π¦ Lobster Night to Remember: Day 11 on the Celebrity Cruise in Busan
Siva McAteer • October 23, 2025
π¦ Lobster Night to Remember
Last night on the Celebrity Cruise was something out of a dream — lobster and luxury rolled into one unforgettable final dinner. As I typed the last few notes and sipped my after-dinner drink, it hit me: this is really the end of our 12-day Asia cruise. And yes, I’m already feeling melancholic.
The Grand Finale: Lobster Night on Sea
They say all good things come to an end, but why does it always have to land on lobster night? I’ve been spoiled for life by the culinary experience on this cruise — it’s official.
Throughout the trip, every dinner felt like a treat. Honestly? I’m hard pressed to remember a single dish I didn’t love. But last night… that took the cake (or buttered lobster).ο»Ώ
What made lobster night extra special:
- Anyone who desired lobster could add it to their meal — no fuss, no complicated upsell.
- The best touch? The servers came by and removed the shell for you. That’s next-level service.
- And yes, if you wanted more butter, they were right there, ready to drench every bite in decadence.
This dinner wasn’t just about food. It was a tribute to the servers, chefs, and kitchen staff who poured their hearts into the experience every night. They gave 110%, and their passion made us feel right at home. Hats off to each and every one of them.
A Charming Finale (Literally)
After dinner, I made one last stop at Effy’s Jewelry to grab the final charm for my necklace. You better believe I finished the collection. This little charm necklace has become my favorite souvenir from the entire trip — something I’ll wear and remember forever.
Bonus: Busan & Cruise Fun Facts
- Busan, South Korea is the second-largest city in the country and one of its most vibrant ports.
- The Jagalchi Fish Market is a must-visit in Busan — vendors sell everything from live lobster to sea urchin, and some let you have your catch cooked on the second floor.
- On many Celebrity Cruises, “lobster night” is a staple of the last Chic or “dress up” night. Cruisers often look forward to it.
- Celebrity offers a “Raw on 5” seafood concept, which features lobster, sashimi, oysters, and more — part of their specialty dining options.
- The Celebrity Millennium (which runs the Best of Japan & South Korea 12-night itinerary) is rated by Forbes Travel as one of its four-star fleet.
Final Thoughts & Takeaways
Cruising through South Korea and Japan, I wasn’t just chasing new places — I was collecting moments, tastes, and memories. That last dinner wrapped it all up beautifully. The lobster was the centerpiece, sure, but the warmth of the staff, the ambience of the dining room, the waves outside the window — they all came together to mark this cruise’s grand finale.
If you’re on the fence about taking a cruise like this, let my last night push you over. Because once you’ve had service like that, cuisine like that… you’ll never see “dinner at sea” the same way again.ο»Ώ
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After days at sea aboard our Celebrity Cruise, we finally docked in Busan, South Korea — and let me tell you, this day ended with one of the most memorable meals of our entire trip. Picture this: hours of exploring Busan’s buzzing streets, the neon lights, the energy, the smells of sizzling street food... and then the quest for authentic Korean BBQ began. No tourist traps. No trendy Instagram cafes. Just good, old-school Korean BBQ in Busan — the kind locals love and travelers dream of finding. π₯© The Search for Real Korean Flavor After what felt like miles of walking, we stumbled upon a tiny, tucked-away restaurant. No English menu. No fancy sign. Just an older woman waving us inside with a smile that said, “You’re home now.” That’s when we knew — we’d found the real deal. Inside, the warmth hit us instantly — both from the grill and from her motherly energy. Before we could even sit down properly, the side dishes (banchan) started arriving. If you’ve never experienced banchan, let me explain: these are small dishes served with every Korean meal — kimchi, marinated vegetables, pickled radish, seaweed salad, and more. But they’re not just side snacks; they’re part of the entire Korean BBQ ritual. Every bite builds on the last, creating an explosion of flavor with every combo you try.
Wait… why is there a Texas Street in the middle of Busan, South Korea?! On Day 11 of our Celebrity Cruise adventure, we stepped off the ship ready to explore downtown Busan — and what we found was not what we expected! After spotting an entrance to Chinatown, we wandered a little further and stumbled across a sign for Texas Street. I had to do a double take. Texas? In Korea? Yeehaw, partner — it’s true! π€
If you’ve ever wandered into a place that feels like a real-life maze of color and creativity, then you’ll understand exactly what it’s like exploring Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan, South Korea. We started our day venturing up one of the narrow walkways that snake through the hillside — and honestly, we had no idea where it would lead. Some of the streets were so tight my husband could barely stand elbow-to-elbow! Between the winding alleys, steep stairways, and vibrant walls, every turn felt like part of an adventure. Fair warning — this spot is a bit of a workout. If you have mobility issues, it’s best to admire this one from the lower levels or enjoy it through photos. But if you can make the climb, trust me, the views (and the vibe!) are 100% worth it. As we climbed higher, we started hearing soft piano music drifting from one of the shops, mixed with the gentle hum of people chatting above us. That’s when we knew — we’d reached the top!
Imagine sipping a refreshing drink… that literally floats down from the sky. Sounds like something out of a dream, right? But this isn’t fantasy — it’s reality at the Blue House on the Stairs in Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan. And let me tell you, it’s even cooler than it sounds.
Would you believe there are public exercise machines just sitting out on the street in Gamcheon Culture Village? Yep — no gym membership required! Just hop on and go. I actually owned one of those gazelle-style machines back in the 2000s, so of course, I had to jump on for a quick nostalgia workout. We picked up right where we left off — heading up a steep hill toward the village. The drive up was a mystery adventure in itself. Our driver stopped in what felt like the middle of nowhere — no people, no tourists, just us and a quiet street that seemed to climb straight into the clouds. I guess it was uphill from there! As we started our climb, Gamcheon’s magic began to reveal itself. Bright murals appeared around every corner, golden sculptures shimmered in the sunlight, and giant flower installations decorated the streets. It felt like walking through an open-air art gallery — every wall had a story to tell.
After days of sailing through Japan, we finally made it to Busan, and let me tell you… this city is even more stunning than I imagined. Our ship pulled into the harbor under bright blue skies, the sun reflecting off the water, and mountains framing the city in the distance. From the deck, you can see modern skyscrapers rising above the coastline — sleek, shiny, and so clean. It’s that perfect blend of nature and modern design that makes Busan instantly captivating.
Tell me you’re about to have the best meal of your cruise… without telling me you’re about to have the best meal of your cruise. That’s exactly how Day 10 of our Celebrity Cruise in Japan finished off in Fukuoka, where we decided to treat ourselves to one of the ship’s most talked-about specialty dining options — the Tuscan Grille.
When you think of Japan, what comes to mind? Sushi? Temples? Cherry blossoms? Well, let me tell you — there’s so much more. On Day 10 of our Celebrity Cruise, we docked in Fukuoka, and wow, this city surprised us at every corner. From color-changing tea to ceiling-hanging gas pumps, Japan truly knows how to keep things interesting! π± The Art of Fake Food (Yes, Really!) Before you even sit down for a meal in Japan, you’ll probably stop in your tracks at the fake food displays. These hyper-realistic plastic dishes, known as “sampuru,” are an art form in themselves. They were invented in the 1920s to help customers visualize menu items — and honestly, they’re so realistic that I almost wanted to order everything. Fun Fact: Some sampuru displays cost as much as the real meal — and there are even workshops where you can make your own!
π Japan Adventure Day 10: Canal City Hakata — Trains, Tech Toilets & Travel Surprises in Fukuoka!
You know those travel days when everything goes off-script but somehow still turns out amazing? That was today in Fukuoka, Japan — our 100th Japan vlog from our Celebrity Cruise adventure! π¨ The Great Uber Escape (and the Sneaky Couple!) We started the day at Nanzoin Temple, home of the incredible reclining Buddha, and when it was time to head back, we thought we’d grab an Uber — easy, right? Wrong. π The moment we stepped out of our Uber, a couple with two little kids slid right in before we could even close the door. They knew exactly what they were doing! I couldn’t even be mad — it was smooth. So, when it came time to leave… surprise! No Ubers. No taxis. Nada. We were stranded. Luckily, Japan came to the rescue — in the form of its famously reliable train system. π
If there’s one thing I’ve learned while exploring Japan, it’s that you can never predict what amazing surprise is waiting around the corner — and today’s adventure was music to my ears! After our awe-inspiring visit to the Nanzoin Temple (you know, the one with the giant reclining bronze Buddha and those famously lucky feet π¦Άπ), we thought the excitement for the day was over. But Fukuoka had one more little wonder to share — a xylophone bridge!
