We returned to Celebrity this year for our annual vacation after a nice trip with Holland America (our second favourite) last November and a Norwegian trip with Royal Caribbean from Southampton earlier this year.

The vacation started with a great Thomas Cook direct flight Manchester (UK) – Miami on the Sunday. I must say this is a great direct service from the North of England saving the flight Manchester to Heathrow and change to either Virgin or BA. Admittedly you pay for a few things on board like drinks etc. but having saved over £250 from the Virgin price I will be using this service again in the future.

We overnighted at the YVE hotel in Miami, not the best hotel ever but as its only one night it was Ok. After a walk on the waterfront early morning we took a shuttle to the port earlier than normal boarding at 10.45 and were amazed that we were not expected to wait in a lounge or queue outside but were booked in and on board with a welcome drink in our hands by 11.30 ready for an explore. Eclipse is not a new ship to us having sailed Transatlantic on her in 2013 but there have been a few changes, not all for the better in my opinion, but she looked as magnificent as our last trip. This was our 9th cruise and 5th on Celebrity so nowhere near the complete cruisers as some but certainly getting to know our likes and dislikes. Read more