Celebrity Eclipse - What an experience!
Where do I start? So many highlights! Her Maiden Voyage was 2010 so still sparkly and new... the embarkation process was really straightforward although would recommend passengers always complete online check-in, order luggage labels and pre-arrange parking as she has over 2,800 passengers embarking!
First impressions were wonderful, sat in the Sunset bar on the Lawn deck on a sunny afternoon drinking cocktails whilst sailing away. We were allocated balcony staterooms, which I found really well designed and spacious, flat screen TV's! - the bathrooms had thoughtful touches with plenty of room!! Dinner on the first evening was in the main dining room..Delicious Food!! Equivalent at least to a top quality restaurant - and the service second to none! Four courses later we headed for drinks in the Martini bar. A new addition to Solstice class ships, its a great place to 'chill out' - although should have been named the Ice bar as the bar top made of ice!
During our seminars we had chance to discover the ship - I was particularly enthralled with the 'adult only' indoor solarium and pool relaxation area, close to the spa and gym, with it's own healthy eating cafe! If you are someone who likes to keep fit and healthy, you will be impressed by the gym - top of the range equipment, spacious and plenty of machines so no queues!! The staff run interesting health seminars and fitness classes whilst at sea.I might even try an Aqua class stateroom next time which gives free access to the Persian Garden - sauna/relaxation area in the spa plus lots of other benefits and personalised health and fitness advice
I was stunned by the array of places to eat and drink onboard from top notch speciality restaurants to huge buffet restaurant, bistro, ice cream bar, creperie and wherever you went people were sat down chatting and socialising so a very friendly atmosphere on board. We were lucky to eat in the speciality restaurant Qsine where you don't have a meal you have 'a culinary experience'. It is well worth the $30 per person extra cover charge. You pick an array of sampler dishes from around the world (selected on Ipads!). I wont give away the menu as I don't want to spoil the fun but will just say it is a really innovative concept and great fun!
We managed to see two shows, one was a compilation of well known Broadway musicals, and the other a 'Cirque du Soleil' experience - my favourite was Cirque du Soleil but both were very professional and by far the highest standard of entertainment I have seen on a cruise ship.We had a Galley tour so were able to see the meticulous food preparation and skills of the chefs and were also privileged to have a Bridge tour and to meet the Captain and other ship directors in one of our training sessions. We were also invited to attend the Captains Club party - Captains Club is the loyalty programme for repeat passengers and seems very worthwhile joining as lots of benefits given for future cruises!.
We did venture on shore briefly, but it was a wet, miserable day in Cork so we were soon back seeking the ship's refuge and relaxing in the solarium with a healthy salmon salad, fruit smoothie and chilling out by the pool - before hitting the gym!
Whether you are a couple, a family or single traveller, there is something on Celebrity Eclipse to suit you - you can escape and find tranquility, or you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere on board and never feel alone. I was really surprised by the variety of activities onboard for children as well.I had never thought of Celebrity for families prior to this cruise.finally, I would recommend paying what is sometimes only a little extra, to enjoy a balcony or even Concierge Class stateroom! If you want to know more about cruising just let me know!