Call us free on 0800 023 1273

Mobiles / International call 0203 371 7641

abta-logo
CLIA
ATOL

mumbai stay and asian spice route

22nd Nov 2025 | 17 nights | Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Millennium

Premium Celebrity cruise
3 night hotel stay
Flights & checked baggage
All our packages can be tailor-made
Mormugao, Goa
Cochin
Colombo
Hambantota
Phuket
Penang (Georgetown)
Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur)
Singapore
Premium Celebrity cruise
3 night hotel stay
Flights & checked baggage
All our packages can be tailor-made
ATOL protected

Mumbai Stay & Asian Spice Routes Cruise

After a 3 night stay in Mumbai - a cultural hub which enjoys a constant flow of music, dance, and drama, set sail on an incredible cruise around Asia aboard Celebrity Millennium. On this itinerary you’ll have an overnight stay in Sri Lanka. See where old world meets new in Colombo, and where East meets West in Singapore. There is so much to uncover on this Southeast Asian Cruise. Here's what's included:

  • Return flights with generous checked baggage allowance
  • 3-night pre-cruise stay at a handpicked central Mumbai hotel
  • 13-night cruise onboard Celebrity Millennium in the stateroom of your choice

Customise your holiday: We can tailor-make any element of this holiday to suit you. If you'd like to extend your pre or post-cruise stays or add rail or land-tours, please speak to our team who will be happy to assist


What's included with the Cruise

Their cruises elevate your luxury cruising experience to the next level. With the standard rate, you’ll receive

  • A stay in one of the spacious staterooms,
  • Delicious gourmet meals at the restaurants
  • A slate of activities and entertainment shows
All Included upgrade
  • Upgrade to 'All Included' and receive:
  • Unlimited drinks - Choose from an incredible array of beers, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs, frozen drinks, wines by the glass, sodas, juices, and bottled water.
  • Wi-Fi - Celebrity Cruises know staying in touch is important, so they’ve included internet access for two devices. Browse the web, check email, and use messaging apps.
  • To find out more, and to upgrade these inclusions for even greater value, click here
Concierge Class

Little details make a world of difference, and now the meticulously thought out Concierge Class staterooms are even better. Featuring new services, amenities, and exclusive events, step inside and discover a space that is so much more than a room—it’s an experience. As a Concierge Class guest, your team of dedicated professionals will take care of all your holiday needs.

AquaClass®

Wellness is so fundamental to Celebrity's philosophy, they offer AquaClass® staterooms for a fully immersive, next-level wellness experience. Elements are thoughtfully infused throughout your stateroom, from verandas that allow you to walk right out to the water’s edge to a Cashmere™ mattress and pillow menus. Savour clean cuisine, including new healthy options, at your exclusive restaurant, Blu. Plus, you’ll enjoy access to the SEA Thermal Suite, a spa concierge, a complimentary fitness pass, preferential rates on AquaClass spa packages, daily in-room bottled water service, healthy room-service menu options, and a yoga mat for use on board. They’ve thought of everything so that you can focus on nourishing your mind, body, and spirit.

The Retreat®

The Retreat® isn’t a place. It isn’t an amenity. It isn’t a service. It’s all of this and more. The Retreat includes stunning accommodations, a private restaurant, and exclusive lounge and sundeck* that rival any high-end resort. Your dedicated team of attendants, concierges, and your Personal Retreat Host will do everything to ensure you never have to lift a finger on holiday.

Cruise Circle Collection packages adhere to our 7 point charter:

  • Up-front, honest pricing
  • No hidden fees
  • No booking fees. Ever.
  • A personal service
  • Educational trips and ship visits
  • Good quality accommodation
  • No unreasonable flight times
Learn more about our charter

Similar Packages:

Singapore Stay & Southeast Asia Cruise

5th Dec 25 | 17 nights

Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Millennium

from £2449.00

View Package
Day
Date
 
Arrival
Departure
 
1
22nd Nov 2025 Saturday
Fly to Mumbai
 
 
Fly to Mumbai
Flights

Fly from the UK to Mumbai

2
23rd Nov 2025 Sunday
Mumbai, India
 
 
Mumbai, India
Hotel

Full day at leisure in Mumbai

3
24th Nov 2025 Monday
Mumbai, India
 
 
Mumbai, India
Hotel

Full day at leisure in Mumbai

4
25th Nov 2025 Tuesday
Mumbai, India
 
 
Mumbai, India
Hotel

Full day at leisure in Mubai

5
26th Nov 2025 Wednesday
Mumbai, India
Mumbai
 
00:00
 
17:00
Mumbai, India
Other

After a relaxed breakfast, make the journey to the cruise terminal to join Celebrity Millennium for a 13-night Spice Route cruise.

Mumbai
Cruise
Mumbai
Mumbai is a massive metropolis of more than 20 million people, and it's defined by its exuberance, energy and sheer madness. Unlike other destination cities in India, it's not known for its great monuments, arts or sights. Its appeal for visitors is its friendly people, cultural diversity and vibrant markets. Chaos does not even begin to describe Mumbai, where people do daily battle with who knows how many motor vehicles. Indeed, the cacophony of hooting horns is a constant, and just crossing the street is a risky business. Bustling crowds add to the lively atmosphere and never-ending assault on the senses. Parts of the hit film "Slumdog Millionaire" were filmed there, and, as you travel through the city, you can't help but see the squalid shacks that millions call home. These slums are often in the shadow of the high-rise homes of Mumbai's growing middle and upper classes. As you explore this sprawling city, you'll see that none of these neighbourhoods is immune from the noise, air and water pollution that come with such rapid growth and widespread poverty. Where Mumbai stands now there were once seven islands that formed part of the kingdom of Emperor Ashoka. They passed into the hands of various Hindu and Muslim rulers and in 1534 were seized by the Portuguese, who named them Bom Baia, meaning "Good Bay." They became British in 1661, and the name morphed into Bombay. In 1668, Bombay was leased to the East India Company, the islands were joined through land reclamation projects, and the city became an important trading port under the British Raj. The region gained independence from Britain with the rest of India in 1947. The city's name was changed to Mumbai in 1996. Some claim that was its name before the British arrived and others say that it's derived from "Mumbadevi," the patron goddess of the Koli fishermen, who were the islands' earliest known inhabitants. Whatever the truth, you'll find many locals still call it by its British name. The British did not waste their years there but spent it building grandiose buildings that would turn the city into a little England. Among them are the Victoria and Albert Museum, built in 1872; Crawford Market, completed in 1869; and its Victorian-style clock tower, the Victoria Terminus, reminiscent of St. Pancras station in London. The first train in India departed from this station in 1853; these days, millions of commuters use it daily. All these places are must-see sights for visitors, along with Mumbai's numerous ornate temples, bustling bazaars, instructive museums and, yes, even its slums. And of course, you can't miss the Gateway of India, actually quite a small edifice by today's standards, but the jewel in Mumbai's sightseeing crown for many people.
6
27th Nov 2025 Thursday
Mormugao, Goa
09:00
17:30
Mormugao, Goa
Cruise
Mormugao, Goa
From Mormugao, travellers can easily reach several beautiful, expansive beaches on which to spend the day, some of which are excellent for snorkelling and diving. Active travellers will enjoy kayaking, fishing, windsurfing, parasailing and more. History lovers can spend a few hours exploring the ruins of a 17th-century fort and perusing the local aviation museum.
7
28th Nov 2025 Friday
At Sea
00:00
00:00
8
29th Nov 2025 Saturday
Cochin
07:00
16:00
Cochin
Cruise
Cochin

A fascinating amalgam of Portuguese, Dutch, Jewish, Chinese and British cultures, Kochi (aka Cochin) was Portugal's first settlement in India after Vasco da Gama's discovery of India in 1498. A major port in the spice trade for centuries, it has India's oldest synagogue, oldest European-built church, Chinese-style fishing nets, colonial Portuguese and Dutch buildings, distinctive dance forms and a big Christian minority, including Syrian Christians (St. Thomas Christians) who believe their Hindu ancestors were converted by St. Thomas in the first century. Called the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," Kochi traded with Arabs, Romans, Jews and Phoenicians over 2,000 years ago. Portugal built a fort in the early 1500s, the Dutch conquered it in 1663, the British took over and ruled from 1791 to 1947. Cochin is the second-biggest city in Kerala, a tropical state on India's southwest coast filled with coconut palms and backwaters, a tangle of lagoons, canals and lakes that can be travelled by houseboat past tiny villages and traditional ways of life. Kochi's tourist attractions are concentrated in the historic districts of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry on the peninsula, reached by ferry or motor vehicle from Willingdon Island, where cruise ships arrive. But, the excellent Kerala Folklore Museum is in the modern city, Ernakulam, on the mainland east of Willingdon Island. Fort Kochi is calm and sleepy, Mattancherry is more touristed and Ernakulam is hectic and crowded. With the highest literacy rate in India (over 95 percent) and a strong emphasis on education with many schools, Kerala is considered one of India's most progressive states. One of the world's first freely elected Communist government was here in 1957. South Indian food differs greatly from that at most U.S. Indian restaurants and resembles Southeast Asian food in its love of coconut milk and spices. There are many good restaurants, from fine dining to casual eateries. Some are in a few of India's top heritage hotels, inside colonial-style buildings crammed with Indian art and handicrafts.

9
30th Nov 2025 Sunday
Colombo
15:00
00:00
Colombo
Cruise
Colombo

Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka, and is quite urban and filled with sights, landmarks and attractions that chronicle its history and the many cultures that have influenced it. There are any number of activities to choose from in the city from lounging at the beach and dining in seafood restaurants to shopping at upscale boutiques, perusing the national museum and Buddhist temples.

10
1st Dec 2025 Monday
Colombo
00:00
20:00
Colombo
Cruise
Colombo

Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka, and is quite urban and filled with sights, landmarks and attractions that chronicle its history and the many cultures that have influenced it. There are any number of activities to choose from in the city from lounging at the beach and dining in seafood restaurants to shopping at upscale boutiques, perusing the national museum and Buddhist temples.

11
2nd Dec 2025 Tuesday
Hambantota
07:00
19:00
Hambantota
Cruise
Hambantota

In the far south of the country lies Hambantota, located in a fertile agricultural area and renowned for being home to some of the country's most skilful jewellers and craftspeople. Heavily damaged by the 2004 Tsunami, there has been a heavy emphasis on rebuilding and ensuring the town becomes an important part of the development of the region as a whole.

12
3rd Dec 2025 Wednesday
At Sea
00:00
00:00
13
4th Dec 2025 Thursday
At Sea
00:00
00:00
14
5th Dec 2025 Friday
Phuket
09:00
19:00
Phuket
Cruise
Phuket
Thailand's largest island lures visitors for basking on unspoiled beaches, diving and snorkelling in the Andaman Sea and personalized pampering at ravishing resorts. The cruise port is about a 20-minute drive from Phuket town, a buzzy mecca for shopping (bargain hard, except in malls or brand-name stores), restaurants and clubs. Save time for exotic shore excursions, like visiting elephant and gibbon sanctuaries, and gasping at the more than 147-foot-tall Big Buddha, adorned with white Burmese jade marble, towering over Nakkerd Hills. Lunch at a resort for exquisite Thai cuisine that's easy on Western stomachs and for sensational ocean views.
15
6th Dec 2025 Saturday
Penang (Georgetown)
10:00
18:00
Penang (Georgetown)
Cruise
Penang (Georgetown)

Penang, a 111-square-mile island off the west coast of Malaysia, gets its name from the betel nut tree, called "pinang" in Malaysian. While some residents still chew betel nuts, you'll probably be more interested in sinking your teeth into the astonishing variety of foods available in this culinary capital. Add in the historic architecture that boosted port city George Town onto UNESCO's World Heritage list, plus the rich blend of cultures, and Penang makes for a rewarding destination. Located at the northern entry to the Strait of Malacca, the island was used for centuries as a safe harbour for traders from China, India, Arabia and Europe. British Captain Francis Light arranged to have Penang ceded by the Sultan of Kedah to the British East India Company in 1786 in return for promised military protection. With the construction of Fort Cornwallis and the founding of George Town (named after King George III), Penang became Britain's first stronghold in Southeast Asia. Trade flourished -- including rubber, tin and opium -- and attracted fortune-seekers from around the world. The island was captured by the Japanese in World War II and became part of the independent state of Malaysia in 1957. Today, the population of the state of Penang (which, in addition to the island, also includes a slice of the mainland) totals about 1.75 million; George Town's population is about 738,000, primarily ethnic Chinese, followed by Malays and Indians. The Peranakans, also known as Straits-born Chinese, represent a distinct subculture. In the past, Chinese traders married Malay women, and the blending of the cultures created hybrid customs, foods and dress. Penang's melting pot of cultures contributes to its fascinating food scene, as well as to its many places of worship, including Hindu temples, Muslim mosques and colonial-era Christian churches. Now, UNESCO recognition has brought a new influx of tourists. George Town's crumbling "shophouses" are being rehabbed into boutique hotels, while outside the city, shopping malls and luxury housing have sprung up along beaches. The cruise season is fairly well timed to coincide with Penang's drier months of January and February. The equatorial climate keeps it hot year-round (74 to 90 degrees) with fierce sun, so plan accordingly when heading ashore.

16
7th Dec 2025 Sunday
Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur)
09:00
22:00
Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur)
Cruise
Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur)

Kuala Lumpur is the modern capital of Malaysia, situated inland near the country's west coast. KL has a population of over one million and offers historical area, traditional temples and mosques, fine museums and all the modern amenities of a major cosmopolitan city.

17
8th Dec 2025 Monday
At Sea
00:00
00:00
18
9th Dec 2025 Tuesday
Singapore
Fly to the UK
06:00
 
00:00
 
Singapore
Cruise
Singapore
In its own way, Singapore is an oasis in Southeast Asia. It enjoys a low crime rate, and its infrastructure -- from road and mass-transit systems to a state-of-the-art airport at Changi -- is highly sophisticated. The city also is clean -- so much so that, for years, people were forbidden by law to chew gum in its streets, and eating on the subway can result in a heavy fine. This modern and dynamic destination -- which ranks either as a pro or a con, depending on your sensibilities -- is to cities what Disney is to theme parks.

Technically a city-state, Singapore, connected with manmade bridges to Malaysia, is made up of the main island and more than 60 surrounding islets. The mainland spans 42 kilometres east to west and 23 kilometres north to south. In the north, it shares a border with Malaysia; in the south, islands belonging to Indonesia can be visited via a short ferry ride. Singapore is located just north of the equator and is sultry, tropical and humid year-round.

Singapore is one of the world's biggest banking and transportation hubs. It's one of the most popular stopovers for folks travelling between Europe and Australia. Yet, Singapore is among the 20 smallest nations in the world -- though with 5.7 million people it's also the second-most densely populated country. Despite busy streets, shopping areas and public transportation, it normally does not feel as crowded as large U.S. city centres. Its modern design helps eliminate any feeling of congestion.

Like Hong Kong, Singapore is a city with great cultural diversity, well-developed infrastructure and a very cosmopolitan feeling. Popular with cruise lines for day-long port calls, as well as embarkation, Singapore is easily navigable, with most tourist attractions concentrated in three areas: Orchard Road, the colonial district and Sentosa.

Fly to the UK
Flights

After a relaxed breakfast onboard, disembark Celebrity Millennium for your return flight to the UK. If you have the time, why not ask our team about extending your stay in Singapore?

Celebrity Millennium is not one of those glitzy, brand-new mega-ships with rock climbing walls, trampolines and craft breweries. Yet, despite its age (the ship launched in 2000) and smaller size, Millennium still shines. The cruise line has maintained the ship well and it retains a timeless, yet modern beauty that can be seen everywhere onboard.

As you walk around the ship, you'll appreciate details like the exterior midship elevators that offer panoramic views of the ocean and let in reams of natural light; the soothing Cosmos Lounge/observation deck with stage, dance floor and wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows; and the expansive two-level Metropolitan Main Dining Room) that's decorated in an array of gentle neutrals and has subtly tinted windows that bring bright light into the space no matter what the outside weather is.

For anyone seeking to avoid the crush of humanity you'll find on many mega-ships, Celebrity Millennium is just the right size, with a double occupancy of just more than 2,200 passengers. It's small enough that the ship feels intimate, but large enough to support multiple restaurants, lounges and a true theatre experience.

The ship has a touch of sophistication we loved, but it never comes across as stuffy or tedious, perhaps because the naturally inspired décor found throughout gives the ship a light, airy feel. Add to that friendly crew with ready smiles and a genuine interest in helping, and Celebrity Millennium provides a truly pleasant and relaxed cruise experience.

We'd be remiss if we didn't mention the suite experience, which is excellent on Celebrity Millennium. Suite passengers have access to an exclusive restaurant, lounge (drinks included) and sun deck, and an always-on-demand concierge who can help with any requests. At the highest suite levels, the cruise is also fairly all-inclusive, with speciality dining, drinks and Wi-Fi all rolled up into the price.

However, one of the things we loved most was you don't have to be in a suite to get that lush suite feel in your cabin with stylish furniture, clever storage and glass-fronted cabinetry, all of which is usually reserved only for the highest-paying cruisers.

Daytime: Casual is the name of the game during the day, with most people dressing for the climate of the destination they're travelling. You'll see lots of shorts, capris and jeans paired with T-shirts and polo shirts.

Evening: Mostly smart-casual. Men wear long pants and collared shirts and women don pants or skirt with a blouse. During Evening Chic nights (two for seven-night or longer cruises), women wear cocktail dresses or nice pants or skirts with an elegant top and men don nice slacks and a dress shirt or sweater, plus an optional sport coat or blazer.

Not Permitted: T-shirts, swimsuits, robes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps, shorts and sandals are not permitted in the main dining room or speciality restaurants at any time. You can go to the buffet in shorts and a T-shirt, however.

Theatre

Millennium's main theatre is home to a number of evening big-stage shows, from traditional song-and-dance productions performed by a resident troupe to comedians and other travelling acts that could include aerialists and tribute bands. During the day you'll also find educational lectures from a naturalist when the ship is in Alaska, along with the occasional movie and, in the early part of your cruise, port and shopping talks.

The theatre can be accessed from Decks 4 and 5, but there are four tiers of seating and sightlines are pretty good from almost everywhere.

Daily Fun

Depending on how long the ship is in port, each day will be filled with a variety of activities that include trivia (general knowledge, music, themed), open or crew versus passenger sports play (basketball, soccer, archery), art lectures and auctions, dance classes, Bingo and other similar options. There are also movies on the Rooftop Terrace, wine tastings for an extra fee, iPhone and iPad learning classes that are probably too basic for anyone under 60, and health and wellness seminars, which are, ultimately, trying to sell you something.

On top of that, the schedule is padded with lots of retail sales, which make the schedule look more robust than it actually is. We found long stretches of time where there was actually very few organized activities to participate in.

At Night

Celebrity Millennium is not a party ship, but it is hopping until around 1 a.m. most nights, with much of the action centred in Deck 11's Cosmos Lounge and in the casino. In addition to the shows in the theatre, you'll find live music in a number of venues, movies on the Rooftop, the occasional trivia game, themed dance parties (Motown, 80s, British Invasion, etc.) and twice per cruise a silent disco that draws people of all ages.

In the casino you'll find slot, poker and blackjack tournaments and lucky seat competitions.

Celebrity Millennium Bars and Lounges

Martini Bar & Crush (Deck 4): These twin bars are extremely popular in the late afternoon and early evenings, especially on sea days when the DJ pumps up the volume. Located along the main thoroughfare on Deck 4, the oval-shaped Martini Bar has an ice-topped bar and, if you're lucky, you'll catch bartenders showing off their martini pouring skills. The Crush bar is located just a few steps away; in fact, you might not even realize it's technically a separate bar, as it seems to serve more as a spillover space for the Martini Bar.

Rendezvous Lounge (Deck 4): Located smack in the middle of the ship (you have to pass through here to get between the front and back of the ship on Deck 4), the Rendezvous Lounge is one of the main spots for daytime activities ranging from trivia and other games to art auctions, and in the evening for live performances from the house band or a solo acoustic guitar player.

The Retreat Lounge (Deck 4): This glass-enclosed bar is reserved exclusively for suite passengers. It's a quiet space with snacks available most of the day and a full bar, with all drinks on the house. The suite concierge has an office here and is always available to help with all kinds of services.

Cellar Masters (Deck 5): Located along the main thoroughfare on Deck 5, Cellar Masters is Celebrity's signature wine bar and offers a number of varietals from around the world by the glass or bottle. There's also usually one or more wine tastings a day here, and in the evening you'll usually find a violinist and cellist duo playing classical or light jazz.

Sunset Bar (Deck 10): Located at the back of the Oceanview Café, the Sunset Bar serves as an alfresco seating for the buffet during meal times and as the perfect spot for an evening cocktail while the sun goes down.

Cosmos (Deck 11): Cosmos does double duty as a quiet spot for reading and taking in the gorgeous views out of the floor-to-ceiling windows during the day, and as the main entertainment venue in the evenings. This is where you'll find night-time trivia and game shows, as well as DJ-spun music for dancing into the early hours of the morning. On Alaska sailings, it's also one of the best spots for glacier viewing if you want to stay warm and toasty.

Rooftop Terrace (Deck 12): Located outside on Deck 12 at the back of the ship, the Rooftop Terrace, is where you'll find morning, afternoon and evening movie showings. There are tons of loungers and even a handful of day beds for movie watching, and the area is stocked with blankets. It's also not a bad alternative for anyone looking to soak up rays in between movie showings. The space can only be accessed by a staircase on each side; though there is a specialized wheelchair lift, you'll have to find a crew member to help.

Celebrity Millennium Outside Recreation

Pools

Celebrity Millennium has three pools: two outside in the main pool deck area, and one in the Solarium. The main pool deck also has several hot tubs, while the Solarium has one. The main pool deck can get crowded and noisy on a busy sea day with a DJ spinning tunes, while the Solarium is a dedicated quiet zone.

Note that children must be fully toilet-trained to use the pool or whirlpools. If your child is under 16, he or she must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian when using the whirlpools.

Recreation

There is limited outdoor recreation on Millennium beyond a basketball court (Deck 12) that also doubles as a soccer court. There are two Ping-Pong tables, each one tucked in a corner outside the entrance to the Oceanview Café, and you'll often find a setup for a bean bag toss by the main pool.

Sun Decks

There's plenty of sun deck space on Celebrity Millennium, with the bulk of it on Deck 10 surrounding the pools and on Deck 11 overlooking the pool. But, you'll also find places to lay out in the sun on Deck 12 toward the front by the basketball court, and when there's no movie playing at the Rooftop Terrace, which has a bunch of loungers and a handful of day beds under palapas. It can get windy up there, but blankets are always available if you need one.

Suite passengers have their own exclusive sun deck. The Retreat Sundeck offers two tiers of seating that includes lush loungers, plush clamshells, day beds, sectional sofas and even thick pillows on the deck for just lying on. There are also a handful of tables, though we never saw any signs of food service; at select times, a crew member was available to take drink orders, but that was it.

Celebrity Millennium Services

You'll find most of the ship's main services on Deck 3, including the guest services and shore excursion desks, as well as meeting rooms and a small internet cafe tucked in behind the midship elevators. Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, and you can purchase either a basic or unlimited package, with prices based on how many devices you want to be able to connect.

The future cruise office is on Deck 5, tucked in between retail shops that sell high-end jewellery, perfume, designer clothing and Celebrity-branded logo wear and souvenirs. You'll also find the Innovations Apple Authorized Reseller store on Deck 5.

The Park West art gallery and the photo gallery, where you'll find all the pictures ship photographers have been taking all cruise long, are both on Deck 4.

There are no self-service laundry facilities, but you can pay to have items washed, dry cleaned or pressed for you.

There's a medical facility on Deck 1, but hours are limited and you'll pay to visit the doctor.

Spa

Celebrity Millennium's spa is operated by Canyon Ranch and offers a wide range of body treatments and salon services, all of which are quite pricy. Massages range from $150 for a 50-minute Tension Zone massage to $248 for an 80-minute deep tissue, plus there are a number of add-ons (hot stones, scalp or foot massage) for an additional $36 each. Facials cost anywhere from $124 to $289, with several add-ons that range from $37 to $46. Men's services, hair dressing, Botox and dermal fillers, nail services and acupuncture are also available.

Tucked away inside the spa, around the corner from the gym, is the Persian Garden thermal suite, which features a Hamman Turkish steam room, salt therapy sauna, infrared sauna and rainfall showers, along with a handful of ceramic loungers. It's pretty small, only open to people 18 or older and you must purchase a weeklong pass (about $100) to enter (the Persian Garden is free for passengers staying in an AquaClass cabin).

Fitness

Millennium has a large gym with a mix of Technogym and Life Fitness machines, a selection of free weights and several free and for-fee classes. You can also pay for a number of personal training-style sessions that range anywhere in price from $67 for 25 minutes of assisted stretching to $154 for an 80-minute fitness assessment. Yoga, cycling and Pilates classes each cost about $18 a session. Deck 11 has a jogging track, where six laps equals 1 kilometer.

The fitness centre is open 24 hours a day, but is only staffed from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and cruisers must 16 or older to use the facility. On our Alaska sailing, the gym seemed to be at its busiest every morning between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. Get there a little before 7 a.m. to grab a treadmill, stationary bike or elliptical before the crowd arrives.

Foodies love Celebrity Cruises for its care and attention to cuisine throughout its free dining venues as well as in its for-fee, speciality restaurants. If you don't mind the busy nature of the main dining room, buffet and pool grill, you can eat for free for the duration of your cruise and keep your stomach pretty happy. Or if you want to splurge, the for-fee, speciality restaurants are worth every penny. Speciality dining packages are available, but with just two speciality dining venues onboard might not be worth the money unless you really want to "dine out" more than once.

Service across the board, whether in a free or extra-fee dining venue, is excellent, with the attentive and friendly wait staff.

The ship does an excellent job of catering for different dietary requirements, and waiters will always ask if you have any allergies the first time they serve you, but you'll get the best results by alerting the cruise line to your needs before sailing. Once onboard, see the restaurant manager or assistant maître d' who will outline your options and take any special requests.

Free Dining

Metropolitan Restaurant (Decks 4 & 5)
Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)

Celebrity Millennium has one large main dining room. Passengers can either select an early (6 p.m.) or late (8:30 p.m.) dinner seating or the flexible Select Dining program. Those with set seating's will be seated on Deck 5, while those with Select Dining will be seated on Deck 4 and waits for a table there can take up to an hour if you arrive between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. To avoid waits, dine earlier or later, or make a reservation for the time you want. (To reserve a table, call the restaurant between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.)

Breakfast every day, and lunch on sea days (there is no lunch most port days), are open seating. Breakfast offers a menu of traditional morning items from pastries, fruits and cereals to eggs a number of ways, griddle options and various breakfast meats. Lunch features salads, sandwiches, burgers and hot dogs, hot dishes, and desserts.

Dinner is served banquet-style and features an eclectic menu of appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts. You'll always find fish, poultry, beef and pork dishes, along with vegetarian options. Each day the menu changes with the exception of four "timeless" starters and three "timeless" entrees.

We found the service to be excellent, even if the food was sometimes just OK.

Oceanview Café (Deck 10)
Meals: B, L, D

The ship's buffet restaurant on Deck 10, the Oceanview Café, has an open layout with multiple food stations spread around the space. It's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is closed in-between meals. Some food stations are duplicated on each side of the buffet, so it's always best to do a complete circuit (especially for lunch and dinner) if you don't want to miss out on anything.

Breakfast serves typical morning buffet fare with cereals, pastries and breads, omelettes your way, griddle options and more. Lunch and dinner offers premade and DIY salad bars, sandwiches, pizza, a carving station, Asian and Indian favourites, and a variety of hot dishes that change daily.

The dessert station features a range of cakes (though the chocolate is the same every day), an ice-cream bar with five ice-cream flavours and a soft serve machine, with a different flavour most days. The fixings bars has sprinkles and various sauces, and there's a jelly bean jar for those who can't get enough sugar. There are also always a few jars of cookies where you can grab your favourite all day long.

The dishes ranged from really good to just OK, and some of the Asian items were spicier than expected. We tried a small number of things first before deciding what we ultimately wanted.

Seating is challenging for breakfast (port days) and lunch (sea days), but we always eventually found a table if we walked around the entire space once or twice. There's some bar-style seating along the windows, if you don't need to be at a table.

Pool Grill (Deck 10)
Meals: L

The Pool Grill is the spot onboard to get hamburgers and hot dogs, as well as turkey and veggie burgers, and, of course, crispy French fries. There's a small toppings bar with standards like cheese, lettuce and tomato, bacon, sauerkraut and more. The grill closes at 6 p.m., so it's really just open for lunch and late afternoon snacks.

Spa Café (Deck 10)
Meals: B, L

For a selection of small-plate, light fare items, you can head to the Solarium on Deck 10 where healthier breakfasts and lunches are served every day. The lunch menu is divided into sections with names like "energize," "balance" and "recovery," and features a variety of premade salads (typically using low-fat mayonnaise or yoghurt), fresh fruit plates and other healthy offerings.

Blu (Deck 5)
Meals: B, D

Another small, exclusive restaurant, Blu is reserved for passengers staying in AquaClass cabins only, though if there's room suite passengers can also request to dine here. Breakfast is, like everywhere else, a usual blend of morning favourites, but also includes a variety of healthy starters such as a low-fat yoghurt parfaits or bowls of crunchy muesli.

Dinner offers spa-style cuisine that is typically lighter than what is served in the main dining room, with fewer rich sauces and sautéed items on the menu and more natural reductions and herbs. In addition to the rotating menu, there is a three-option Timeless Classics section with fish, chicken and beef choices.

Luminae (Deck 4)
Meals: B, L, D

Luminae is a small restaurant open only to suite passengers, and it serves as a quiet alternative to the main dining room and buffet.

The breakfast menu offers a mix of morning standards, while lunch offers a limited selection of appetizers, sandwiches and entrees (three of each). You'll usually find several vegetarian and seafood selections, plus pastas and burgers.

At dinner, diners can choose from an exclusive Luminae menu or the main dining room menu.

The Luminae menu is smaller than what you'll find in the main dining room, with just five appetizers and six entrees. One of each, which stays the same every day, has been created by acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud and can only be found in Luminae. The menu is primarily Pan-American, with vegan or vegetarian, fish and meat dishes available each night. Dishes range from edible to excellent, and service is impeccable and proactive.

Room Service
Meals: B, L, D and Snacks

Room service is available 24/7, and includes a mix of just-for-breakfast and hot and cold all-day items (salads, soups, starters, main courses, desserts and a kids menu), all of which are free, except from 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. when a $4.95 surcharge is applied. Breakfast is ordered via a door-hung card on which you make your selections and then hang on your door the night before. Tipping a few dollars for room service is customary.

Fee Dining

Tuscan Grille (Deck 3); $45 per person

One of two date-night venues onboard, Tuscan Grille offers delicious Italian fare, along with steaks and seafood, all tucked away in a quiet spot on Deck 3. The menu is divided into starters, salads, soups, homemade pastas, seafood, butcher cuts and sides. It's all tasty, and we recommend coming with an empty stomach.

In Alaska, Tuscan Grille also offers a one-time Alaska-themed lunch (pricing varies) with local seafood as the main draw.

Sushi on Five (Deck 5); à la carte, $3 to $13

Not enough passengers discover Sushi on Five, tucked behind Cellar Masters on Deck 5, but this restaurant is a gem. On the menu you'll find a variety of starters, sushi rolls and sashimi. Standout items were the ramens, and the tempura rolls all got the thumbs-up as well.

Café al Bacio & Gelateria (Deck 5); à la carte

Café al Bacio and the Gelateria are located across from each other on Deck 5. At the café itself, you'll find a selection of decadent pastries, all available for free. What you will pay for are the gelato, speciality coffees and teas. The gelato, of which there are usually four to five flavours, costs $4 for a small cup with two scoops or an ice cream cookie sandwich.

Juice Bar (Deck 10); à la carte, $5 to $6

The Juice Bar is tucked into the Solarium and shares space with the Spa Café. A variety of freshly pressed juices, including mixed juices ($5) and smoothies ($6), are available here.

From the smallest inside room to the largest Penthouse Suite, all cabins on Celebrity Millennium have an airy, modern feel that invites cruisers to unwind and relax. We particularly love the care that was taken in the design to give all the rooms a touch of sophistication normally reserved for suite passengers. Glass-fronted cabinets, for instance, are a design feature rarely found outside of suites on cruise ships, but you'll see them in every room onboard Celebrity Millennium.

Other features you'll find in all standard cabins include twin beds that can be pushed together to form a queen, dual closets with shelves and room for hanging items on both sides (one short, one long), a desk with chair and lighted mirror above it, three- to four-drawer dresser, mini-fridge (feel free to ask your room attendant to remove the pre-stocked -- and extra-fee -- items from inside), bedside stands with small drawer and cubby hole, and bedside lights with stand into which are built an 110-volt outlet and USB ports.

You'll also find 110- and 220-volt outlets by the desk, a hairdryer in the top drawer of the desk, a safe in the closet along with robes to wear in the room, an armchair or loveseat, and an interactive flat-screen TV with several channels as well as the ability to check your bill, make shore excursions, order room service and watch movies on demand (for a fee). Every room also has reusable Celebrity-branded totes that you can take home with you.

Bathrooms have plenty of storage space both above and below the sink, and showers with a glass door. Soaps, shampoos, conditioners and shower gels are all in large, reusable plastic containers.

Our sole complaint about the rooms was a lack of hanging space outside the closet for our jackets.

There are accessible versions of most types of rooms onboard.

Interior: Though small (only 170 square feet), inside rooms on Celebrity Millennium are, nevertheless, as comfortable and stylish as any other cabin onboard. Additionally, the way the bed(s) are placed in the room creates extra space so you never have to feel cramped.

Oceanview: Ocean-view cabins are the same size as inside accommodations but have the addition of a panoramic window.

Balcony: Not including the balcony, these rooms are the exact same size and layout as inside and ocean-view rooms. On the 38-square-foot balcony, you'll find two chairs and a knee-high drinks table.

Family Veranda: These cabins (270 square feet, with either a 112- or 191-square-foot balcony) can accommodate up to five people, have separate living and sleeping spaces and an expansive balcony, but only have one bathroom. The master bedroom has two twin beds that can be combined to form a king and there are pull-out couches in the living area. The oversized balcony has extra furniture, including two loungers and a second drinks table.

Concierge Class: Concierge Class staterooms (233 square feet, including balcony) are nearly identical to standard balcony rooms, but are slightly larger and come with the services of a dedicated concierge who can help with dining arrangements and shore excursion reservations. Other perks you'll get for staying in a Concierge Cabin are priority check-in, debarkation and tendering; plush robes and slippers; daily canapes; welcome sparkling wine; complimentary use of umbrellas and binoculars; and upgraded bath amenities.

AquaClass: AquaClass rooms (248 square feet, including balcony) are also larger than but nearly identical to standard balcony rooms, but these rooms come with a yoga mat, two bottles of water delivered daily, a pitcher of iced tea refreshed twice a day, complimentary access to the Persian Garden thermal suite and exclusive access to the health-focused Blu restaurant, where breakfast and dinner are served daily. As in Concierge Class rooms, cabins come with plush robes and slippers, daily canapes, welcome sparkling wine, upgraded bath amenities and complimentary usage of umbrellas and binoculars.

Suites: There are four categories of suite onboard Celebrity Millennium. All come with access to the The Retreat, which features an exclusive lounge on Deck 6 -- with free drinks -- and sun deck on Deck 12 reserved exclusively for suite cruisers, and only those staying in a suite are welcome to dine in the Luminae restaurant for breakfast and dinner. Suite passengers also have seats reserved for them in the theatre and get priority embarkation, debarkation and tender service. In some ports, suite passengers may also be invited onto the helipad for a special sail-away.

All suites feature a sitting area with sofa, two twin beds that can be pushed together to form a queen (unless otherwise noted), an upgraded showerhead, a mini-fridge, and balconies with lounge seating and floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Suite cruisers also receive fresh fruit and bottles of water on day one of the cruise, daily canape delivery, complimentary in-cabin speciality coffee, pillow menu, Frette robes (at the Penthouse and Royal levels, the robes are monogrammed and you get to take them home) and towels, and upgraded bath amenities.

Cruisers staying in Celebrity, Royal and Penthouse suites also have personal butler service to help with a range of services.

In addition to the full array of suite perks listed above, cruisers staying in Royal and Penthouse suites also get a complimentary mini-bar or full refrigerator stocked with their favourite beer, soda, wine and liquor and replenished as needed, unlimited, complimentary speciality dining, complimentary laundry service and unlimited Wi-Fi.

Penthouse Suite: There are just two Penthouse suites (each 2,530 square feet, including balcony) on Celebrity Millennium, each of which has separate sleeping, living and dining spaces, along with two bathrooms and a small pantry. A massive balcony that stretches the length of the suite and has multiple entry ways.

There's plenty of room for people to stretch out inside, with lots of seating options throughout (we love the pod chair), dining for up to 10 people, and enough storage space to last two to four people at least a month. The marble bathroom has a spa tub, dual sinks and separate, glass-enclosed shower stall. The balcony is stocked with regular chairs, loungers and sofas, a hot tub, and plenty of space for entertaining passengers outside.

In addition to all the standard and Royal Suite-level perks, those staying in Penthouse suites also get free premium beverage packages.

Royal Suite: There are eight Royal suites (733 square feet, including balcony) onboard, each with a discrete living, dining and sleeping area, along with a tiny walk-in closet, and a large bathroom with a separate shower and spa tub and dual sinks. All can hold up to four people. The bedroom has a queen-sized bed with flat-screen TV, small desk area, a port hole view onto the balcony and a balcony entry. There's a second balcony entry in the living room, which has a sectional sofa, part of which can be turned into another bed.

The oversized balcony has a hot tub, two loungers, a two-person loveseat, two chairs and a dining table with seating for four.

Celebrity Suite: The eight Celebrity suites (467 square feet, including balcony) on Celebrity Millennium can each house up to three people and have a separate bedroom and living room, a small walk-in closet with vanity, small dining space, and enlarged bathroom and balcony. The large bathroom has dual sinks, a separate glass shower stall and a jetted spa tub. There's lots more storage space than you and two friends could possibly need in a week.

Sky Suite: There are 32 Sky suites onboard, each with a bedroom and adjacent sitting space; there is no divider between the two spaces. The sitting area has a sofa, larger desk and more storage space, while the oversized bathroom has a separate shower stall, jetted spa tub and dual sinks. Sky suites (308 square feet, including balcony) can hold up to three people.

Best for...

Modern types who prefer a whimsical approach to onboard dining, drinking, décor and entertainment

Not the best for...

Anyone scared off by being trendy; boisterous families; cruisers who want dining variety without paying extra

Who goes on Celebrity Cruises cruise ships?

Celebrity draws a broad range of travellers, most attracted by the cuisine, unusual entertainment and creative itineraries. Passenger ages typically average in the 50s, with family groups more visible in the summer and during school vacations. The longer and more exotic cruises usually host an older demographic, and the passenger mix varies with the port of embarkation but most are from North America, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand.


Do I have to dress up on a Celebrity Cruises cruise?

Yes and no. The norm on most Celebrity sailings is smart-casual, but in the Galapagos, attire is casual. Despite the daytime casual vibe, you won't find T-shirts, swimsuits, robes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps or swimwear in the main restaurant or specialty restaurants at any time. Formal nights (held once on cruises six nights or shorter, twice on longer itineraries) have been replaced by Evening Chic, where anything from cocktail attire to formal wear is appropriate. The dress code also extends to the theatre on those evenings.


Is everything included on Celebrity Cruises cruises?

No. The cruise fare for a Celebrity cruise covers dining in several complimentary venues, including the Main Dining Room, Oceanview Café buffet restaurant, Spa Café, Mast Grill (on most ships) and Seaside Grill. Room service is also complimentary, except for the period between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Passengers staying at certain suite levels have additional complimentary dining privileges, and those staying in AquaClass rooms can dine in the Blu restaurant without charge. Water, basic coffee and tea, and certain juices are provided free of charge, but unless you're booked in certain suite categories, you'll have to pay extra for soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. The extensive entertainment from Broadway-style theatre to circus shows, comedy, magic, dance and live music is all available without charge. The kids' program is also free, though you'll pay extra for babysitting. Shore excursions are not covered by cruise fares, nor are gratuities, spa and salon services and some fitness classes. There is also a fee for Wi-Fi and laundry services.


What are Celebrity Cruises's most popular activities?

On ships with the Lawn Club, hanging out on the grass, whether playing bocce or just relaxing and reading, is one of the most popular activities for Celebrity cruisers. Other popular things to do on these ships is lounge in the adults-only Solarium, hit the Canyon Ranch Spa or participate in wine tasting. Some ships also offer hot glassmaking demonstrations and classes; sign up early for the classes because they fill up fast. On ships without a Lawn Club, relaxing by the pool or in the Solarium is popular, as are the once- or twice-per-cruise Rooftop film and dinner events. At night, Celebrity showcases everything from Vegas-style production shows to comedians and cabaret, drawing a crowd each time. The ships have a robust program for kids, a lot of it centred on edutainment. Many of the activities are offered courtesy of partners like Anturus, Lonely Planet, Xbox, Fat Brain Toys and Budsies.


Prices based on:

Inside
Inside

  • Celebrity's eXhale® bedding featuring the Cashmere king-sized mattress and four pillows in every stateroom
  • Some staterooms may have a trundle bed
  • Plentiful storage space in your bathroom and wardrobe
  • Interactive Television system
  • Individual safe
  • Dual voltage 110/220 AC
  • Mini-fridge
  • Hair dryer
  • Plush 100% cotton bathrobes & towels and premium custom blended bath products
  • Celebrity Shopping Bag
  • Twice daily housekeeping service
  • Complimentary beach towel service
  • Cat Cabin Grade
    Cruise

    Oceanview
    Oceanview

  • Expansive view of the ocean
  • Celebrity's eXhale® bedding featuring the Cashmere King-sized mattress and four pillows in every stateroom
  • Some staterooms may have a trundle bed
  • Plentiful storage space in your bathroom and wardrobe
  • Interactive Television system
  • Individual safe
  • Dual voltage 110/220 AC
  • Mini-fridge
  • Hair dryer
  • Plush 100% cotton bathrobes & towels and premium custom blended bath products
  • Celebrity Shopping Bag
  • Twice daily housekeeping service
  • Complimentary beach towel service
  • Stateroom: 171 sq. ft.
  • Cat Cabin Grade
    Cruise

    Veranda (Partial View)
    Veranda (Partial View)

  • Private veranda opens up with floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors to outdoor seating
  • King-sized mattress with Celebrity eXhale® bedding and four pillows in every stateroom
  • Plentiful storage space in your bathroom and wardrobe
  • Some staterooms may have a trundle bed
  • Interactive television system
  • Mini-fridge
  • Individual safe
  • Dual voltage 110/220 AC
  • Hair dryer
  • Plush 100% cotton bathrobes & towels and premium custom blended bath products
  • Celebrity Shopping bag
  • Complimentary beach towel service
  • Stateroom: 175 sq. ft. Balcony: 38 sq. ft
  • View will be partially obstructed
  • Cat Cabin Grade
    Cruise

    Book with confidence