Japan Cruise Day 1: Meet My Daughter

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.

When you think of Japanese castles, Kyoto or Osaka might come to mind—but hidden on the island of Shikoku is one of the country’s most unique gems: Kochi Castle. On Day 5 of our Celebrity Cruise through Japan, we made a stop in Kochi and discovered that this castle isn’t just beautiful—it’s full of surprises, from turtles to chickens! Why Kochi Castle is So Special ✨ Here’s a fun fact for history buffs: Kochi Castle is the only castle in Japan that still has all of its original Edo period buildings. That includes the iconic castle tower and the Honmaru Palace, both dating back to the 1600s. Most Japanese castles were either destroyed in wars, earthquakes, or fires, and later rebuilt. Kochi Castle, however, survived the centuries—making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Japanese history and architecture.

Forget everything you know about photo booths—because in Japan, they’ve taken the concept to a whole new level. On Day 5 of our Celebrity Cruise through Japan, we stumbled into the Maruge Kochi store and discovered the magic of Purikura (プリクラ)—Japan’s famous kawaii photo booths. What is Purikura? 📸💖 The word Purikura is short for “Print Club” (purinto kurabu), and it’s one of Japan’s most beloved photo experiences. Unlike your average photo booth, Purikura machines transform you into a kawaii, anime-inspired version of yourself. Think: flawless skin, sparkling eyes, and endless filters to play with. But that’s not all—after your photo session, you get to edit your pics with: Digital makeup (eyeshadow, lipstick, blush—you name it) Cute stickers, borders, and doodles Feature adjustments like larger eyes, slimmer face, or even taller height Messages and signatures using a digital pen And the best part? Your finished creations are printed out as stickers—perfect souvenirs of your Japan trip. Some newer machines even send your photos or short videos straight to your phone! 💡 Fun fact: Purikura became insanely popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and it’s still a must-do for teens, couples, and travelers alike.

If you’re a Studio Ghibli fan, you already know that Japan is the ultimate paradise for Ghibli merch. On Day 5 of our Celebrity Cruise through Japan, we stopped in Kochi, where we found the magical Donguri Kyowakoku (Acorn Republic)—the official Ghibli store chain in Japan. And what better way to experience it than with a little blind box unboxing fun?