Cruising around Japan -on the celebrity millennium - May 20
The Ship & the Itinerary
Starting in Tokyo - 12 Nights round Japan
Starting in Tokyo - 12 Nights round Japan
May 2026: There are some cruises where the ship is the star, and others where it is really about the destination, and the ship plays second fiddle. Our 12 night cruise around Japan and South Korea aboard Celebrity Millennium managed to do both very nicely!
'The Little Ship That Can'
Celebrity Millennium was 26 years old when we sailed aboard her and, on paper at least, that might make her sound positively ancient.
She isn't. Celebrity has refurbished her over the years and beneath it all is something increasingly difficult to find: a proper, traditional cruise ship carrying only around 2,000 passengers. All the space you would need, fellow passengers who were engaging and approachable, and great venues aboard.
Starting in Tokyo - 12 Nights round Japan
Starting in Tokyo - 12 Nights round Japan
Starting in Tokyo - 12 Nights round Japan
Tokyo: Where the Adventure Begins
We started in Tokyo, which is a stunner! Arriving a few days before the cruise, which we would thoroughly recommend. Tokyo deserves time.
It is a city where ancient and thoroughly modern Japan seem to coexist . One moment you can be wandering around historic temples and shrines such as Sensō ji in Asakusa or Meiji Shrine, and the next you are surrounded by the neon, skyscrapers and organised mayhem of modern Tokyo.
Give yourself at least two or three days here before boarding. Apart from giving you time to recover from the flight, Tokyo is far too good simply to regard as somewhere you go to catch a ship.
And then, rather wonderfully, you sail away and Japan comes to you.
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Starting in Tokyo - 12 Nights round Japan
Life Aboard: Classic Cruising With a Bit of Sparkle
What we particularly enjoyed about Millennium was the rhythm of life aboard.
After a full day exploring Japan, we could come back, dress for dinner, eat in the handsome two storey main dining room, wander to the Martini Bar and then head into the theatre.
It felt reassuringly like cruising used to.
But don't mistake traditional for sleepy. The Martini Bar could become wonderfully raucous, the Sky Lounge regularly came alive at night, and the silent disco proved that 200 people wearing headphones and singing entirely different songs is not remotely silent.
There were also those little touches that made the cruise memorable: local Japanese performers coming aboard, excellent service, leisurely dinners and, on one particularly dangerous evening, an entire chocolate buffet.
Osaka, Kyoto and Kochi: The Japan You Came to See
This was a gloriously port intensive itinerary.
In Osaka we explored Osaka Castle, ate our way around Kuromon Market and wandered through the wonderfully colourful Dotonbori district.
The following day we travelled to Kyoto, and if there is one place that encapsulates the Japan many of us have travelled halfway around the world hoping to find, this is surely it. Golden temples, bamboo groves, ancient palaces, exquisite gardens and the wooden streets of Gion made it one of the highlights of the entire trip.
Then came Kochi, one of the surprises. Its magnificent 400 year old castle is the genuine article, with samurai once walking the same wooden corridors you walk today. Afterwards we headed to Hirome Market to try Kochi's famous bonito tuna, seared dramatically over straw flames.
Volcanoes, Onsens and Two Cities That Make You Stop and Think
Kagoshima couldn't have been more different. Sakurajima volcano had erupted just three days before we arrived, which added a certain frisson to our plan to go volcano hunting. We took the local ferry across, soaked our feet in naturally heated volcanic waters and ventured as close to the mountain as the authorities sensibly allowed us.
In Fukuoka, we swapped sightseeing for something quintessentially Japanese and booked ourselves a private outdoor onsen. Sitting in steaming spring water in a bamboo courtyard turned out to be a rather splendid way of spending a day in port.
Then there were Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Both are fascinating modern cities, but inevitably their history gives a visit enormous emotional weight. The Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, and the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park in Nagasaki, are places that stay with you long after you leave.
Watch that Part of the trip here: https://youtu.be/4zpYVkepCdk
Why We'd Choose May Again
Our final stop took us across the Korea Strait to Busan, South Korea, where we rode the wonderfully quirky Sky Capsules above the coast at Haeundae, explored the beach district and plunged into the city's rather lively food markets.
And then, far too quickly, it was time to leave Millennium.
We travelled in mid to late May, and for us it was an excellent time to cruise this part of the world. Spring was well established, the days were generally comfortable for exploring and everything was beautifully green. It was even warm enough for our Fukuoka onsen to feel positively subtropical.
Most importantly, this itinerary gave us something different almost every morning: enormous cities, tiny historic streets, castles, markets, temples, volcanoes, remarkable food and places that made us stop and reflect.
And Celebrity Millennium was a rather lovely way of joining all those dots together.
She may not be Celebrity's biggest ship, its newest or its flashiest. But after 12 nights aboard, we had become rather fond of what we christened “the little ship that can.”
For Japan, we would happily sail on her again.
Watch our Japan Cruise Diary here: https://youtu.be/vPCuWkuu9MA
Maiden Voyage: Royal Caribbean Legend of the Seas -july 2026
Legend of the Seas: Is the World’s Largest Cruise Ship Actually One of the Best? Dated August 2026
When we announced we were sailing on Royal Caribbean’s brand-new Legend of the Seas, quite a few of our regular viewers thought we had finally lost the plot!
Perhaps they had a point. At nearly 1,200 feet long and carrying 7600 passengers, this is less a cruise ship and more a small town that has somehow slipped its moorings!
Yet after spending a week aboard for her maiden voyage, something rather unexpected happened.
We quite liked her. Let me tell you why...
A Mega-Ship That Doesn't Always Feel Mega
The cleverest thing Royal Caribbean has done is divide this enormous ship into very different neighbourhoods.
Central Park became one of our favourites. With thousands of real plants, restaurants, live music and even a tiny champagne bar, it feels remarkably peaceful for a ship of this size.
But our favourite spot was The Overlook, a spectacular observation lounge beneath the AquaDome. Huge sea views, comfortable sofas, elevated seating pods and cocktails after dark make this, in our opinion, one of the best observation lounges at sea, on any ship. Watch our video to see why I say that: https://youtu.be/_manzRDUFOc
Royal Caribbean makes some enormous claims about its entertainment, but on this occasion the hype is justified. We watched a full 90-minute production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, an ice show complete with synchronised drones, and a spectacular AquaTheater production combining high diving and aerial acrobatics. These weren't simply “good for a cruise ship”. They were genuinely professional productions and amongst the best entertainment we've seen at sea.
ENTERTAINMENT ON LEGEND OF THE SEAS
And the Food? On Legend of the Seas?
Another surprise.
The Windjammer buffet was better than expected, regularly offering seafood, good charcuterie, carving stations and an impressive variety of international dishes.
More importantly, Royal provides a huge number of complimentary alternatives, including the AquaDome Market, Pearl Café, Park Café, El Loco Fresh and Basecamp.
Basecamp's smash burger also demonstrated the difference between Mrs Ritzy and me.
Mrs Ritzy: “It's half an hour until dinner.”
Me: “Yes, but look. Smash burger.”
I ate it!
The main dining room, however, was more disappointing. Dinner was inconsistent, despite excellent service, although strangely breakfast there was superb.
Where Legend Gets It Wrong
It isn't all rosy.
Seven pools sounds impressive, but several simply aren't big enough for the number of passengers aboard. On a sunny sea day things can become decidedly busy.
Cabin location also matters enormously. We would be particularly wary of the Surfside balconies unless you're travelling with young children. Some overlook a very lively family neighbourhood and offer considerably less privacy than we'd want from a balcony cabin.
The Big Question: Does It Feel Crowded?
Surprisingly, not nearly as much as we expected.
The neighbourhood design works. Families gravitate towards Surfside and Thrill Island, while quieter areas such as Central Park and The Overlook attract a completely different crowd. Numerous restaurants and cafés also disperse passengers around the ship.
We even timed getting off the ship. From the Royal Promenade to the gangway took us, on average, less than 90 seconds.
For a floating city, that's quite an achievement
Our Verdict on Legend of the Seas
Would we recommend Legend of the Seas? Mostly....yes
It isn't for everyone. If you love traditional, intimate cruising, this probably isn't your ship. The pools could be better, the main dining room disappointed us at dinner, and some cabin locations require careful consideration.
But Royal Caribbean has achieved something rather clever.
Legend doesn't feel like one enormous ship. It feels like several very different ships occupying the same hull.
After 33 cruise lines and 28 years of cruising, Legend of the Seas surprised us more than almost any ship we've sailed.... because we didn't expect to like it!
Would we sail on her again?
Yes. And we genuinely never thought we'd say that.
Watch our full Legend of the Seas review on the Ritzy Travel Guide YouTube channel for the complete ship tour, restaurants, cabins, entertainment, pools and our final ratings.
Watch our review Video here: https://youtu.be/_manzRDUFOc
A look at the revitalised Crystal cruises
February 12th 2026 - The Phoenix of the High Seas
Rebirth of Ultra-Luxury Aboard Crystal Symphony
In the golden age of cruising, there was one name that sat undisputed at the pinnacle of the industry. For 20 consecutive years, Crystal Cruises held the title of "World’s Best"—a record of dominance that felt as permanent as the horizon. Then, the unthinkable happened. In 2022, amidst a global standstill, the titan fell. Crystal went bust, its ships were arrested, and a legacy seemed lost to the history books.
- But as any traveller knows, the most compelling stories involve a second act. Under the new guardianship of the Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group, Crystal has risen from the ashes. We stepped aboard the newly refurbished Crystal Symphony to see if this "Crystal 2.0" is merely a ghost of its former self or if the phoenix has truly returned, stronger and more polished than ever.
- A Return To Elegance: Stepping into the atrium of the Crystal Symphony is not like boarding the modern "floating condominiums" that dominate the Caribbean today. There are no neon lights or towering water slides. Instead, you are met with a signature waterfall, sweeping staircases, and a glass of chilled champagne the moment you cross the threshold.
Crystal Symphony Cabins
The Sapphire Suite: A Masterclass in Refurbishment
If you’re worried about the age of the ship, one look at the Sapphire Suites will put those fears to rest. During the 2023 multi-million dollar refit, Crystal performed "surgical" improvements—literally knocking two smaller cabins into one to create expansive, open-plan living spaces.
- Our Sapphire Ocean View Suite featured a distinct lounge and bedroom section, Italian marble bathrooms with massive walk-in showers, and the kind of "fabulosity mirrors" that make getting ready for dinner an event in itself. Every suite at this level comes with a dedicated butler. On our sailing, our butler was a master of the "invisible touch," appearing with afternoon canapés and freshly pressed laundry before we even realized we needed them.
Crystal Symphony Dining
A Culinary Symphony
If service is Crystal’s calling card, dining is its soul. Crystal is an "all-inclusive" line, but that term feels too clinical for the level of gastronomy on display.
- Umi Uma by Nobu: Crystal remains the only cruise line in the world to host a Nobu Matsuhisa restaurant at sea. The Black Cod with Miso and the Wagyu beef are masterpieces of Japanese-Peruvian fusion.
- Osteria d’Ovidio: Replacing the old Prego, this Italian venue features a menu crafted by a three-star Michelin chef. The smoked butter and handmade pastas are, quite simply, divine.
- Beefbar: A new addition from Monte Carlo, this is the first of its kind at sea. The tuna tacos and succulent ribeye prove that Crystal isn't just relying on old favourites; they are innovating.
- Waterside (Main Dining): Even the main dining room feels like a specialty experience. With open seating and tables spaced generously apart, you never feel like a number. The "Steak Diane" served here is a nod to the golden age—classic, tableside, and perfect.
Crystal Symphony
Is It For You?
Crystal Symphony is not for the budget-conscious, nor is it for families seeking high-octane thrills. It is for the traveller who values the chance to experience the very best of the "old world" without the stuffiness of the "ancient world."
- The entertainment on Crystal Symphony strikes a delicate balance. In the Palm Court, you can indulge in a traditional chocolate-themed high tea to the sounds of a live pianist. If you prefer something moodier, the Avenue Saloon offers a dark-wood, low-lit piano bar atmosphere that feels like a hidden jazz club in London.
- The Pool Deck: It is a beautiful, teak-lined sanctuary
- The Rating:
- Look & Feel: 9/10
- Dining: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Value: 8/10 (It is luxury, but you truly get what you pay for.)
- Crystal is back. It is polished, it is refined, and it is once again leading the way for those who want to sail in a "private ocean retreat."
JANUARY 2ND 2026 - Outlook for Cruising in 2026
1. The Class of 2026: The Rise of the Mega-Resort
The ship launches of 2026 are nothing short of theatrical, defined by a "bigger is better" paradox. While these vessels are reaching record-breaking sizes, they are being designed as "Mega-Resorts" that feel more intimate than the smaller ships of a decade ago through genius architecture and themed neighbourhoods.
- Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas: Debuting in July 2026, this Icon-class giant weighs in at a staggering 250,800 gross tons. Despite carrying up to 7,600 passengers, it manages flow via eight distinct neighbourhoods. Highlights include the Royal Railway Utopia Station—a virtual reality dining car where 4K "windows" and floor vibrations simulate a journey through the Silk Road—and the Category 6 waterpark, the largest at sea.
- MSC World Asia: Coming in December 2026, this 215,863-ton behemoth features a signature Y-shaped aft and an 11-deck dry slide called the Tree of Life. It masterfully blends Asian-inspired aesthetics with high-energy thrills like the Cliffhanger overwater swing. For the aspirational traveler, its Yacht Club (a "ship-within-a-ship") offers the best value-to-luxury ratio in the industry.
- Norwegian Luna: Launching in April 2026, the Luna is 10% larger than its Prima-class predecessors. It introduces the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, while expanding its upscale Haven suite complex to include massive three-bedroom duplex suites with private elevators.
- Disney Adventure: Making its debut in Singapore, this 208,000-ton giant is Disney’s largest ship ever. It features seven themed zones, including a Marvel-themed area with an 820-foot-long rollercoaster, proving that even at nearly 7,000-passenger capacity, the "Disney Magic" is scaling up.
Watch our Full Video on New Cruise ships in 2026 HERE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61gV81HDUCs&t=2017s
What's New for 2026?
1. The Class of 2026: The Rise of the Mega-Resort
The ship launches of 2026 are nothing short of theatrical, defined by a "bigger is better" paradox. While these vessels are reaching record-breaking sizes, they are being designed as "Mega-Resorts" that feel more intimate than the smaller ships of a decade ago through genius architecture and themed neighbourhoods.
- Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas: Debuting in July 2026, this Icon-class giant weighs in at a staggering 250,800 gross tons. Despite carrying up to 7,600 passengers, it manages flow via eight distinct neighbourhoods. Highlights include the Royal Railway Utopia Station—a virtual reality dining car where 4K "windows" and floor vibrations simulate a journey through the Silk Road—and the Category 6 waterpark, the largest at sea.
- MSC World Asia: Coming in December 2026, this 215,863-ton behemoth features a signature Y-shaped aft and an 11-deck dry slide called the Tree of Life. It masterfully blends Asian-inspired aesthetics with high-energy thrills like the Cliffhanger overwater swing. For the aspirational traveler, its Yacht Club (a "ship-within-a-ship") offers the best value-to-luxury ratio in the industry.
- Norwegian Luna: Launching in April 2026, the Luna is 10% larger than its Prima-class predecessors. It introduces the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, while expanding its upscale Haven suite complex to include massive three-bedroom duplex suites with private elevators.
- Disney Adventure: Making its debut in Singapore, this 208,000-ton giant is Disney’s largest ship ever. It features seven themed zones, including a Marvel-themed area with an 820-foot-long rollercoaster, proving that even at nearly 7,000-passenger capacity, the "Disney Magic" is scaling up.
Watch our Full Video on New Cruise ships in 2026 HERE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61gV81HDUCs&t=2017s
2. Rise of Adults Only Cruising
2026 marks a major pivot toward "The Great Decoupling"—the formal separation of the family market from serenity seekers. This isn't just about "quiet zones"; it’s about entire brands rebranding for the mature traveler.
- Oceania Cruises’ Big Move: As of early 2026, Oceania has officially transitioned to an adults-only model for its newest sailings. This is a massive strategic shift for a line already famous for its "Finest Cuisine at Sea." By requiring guests to be 18+, they are doubling down on sophisticated, unhurried exploration.
- The "Child-Free" Standard: We are seeing traditional players react to the success of Virgin Voyages. Even on mega-ships, the Hideaway zones are expanding—think world-first suspended infinity pools located at the aft, far removed from the splash zones, creating a "boutique" feel for adults who want the amenities of a giant vessel without the high-energy chaos.
- Next month we have a review of Oceania
- WATCH our review of one of the most famous Adults only cruiselines, Virgin Voyages, HERE:
3. Cruises are getting shorter, by default
The "Me-kend" and the Death of the 7-Day Standard
The most significant shift in how we cruise is the duration. In 2026, the "Me-kend"—a three-to-four-night high-intensity luxury break—is the fastest-growing segment.
Travellers are now treating cruises like "taster menus."
Not everyone has weeks to spend at sea. 2026 sees a continued rise in compact cruises, ideal for long weekends or first-time cruisers:
Three- to four-night itineraries are growing in popularity in the Arabian Gulf, South Africa, and parts of Europe.
Cruiselines figure these shorter, flexible cruises make cruising accessible for more people and encourage repeat bookings.
4. New Frontiers
While private islands like Celebration Key (Carnival) and Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean) are fully operational, the real news in 2026 is the expansion into fresh, exotic territories.
- The Middle East Boom: Ports like Dammam and Jeddah are seeing massive investment, offering a blend of futuristic skylines and ancient history.
- Japan Circumnavigations: Demand for Japan has skyrocketed. Lines are now offering "Deep Japan" itineraries hitting smaller ports like Kagoshima, allowing for true cultural immersion beyond the main cities.
- The Extended Mediterranean: Due to climate shifts, we are seeing the "Summer of November." Lines are running full Mediterranean schedules into December, avoiding the summer heatwaves and overtourism while offering much lower "shoulder season" pricing.
- Astro-Tourism: With the Total Solar Eclipse in August 2026, itineraries are being custom-built to position ships in the "path of totality" off the coasts of Iceland and Northern Spain.
- Look at one of our Favourite destinations here:
5. Fares are being quoted differently
The 2026 Economy: Rising Costs & High Occupancy
2026 is seeing the highest cruise occupancy rates in history. High demand means the "rock bottom" prices of the past are rare. However, the strategy here is Value Bundling.
Lines are trying to encourage us towards "All-In" fares. Claiming they are better value. But are they really? We are highly suspicious. By booking a package that includes Wifi, speciality dining, photo packages, tipping, they are locking you in. Make sure you really want or need the bundled extras