Sailing Millie thru Panama Canal 3/28 - A few last-minute ?s

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jcruisel

Guest
Thanks to all the wonderful contributors to this site! I just recently discovered it and have learned so much valuable information.

My spouse and I are only a few days away from our 1st cruise, in a verandah cabin on a 2-week sailing through the Panama Canal on Millennium (was to have been Infinity before the drydock announcement).

Pre-cruise we are booked at the Embassy Suites in Ft. Lauderdale. Any suggestions for dinner spots within walking distance of this hotel?

We are seniors who prefer lively conversation and sightseeing to the pool, bars and the disco. Given our preferences for a more laid-back cruise experience, we're looking for suggestions for special places previous cruisers may have discovered onboard the ship, such as ideal spots for a quiet breakfast, or perhaps a good place to cozy up to a good book.

One last question, we plan to dine in the Oceanic restaurant one time. I've read that the goat cheese souffle is outstanding, and we'd welcome other menu recommendations.

Thanks.
 
J

joanpav

Guest
The goat cheese souffle is outstanding, in fact the whole experience is outstanding. Honestly though I choose the steak Diane and was sorry. Way too much, if you like fish their fish dishes are excellent so is the chef`s choice dessert, mini tastings of 4 desserts. Book as soon as you can after you embark otherwise you`ll be eating really late.
The library is awesome and for people watching a cafe latte in the Cova Cafe is great.
Bon Voyage!
 
J

jcruisel

Guest
Thanks to both of you for your responses.

Yes, that 2-story library sounds great.

A few more questions:

* We enjoy a really good cup of coffee every morning. Is the standard coffee above average? I've heard cruise ship coffee is generally mediocre, but haven't heard how Celebrity's rates.

* Is the cafe at the Thalassotherapy pool open for breakfast, lunch and dinner? What does it serve at breakfast? We don't like a heavy American breakfast every day, so this may be the way to go.

Thanks.
 
B

BSeabob

Guest
Coffee in the main dining room had improved a whole lot since our time before. I think I read that they had gone upscale. it was a noticeable change anyways from our previous cruises/. There is also the specialty Coffee place that you pay extra for it if you really really need that fix. Coffee in the buffet was still questionable at times.
Regarding the T-pool. I think maybe that it was open for a late breakfast. Lunch for sure and I don't think that it was open for dinner at all.
Don't over look main dinning room for breakfast. Menu is varied and you can go lite for sure order what you want.
The breakfast buffet also will have all the "lite Stuff" you can think of. Also there will be an "Omlet" guy" or two and they will make made to order.
Try them all....you got two weeks. Your going on our favorite cruise. Lots of sea days and the canal. enjoy.
 
N

Nanatravel

Guest
The Aqua Spa Cafe is hidden within the T-pool solarium, so do check it out. I only enjoyed lunch there, so I can't speak for the breakfasts. It is open regular morning and afternoon hours plus early evening hours for dinner. Don't miss a soak in the T-pool too but makesure you wear a bathing suit you don't mind getting faded. The Ocean buffet area was OK but lacked variety from day to day. Check out the Omlet stations heading toward the stern for fresh omelets at breakfast and pasta dishes at luncheon. We too enjoyed the main dining room for a change of pace at breakfast time. Sometimes we found the coffe to be strong this last trip (2/22/2004 on Millie). Since you enjoy your coffee, I suggest you bring a cheap insulated coffee mug and order room service each morning for just coffee. I enjoy the leisure time with a Specialty Coffee at the Cova Cafe. Prices are average like a Starbucks blend. Notes is also a great spot to try. The on/off and volumn switch is found on the headset wire! It took two of us a while to figure that one out. We also enjoy going up to Cosmos lounge in the daytime and sitting by the floor to ceiling windows. The conservatory is nice, but the second storey was closed off as the glass floor had just broken that week. Enjoy a relaxing experience at the stern deck 10 at the Teak Bar area. There are tables and chairs, a full service bar and its just outside the buffet area. Since you want to enjoy the Olympic, if you are Capt. Club, you can make your reservation ahead of sailing by calling the Capt. Club desk. If not, make your reservation as soon as you board. The dress code is sport jacket for him and nice informal outfit for her. Many people choose to dine on an Informal night. Don't miss the Piano entertainer at Michael's Club or the Martini Tasting $5 for 5 martini's at the Platinum Club.

Not sure of your ports of call on Millie through the Canal. If you get off at Colon, the Ocean to Ocean Railroad tour is fabulous. You get the land and sea perspective. It was well worth the money and security. Let me know what other ports you will stop at and I will be glad to make tourist suggestions.

Bon Voyage
 
J

jcruisel

Guest
Thanks for all the great tips!

**Just read on another board that the specialty restaurants on Celebrity have raised the fee to $30! Can anyone confirm this?**



Post Edited (03-25-04 20:07)
 
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