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.
πβοΈ 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
π΄ 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.
ποΈ 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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It’s Day 2 of our 12-Day Japan Cruise aboard the Celebrity Millennium, and yes—we’re heading back up to the breakfast buffet. I know, I know… we just ate an hour ago, but when you’re on vacation, the rules go out the window. Eat now, nap later! Today is extra special because we’re meeting up with my daughter, who actually works on the ship. She graduated from fashion school in Miami and now travels the world as a stitcher—one of the many exciting fashion design careers at sea. This is her second contract with Celebrity Cruises, so she already knows the ports, the crew, and exactly where the best food is onboard. As a mom, getting to step into her world and see her day-to-day life onboard has been such a gift. I mean, imagine waking up and heading to work where this is your breakfast buffet! Let me paint the picture for you. This isn’t your average buffet. The Celebrity Millennium breakfast buffet is a full-on feast, bursting with international options and gourmet delights: π₯ Buttery croissants and warm, flakey pastries π Fresh-baked breads with all the fixings—jams, peanut butter, and creamy butter π© Sweet donuts that melt in your mouth π Crisp, refreshing fresh fruits π³ A fully-loaded omelette station with all the toppings π Carved-to-order honey glazed ham π₯ Crispy bacon, sausages, black pudding, and eggs done any way you like—fried, scrambled, boiled, or poached π₯ Savory breakfast potatoes π₯£ Warm, comforting congee with toppings (one of my personal faves!) π A steamy noodle soup station for that cozy morning slurp π₯¬ A salad bar if you're feeling a lighter start π§ Sliced meats and cheeses for building your own breakfast sandwich π₯£ Classic cereal, milk, yogurt station, and more π§ And don’t miss the fresh-squeezed juices that taste like sunshine in a glass!
It’s Day 2 of our incredible 12-Day Celebrity Millennium Cruise through Japan and South Korea, and I’m starting the day at one of the coziest, dreamiest spots on the ship—Café al Bacio. Let me tell you: this café is a hidden gem (and honestly one of my favorite hangout spots on the ship)! β Early Mornings Never Tasted So Good With all the excitement of being on this amazing cruise, sleep was just not in the cards last night. So what do you do when you're up before the sun? Head straight to Café al Bacio, of course! Open daily from 6:30 AM to midnight, this charming little café is complimentary (yes, FREE!) and the perfect spot to sip and snack, no matter the hour. My husband went straight for his go-to: a strong morning coffee. I went for a soothing green tea and treated myself to a couple of gorgeous pastries that looked almost too pretty to eat. (Keyword: almost. π)
Ahoy, fellow travelers! π Our 12-Day Celebrity Millennium Cruise through Japan and South Korea has officially set sail—and Day 1 did not disappoint! From lively lounges to game show glory, the nightlife on Celebrity Cruises is everything I hoped for and more. Let’s dive into what made our first evening unforgettable!
Hi, I’m Siva McAteer, your travel blogger BFF and certified travel agent, and I’m taking you behind the scenes of our first night aboard the Celebrity Millennium on our amazing 12-day Japan to South Korea cruise. And what better way to kick off our journey than with a full-on feast at the Metropolitan Restaurant, the ship’s elegant main dining room? β¨ First Impressions: No Reservation? No Problem! We didn’t have a reservation for the Metropolitan Restaurant on our first night, but that was no issue at all. They added us to the waitlist and handed us a pager. While we waited, we grabbed drinks at one of the nearby bars (because why not start with a toast to adventure? π₯). The wait was short, and soon enough, we were seated in the beautifully designed dining room. Pro tip: This restaurant follows a "Smart Casual" dress code, so it’s the perfect excuse to dress up just a little and feel fancy at sea. π₯ Appetizers That Set the Bar High Now let’s get into the good stuff: the food. The Metropolitan Restaurant menu changes daily, but there are classic favorites you can almost always count on. We started with: Fresh Bread - Assorted spreads Caprese Salad - Balsamic glaze Cream of Wild Forest Mushroom Soup - M ushroom Truffle Fricassée And yes—we went there—Escargots à la Bourguignonne, served with melted garlic and herb butter. (Deliciously rich and very French.)
Hey friends, it’s Siva McAteer, your go-to travel blogger and certified travel agent, and today I’m giving you the inside scoop from Day 1 aboard the Celebrity Millennium as we kick off our 12-day Japan to South Korea cruise. And guess what? You finally get to meet my daughter, Olivia, who works onboard as a stitcher for Celebrity Cruises. Proud mom moment? Oh, absolutely. πβοΈ
The big day finally arrived—and I’m officially on board the Celebrity Millennium for a 12-day cruise adventure that starts in Yokohama, Japan, and wraps up in Seoul, South Korea. My name is Siva McAteer, and I’m a travel blogger and certified travel agent bringing you along on this unforgettable journey! I’ll be sharing ALL the cruise content you crave: food, entertainment, shore excursions, port highlights, and the fun moments my husband and I experience at each of our 10 amazing ports of call. But first things first... Let’s talk about our cruise cabin! ποΈ Inside Cabin Tour – Celebrity Millennium To save a little money (and let’s be honest, spend more on souvenirs and snacks π£π§), we opted for an inside cabin—and it was totally the right choice. Here’s why: β
Cool and Cozy – With no window, the room stayed cool and dark, which was perfect for sleeping, especially in the hot Japanese summer. β
Plenty of Storage – I was surprised at how much space we had! There was under-the-bed storage for our suitcases, plus roomy closets, drawers, and shelves that kept everything organized. β
Refurbished Comfort – While this is one of the older ships in Celebrity’s fleet, it’s been nicely refurbished. Everything felt clean, comfy, and thoughtfully designed.
Follow me down the rabbit hole for our next Tokyo adventure—TeamLab Borderless! If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a living, breathing piece of art, this futuristic digital art museum will blow your mind.
π·β¨ If not, let me take you along on our latest Tokyo adventure, where we stumbled upon one of the most unique dining experiences at Carmen, a cutting-edge gastrobar located in the stunning Azabudai Hills Tower Plaza.
Looking for the best place to take a Tokyo Tower photo without spending half your day waiting in line? I’ve got you covered! Hi, I’m Siva McAteer—travel blogger, content creator, and certified travel agent. My husband and I are exploring Tokyo before heading off on our 12-day Celebrity Cruise, and one of my must-see stops was the iconic Tokyo Tower. Why Tokyo Tower is a Must-See Tokyo Tower isn’t just a broadcast tower—it’s a symbol of Japan’s post-war rebirth and one of the most Instagrammable landmarks in Tokyo. Standing tall with its Eiffel Tower-inspired design and striking orange and white colors, it’s a must for any Tokyo itinerary. Yesterday, we visited Shibuya Sky for the city views, so for this stop, I was all about the architecture and finding that perfect shot. I researched the “most popular” Tokyo Tower photo spot and decided to check it out. Big mistake! π
When we arrived, there was a line wrapping around the block just to snap a photo on a tiny staircase. Trust me—it wasn’t worth the wait.
Winner, winner, chicken dinner! π Our Tokyo adventure just leveled up—we found our very first Japanese arcade, and it’s none other than the famous GiGO in Shinjuku. If you’ve never stepped inside a Japanese arcade, you’re in for a treat! GiGO, which stands for “Get into the Gaming Oasis,” is exactly that—a paradise for gamers, kids, and anyone who’s young at heart. Why GiGO is a Must-Visit in Shinjuku Japanese arcades are iconic, and GiGO takes things to the next level. Picture rows of bright, flashing machines, exciting prizes, and the sweet sound of people cheering when they win. From claw machines stacked with adorable kawaii plush toys to gachapon (gacha) machines that guarantee a prize every time, it’s the ultimate place to test your luck or just have some fun. The Claw Machine Challenge – Kawaii Pink Rabbit Edition I’m always up for a challenge (especially if there’s a cute prize involved). The real question was: How much am I willing to spend—and carry around with me all day? My winning strategy? Watch where other people are scoring prizes! After a few minutes of scouting, I spotted a claw machine where several players had won already. The prize? An irresistible Kawaii Pink Rabbit Plush Toy. I took my chance, and… success! π Not only did I win, but I walked out with the cutest souvenir of the day. Not a Risk-Taker? Try Gachas Instead! If claw machines aren’t your thing, don’t worry. Gachas (coin-operated capsule toy machines) are everywhere inside GiGO. The best part? You always win something. Just pop in a few coins, twist the knob, and out comes a surprise capsule toy. It’s like a mini gift every time. Where to Find GiGO Shinjuku Address: GiGO Shinjuku Kabukicho Japan, γ160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukicho, 1 Chome−21−1 第δΊζ±δΊδΌι€¨ οΌF If you’re looking for fun things to do in Tokyo, especially in Shinjuku, this arcade should be on your list. Whether you’re into gaming, collecting unique prizes, or just soaking in the lively atmosphere, GiGO is pure joy. So, what’s next on our Tokyo adventure? Stay tuned—because there’s always something exciting just around the corner!
