Celebrity Millennium Day 2: Pool Deck Vibes
Siva McAteer • August 3, 2025
Ship Tour While Docked in Shimizu, Japan!
Hello from the stunning Celebrity Millennium! I’m Siva McAteer—your travel advisor, cruise guide, and friendly neighborhood globetrotter—and today, we're diving into a ship tour of the outdoor decks and the fabulous pool area aboard this gorgeous vessel.
It’s Day 2 of our 12-Day Celebrity Cruise through Japan and South Korea, and we’re currently docked in Shimizu, Japan, where—drumroll, please—Mount Fuji is right there in the distance. Absolutely majestic. If you're planning a Japan cruise, this port stop is a bucket list moment for sure.
Why Port Days Are Perfect for Ship Tours
Port days are secretly one of the best times to explore the ship. Why? Because most passengers head off to explore the port, take shore excursions, or do their own thing—which means you get the ship (almost) to yourself! Whether you’ve booked your shore excursions through Celebrity Cruises or opted to explore independently, don’t stress—places like 7-Eleven are easy to find in Japan and South Korea if you need a quick snack or a local convenience store fix.
One quick note: On port days, the shops, casinos, and many restaurants onboard are closed. But don’t worry—you can still grab delicious eats at the buffet and various cafes around the ship.
Let’s Tour the Celebrity Millennium’s Pool Deck!
Today, I’m showing you around the exterior decks, especially the Pool Deck, and I’ve got to say—it’s an absolute dream. Whether you’re in the mood to soak up the sun, enjoy a peaceful adult-only zone, or splash around with the fam, there’s a spot for every kind of cruiser.
🏊♀️ Main Pool Deck Highlights:
- Two sparkling outdoor pools perfect for a morning swim or an afternoon cool-down
- Multiple hot tubs to soak away your stress and sore sightseeing muscles
- Tons of sunning areas and loungers with ocean views—no fighting for a chair here!
- A DJ on sea days brings poolside vibes and dance-worthy tunes
- Great accessibility, though note: a staircase and lift are used, and some may need crew assistance
🌴 The Solarium (Adults Only):
Looking for a quieter escape? Head to the Solarium—a peaceful, glass-covered retreat with its own pool, hot tub, and plenty of plush seating. It’s the perfect place to read, nap, or sip your morning coffee in peace.
🛋️ The Retreat Sundeck (Suite Guests Only):
Staying in a suite? Lucky you! The Retreat Sundeck is your private slice of heaven—with a pool, hot tub, elegant loungers, and even dedicated service for drinks and snacks. It’s ultra-luxe and made for those “treat yourself” moments.
Seating Galore + Ocean Breeze Bliss
As I walked around the outer decks, one thing stood out—there’s seating everywhere. Cozy chairs, loungers, shaded spots, sunny spots—you name it. Whether you want a quiet nook to read or a place to people-watch with a drink in hand, the Millennium has you covered.
This is just Part 1 of my Celebrity Millennium ship tour, so be sure to come back and catch the next sections where I’ll show you even more of this incredible floating resort!
Until Next Time…
Whether you’re here for the pools, the ports, or the peace and quiet, this ship has something for everyone. And today’s port in Shimizu came with a bonus—a perfect full-ship view of Mount Fuji. Fun fact: The last time my daughter was here, the ship docked in the opposite direction, and only first-class guests had the view. This time, the entire ship got to take in that once-in-a-lifetime vista. Talk about cruise karma!
Catch you on the next deck!
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Cruise-lovers, travelers, and future adventurers, don’t forget to share or pin!
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One of my favorite parts of cruising through Japan is that every port offers a new surprise. On Day 6 of our Celebrity Cruise, we docked in Hiroshima—and after exploring the Peace Memorial Park, I couldn’t resist checking out the Hiroshima gift shop. And let me tell you… this stop was full of quirky, delicious, and uniquely Japanese treasures!
On Day 6 of our Celebrity Cruise through Japan, we arrived in Hiroshima—a city that has become a global symbol of peace and resilience. Visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was one of the most moving experiences of the entire trip. The park itself is more than just a green space. It’s a living memorial—filled with monuments, memorials, and symbols—that quietly remind every visitor of Hiroshima’s hope for a world without war. Best of all? Entry to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims is completely free, making it accessible for everyone to learn, reflect, and remember.
It’s Day 6 aboard Celebrity Cruises in Japan, and today’s stop is a city unlike any other—Hiroshima. This is a place where history and resilience intertwine, and I couldn’t wait to step ashore to experience it for myself. Imagine sailing into port with mountains in the distance and a bustling city skyline hugging the water. It’s breathtaking. There’s something so surreal about arriving in Hiroshima by ship—knowing you’re entering a city that’s turned unimaginable tragedy into an inspiring symbol of peace.
When you think of cruise ship breakfast, you probably picture pancakes, waffles, and maybe a classic omelet station. But on Day 6 of my Japan cruise aboard the Celebrity Millennium, I discovered something a little different—and a whole lot more exciting: the Make Your Own Noodle Bowl station at the Oceanview Café. And let me tell you, this was not your average breakfast.
If you thought cruise ship entertainment was just about lounge singers and game shows, think again. On Celebrity Cruises, they’re raising the curtain (literally!) on a full-blown fairytale brought to life at sea. Welcome to Elysium—a show that’s part Broadway spectacle, part Cirque du Soleil, and 100% unforgettable. What Is the Elysium Show? Elysium is one of Celebrity Cruises’ most talked-about productions, performed on Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Millennium, and Celebrity Reflection. This is no ordinary cruise ship show—this is a whimsical, immersive experience where a magical kingdom comes alive before your eyes. Think: glittering costumes, jaw-dropping aerialists, high-energy dancers, powerhouse vocalists, and a storyline that sweeps you into an epic struggle between good and evil. With a dreamy, pop-infused soundtrack, the music is a showstopper in its own right. You might even recognize familiar tunes, like “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka, woven into the performance. Why Elysium Feels So Magical The Storyline: It’s a classic fairytale—complete with a kingdom under threat, forces of good versus evil, and a journey through the seasons. The Performers: Expect to see acrobats soaring overhead, singers belting out powerful notes, and dancers bringing the story to life. The Production Value: The sets, costumes, and lighting rival anything you’d see on land. According to Cruise Critic, Elysium is one of the most visually stunning productions at sea. Fun fact: Cruise ships like the Celebrity Equinox are equipped with theaters that seat nearly 1,000 people and feature state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems—so yes, you’re getting a full Vegas-style show…while sailing across the ocean.
One of the best parts of cruising on the Celebrity Millennium? The endless food options! On Day 5 in Kochi, Japan, after exploring the sights and working up an appetite, I knew exactly where I was heading once I got back onboard: the Make Your Own Pasta Station at the Oceanview Café. Pasta Station Perfection The hardest part of the pasta station? Honestly, choosing your toppings! You start with your pasta, then pick your sauce—creamy Alfredo, zesty marinara, rich Bolognese, or fresh pesto. Then the fun begins: veggies, meats, cheeses, and all the add-ons you could ever dream of. It’s like building your own pasta masterpiece at sea.
After a full day exploring Kochi, Japan, nothing hits the spot quite like dinner aboard the Celebrity Millennium. And tonight, we’re heading straight to one of the most popular spots on the ship: the Oceanview Café on Deck 10. A Buffet with Endless Choices The Oceanview Café is the go-to casual dining venue for cruisers looking for variety. Dinner here is anything but boring—you’ll find everything from pasta and pizza to Mexican favorites, Indian curries, American classics, and even some Asian specialties to match our Japan itinerary. Whether you’re craving comfort food or want to try something new, this buffet delivers.
That’s a wrap on our day in Kochi, Japan, and what an adventure it has been! As we rode the shuttle bus back to the Celebrity Millennium cruise terminal, it was the perfect time to reflect on everything we experienced. Kochi was the perfect blend of history, culture, quirky fun, and of course—delicious food. A Day Full of Surprises Our day kicked off at the Harimaya Bridge, one of Kochi’s most famous landmarks. From there, we couldn’t resist a quick snack stop at Mister Donut, a Japanese favorite known for its creative donuts and fluffy “pon de ring.” Next up was pure joy for anime fans—Donguri Kyowakoku, the Ghibli Store. Packed with magical treasures from Studio Ghibli classics, it was impossible not to geek out. And yes, we couldn’t resist grabbing a blind box and doing a little unboxing surprise.
When you’re on a Celebrity Cruise through Japan, every port promises new adventures, unique flavors, and little surprises. Day 5 brought us to Kochi, and with it—a bite-sized French treat I had been eager to try: the canelé. What Exactly Is a Canelé? A canelé (pronounced kah-nuh-lay) is a tiny pastry that hails from Bordeaux, France. It’s famous for its caramelized crust on the outside and soft custardy center on the inside. Flavored with just the right touch of vanilla and rum, it’s baked in special fluted copper molds to achieve its distinct look. Think of it as a pastry that’s equal parts rustic and refined. A Sweet Bit of History Here’s a fun foodie fact: canelés are tied to Bordeaux’s winemaking roots. Centuries ago, winemakers used egg whites to clarify wine. That left heaps of unused yolks, which were then passed to nuns. Waste not, want not! The nuns turned those yolks into these little pastries. Over time, rum and vanilla were added, the copper molds gave them their signature shape, and the canelé as we know it today was born.
Forget fancy restaurants—if you want the real taste of Japan, Hirome Market in Kochi is the place to be! This buzzing indoor market has earned the nickname “Kochi’s Kitchen” for a reason. With over 60 food stalls and restaurants, Hirome Market is a lively hub where locals and visitors come together to eat, drink, and celebrate Kochi’s rich food culture.
