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This was our fourth time on the Eclipse and we never seem to tire of either the ship and the superb crew.
We arrived at 1055hrs and after the luggage drop and parking the car our embarkation was the usual efficient procedure. The introduction of passenger photographs at the check-in desk is a definite improvement to the old queues at the ship's embarkation desk; by using multiple cameras on the initial check -in desks an old bug bear has been resolved in a very efficient manner.
Once on board we were greeted by a very smart crew member with either Champagne or Orange juice and then proceeded immediately to the lunch buffet on deck fifteen.
Our cabin was ready just after one and this allowed us unpack prior to the emergency boat drills prior to sailing at 1630hrs.
Sail away was smooth and we watched as the Solent shoreline passed slowly as we proceeded to sea.
Our favorite watering hole for a pre-dinner drink is the Cocktail Bar and although the drinks vary from $8 - $12 their size makes them good value.
The main dining room food at dinner is always varied and of good quality although we did hear others complaining about size of portions or the lack of vegetables. Vegetables are always available, you just need to ask the table waiter.
The generous on board credit allowed us to buy an ipad from the Apple store. The units were discounted and once the exchange rate was applied it made the purchase very advantageous. The store manager set the unit up and this allowed us to use the on board wifi to practice using the unit to check emails during the cruise. As the boat is American owned the charger is 100-240v input via a flat two pin plug but all this means as the purchase of an adapter to use on the standard 13amp socket in the UK.
Our ports of call were Bergen, Flam, Geiranger and Oslo.
The scenery when visiting these ports is very special and allows quiet meditation on the beauty as it passes by the balcony. The weather for day visits was sunny and warm except in Bergen when we were caught in a squall of frozen rain for maybe ten minutes. Even this slight negative didn't dampen the experience of visiting such a beautiful country.
Overall the cruise was great but unfortunately too short to allow a complete rest; so we'll just have to book another trip on this marvelous ship.
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