In my opinion, the jewel in the crown of Celebrity Cruises Millennium is its fine dining restaurant, The Olympic.
The Celebrity Millennium Cruise ship is a 5 star experience and when sailing on her my No 1 cruise ship tip is to make a reservation in The Olympic as a matter of priority.
On Celebrity Cruises, The Olympic is considered the finest dining experience afloat – and its easy to see why. The entire experience in this 134 seat Gourmet restaurant is a nostalgic trip to another age. Its authentic interior wood paneling was originally fitted in the restaurant of the RMS Olympic, sister ship to the RMS Titanic.
On Celebrity Cruises the dining experience in general is of the highest quality. However, there is a small supplement to pay for the pleasure of dining in the Olympic but, despite this charge (It's a drop in the ocean by the way – excuse the nautical pun) you really must book early to ensure a reservation.
A Memorable Meal
On our arrival, we were met by the Maitre d', escorted to our table and introduced to our waiting staff for the evening. The Menu, designed byFrench Master Chef, Michel Roux, was explained to us and we were asked if we wanted to pre-order the chocolate souffle – well it would be rude not to wouldn't it?
- Not Us By The Way!
The Maitre d' returned and introduced us to the Sommelier (That's the wine waiter in case you were wondering!) and it was this brilliant man who introduced me to Pouilly-Fume – a crisp dry white – and in the process sparked my love of wine, I will be eternally grateful.
Flambe Is A Must!
We had determined to make “full use of the facilities” whilst on Celebrity Cruises Millennium and it stood to reason that we had to order the lobster (for Natalie) and the steak for me because it was to be flambe'd table-side by the Maitre d' (Bloke, Meat, Flames! - every man understands this primal instinct!).
When asked how I liked my steak cooked I'm pleased to report that I was mindful of the occasion and the nostalgic and elegant surroundings in which we were dining, but it still took every inch of my willpower (and a nasty glare from Natalie) not to say, “Wipe his ass, cut his horns off and slap him on a plate”!! I managed it though.
Romance and Nostalgia
To add to the romance of the nostalgic surroundings, a string quartet were playing quietly in the background throughout. Pouncing on a romantic opportunity befitting the occasion I asked the violinist to play a favourite song for Natalie - Andrea Bocelli's, Con Te Partiro. I didn't know it was called this at the time so just hummed a few bars from the song and said,”you know? The one Sarah Brightman sang.” (Time to Say Goodbye – I later found out). Nevertheless, it had the desired result.
The Chocolate Souffle exceeded all expectations and our meal was rounded off splendidly with aperitifs and coffee.
I must admit that, due to the occasion (our honeymoon), my recent return from the Gulf War and the fact that a humble Cornishman from Camborne couldn't believe the surroundings in which he was dining, I shed a little tear - I was a very happy man that night.
My Most Memorable Dining Experience To Date
In summary, I have to say that dining in Celebrity Cruises Millennium Olympic Restaurant brings a bygone era to life, reminiscent of the grand days of transatlantic cruising.
That meal in the Olympic remains my finest and most memorable dining experience ever and is not likely to be surpassed until the next time I sail on Celebrity Cruise Liner Millennium. If there is a finer dining experience afloat out there, it will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
I vowed that I would one day return to repeat the experience and I am now in a position to do that with Primo Vacations. Not only will I soon be returning to cruise on the Millennium but I will be doing it at a fraction of the cost thanks to Primo Vacations.
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