we wanted to visit the Baltic and having cruised with P&O previously on three occasions we tried to book a cruise with them but the dates we wanted were not available. We contacted Celebrity and got the very cruise we wanted on the Eclipse and on the correct dates. it should be noted that the total price was less than P&O and we also had a drinks package thrown in which would have escalated our costs had we gone with P&O. the ship was great. It was clean and tidy and the cabins were very good with good bathroom facilities and good space for clothes etc---bed was comfortable----balcony was a good size. The facilities on board were good and entertainment was of a good standard although it was limited to a house band and a few duo's although the entertainers doubled up in other things. The food was great with more choice and a better quality than other cruise companys. The three speciality restaurants---Murano, Quisne &Tuscan Grille were fantastic---we felt the Tuscan was the best as it looks out over the back of the boat and the Fillet steak was fabulous. The service was very good and the normal restaurant (Moonlight Sonata) and John and Michael (our waiters for the voyage) were fantastic. embarking and disembarking were easy both at the beginning and end of the cruise and also at each port.

The only (small) thing we thought was a little under par was the formal nights. It seems Celebrity call them "chic" nights and so even designer jeans can be "chic" it seems. We thought that maybe one "chic" night and one "tuxedo" night would be better. We are aware that some people don't like dressing up but for us it is all part of the cruise experience. On the whole we would recommend Celebrity to anyone and we will definitely book our next cruise with them as first choice. If it sounds as though we are running down P&O we are not. They are still good but we felt that Celebrity just had the edge.