Best of Japan - Millennium 5/2 - 5/15

[Ciaranaman]

Embarkation Day!  Sounds like you've had more than your fair share of rain - time for that to turn around!  Hopefully the fog will burn off to blue skies and sunshine!

~Bernadette

[scorfman]

Thar she blows! Taken from the Hyatt 19th floor.

 

Unfortunately the view of Osanbashi Pier is obstructed from this hotel, but it’s within walking distance so that’s great. So good to have the rain subside over night!

Edited May 1 by scorfman

[DaKahuna]

Photo bomb ..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She’s turned around and is docking starboard side to the pier. 

 

We have a partial view of Osanbashi and can see her but not 100%. 

 

 I do not know who is more anxious.  Those of us waiting to board her, or those currently onboard waiting to disembark and go home.  All I can say is that I do not think I have ever been anxiously to leave a cruise. 

 

 

 

 

[Alan2504]

1 hour ago, DaKahuna said:

 

  Thank you for this information.  We both use the Surica app in our Apple Wallet.  Has worked well for all our train rides.  Interestingly enough, the fare is cheaper if you use IC to pay than if you buy a physical ticket.  I think I only noticed one or two people in all our travels using a physical ticket.  

 

Unfortunately it doesn't work, as I understand, on Android that are not specifically for the Japanese market, So that's why we went with the physical card plus we were able to get them delivered to home prior to leaving.

Similarly we got a Mobal data card delivered to home, We popped that in a cheap TP link WiFi hotspot switched it on when we landed and have had great WiFi on the ride to Yokoyama even through the tunnels and metro 😎

[Alan2504]

It's now a bit brighter 

Hoping the weather holds for sailaway!

[DaKahuna]

My DW and I checked out of the hotel and got a taxi at 0955.

The taxi dropped us off, we entered the terminal and dropped our bags off. The people in front of us was asked to get a number but I saw a lady holding a sign saying Retreat so we went to her.  She checked our names off the list and escorted us to the Retreat holding area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the Retreat concierge’s, Connor, just came and introduced himself and gave us a short introduction. 
 

He said it would be 1045-1100 before we should be boarding. 

We went through security, it was right outside the Retreat holding area.  There were six couples and we started right at 1100.
 

Proceeded directly to our room and met our Head Waiter.  As expected the room was not ready so we dropped our things off.  
 

The previous guest must not have liked us as they left the safe locked but the door open so we cannot close and lock it.  We left everything but our valuables and proceeded to the SPA.  My DW was able to get the appointment she wanted for tomorrow afternoon.

 

we are now relaxing with a glass of champagne in the Retreat loung but will be headed to lunch in Luminae shortly.

 

[DaKahuna]

Lunch in Luminae did not disappoint.  

 

My DW started with the Split Pea Soup 

 

 

I ordered the Lobster Roll but as a salad — I think something was lost in translation as I was expecting what I had received the last three times I ordered this — a bed of lettuce topped with a serving of lobster roll.   This time they simply left off the fries. 

 

 

For her main, my DW had the Steak Frits and cleaned her plate — of course she gave me a couple of bites.  It was good. 

 

 

I stuck with seafood and had the Branzino as my entrees.  It was delicious.  The skin was nice and crisp, just the way I like it. 

 

 

We both had the pear and yogurt Clafoutis — it was so mouth watering I dug right in and did not get any pictures.  

 

My DW had a glass of Moscoto, her “go to” wine ever since our DD introduced her to it. 

 

I had the Rioja.  

 

 

Had a nice conversation with the sommelier, whose name I do not remember at this moment, about how most of the wines I usually drink are no longer of the Premium package.  He told me not to worry that he would have some excellent parings for me. Time will tell but I am hopeful based on our conversations. 

 

[DaKahuna]

After lunch we stopped in the Rendevous Lounge and took care of our muster station check off.  We then proceeded to the Retreat Lounge to wait for our rooms to be ready and to take care of an Internet issue.  I had a Sidecar and my DW had a can of Sprite.  Our head butler then told us our room was ready so we came up to the room. 

 

Walking to the room, we are almost all the way aft, we passed a lot of luggage in the passageway, including our three bags, which we promptly took possession of and brought to the room.  

 

We are not fully unpacked, everything is put away and we were relaxing on the couch when our Retreat Host stopped by to introduce himself.  We told him the few things we would like, mini-fridge emptied, a kettle and coffee cups, and sheets to cover the couch.  We also mentioned that we would like ice after morning and evening service.  He indicated no problem with any of our request.  

 

Something that is a first for us.  Our bottle of welcome champagne was not iced.  Instead there was a card with the champagne letting us know to just notify our Retreat Host of when we wanted it iced. 

 

 

Another ‘new item’ is the Celebrity Tote bag — instead of the Navy Blue one we received a white one.  

 

 

For those in the know, something that I never travel without is my hydration powder (liquid IV)..if you know, you know.   Having picked up some bottles of water in the Retreat Lounge, I am having some right now.  

 

 

For those of you that are curious, and this almost always comes up, the Premium WiFi continues to be throttled.  

 

 

It is now time to think about getting out of this chair and going up to join my fellow CC members at the Sunset Bar in preparation for sail away.  If you are reading this and planning to join, wear a jacket — it’s a cold wind that blowing outside based on a few minutes spent on our balcony. 

 

[Georgia_Peaches]

Happy embarkation day!  Sounds like you’re off to a great start! 🛳️🥂

[DaKahuna]

7 minutes ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

Happy embarkation day!  Sounds like you’re off to a great start! 🛳️🥂

 

 Thanks.  It was a very smooth start.  The only irritation so far was the constant repeating announcements, in multiple languages, for people to complete the muster drill and report to their muster stations.   A comment was made by someone on this threat that they should just lock their stateroom doors and when they came to complain throw them overboard.  

 

It was very annoying to have the standard sounding of the emergency alarm in the middle of dinner. 

 

 

[DaKahuna]

Dinner in Luminae was great as always.  Being embarkation day steak was on the menu. 

 

The amuse-bouche was a ham and cheese croquet 

 

 

We both ordered starters from the MDR that has been shown over and over again so I did not bother taking pictures — She had the French Onion Soup and I had the Wedge Salad. 

 

For her main course, she had the Roasted Turbot

 

 

I had the Grilled Filet Mignon.  The flavor was great but the cut was a little tougher than I like. 

 

 

We split the Seared Duck Breast 

 

 

We both ordered a black coffee with Bailey’s and my DW decided she wanted the Almond Cake for dessert.   She said he was good but a little too suite for her taste.  

 

 

[DaKahuna]

We are back in the room and I think I am going to go and grab a night cap and make it an early night.  We’ve been up and on the go since around 0430 this morning and working on only a few hours sleep before that. 

 

Here’s tomorrow’s Daily Planner - not going to waste space/bandwidth with the advertisements unless someone specifically ask for something from one of them.  

 

 

I do plan to attend the Beyond the Podium presentation - Discovering Japan. 

Other than that, I think it is going to be a relaxing day. 

 

[DaKahuna]

 I know that the majority of passengers on Celebrity do not travel in the Retreat and I hope that some of you that are on this cruise are willing to share your observations as I am sure they are different than mine.  However, I will continue to report on my experiences both with the Retreat and outside the Retreat.  

 

 After dinner, my DW was feeling the effects of a long day and we came back to the room.  After making sure she was settled for the evening I went down to the Retreat Lounge for a night cap.  With the exception of one or two folks who stopped by, I was the only customer so I stood at the bar and made friends with the night time bartender. 

 

 Since our last sailing on Millennium, a year ago, they have instituted a “menu” in the Retreat Lounge.  Here it is. 

 

 

 

On our last sailing, there were no liquors on display at the bar — that has certainly changed and I am really surprised at the offerings.  Unlike last year, Ron Zacapa seems to be everywhere.  They even had my “go to” Zacapa Solario 23 as well as Zacapa XO at the Sunset bar.  Also some rare finds are Woodford Double Oaked, Eagle Rare, Angels Envy, Whistle Pig, etc..  Quite a nice selection if I do say so myself.  

 

 

In any case, my pillow is calling my name so I am going to sign off for the evening.  

 

 

 

[DaKahuna]

@Jim_Iain I was surprised to see the old Daniel Boulud Signatures menu on the Luminae menu still.  Apparently Luminae on Millennium has not transitioned to the new menu and the Daniel Boulud menu with the Raspberry pistachio vecherin is still available.  I asked our waiter and it said it is available every night.  I know what’s for dessert tomorrow. 

 

[hcat]

6 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

After lunch we stopped in the Rendevous Lounge and took care of our muster station check off.  We then proceeded to the Retreat Lounge to wait for our rooms to be ready and to take care of an Internet issue.  I had a Sidecar and my DW had a can of Sprite.  Our head butler then told us our room was ready so we came up to the room. 

 

Walking to the room, we are almost all the way aft, we passed a lot of luggage in the passageway, including our three bags, which we promptly took possession of and brought to the room.  

 

We are not fully unpacked, everything is put away and we were relaxing on the couch when our Retreat Host stopped by to introduce himself.  We told him the few things we would like, mini-fridge emptied, a kettle and coffee cups, and sheets to cover the couch.  We also mentioned that we would like ice after morning and evening service.  He indicated no problem with any of our request.  

 

Something that is a first for us.  Our bottle of welcome champagne was not iced.  Instead there was a card with the champagne letting us know to just notify our Retreat Host of when we wanted it iced. 

 

 

Another ‘new item’ is the Celebrity Tote bag — instead of the Navy Blue one we received a white one.  

 

 

For those in the know, something that I never travel without is my hydration powder (liquid IV)..if you know, you know.   Having picked up some bottles of water in the Retreat Lounge, I am having some right now.  

 

 

For those of you that are curious, and this almost always comes up, the Premium WiFi continues to be throttled.  

 

 

It is now time to think about getting out of this chair and going up to join my fellow CC members at the Sunset Bar in preparation for sail away.  If you are reading this and planning to join, wear a jacket — it’s a cold wind that blowing outside based on a few minutes spent on our balcony. 

 

great start.. hope Jim reads this about the hydration powder.!

Hope you are going to have a great cruise!

[cruisinsusin]

4 hours ago, DaKahuna said:

@Jim_Iain I was surprised to see the old Daniel Boulud Signatures menu on the Luminae menu still.  Apparently Luminae on Millennium has not transitioned to the new menu and the Daniel Boulud menu with the Raspberry pistachio vecherin is still available.  I asked our waiter and it said it is available every night.  I know what’s for dessert tomorrow. 

 

I was disaapointed that we couldnt get the raspberry pistachio vacherin on recent Ascent cruise- the waiter brought us pistachio gelato upon request each night to try to make up for it!

[DaKahuna]

3 hours ago, cruisinsusin said:

I was disaapointed that we couldnt get the raspberry pistachio vacherin on recent Ascent cruise- the waiter brought us pistachio gelato upon request each night to try to make up for it!

 

 I had already decided to skip dessert but asked our waiter about it when he brought our coffee and was informed it was available every night.  Guess what’s for dessert tonight? 

 

I will be sure and post pictures so all you old time cruisers can be jealous! 

 

[vickykay]

So very much enjoying your review.  We had two Japan cruises  cancelled due to Covid but hopefully in the future. 

[scorfman]

Trip Day 2 Cruise Day 1

Up early today to watch the ship come in and, well, if you came from the West you know the drill. We decided since the weather was gorgeous today we would venture out and explore some more. We walked from the Hyatt down to Osanbashi to check out the port. From there we went back to the bus stop and caught the number 26 bus to Momijizaka and walked to Iseyama Kotaijingu shrine. The Suica we had on our iPhones worked great!

 

We wanted to get a goshuincho and found a nice one here for ¥2000 which also included the shrine’s goshuin and a bookmark. We’re all set to collect them as we see the country.

 

 

We then walked down to the Sakuragicho station area. It was a bit early and most stores were closed, but I got a nice coffee and we looked for the stations’s eki stamp. I think we didn’t get the real station stamp, but we did get one from the visitor info booth.

 

From there we hopped on the route 26 bus back to Osanbashi to collect our bags and check out of the hotel. We thought about walking to catch the cruise but we decided on a cab which cost $3.25.

 

We were there at 11:15 and dropped out bags and were given a boarding group 10 ticket. We had a seat with maybe 50-70 people ahead of us but in just a few minutes we were going through security and checking in. Then a short walk and we were on!

 

We dropped our carry on bags in the room and set off for some champagne and a look around. at 12:30 we went to enjoy the Concierge lunch. Standard faire but enjoyable. We also wanted to get the eki stamp(s) for the pier and snag a geocache so we left the ship to do that. Success on both.

 

 

We re-boarded and went to have a tea for the wife and a Peroni for me. Then back to the room to unpack and settle in. Ditto on the annoyance of the constant announcements to do the muster stuff, but I get it.

 

We went to the 5:30 dinner where we were pleasantly surprised to have our assigned table for 2 right at the back and against the windows at the rear of the ship. We enjoyed seeing the pilot be dropped off and the mooring lines released as our backdrop.
 

 

The meal however wasn’t quite as nice. Suffice to say we sat at 5:30 and left at 7:40 carrying my dessert back to the room. The staff was very nice but claimed 1st night chaos in the kitchen. Disappointing but at least the French Onion Soup I love was really nice.

 

We were mostly burnt out by that time so a short walk through the ship shops ended back in the room to settle in for the night. 

 

 

Edited May 2 by scorfman
Typos

[Georgia_Peaches]

Wanted to ask if you've noticed a price increase in signature cocktails in Luminae.  I just looked in my my app for our cruise at the end of the month on Edge and it is showing that the Luminae signature Bourbon and Peaches is now $18...which is over the $17 threshold.  Can you confirm?

[DaKahuna]

1 hour ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

Wanted to ask if you've noticed a price increase in signature cocktails in Luminae.  I just looked in my my app for our cruise at the end of the month on Edge and it is showing that the Luminae signature Bourbon and Peaches is now $18...which is over the $17 threshold.  Can you confirm?

Edited after looking at the menu ..

 

The Bourbon and Peaches is showing as $12 on the lunch menu for today! 
 

 

Edited May 3 by DaKahuna

[Novastar]

Thank you! I will be following along since we board the ship May 15!

[DaKahuna]

4 minutes ago, Novastar said:

Thank you! I will be following along since we board the ship May 15!

We’ll try and take good care of her.

 

 

[DaKahuna]

Breakfast this morning in Luminae was pretty standard.

 

We both started with pastries.  Mine being the very delicious pistachio roll.  These have replaced the elusive almond croissant as my favorite pastry.

 

 

 

My DW had scrambled eggs, bacon, and wheat toast

 

 

i went with ham, cheese, onion, and green pepper omelette, with chicken sausage, and english muffin.

 

A very good meal to start the day.

 

[DaKahuna]

Following breakfast we walked deck 5 looking at all the shops while they were closed. My DW has plans of going back after they open on her own.

 

we then spent a little time in the Casino where she proceeded to win $11.00 before cashing out.

 

Then it was off to the lounge for a tea for her and diet soda for me.  Here is the ‘continental breakfast’ offering in the Retreat Lounge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We just relaxed while we waited for the 1015 Beyond the Podium presentation. 

 

It was a very informative presentation.  He mentioned he would be doing another later on in the cruise 45 minutes on ramen.  I already have it added to my onboard schedule.