Semi-live from Millennium July 30th Alaska

[chucknmarilyn]

We'll leave on a short cruise from Seattle on Monday. I have weather for land but how is it at sea? Trying to pack light.🙂

[Blackduck59]

3 minutes ago, chucknmarilyn said:

We'll leave on a short cruise from Seattle on Monday. I have weather for land but how is it at sea? Trying to pack light.🙂

 

I packed a Marino wool base layer, a Marino wool heavy sweater and a light weight wind breaker I only used the base layer when we were on deck at the Hubbard glacier. We had exceptionally nice weather and other than the glacier didn't feel the need to bundle up. I also took some hand warmers which I used at the glacier and gave to other passengers that weren't that prepared for temperatures at the glacier.

[Fly and Sail]

6 hours ago, Blackduck59 said:

 

I'm not sure this is fair. Vancouver was boarding as many as 4 ships at the same time all with near capacity passengers and no "Boarding Windows". Comparing the pre Covid "mess" in Vancouver to a during pandemic protocols Seattle with set boarding windows and a reduced capacity, is a cheap shot. Keep in mind the biggest bottle neck we encountered was at US Customs and Border control.

I suspect that when Seattle is doing multiple ships at full capacity, as well as international passengers it will be a "Mess" too.

 

Last time I was boarding in Vancouver was in SEP 2019 for the Pacific Coastal cruise and the Eclipse was the only ship. Organization was a disaster then as well (and CBP was closed, all took place in SF). Only advantage was that in YVR they let you off after check-in while here you had to stay on board.

[quack2]

On 7/30/2021 at 3:12 PM, iamaqt2 said:

 She got some flack from a gentleman behind us in line who complained that this was supposed to be a mask free cruise, as she explained that it was only for check in, so he put it on while complaining that it better be, as that was the only reason he booked this cruise.

 

Some people are clueless.  See Delta Variant.

 

I would have told him he didn't have to wear a mask when he's sitting the whole cruise in his cabin watching Hannity.

Edited August 1, 2021 by quack2

[Fly and Sail]

23 minutes ago, quack2 said:

Some people are clueless.  See Delta Variant.

 

I would have told him he didn't have to wear a mask when he's sitting the whole cruise in his cabin watching Hannity.

 

FWIW I had the same complaint from a real life "Karen" ahead of me in line who talked back to the lady working for the port distributing masks in a box. This woman was a flaming liberal with party affiliation stickers on her backpack. I doubt she watches Hannity. 😄

[Blackduck59]

1 hour ago, Fly and Sail said:

 

Last time I was boarding in Vancouver was in SEP 2019 for the Pacific Coastal cruise and the Eclipse was the only ship. Organization was a disaster then as well (and CBP was closed, all took place in SF). Only advantage was that in YVR they let you off after check-in while here you had to stay on board.

So all the people that showed up for free for all boarding before you slowed things down. Note no boarding windows in September of 2019. And a full Eclipse is twice as many passengers as a passenger limited Millennium. I'm sorry you had a bad day in Vancouver, good thing Seattle will serve your future needs.

[iamaqt2]

Just pulled in to Ketchikan.  Carnival Miracle is joining us..

Weather on day 2 was a shock after the fantastic weather we've had all month.  Woke up to pea soup fog, and a soaking balcony.  Tried to "pool time" in the Solarium, but it was just freezing cold.  The ship was doing 20 knots, the wind was blowing 28 knots, and it was an icy cold wind tunnel every time the doors opened. 

However, the casino slots were 🔥🔥 and left with some 💸💸 in my pocket.

 

Sea day lunch in the main dining room was a huge let down.  It was very busy, and the menu item I ordered was not what I expected.  No big, went up after to Mast Grill and got a hot dog instead.  Good thing they have food everywhere!

 

Had a 4 pm meet up with some of the CC crew at Sunset Bar again. 

 

Evening chic was a mixed bag... I'd say maybe 25% made an effort to dress up.  Then made our way up to Sky Lounge for Silent Disco.  I love this so much.

 

The captain announced that masks are required in port today. So far so good with no announcements of any positive cases onboard.

 

[cruisemom42]

Thanks @iamaqt2for the additional updates. Are they using QR codes in the dining room or handing out menus?  What was the disappointing lunch item, if I may ask?

 

To all: there are so few sharing info about the Millie cruises so far. Let's not sidetrack things with wrangling about which embarkation port is better... please?

 

[patty1955]

7 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

Thanks @iamaqt2for the additional updates. Are they using QR codes in the dining room or handing out menus?  What was the disappointing lunch item, if I may ask?

 

To all: there are so few sharing info about the Millie cruises so far. Let's not sidetrack things with wrangling about which embarkation port is better... please?

 

They handed out menus on our cruise. It was business as usual.

[iamaqt2]

10 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

Thanks @iamaqt2for the additional updates. Are they using QR codes in the dining room or handing out menus?  What was the disappointing lunch item, if I may ask?

 

To all: there are so few sharing info about the Millie cruises so far. Let's not sidetrack things with wrangling about which embarkation port is better... please?

 

They are handing out the paper menus posted inside the hard menu holders.

The menu item was advertised as a Crispy Pork Knuckle and Fontina Panini with lettuce, tomato, mayo, coleslaw, and French fries on the side.

Sad reality... poorly done pulled pork and melted cheese sandwich, no mayo, lettuce and tomato on side, and missing the coleslaw.  Life is too short to eat a bad sandwich 😉

On the plus side, I'm currently sitting down to this.

[cruisemom42]

1 minute ago, iamaqt2 said:

They are handing out the paper menus posted inside the hard menu holders.

The menu item was advertised as a Crispy Pork Knuckle and Fontina Panini with lettuce, tomato, mayo, coleslaw, and French fries on the side.

Sad reality... poorly done pulled pork and melted cheese sandwich, no mayo, lettuce and tomato on side, and missing the coleslaw.  Life is too short to eat a bad sandwich 😉

On the plus side, I'm currently sitting down to this.

 

Now that looks yummy!

[cruisemom42]

Sorry duplicate post.

 

Edited August 1, 2021 by cruisemom42

[iamaqt2]

20 hours ago, chucknmarilyn said:

We'll leave on a short cruise from Seattle on Monday. I have weather for land but how is it at sea? Trying to pack light.🙂

It's cold and wet.  Wasn't expecting that first day out.  Had the proper clothes, just decided it was easier to stay inside and dry.

[iamaqt2]

On 7/30/2021 at 10:52 PM, Fly and Sail said:

I had the last check-in slot at 2:30pm (it was assigned to be as a Casino guest with MLife status - not sure if that plays a role, just staying in a Veranda) and the line was manageable. I'd say about 40 min from getting in line to being in my cabin. Certainly beats the Vancouver mess.

 

Thankfully I didn't need to park as SEA downtown is horrible. Am I allowed to occasionally post pictures in this thread or would you like to keep it for yourself?

Please feel free to post away!

[BridgeBabe]

A huge THANK YOU to all you posters!  We have all been dying for info on Millie! We are not boarding till 9/10 and I am getting nervous praying we did not wait too long to go with Delta heating things up! Keep those reviews and pictures coming!! We are all soaking it up like sponges!

[iamaqt2]

On 7/31/2021 at 11:31 AM, cruisemom42 said:

 

Thanks so much for starting this thread, lovely to get some info first-hand. 🏆

 

Which port is the Bell Street terminal?  Is that Pier 66?  Do you know where taxis drop off?

 

Looks like you have an amazingly gorgeous day for your sailaway!

 

Sorry I missed your question... yes Bell Street Pier is 66 and Smith Cove terminal is Pier 91.

[Fly and Sail]

Here are some more.

 

Cheers from Ketchikan!

 

Btw if anyone needs to register for the Antigen/PCR Test on board - the registration system with the QR code doesn't work. They have to do it manually and told me to come back to talk to someone at times when it's totally inconvenient for me (afternoon). 🤬

[patty1955]

5 hours ago, iamaqt2 said:

Weather on day 2 was a shock after the fantastic weather we've had all month.  Woke up to pea soup fog, and a soaking balcony.  Tried to "pool time" in the Solarium, but it was just freezing cold.  The ship was doing 20 knots, the wind was blowing 28 knots, and it was an icy cold wind tunnel every time the doors opened. 

 

 

The t-pool was a major disappointment. The level is low (about 3 feet), the temperature is too low and the bubbles are turned off. We spoke to the engineer and he said they had to turn it off due to covid.

[qoap24]

I will be on X for the first time in September, if it isn't too much trouble, would you mind posting a few pictures of the daily planner (not sure what it is called on X). I would like to have an idea of what types of activities they will have on board. Thank you

[Fly and Sail]

2 minutes ago, patty1955 said:

The t-pool was a major disappointment. The level is low (about 3 feet), the temperature is too low and the bubbles are turned off. We spoke to the engineer and he said they had to turn it off due to covid.

 

What does Covid have to do with this??? Bunch of BS!

[Jim_Iain]

3 minutes ago, qoap24 said:

I will be on X for the first time in September, if it isn't too much trouble, would you mind posting a few pictures of the daily planner (not sure what it is called on X). I would like to have an idea of what types of activities they will have on board. Thank you

I'm sure the OP will post but if you have the Celebrity App on you phone you can select the current sailing and see the daily on the app.   It is great for day dreaming.   You can also check out the daily menus.   

 

On the main screen that shows your reservations -  At the very bottom is Get More Details on Ships we support -   Select Millennium then the Sailing -   The current cruise is usually fully populated while other cruises may just have place holders.

[patty1955]

5 minutes ago, Fly and Sail said:

 

What does Covid have to do with this??? Bunch of BS!

I agree! I was really disappointed since I've been dreaming about the t-pool.

[Fly and Sail]

9 minutes ago, patty1955 said:

I agree! I was really disappointed since I've been dreaming about the t-pool.

 

This is my first sailing on the Millennium and while I like the fresh design of the cabins I'm more a fan of the Solstice Class (Solstice/Eclipse). I find the vibration/motion in the dining room rather terrible and that considering the sea is extremely calm right now.

 

As far as pool policies go I'd imagine them to be implemented fleet wide. Maybe someone who went on the other sailings can comment on that.

[patty1955]

3 minutes ago, Fly and Sail said:

As far as pool policies go I'd imagine them to be implemented fleet wide. Maybe someone who went on the other sailings can comment on that.

The t-pools are only on the Millennium class ships. I think the Millennium is the only one sailing right now. 

[cruisemom42]

@Fly and Sail  Thanks for the GREAT photos of the sailaway and the ship. Has me longing to be onboard in three weeks time!

 

Even though I have the app, photos of the menu and activities are always appreciated as well. I was following Holland America's first ship that started Alaska itineraries last week alongside Millennium, the Nieuw Amsterdam. Her dinner menus make a poor showing alongside the choice that is offered on Celebrity.