It seems that cruise ships nowadays have less time to brag when it comes to being the largest cruise ship afloat, with each new ship practically casting a dim shadow on its predecessors.  This shouldn’t mean that older-class ships are outdated, far from it.  In fact, the ‘quaint’ vessels have usually gained quite a following, so much so that their patronage isn’t affected by newer technologies and onboard amenities.  Celebrity Cruises’ Millennium is considerably middle-aged (it set sail in 2000), but it has enough to offer for its rather high-end niche, especially for cruisers who want a more ‘intimate’ onboard experience.

The public rooms are classy to say the least, with fused themes of old world ambiance, artsy decor, and casual chic.  There’s a piece of modern art which greets you at every corner, an eye feast for those who love to take in the ship as soon as they get onboard.  Cosmos is one of the main crowd magnets; located on the top deck, it’s a forward-facing lounge which is flanked on three sides with wall-windows.  You can imagine the view from up here in the early mornings; at night, it bursts into pulsating color as it transforms into a disco lounge.  There’s a flower shop/greenhouse at Conservatory just next door; and the two-story library, furnished with very comfy armchairs and flanked by glass walls, offers solitude of a more cranial type.  The Emporium, a spacious shopping arcade, and the Celebrity theater way aft deck are also great diversions during sea days.

The entertainment doesn’t actually offer much to gape at, but fortunately you get more out of them in sense and fun once you get involved.  The Celebrity Theater does themed presentations depending on the itinerary, usually with the in-house ‘Celebrity Singers and Dancers’, and the in-house movies are at least recent, if not very relevant.  There are dance lessons, parlor games, and art or craft lessons, as well as the staple karaoke-fest during the evenings.  An informed resource person delivers an engaging talk about the ship itinerary, more of a primer on what to expect with your shore excursions; even the chefs go out on a limb to deliver you infotainment with an ‘Iron Chef’ cooking stand-off.

With a ship distinctly targeted towards the upper middle class, you would expect it to offer only the best in the dining and relaxation experiences and fortunately it doesn’t disappoint.  There are five dining venues onboard; from the chic Metropolitan to the free-seating Ocean Grill, there is a variety of food to sate every craving, from pizza to burgers, filet mignon to tekka maki.  The cabins are pretty much predictable, yet very stylish and functional nonetheless, and the spa facilities are not to snort at either.  The Aqua Spa up on the resort deck has its own cafe, a free-for-all thalassotherapy pool and sauna (the Persian Garden), and an amply-equipped fitness center this compound is an onboard destination on its own.  Though it is meant to cater mostly to singles and couples, the entire family can have a great time onboard nonetheless, especially if you intend to have a mild-mannered voyage, free from the hyperactive experience offered by most cruising behemoths.