I work in social work which is stressful and booked this cruise after moving to Wales as both husband and myself needed a break after a stressful eighteen months refurbishing house and his chainsaw accident. This cruise was likely to be the last we will all share together, so we wanted something special. Having sailed with Celebrity previously we were eager to return to "Eclipse" for her trip to the Western Med in September 17. Unfortunately, it did not match my expectations. As the title of my review suggests, standards have definitely slipped since our last cruise with Celebrity in key areas, giving the impression that the company bottom line is more important than keeping its passengers happy.

The cabin was clean and well-kept by the stewards as big as anything we've had before with the balcony. However, who designed the hand wash basin with that tap directly over the middle of the sink? You could not wash your face without banging your head on the tap. Not really any issues with soot from the ships funnels, other than a few minor specks. Throughout the ship very annoying, repetitive, voiceless music was heard.

We were ashore for less than 16% of the total length of the Cruise, so a lot of the time is spent on deck, "sardined" on sunbeds, or learning to line dance. Security staff were quite engaging and welcoming however - even to the point of addressing passengers by name and welcoming them "home", nice touch. Tour guide on Lanzarote tour arrogant and unhelpful in reference to photo of camel ride - refused to take sterling so lost out on memento having not been advised before that this may be needed to purchase photo. Gibraltar – just Britain with heat! Read more