This was our third trip on Eclipse and we have booked again for next year. Nothing is perfect but, for us, she comes close.
Although we only live 3.5 hours from Southampton, we travelled up the night before and stayed over in the Novotel right outside the dock gates. This was the first time we have done this and we would definitely do this again. We had a relaxed breakfast, looked around Southampton's shops and strolled onto the ship at 11.00 am... majic.
Embarkation was swift and, as always, a glass of bubbly or juice was waiting for us as we stepped on. The buffet, bistro, cafe, burger grill and some bars were open. The staterooms opened at 1.15 pm but there was plenty to do until then.