Celebrity Eclipse Review

4.5 / 5.0
1,951 reviews

The most wonderful hotel on the Med

Review for the Western Mediterranean Cruise on Celebrity Eclipse
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TenorManD
2-5 Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Jul 2011
Cabin: Deluxe Veranda 2C

This was our first time with Celebrity, and the Eclipse is a new ship with what looked like everything we would look for, after being on the Royal Caribbean's giant Freedom of the Seas last time. (Which was a wonderful experience for us)We are both in our 60's, with no health problems, so could enjoy everything the trip had to offer. We were not disappointed. Everything about this truly magnificent ship was bright and fresh looking. Even the older well experienced cruisers remarked on the light colours and ambient lighting in the dining room.Our stateroom was immaculate, and we could get all our cases under the bed, which was convenient, and the designers had also ensured maximum space in the shower room. The all day/night lighting in the bathroom was also an added convenience.The food served morning to night was a delight. We even ordered our breakfast every evening using our 32 inch TV's interactive service, and it was confirmed by phone, and delivered promptly by our wonderful stewardess, so we could enjoy a relaxed start to the day on our balcony. Now, it doesn't get better than that!The multitude of trips available could be perused, selected, and booked from the TV or by attending any of the daily talks on board, all of which gave good information of the different types of trips. I found it important to listen to the details, otherwise you might find yourself on an archaeological trip when you may just want to go sightseeing, or to the beach. The use of personal receivers for the guided walks is a great innovation, because you don't need to crowd round your guide to hear what he or she is saying, often in busy, noisy places of interest.Getting back to the ship was a treat. Being met by a line of officers, and stewards with trays of cold drinks, and ice cold towels before walking up the red carpet to embark was, well, just incredible! (Celebrity 'guests' must all be 'A' listed).Once back on board there would be time for more of the great food available 24 hours on the ship, before enjoying one of the Sailaway parties. Either by the poolside with the fantastic 6 piece Philipino party band, or up onto the half acre or so of beautifully manicured real grass lawn, to listen to live jazz, while sipping a cocktail or enjoying a beer. - perfection under the sun. Afterwards, following a nap, time for a shower, and a wee nip from the stateroom bar, before heading down to one of the ships magnificent bars and lounges, perhaps visiting the amazing Ice Bar, and being entertained by one of the talented cocktail jugglers.Our main dining was later, so we would go to the early show in the theatre, and although some of the entertainment was not as professional as on the Royal Carribean ship, it was generally entertaining. The production shows, though, we thought were very professionally done, and with some real talent.Just time for another visit to one of the bars or lounges, to sip a pre-dinner drink and chat with some of the other guests, and listen to one of excellent and varied musical acts performing around the ship.Dinner in the main restaurant, or one of the fabulous speciality restaurants on Eclipse, was a delightful experience from start to finish. friendly, personal greetings, and full explanations and recommendations from the table waiter, constant attention by the assistant waiter, and prompt service from the wine waiter made this part of the day most enjoyable. The menus were varied to suit most tastes, and wonderfully presented.Dinner served at a table of 6 or 8 lets guests enjoy all the fun of meeting up with fellow travellers, and share each others experiences and adventures.After dinner, perhaps time to visit another bar or two, before retiring for the night to another of the most comfortable nights sleep this reviewer has ever enjoyed.How can all of this happen day in and day out throughout the holiday? It has to be because of the commitment and relentless hard work carried out by every member of the staff and crew. There must be a very well oiled machine on Eclipse which manages to keep staff happy in their work and interested in the great services they all provide. And they undoubtedly do!Maybe they just all see the expressions of happiness and contentedness in the faces of the guests.Well done Celebrity. We'll be backD&R D

Cabin Review

Deluxe Veranda 2C

Cabin 2C
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