We Made It to Japan!
Siva McAteer • June 29, 2025
βοΈ Private Transfer from Haneda Airport to Tokyo ππ

Guess what? We’ve officially landed in Japan! After a long (but comfy!) flight, we touched down at Haneda Airport (HND) and were ready to kick off our Tokyo adventure in style. First impressions? This city never fails to amaze me—modern, clean, nature-filled, and full of futuristic vibes.
But before we talk Tokyo skyscrapers and the magic of Japanese 7-Elevens, let’s chat about something that made our arrival so much smoother—booking a private airport transfer from Haneda to our hotel. π
β¨ Why You Should Book a Private Transfer from Haneda Airport
We booked our private airport transfer through Viator, and honestly? Best. Decision. Ever.
π Our driver was incredibly prompt and professional.
π§³ He immediately took my luggage like a total pro (major travel bonus points).
π± The company stayed in touch with us throughout our journey using WhatsApp.
πΈ They even had us send a photo of ourselves so the driver could easily spot us at arrivals. Genius, right?
When he pulled up in a sleek, clean car with leather seats, I knew we were in for a relaxing ride. After a long-haul flight, this kind of service is worth every penny—especially if it’s your first time in Japan or you’re navigating a new language and transit system.
Travel tip: We loved the transfer so much that we booked them again to take us to our cruise terminal a few days later. Reliable, easy, and zero stress.
π First Impressions of Tokyo (Even the Second Time Around!)
Even though this is my second trip to Japan, everything still feels exciting and brand new. Tokyo is just one of those cities that makes your jaw drop—whether it's your first visit or your fifth.
Here’s what immediately stood out:
- Skyscrapers galore—some straight out of a sci-fi movie
- Bikes. Everywhere. Tokyo is a cyclist’s dream
- Parks, trees, and greenery tucked between buildings
- 7-Elevens on every corner (and yes, they are EVERYTHING in Japan—more on that later!)
If you're planning a cruise from Tokyo, I highly recommend arriving at least a few days early. You’ll want time to shake off the jet lag and explore this vibrant city before boarding the ship. We’re staying for four days, and I can’t wait to share every moment with you.
πNext up: A tour of our room at the Hotel Monterey Hanzomon—a beautiful hotel in a perfect location for exploring Tokyo on foot.
Stay tuned for more Japan travel tips, hotel reviews, local eats, and cruise prep adventures. This is just the beginning!
Thanks for coming along for the ride! π
#HanedaAirport #TokyoTravel #JapanTrip #PrivateAirportTransfer #ViatorReview #HotelMontereyHanzomon #TravelToJapan #TokyoCruisePort #TokyoVacation #Japan2025 #AirportToHotel #TravelBlogger #UGCCreator #SivaMcAteer #JapanVlog

They say this lion can swallow your bad luck… so naturally, we had to see it for ourselves! It’s Day 3 of our 12-Day Celebrity Millennium Cruise, and before we even stepped off the ship, Osaka had me impressed — and yes, I’m talking about the port restrooms. These high-tech toilets come with a bidet, “privacy” music buttons, and more controls than some cruise ship cabins. I’m just saying… if Celebrity installed these in the staterooms, I’d never leave. π½πΆ

This morning, I made my way to the legendary Omelet Station — a breakfast hotspot that deserves its own fan club. The moment you step up, you’re greeted by the sound of sizzling skillets, the smell of freshly whisked eggs, and a chef who turns a handful of fresh ingredients into pure morning magic. π³β¨ I watched as my omelet came together — a quick pour, a sprinkle of veggies, a little cheese, a perfect fold, and voilà — breakfast perfection. And yes, I might have been grinning the entire time.

Day 2 aboard the Celebrity Millennium called for a little extra sparkle—it was Evening Chic Night at the Metropolitan Main Dining Room, and you know I never miss an excuse to dress up. I think we cleaned up pretty well, if I do say so myself! (Drop a comment and tell me if you agree.) The Main Dining Room was buzzing with elegant outfits, clinking glasses, and the smell of mouthwatering dishes drifting through the air. The menu tonight was a feast—think Salmon Tartare with trout roe caviar, a refreshing Tomato Watermelon Salad, and “Celebrity’s Signature” Beef Tournedo draped in rich black truffle sauce. My personal favorite? The Phyllo Dough Tulip filled with citrus cream and topped with fresh fruit—pure heaven. ππ Here's a sample of all the food we dined on: Salmon Tartare*- Celery Root Purée, Trout Roe Caviar, Dill, Apple , Pumpernickel Tomato Watermelon Salad - Basil, Feta, Sourdough Croutons, Sherry Vinaigrette Garden Fresh Salad - Mixed Lettuce, Seasonal Vegetables, Cucumber, Tomatoes “Celebrity’s Signature” - Beef Tournedo*Ragoût of Morel Mushrooms & Pearl Onions, Roasted Potatoes; Haricots Verts and Black Truffle Sauce Shrimp Scampi - White Wine-Garlic Sauce, Cherry Tomatoes, Parsley; Served over Linguine Phyllo Dough Tulip - Filled with Citrus Cream Topped with Assorted Fresh Fruits After Eight ice cream

If you love live music, dazzling costumes, and a healthy dose of nostalgia, this is the kind of cruise ship entertainment you cannot miss. Picture this: the stage lights up, the band kicks in, and suddenly you’re transported straight back to the golden age of disco, funk, and Motown. The setlist was a party all on its own, featuring classics like: π Love Train – The O’Jays πΈ Freak Out – CHIC π¦ΈβοΈ Wonder Woman Theme Song π€ Do Ya Think I’m Sexy – Rod Stewart π How Deep Is Your Love – Bee Gees π Voulez-Vous – ABBA π· Play That Funky Music – Wild Cherry π·βοΈ YMCA – The Village People π―βοΈ We Are Family – Sister Sledge π Last Dance – Donna Summer β€οΈ I’ll Be There – The Four Tops π Boogie Wonderland – Earth, Wind & Fire From the first note to the last dance, the performers had the audience clapping, singing, and dancing along. The energy in the theater was absolutely electric — it’s the kind of night where you can’t help but smile from ear to ear. And here’s something most people don’t realize — there are only three people responsible for handling all the costumes for every singer and dancer, including my daughter! π With multiple costume changes and so many shows to prepare for, they work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure every sequin, feather, and stitch is stage-ready. They’re the true unsung heroes of the production, and the show wouldn’t be the same without them. This is exactly why I love Celebrity Cruises. It’s not just about the destinations — like our incredible 12-day journey through Japan and South Korea — it’s about the experiences you have on board. Shows like Boogie Wonderland turn an ordinary evening into an unforgettable memory. If you’re sailing on the Celebrity Millennium, make sure you check your daily schedule and snag a seat early for this show. Trust me, it’s worth it. π€ππΊ

It’s Day 2 aboard the Celebrity Millennium, and let me tell you — tonight was all about shaking things up… literally. πΈ We decided to spend the evening at one of the ship’s most famous spots — the Martini Bar. This isn’t your average cruise ship bar. Oh no. The entire counter is covered in ice (yes, really!) and there’s so much ice overflowing that it feels like you’ve stepped into a frosty little wonderland in the middle of the ocean. βοΈ We kicked things off with a Classic Dirty Martini for Brian and a cold beer for me. But the real fun began when the crowd thinned out and we found a spot at the bar, and the bartenders started their show. And wow — these aren’t just bartenders. They’re mixology masters.

After four whirlwind days exploring the neon lights, bustling streets, and endless sights of Tokyo, we decided it was time to slow things down. Day 2 of our 12-night Japan and South Korea cruise aboard the Celebrity Millennium brought us to Port of Shimizu—and honestly, it might just be one of the most beautiful cruise ports in Japan. π
Morning Tea with Mount Fuji The day began perfectly—with an early morning tea and snacks, followed by breakfast with my daughter. But the real star of the morning? Mount Fuji, standing tall and majestic right outside our window. Fun fact: My daughter, who works as a stitcher for Celebrity Cruises, told me that the last time the ship docked here, it was reversed, meaning only first-class passengers got a view of Mount Fuji. This time, everyone onboard got this breathtaking sight, and wow—it was worth waking up early for! π’ Why Port Shimizu is Special Shimizu is considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful ports thanks to its incredible proximity to Mount Fuji. And I totally get why—it feels like the mountain is welcoming you personally. We didn’t book any big excursions for today. After all, we needed a little breather after Tokyo’s non-stop energy. One of the best things about this port? Everything is within walking distance from where the ship docks, so you can explore at your own pace.

Welcome back to the final part of our quick port day ship tour aboard the Celebrity Millennium—and trust me, we’re ending on a high note! Today, we’re diving into three onboard gems: the Art Gallery, the Celebrity Shops, and the ever-entertaining Millennium Casino. Let’s go! π¨ First Stop: Art Gallery at Sea Did you know you can attend an art auction on a cruise? Yep—one of our favorite surprises on this 12-night Japan to South Korea cruise was discovering the onboard Art Gallery. We got to admire pieces by Thomas Kinkade, Salvador Dalí, and yes—even Picasso himself! The auction was a vibe—learning about the artists, the stories behind each work, and watching people bid on their dream piece. And guess what? If you fall in love with a painting, they’ll ship it right to your home. No bubble wrap or carry-on drama needed!

It's Day 2 of our unforgettable 12-day Celebrity Millennium Cruise from Yokohama, Japan to Seoul, South Korea, and today we’re diving into one of my favorite parts of ship life—the bars and lounges onboard the Celebrity Millennium! Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a cocktail connoisseur, or just love a cozy lounge with live music, there’s something here for everyone. π₯ First Stop: Rendezvous Lounge This lively lounge is where the party’s at! π With live music, signature cocktails, and even a little dancing, it’s the perfect place to hang out before dinner—or keep the fun going late into the night. The vibe here is super fun and social, and it quickly became one of our favorite hangouts.

Hi friends! It’s Day 2 of our fabulous 12-day Celebrity Millennium Cruise, sailing from Yokohama, Japan to Seoul, South Korea—and today I’m taking you on a tasty little tour of the main dining areas onboard the ship! Now, if you’re anything like me, food is a major part of cruising, and the Celebrity Millennium delivers on every level—whether you’re after fine dining, fresh flavors, or full-on foodie experiences. π½οΈ The Metropolitan: Your Classic Cruise Dining Experience First stop: The Metropolitan, the ship’s main dining room and one of the complimentary restaurants included in your cruise fare. Picture gorgeous ocean views, a rotating menu of international dishes, and attentive service that makes every dinner feel special. This is your go-to spot for traditional cruise meals done right—elegant, flavorful, and beautifully plated.

It’s Day 2 of our 12-day Japan to South Korea Celebrity Millennium Cruise, and today we’re diving into one of my favorite parts of any cruise: the common areas—those relaxing, stylish spaces you pass through, hang out in, and make memories. Let’s start near our stateroom on Deck 3, where the Grand Foyer welcomes guests with modern elegance and cozy vibes. I passed through here every day, and I have to say—those little reading nooks with books? A total win for this book-loving traveler. I even used this area to catch up on work and Wi-Fi using my trusty Ryoko portable internet on port days. Pro tip: if you need a quiet place to check emails or upload photos, this is it!