked all the more spectacular and eerie with the mist around it. 

Next we headed up to the French area and wandered around before enjoying an all you can eat buffet for just $9US. Lots of authentic Vietnamese food was available and it was all delicious. 

 

After our 11am 'lunch' we headed back down in one of the other cable car routes and were treated to great views of waterfalls and a Buddha. 

We left Ba Na around 12.40 and drove to Danang and saw the Dragon bridge.

and then the Marble Mountains. 

Lastly, we made a quick comfort break at a beach on our return to port. 

 

[Addicted2Ships]

Last night was rock and roll night in Cosmos. Hilarity ensued when cocktails and a Vietnamese conical hat was introduced.. 

[Rina155]

Love the golden bridge with the “hand”. Looks amazing.  You all look you are having great fun!  Thanks for sharing the photos of your journey!

[Addicted2Ships]

And here is a sneak peak of my current view. I tried to upload a short video but it keeps failing. 

 

[kobecat]

Loving your blog.   What is C’est La Vie, I saw the comment re cost but didn’t see anything else.

 

If you see the wonderful Capt Nikolaus around the ship would you mind asking him if he will be on the crossing on 27 April.  Celebrity has some great captains but I think he is the best.  You could tell him his Australian friends were asking.

 

Enjoy  your last few days and have a blast in Hong Kong.  I think you will now be addicted!

 

Beryl

[CEOofVacation]

1 hour ago, kobecat said:

Loving your blog.   What is C’est La Vie, I saw the comment re cost but didn’t see anything else.

 

If you see the wonderful Capt Nikolaus around the ship would you mind asking him if he will be on the crossing on 27 April.  Celebrity has some great captains but I think he is the best.  You could tell him his Australian friends were asking.

 

Enjoy  your last few days and have a blast in Hong Kong.  I think you will now be addicted!

 

Beryl

Captain Nikolaus's last cruise on the Millennium will be on Dec 22 Hong Kong to Singapore.  After his vacation, his next contract will be to the Galapagos for 2 months and then he will be on Reflection thereafter.  No more Millennium for him in the foreseable future.

[kobecat]

38 minutes ago, CEOofVacation said:

Captain Nikolaus's last cruise on the Millennium will be on Dec 22 Hong Kong to Singapore.  After his vacation, his next contract will be to the Galapagos for 2 months and then he will be on Reflection thereafter.  No more Millennium for him in the foreseable future.

Thank you so much for the update.  Do you know who will be the Captain of the Millennium for the crossing in April?

[Addicted2Ships]

9 hours ago, kobecat said:

Loving your blog.   What is C’est La Vie, I saw the comment re cost but didn’t see anything else.

Thanks! 

 

Ce La Vi is the name of the company that runs Sky Bar at Marina Bay Sands Hotel. They also have one in Hong Kong, and I'm guessing other places too. 

[Addicted2Ships]

We are coming to the end of what has been 3 very intensive port days back to back. 

 

I am looking forward to a rest with our sea day tomorrow, however, it is tinged with lots of sadness as it is our final day onboard. 

 

I have loved almost everything about this cruise. My only grumble would be the entertainment is not very strong. Lots of singers and not much variety. That's pretty much the only thing I can find fault with though. All of the crew have been amazing, especially my room attendent. 

 

I will do an update of the last 2 days in Halong Bay and Hanoi tomorrow when I am more awake. I think we are all exhausted! 

[kobecat]

11 minutes ago, 1sttimecruisee said:

Thanks! 

 

Ce La Vi is the name of the company that runs Sky Bar at Marina Bay Sands Hotel. They also have one in Hong Kong, and I'm guessing other places too. 

Thanks for the information, will remember that for next time in Singapore.  How sad you are nearly at the end.

[Addicted2Ships]

7 hours ago, kobecat said:

Thanks for the information, will remember that for next time in Singapore.  How sad you are nearly at the end.

Sad indeed. This may be my first cruise but it sure won't be my last! 

 

It's not all bad though. I have 5 days in Hong Kong to look forward to! 😊

Edited December 20, 2018 by 1sttimecruisee

[CEOofVacation]

1 hour ago, kobecat said:

Thank you so much for the update.  Do you know who will be the Captain of the Millennium for the crossing in April?

I did not ask.  We saw Captain Nikolaos frequently and chatted with him.  We even had a nice photo taken with him, given to us courtesy of Celebrity.  

[TeeRick]

Just an amazing blog and photo's!  Has anybody on the ship mentioned anything about the upcoming renovations (Revolution) on Millennium?  Not much has been announced.

[Addicted2Ships]

17 hours ago, TeeRick said:

Just an amazing blog and photo's!  Has anybody on the ship mentioned anything about the upcoming renovations (Revolution) on Millennium?  Not much has been announced.

Thank you very much! 

 

Nothing has been mentioned apart from Qsine is staying the same on Millie so one of the waiters said. No Le Petite Chef. 

[Addicted2Ships]

So Wednesday morning I went up on deck around 9.30 and watched our slow arrival into Halong Bay where we were due at midday. 

 

Millie was the first ship to dock 2 weeks ago and we were only the 2nd ship at the new port. Celebrations were at the port with drummers and dancers. I was hoping to share a video but I still cannot upload one onboard. 

 

Halong Bay also celebrated its 15,000,000th tourist. One of the passengers was provided with champagne, flowers and a certificate. 

 

We were able to disembark early at 11.45 am and we met our group taking the 2 day itinerary with Travel Authentic Asia, (who I cannot recommend highly enough). The 17 of us got on  the coach and headed for the port for our sailing around Halong Bay. What an absolutely stunning place! We were very lucky with the weather as it is often cloudy, misty or rainy. 

 

Here is a selection of pics. 

After the 4 hour sailing we made the 2.5 hour journey to Hanoi for our overnight stay. We stopped at the Twilight Sky Bar for dinner and it was worth it just for the views alone. Add in the delicious food and it was the perfect end to a great day. We all checked into the Hanoi Pearl Hotel and slept very well. 

Battery is getting low so more later after a charge. 

 

BTW, I've now taken over 1000 pics! 😮😊

Edited December 21, 2018 by 1sttimecruisee

[Addicted2Ships]

Yesterday ran away from me before I could provide another update. 

 

We were picked up from our Hanoi hotel at 8am on Thursday for our tour of the city. 

 

We visited Tran Quoc Pagoda

The Temple of Literature and National University

Hoa Lo Prison, (where John McCain was held)

Ho Chi Minh Complex

and an unexpected stop at the Water Puppet Theatre at Hoan Kiem Lake

Such a great day. We were all exhausted at the end of of 3 packed days and wish we could have had the originally planned 2 sea days! It was worth not skipping any of the ports though. 

 

Edited December 21, 2018 by 1sttimecruisee

[Addicted2Ships]

A few pics of our last sea day yesterday and the final show in the theatre (iBroadway), which was the best yet. 

[Addicted2Ships]

We arrived into Port at Hong Kong about an hour ago and I'm sat on deck 10. Here are a few pics of our approach,

and this is the current view

I will continue posting in Hong Kong if any of you are interested in following. 

[Bruin Steve]

Wave as you disembark...we are boarding this morning!!!😁😁😁🍹🥂🛳

[Alushar]

Great blog Paul can’t wait to do the trip, in reverse In February.

 

one quick question how were the chic nights did many people dress up?

[Jim_Iain]

Thanks for your great blog.   Really enjoyed.

 

[Rina155]

Thank you for allowing us to follow along!  Safe travels. 

[h20cruzer]

This is just what I needed after my 29 days on the Eclipse. I’m certainly have cruise withdrawal. Gosh Imhave to make my own coffee and then wash the dishes. I have enjoyed you review and loved the pics.  How was the humidity?

i don’t mind warm weather the the humidity kills me.

Glad to,hear you will cruise again.

Norma

[Azulann]

Great  live review and loved your pictures.. thank you for taking  us along your adventure.

As a first time cruiser, do you like cruising?

  Have you book your second cruise?  

 

 

[Addicted2Ships]

19 hours ago, Alushar said:

Great blog Paul can’t wait to do the trip, in reverse In February.

 

one quick question how were the chic nights did many people dress up?

Thanks. I don't know who Paul is though! 😂

 

Mostly shirts and ties and some suits, along with dresses for the ladies. I saw very few tuxes or ball gowns.