Our fifth cruise on Eclipse and overall very good. First cruise in Aqua Class again very good except Blu Restaurant. This had the worst menu on any cruise ship/line we have used. The most bizarre combinations of ingredients/spices we have ever experienced. We were told all the chefs involved were Asian and dishes were far too over spiced. Some soups inedible. If the spicy dishes did not suit, you had a choice of 3 very bland dishes, salmon, roast chicken or strip steak which never altered throughout the cruise. Unimaginative!. Desserts were only average and need a rethink across the ship. Why Aqua guests are subjected to this dreadful menu when recipes in all of the other restaurants are very good is a mystery. The other eating venues were very good and ingredient quality and variety was to very high standard. The Ocean View self service was as good as ever though again drinks service was slow.

Our cabin was overall excellent perhaps a bit small though the facilities especially the bathroom were well above par. The multi jet shower was particularly good. Our bed was very comfortable though pillows less so. Cabin attendant and assistant were great with nothing too much trouble. Afternoon canapes were disappointing but ask for an alternative. We had a fruit plate every day with the most delicious grapes we have ever tasted. On previous cruises we have excellent cheese and biscuit platters.

The itinerary to Iceland tested the crew to its limits and they generally coped admirably. Guests were generally indoors due to coolish weather. Lounges and bars were busy all day except in port. Table service was rather slow at times and needed more staff. The cruise demonstrated how inadequate Cafe al Bacio is. It either needs doubling in size or there needs to be another coffee bar. For much of the day it was a scramble to get a table. Not helped by selfish guests who thought it was a good place to read for hours or to play cards. Staff there were the best on the ship and well organised and generally unflappable. Cakes and pastries were delicious. Read more