Celebrity Eclipse
We loved the fast track boarding which came with our Concierge class cabin, with friendly staff it was very efficient. Upgrading our drinks package was a bit of a farce (but worth it by the time we hit the Martini bar!)
We only gave service on board a 3/5, and I think that this was a victim of the cruise being a mini cruise. People come on board with the intention of drinking more than on a regular cruise, so bar service was slow everywhere and every time we wanted a drink we had to wait (up to 40 minutes in one bar).
Food - 4/5. The ocean buffet has great quality food, freshly cooked pasta and stir fries as well as food from about 10 different countries. Oh and ice cream, with sprinkles! We ate dinner at the Tuscan Grill and Murano. The mains in Tuscan grill were perfectly cooked and tasted wonderful, and the view from here at the back of the ship was unrivalled. Overall the overall ambience and food was a smidge better in Murano - it is a more intimate restaurant and the service was attentive. Our Chateaubriand was perfectly cooked. In both Murano and Tuscan Grill, the waiters were happy to suggest wines to accompany our food from the drinks package.
In the atrium, the coffee bar had great coffee and cake, and if you were prepared to put your hand in your pocket the ice cream bar had a great selection of flavours served in freshly made waffle cones - look out for Happy Hour! Design and feel of the ship - 5/5. The atrium was a great space with lots of light, great spaces to chill and attractive sculptures - it was a lovely space. The Moonlight Sonata dining room was light modern and stylish. Throughout the ship there was a good choice of bars and spaces to meet up with friends. The shops were OK, but not particularly to my taste.
Facilities - 5/5. My sister kindly tested the gym out for me and was impressed with the range of equipment and changing facilities which included a sauna. Special classes were available at an extra charge, with a few taster ones for free.
Spa - 4/5. The treatments were excellent and we all looked 10 years younger after our facials. Our different therapists employed various levels of pressure sales on the skincare products! The only downside was that you didn't get a feeling of being at the spa, there were treatment rooms, but you weren't provide with a robe, and if you wanted to go in the spa/chill room, it would have been an extra cost. The spa reception was a corridor to the gym. That said the ocean view I had whilst having my pedicure was wonderful.
Cabin - 4/5. The cabin was fine with a nice sized balcony and big enough for three adults. I think that four would have been a squeeze. I have had bigger cabins on cruise ships and the wardrobe space could have been more extensive. It was very clean and we had a friendly attentive steward.
Next time, I think that we'd try Aqua class so that we could eat breakfast in the smaller dining room and have access to the Persian Garden.
My favourite thing was sailing out of port at sunset, the wind in my hair.
