Celebrity Eclipse Review
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This was our 2nd cruise on the Eclipse, we chose it because we knew what to expect and had been very happy with it before. Embarkation for disabled poeple is excellent. Balcony stateroom excellent. Service outstanding. The wjole ship is spotlessly clean and well maintained. We only eat at the Ocean View Buffet because it is so good, lots of choices, with very flexible opening hours. We don't book any of the ship's excursions because there are cheaper and better alternatives, especially in St. Petersburg. The beauty of the Eclipse is that you can choose to do anything or nothing. Getting involved in events usually places you in a "Pantomime" style activity: someone with a microphone telling you to shout or cheer louder. However, the point is that there is no pressure to take part in anything and sometimes it's fun to watch from a distance, eg. dance classes. Some of the musicians were quite good but we never returned to the Eclipse Theatre because the Pantomime factor kicked in. Second rate performers, not for the discerning audience. Disembarkation is simple and quick.
Downsides: 24 hr piped music which is inappropriate and sometimes so intrusive that you cannot engage in conversation. It is apparently governed by the bosses back in USA and no one on the ship has the power to change it! Canyon Ranch SpaClub - considerable hidden costs and not worth going near it: people paying a fortune for hairdressing, then rushing back to their cabins to wash and redo their hair. Don't fall for the Megawhite teeth whitening treatment. They don't tell you about the 18% "gratuity" which, when questioned, means another "service charge" and there's no mention of an extra $80 for the "after-care kit". It is a controversial teatment in the UK but the law apparently does not apply when "at sea".
Otherwise, a brilliant cruise, brilliant ship - you just have to watch out for extra or hidden costs. We didn't do it the first time because we didn't understand how it worked but the Classic beverage package was great. Despite complaints, we'll go again...with the knowledge of what to avoid. Please...Celebrity, cut the MUSAK!
Cabin Review
Deluxe Veranda 1A
Perfect, spacious, sound-proof, lots of storage, lovely bathroom with solid walk-in shower unit. Loads of hot water. Huge verandah with table and chairs. Umbrella, bathrobes, hair dryer, kettle, (silly little cups but bring some down from Ocean View buffet)), tea and coffee etc., Mini fridge very expensive but space to put stuff from Ocean View. BRING EURO ADAPTER plug...no English sockets. Dreamy bed and pillows, plenty of wardrobe space. Excellent attendent service. Room service available at reasonable price. Air-con.
Port Reviews
Copenhagen
We shared a taxi into Christiansborg with another couple, 15 euros per couple. Found a lovely canal boat trip nearby and jumped on for 4 euros each. It was really beautiful and well worth the introductory tour to get a feeling for city and it's atmosphere. Interestingly, got a return taxi on our own and it was still 15 euros. (Go Dantax!) Next day, another taxi into Nyhavn and strolled along the pretty waterside cafes and restaurants, with street musicians. Unfortunately, the weather took a nasty turn so we headed back to the ship but a very good port of call.
Stockholm
Wonderful approaches through the archipelago. Weather was foul so we decided not to go ashore. I believe it was a Public Holiday and the place was a bit closed and quiet.
Tallinn
Beautiful, almost fairy-tale town on two levels. We got a taxi to the upper town and it's a few minutes walk down to the lower main town. Lovely architecture and colour schemes. Very easy to get lost in this town...it's like a labyrinthe! Loved it (even though rain shortened our day).
Berlin
We couldn't face the long coach trip into Berlin - it's a long day with 6 hours driving to and from Berlin. We wandered into Warnemunde and had a pleasant stroll around this quiet and pretty town. We would have liked to hop on the train for a 20 min ride to Rostock but the weather wasn't very tempting and I think we were "toured-out" by this stage of the cruise. When departing Warnemunde at midnight, I was amused by the German songs coming through the tannoys on the wharf... a farewell gesture.