Celebrity Eclipse Review
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Typically, we cruise whatever line is cheapest. For our honeymoon, we decided to go up-market for our cruise, as well as take a break from the Caribbean. Celebrity Eclipse was unequivocally the best ship we have been on. it seemed our honeymoon status followed us everywhere. From a card, chocolate covered strawberries and champagne from the Captain, to an invitation for sail away on the helipad, to the acknowledgement by wait staff in specialty restaurants, we have never seen a cruise line so well organized and in tune with their guests.
Dining was sublime. I would argue the buffet on Eclipse was comparable to the MDR on Carnival. We, for the first time ever, dined at every specialty restaurant, including the Chef's Table. Bar scene was also perfect- upgrading from the Classic to Premium package was well worth the up charge.
While our cabin was mostly typical of what you would expect on any other line, it was the small touches that made Celebrity excel; I.e., umbrellas, tote bags, chocolates on the pillow. Our cabin steward, Apollo, would stop working if he heard us coming down the hall, escorting us to our room and opening the door for us.No matter how many times we seemed to unmake the bed for mid-day naps, our room was never not made up. A far cry from what we're used to on Carnival, where service is only once daily.
Cabin Review
Ocean View 8
Typical of what you'd expect on any cruise line, but cabin steward and service were sublime.
Port Reviews
Mykonos
Celebrity offering free transfers to the town center from the port was a very nice touch.
Santorini
Not much to do in Santorini except take in the views. We were fortunate in that we were the only ship in port, so there was no wait for the cable car. The 25 Euro cab fare to Oia is well-worth it!
Rhodes
Lots of tourist shops with the occasional craft/local goods store. Was nice to spend a few hours in. Many folks went to Lindos and raved about the experience.
Malta (Valletta)
Eclipse docked on the far end of the Grand Harbor. To cut down on long walks/cab rides, Celebrity offered complimentary water taxis across the harbor. Five ships in port that day meant the elevator to the Barrakka Gardens was out of the question due to lines. If you're not fit, book an excursion- a lot of steps to get to the city level. St. John's Co Cathedral was stunning, as was the sail away from Valletta.