Celebrity Eclipse Ship Visit August 2013

I was lucky to be invited to join a small group of agents to spend time on the Celebrity Eclipse ship and even on a rainy day in Southampton, she was an remarkable sight. All the staff we met were very welcoming, friendly and always smiling.

Eclipse is part of the Solstice Class that Celebrity Cruises first introduced in 2008 with the launch of Celebrity Solstice. This was then followed by Equinox, Eclipse, Silhouette and Reflection. They are a very impressive class of ship which feel very spacious from a clever use of space, colour, different materials and textures. Art is also present throughout the ship.

From the Grand Foyer when you first enter the Celebrity Eclipse you are aware of the size and scale of the ship. There are so many different places to explore and to find your favourite place to spend your time.

One very special area is the Lawn Club up on deck 15 which is an expanse of real grass used for music performances, picnics, games or just relaxing.

The ship’s spa is particularly good for a calm and revitalising experience. If you chose an Aqua Suite you have free access to this area and also the Blu Restaurant which offers wonderful fresh food.

Dining is a big part of Celebrity Cruises. They regularly win awards for their dining experience and Eclipse is no exception. It offers many choices of dining venues of which some have a cover charge starting from $5 per person up to $45 per person for a culinary master class in Qsine. There is also the main dining rooms and buffet style dining in the Oceanview Café if you prefer.

As you would expect from a cruise ship there is a main theatre, all sorts of bars and lounges for you to relax in, a fitness centre and jogging track – definitely something to suit everyone. There are great family facilities as well with younger passengers well catered for with age related groups and activities in place for them.

I thought Equinox was one the best new ships I had seen when I saw her in 2009, and Eclipse is just as impressive. I can see why she is so successful out of Southampton. It was the overall impression of warmth and space and an easy flow around that ship that made the whole day a real pleasure.

I have attached a selection of photographs taken during my time on-board, which I hope will give you a small taste of this ship.

Eclipse is sailing out of Southampton on various itineraries until October, she will then spend her winter in the Caribbean before returning in May 2014.