From City Lights to Island Paradise: My Celebrity Cruise Across Asia

Pre- & post-cruise stays

Before embarking on the Celebrity Millennium, I spent two nights at JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach — a perfect choice for its prime location near the cruise port, airport and top sightseeing spots. With two full days to explore, I immersed myself in the city’s vibrant energy, from futuristic gardens to world-class dining.

After an action-packed 12-night journey, I wrapped up my trip with a five-day stay at COMO Uma Canggu in Bali. This luxurious beachfront retreat was the ultimate way to unwind, offering serene ocean views, top-tier wellness experiences and a much-needed reset before returning to reality.

Essentials to bring

Sailing in January meant dealing with hot, humid weather — it’s technically the rainy season, though I was lucky to avoid much rain. Light, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are a must, along with bug spray for tropical destinations. Many travelers in Southeast Asia experience digestive issues like Bali Belly (caused by unfamiliar bacteria in food and water), so bringing probiotics, electrolyte packets and anti-nausea or anti-diarrheal medicine is highly recommended. Staying hydrated and being mindful of where you eat can also help avoid any issues.

The ship: Celebrity Millennium

The Celebrity Millennium blends modern luxury with a boutique feel, offering a sophisticated yet laid-back atmosphere. The ship features:

Dining: A mix of elevated main dining, specialty restaurants like Tuscan Grille and Sushi on Five, plus casual options like the Oceanview Café. The food was consistently excellent, with fresh ingredients and diverse menus.
Amenities: A full-service spa, fitness center and an adults-only Solarium pool for ultimate relaxation.
Casino: A lively casino with slots and table games for those looking for some excitement.
Staterooms: Ranging from cozy interior rooms to spacious suites with private verandas, all featuring Celebrity’s signature refined touches.
Service on Celebrity Cruises is truly next level — every crew member goes above and beyond to ensure a seamless, luxurious experience.

Entertainment & activities

We lucked out with amazing entertainment onboard! Some highlights included:

Theater productions: Broadway-caliber performances featuring a talented cast delivering high-energy shows.
Live music: Incredible solo singers and groups, including former Broadway performers, playing in lounges and throughout the ship.
Comedy & variety acts: A hilarious comedian/magician/balancing act that kept audiences entertained with a mix of humor and impressive skills.
Themed events & parties: Evening events with live DJs, dance parties and interactive entertainment.
Game shows & activities: Fun onboard activities like trivia, interactive game shows and enrichment programs.

Port calls & highlights

🇸🇬 Singapore (Embarkation)

Gardens by the Bay – A must-see, including the Flower Dome, Cloud Forest and the stunning Supertree light show at night.
Hawker Centers – Singapore’s underground food markets are the best way to experience authentic local cuisine.

🇹🇭 Phuket, Thailand (Overnight stop)

Yona Floating Beach Club – A unique, upscale floating beach experience with great vibes.
Beach day – Since we had two days, the second was spent relaxing on the island’s gorgeous beaches.

🇲🇾 Langkawi, Malaysia

Telaga Tujuh Waterfall – A rewarding climb leading to a breathtaking waterfall.
Eagle Square – The island’s famous giant eagle statue.
SkyCab & SkyBridge – A must-do! The cable car offers incredible panoramic views from the mountains.

🇲🇾 Penang, Malaysia (Overnight stop)

Kek Lok Si Temple – One of the most stunning Buddhist temples in Malaysia.
Reclining Buddha & other temples – Explored Chinese, Indian and Thai temples reflecting the island’s rich culture.
Foodie experience – Visited a hawker food market for some of the best street food in Asia.
Local tastings – Sampled coffee, tea, honey and chocolate from small local producers.
Love Lane – Famous for its vibrant bars, street performances and nightlife.
Exploring George Town – Checked out iconic street art, colonial architecture and cultural neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little India.

🇲🇾 Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur), Malaysia

Petronas Towers – The iconic twin skyscrapers.
Batu Caves – Home to the famous rainbow-colored stairs leading to a Hindu temple inside a limestone cave.
Merdeka Square & Sultan Abdul Samad Building – A key historical landmark in KL.

🇮🇩 Celukan Bawang, North Bali

Twin Lakes & waterfall hike – A breathtaking natural experience.
Authentic Balinese lunch – A chance to enjoy local cuisine in a scenic setting.
Rice fields – A must-see for Bali’s famous terraced landscapes.

🇮🇩 Lombok, Indonesia

Hidden beaches & beach club – Spent the day at a laid-back beach club with local food & drinks.
Water activities – Options for jet skiing, surfing and paddleboarding.

🇮🇩 Canggu, Bali (Disembarkation & post-cruise stay)

Exploring Canggu – A trendy area best explored by foot or scooter, with its beach clubs, cafés and boutiques.

Additional costs & inclusions

What’s included:
✔️ All meals in main dining and buffet restaurants
✔️ Entertainment & live performances
✔️ Pool, solarium and fitness center access
✔️ Basic beverages (water, tea, coffee)

Extras:
💰 Specialty dining ($)
💰 Alcoholic drinks & soda ($) – Unless you purchase a beverage package
💰 Shore excursions ($)
💰 Spa treatments & casino gaming ($)

Best time to travel: Celebrity Cruises offers this Asia itinerary seasonally, typically from late fall to early spring. January to March can be hot and humid, with occasional rain, while the drier months (November–February) generally offer more comfortable conditions.

Packing tips: Lightweight, breathable clothing like cotton and linen is essential due to the tropical heat. Bring bug spray, sunscreen and a hat for sun protection. Motion sickness medication and digestive aids (like for “Bali Belly”) are also good to have on hand.

Best for first-time cruisers: Celebrity Millennium is an excellent choice for those new to cruising, offering a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere, top-tier service and outstanding dining.

Must-do activities: Make reservations for specialty dining, spend time in the adults-only Solarium for a quiet retreat and don’t miss the high-caliber theater productions and live music throughout the ship.

Excursion planning: While Celebrity offers great excursions, booking private or small-group tours in places like Phuket, Langkawi and Bali allows for a more personalized experience.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Cruises page.