Japan Cruise Day 1 Nightlife

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)! ☕ 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. 😉)

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? ✨ 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? 🥂). 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. 🥗 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. 💁‍♀️

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! 🛏️ Inside Cabin Tour – Celebrity Millennium To save a little money (and let’s be honest, spend more on souvenirs and snacks 🍣🧋), we opted for an inside cabin—and it was totally the right choice. Here’s why: ✅ Cool and Cozy – With no window, the room stayed cool and dark, which was perfect for sleeping, especially in the hot Japanese summer. ✅ 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. ✅ 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.

🍷✨ 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! 😅 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! 🎉 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! 🙌 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, 〒160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukicho, 1 Chome−21−1 第二東亜会館 １F 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!

When I daydream about Tokyo, my brain immediately jumps to neon lights, skyscrapers, and—of course—Godzilla roaring above the skyline. And guess what? That dream came to life in Shinjuku. Welcome to Shinjuku: Tokyo’s Ultimate Playground If you’re planning a trip to Japan, Shinjuku needs to be high on your list. This buzzing Tokyo neighborhood is packed—literally—with over 4,000 bars, restaurants, karaoke joints, clubs, and convenience stores. It’s like a mini city within a city. And yes, we saw that famous 3D cat billboard! Located near Shinjuku Station, this adorable illusionist feline pops out of the screen like it's watching over the bustling crowd. It’s a super cute and completely free photo op you have to see in person. Don Quijote Shinjuku Kabukicho: The Ultimate Treasure Hunt Let’s talk about Don Quijote (aka “Donki”)—a must-visit convenience store on steroids. This place is not your average corner shop. The Shinjuku Kabukicho location has five floors, including a basement, and it’s JAM-PACKED with everything from: Japanese snacks and candy 🍬 Souvenirs (great for your “I went to Japan” haul) 🎁 Cosmetics and skincare 💄 Toys and quirky gadgets 🧸 Even electronics and luxury items like designer bags! 👜 Pro tip: take your time here. It’s chaotic in the best way, and you’ll definitely uncover some hidden gems. 📍 Don Quijote Shinjuku Kabukicho Located on: Godzilla Road 🗺 Address: 1 Chome-16-5 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan Meet Godzilla—For Free! Just steps from Don Quijote is one of the coolest free attractions in Tokyo: the life-sized Godzilla head perched on top of the Toho Building. Seriously, this thing is huge and makes for a legendary photo backdrop. But wait—it gets better. Every hour, on the hour from 12 PM to 8 PM, Godzilla comes to life during the “Awakening” event! You’ll hear the roar, see flashing lights, and feel like Tokyo’s most iconic kaiju is about to come crashing through the skyline. It’s part theme park, part movie magic, and completely unforgettable. 📍 Godzilla Head Located at: Shinjuku Toho Building 🗺 Address: 1 Chome-19 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan Final Thoughts: Why Shinjuku Should Be on Every Tokyo Itinerary Whether you're a pop culture nerd, a foodie, a shopaholic, or just want to feel the electric pulse of Tokyo, Shinjuku delivers. Between the bright lights, the Don Quijote madness, and the roaring Godzilla spectacle, it’s a full-on sensory adventure. So grab your camera, your yen, and your sense of adventure—Shinjuku is calling.