Eclipse

Best For People Who Want

A spacious premium ship with plenty of dining options and an active nightlife; a relaxing but elegant onboard ambience; onboard shopping; large bathrooms in all staterooms.

Should Be Avoided By People Who Prefer

Small-ship cruising, whimsical decor, singing and dancing waiters, an active onboard sports program.

Onboard Experience

If you already like Celebrity you will love Eclipse, the third ship in Celebrity’s Solstice class (number two is named Equinox). Is it too big? Is the Hearst Castle too big? Size is relative and in many ways Eclipse is like a roomier version of the Celebrity Millennium-class. The designers more than compensated for the larger capacity, making her the perfect size – alive with activities but never too crowded.

Eclipse is also beautiful with many of the same features that make the Millennium class appealing. There are long drapes cascading down from three decks above to frame the Grand Foyer staircase. There is a beautiful chandelier in the dining room while the alternative dining spots are generously apportioned with plenty of space between the tables.

The vast majority of staterooms have balconies, and they average 15% larger than other Celebrity ships, Most of the extra room is given over to the bathroom where there is enough room for two people to get ready for dinner. The large showers feature sliding doors rather than plastic curtains that hug against you and there is more storage than most cruise ships.

One major extravagance is shopping with 18 outlets for “retail therapy” onboard. There are gift shops exclusively for women and for men, jewelry shops, dress shops, souvenir shops and kiosks. One does not generally cruise to shop, but these stores are certainly tempting and you can always go in just to chat. The art gallery is low-key and not hard-sell. Look for the 86-facet diamond-pattern round cut Eclipse Diamonds – available in all sizes.

Ten dining options will satisfy any craving, especially for fine coffees with pastry or gelato. Wine tastings by the glass are offered. There is an extensive library and game room.

Service

The service on our sailing was exceptional. A decade ago one would find Celebrity Cruises’ staff very professional yet stoic in service. These days, they are encouraged to make the service friendly as well as professional. Beyond exceptional is the tuxedo-clad service in Murano, the specialty restaurant.

Entertainment

Eclipse has something for everyone in terms of entertainment. While it isn’t as sports-oriented as sister company Royal Caribbean, many of the outdoor elements are there. There is a basketball court, a jogging track, putting green and Bocce ball.

Indoors during the daytime the library is extensively informative and the card room has plenty of tables and games.

A new attraction called “Team Earth” features user-interactive computer generated showcases of various topics of human interest. It is overseen by Conservation Intl., a Washington D.C.-based non-profit organization that gently persuades large American corporations and other organizations to make their daily environmental practices “greener.” Celebrity donated $10,000,000 to the fund as seed money for the Team Earth display. Naturally, it is there to underscore the point that Celebrity is environmentally aware and has many forward-looking practices to help planet Earth remain green.

The pool area is ample with plenty of plush loungers, two pools and two hot tubs. The cabana loungers are comfy and plentiful. The Solarium is an adults only greenhouse style swimming pool with great temperature-controlled sunning in any climate. The AquaSpa restaurant is inside.

Online at Celebrity is the Internet Cafe, but the entire ship has wireless access anyway. This room is great for people who do not travel with a laptop, but your surfing will be limited to web sites or a temporary Celebrity-assigned email address.

Online at Celebrity has been replaced on Eclipse with an Apple Computers iLounge, a combination web cafe using iMacs plus a store and computer education center featuring Apple products. Celebrity plans to put iLounge on all of the Solstice class ships soon.

For fine art, it is hard to beat an original piece of art glass or crystal by the glass blowers of the Corning Museum. Corning Glass is already well known in America for Corningware, but many people do not realize the Corning Museum is one of the finest glass museums in the world. Corning Glass is also the home of Steuben Crystal, a company that features original works of art in crystal by different artists. The Corning Museum “Hot Glass Show” is held a few times each day on “The Lawn.” The gift shop is also an excellent place to buy original pieces of glass artwork.

Nighttime entertainment begins in the Eclipse Theater, which features three different shows with a full cast of singers and dancers on every seven-night cruise. The theater is a two-deck venue with a forward thrust proscenium stage and extensive balcony seating. The singers and dancers are very talented and the show has universal appeal.

Other diversions include the casino with several table games including craps, roulette, 21, let it ride and more. There are hundreds of slots including nickel and 2-cent machines. There are poker tables with an electronic “dealer” that allow from five to eight players to challenge one another.

The Sky Observation Lounge features a live band and large dance floor. It is high atop deck 15 forward and has an eclectic decor of white and red couches and chairs. The Quasar Dance Club is the ship’s “disco” with pod-like seating and a loud sound and lighting system. This is the late night hot spot. The Martini Bar is located in the main public area next to “Crush” and both feature mixed drinks with the stronger spirits.

Michael’s Club is the “Gentlemen’s Club” where one can smoke a cigar and sip a brandy. The decor is decidedly masculine with deep recliners and paintings of popular game targets. The entertainment is a piano soloist.

The Passport Bar is a casual nightclub perfect for conversation with mixed company. Cellar Masters is for oenophiles looking to taste the finest vintages by the glass. The Ensemble Lounge is the late night live music venue. Galleria Tastings is for sampling malt-based scotches, brandies and other spirits.

Throughout the day and night various musical artists can be heard throughout the ship. A singer/guitarist plays sets poolside, in the atrium and in the Ensemble Lounge. A string quartet plays in the Atrium during the day and in Michael’s Club and the Solarium at night.

A Jazz Trio plays in the Ensemble Lounge nightly, A pianist fills the atrium Grand Foyer daily, A steel drum player plays poolside and the pop/rock band “Top Secret” plays poolside during the day and in the Sky Lounge at night.

Eclipse keeps up the tradition of Celebrity having an excellent acapella vocal group onboard. There is a quartet group that performs at least twice a day in the Ensemble Lounge and in the Court.

Cabins

All of the staterooms on Eclipse share certain things in common. They average 15% larger than previous Celebrity cabins and most of that space is given over to the bathroom. The bathrooms are large enough for two people to get ready at the same time. There is ample storage space and the showers are approximately 25% larger than the average cruise ship.

All staterooms feature flat-screen televisions of at least 32-inches. Although the televisions are placed over the desk instead of directly in front of the bed, it is possible to adjust the angle of the screen so it is squarely visible to both people in bed. All beds can be separated into two twin beds or put together as a single queen-sized bed. All have a rounded corner to make it easier to walk around.

All staterooms offer wireless Internet access at an additional fee, with data throughput nearing broadband speeds – impressive for a satellite service. All cabins come with a generous sofa directly in front of the television. In cabins that can accommodate extra guests, these sofas are trundle beds. Eclipse does not have pulldown beds with ladders.

The desk area has plenty of shelf space and both US 110-volt and European 220-volt outlets – perfect for a computer setup, or a vanity area with lighted mirror. There is an adjustable-height coffee table. The staterooms all have doors that open outward towards the hallway instead of inward. All of the doors are recessed from the hallways so they do not open into public traffic lanes.

Every stateroom features an Apple Computer-based interactive television. A Mac Mini running special software allows the user to interact with various cruise services like shore excursion bookings, onboard accounts, on-demand movies, restaurant menus, ordering room service and more.

Cuisine

Celebrity Cruises was long associated with the culinary guidance of 3-star Michelin chef Michel Roux of London. That association began when Celebrity was under the auspices of John Chandris and lasted almost two decades before the line sought the guidance of dining expert Elizabeth Blau. Within her portfolio of culinary experts was the new “go-to guy.” Now serving as Vice President of Food & Beverage is Jacques Van Staden in charge of creating the menus for each of the ten different dining destinations onboard Silhouette and all other Celebrity ships as well.

Restaurants

The Grand Epernay: this two-level dining room features a stunning decor of mostly white walls and angular pillars, chairs and tablecloths. There is a grand staircase with silver railings and an immense chandelier of hanging silver bubbles. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu features continental European cuisine and champagne from the rooms’ namesake region.

Tuscan Grille: Italian steakhouse and specialty restaurant offering fine Italian wines and panoramic views along with your Caesar salad, made tableside. Surcharge $25 pp.

QSine: This restaurant replaces the Silk Harvest restaurants of Asian fusion cuisines found on Solstice and Equinox. The restaurant features unusual shared dishes served in quixotic presentations. Describes are a “tapas-like” experience, the cuisine is tasty and just plain fun. The cuisine was specially designed by Celebrity executive chef Jacques Van Staden. Surcharge.

Blu Restaurant: The specialty restaurant set aside as the exclusive dining venue for the AquaClass suite guests, serving healthier (but not true spa cuisine) fare in a sophisticated and soothing atmosphere.

Murano Restaurant: Savory multi-course meals featuring a blend of classic and modern continental cuisine with an extensive and superb wine list. Surcharge $30 pp.

Bistro on Five: This small, bistro-like room hidden behind glass walls in the public areas of deck five, this room features crepes of all kinds from breakfast to luncheons with beef or chicken and, of course, desserts. There are also soups, salads and quiche. The surcharge is a simple $5.00 per person.

Cafe al Bacio and Gelateria: across from the Bistro on Five, this upscale coffee house features mostly pastries and gelato or Italian ices by the scoop. There is a small charge for the gelato. Coffee and gelato cost from $3.00 to $5.00 per serving.

AquaSpa Cafe: not for the exclusive use of the AquaSpa suite guests (that is “Blu.”) This restaurant is inside the Solarium and features lighter, healthier fare such as salads, fresh raw vegetables and small sandwiches.

Mast Grill and Bar: the poolside grill serving up the usual poolside fare; hamburgers, fries, tacos, chicken wings, bratwurst, gyros, rubens and onion rings.

The Oceanview Cafe and Grill: this is one of the nicest Lido cafeteria-style buffet rooms this cruiser has ever seen. With a multitude of dedicated stations of different types of food, it is easy to see all of the possible selections and lines are always short. Dedicated stations include the carvery, salad bar, dessert bar, Asian stir-fry, grilled steaks and chops and more.

Tipping

Celebrity suggests a per-person per-day gratuity of $3.50 for the waiter, butler (Suites only) and stateroom attendant; $4.00 for Concierge Class stateroom attendant; $2.00 for the Assistant Waiter; and $.75 for the Assistant Maitre d’ and the Assistant Chief Housekeeper.

All guests are given a form to sign if they wish to have these gratuities charged to their shipboard account. Children under 12 who are the third or fourth person in the stateroom pay only half these amounts. A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to all beverage tabs. Gratuities for room service, spa, casino and other staff are at your discretion.

Fitness/Spa

The AquaSpa area has all of the usual fitness machines and classes. Some of the classes carry a service charge.

Persian Gardens, a sensory treatment area within the spa area, features aromatherapy rain and mist showers, wet and dry saunas and hot ceramic lounge chairs to warm your body throughout. This is now available on a day-pass basis for $18-day. The Solarium is beautiful but has no thalassotherapy pool like previous Celebrity ships. It has a “no one under 16 allowed” policy that was not being enforced on our cruise, although the kids in residence were well-behaved. The spa also offers extensive acupuncture treatments which are surprisingly popular. The most common requests are for sleeplessness, backache, stress and seasickness.

The Solarium has a large thalassotherapy pool with water jets to soothe aching muscles. The ship also offers extensive acupuncture treatments which are surprisingly popular. The most common requests are for sleeplessness, backache, stress and seasickness.

Attire

There are two formal nights on a seven-night cruise, three on longer ones. On two informal nights gentlemen need only jackets and no ties. On formal nights most men turn up in dark suits rather than tuxedos, while ladies choose dressy pantsuits or dresses. By day, don’t even consider wearing anything other than shorts, sneakers, polo shirt and a baseball cap.

Ship Overview

The third ship in Celebrity’s Solstice-class, Celebrity Eclipse was launched in 2010 with all the premium features previously introduced by the cruise line, including the Lawn Club, a buffet restaurant with stations instead of lines, spa-inspired accommodations, and more specialty dining options. In addition, Celebrity Eclipse introduced a new restaurant concept Qsine—serving playful reinventions of familiar foods—and the Celebrity iLounge—an Internet center with the latest tech gadgets from Apple. Winter months find Celebrity Eclipse sailing 14-day exotic Southern Caribbean cruises, while she spends the summer season in Europe offering itineraries from Southampton, England, that roam from the Baltic Sea and Norwegian coastal regions to the Mediterranean.

While Solstice-class ships are contemporary in design—even a bit edgy for Celebrity—the line included enough spaces with old-world ambience to satisfy traditionalists. The atmosphere is not unlike a hip boutique hotel filled with grand spaces as well as intimate nooks and crannies. Celebrity Reflection adds an additional deck for more high-end suite accommodations.

The Lawn Club, a half acre of real grass on deck 15, is where you can play genteel games of croquet, practice golf putting, indulge in lawn games and picnics, or simply take barefoot strolls. In a nearby open-air “theater” on Solstice, Eclipse, and Equinox, artisans demonstrate glassmaking in the Hot Glass Show. A similar space on Silhouette and Reflection houses an outdoor grill restaurant, and those ships, along with Solstice also have private cabanas in the Lawn Club (for a fee). These ships have a lot to offer families, with a family pool and the most extensive children’s facilities in the Celebrity fleet.

Since it was founded in 1989, Celebrity Cruises has grown from a single refurbished ocean liner into a fleet of premium, sophisticated cruise ships that have a reputation for professional service, fine food, and some of the best design in the industry. Signature amenities have grown with the fleet, including gourmet specialty restaurants that carry an additional fee, large staterooms with generous storage, fully equipped spas, and butler service for guests in the top accommodations categories. Valuable art collections grace the stylish modern luxury ship interiors.

Although spacious accommodations in every category are a Celebrity standard, Concierge-class, an upscale element on all ships, makes certain premium ocean-view and balcony staterooms almost the equivalent of suites in terms of service. A Concierge-class stateroom includes numerous extras, such as chilled champagne, fresh fruit, and flowers upon arrival; exclusive room-service menus; evening canapés; luxury bedding, pillows, and linens; upgraded balcony furnishings; priority boarding and luggage service; and other VIP perks. At the touch of a single telephone button, a Concierge-class desk representative is at hand to offer assistance. Suites are still the ultimate, though, and include the services of a butler to assist with unpacking, booking spa services and dining reservations, shining shoes, and even replacing a popped button.

• 13 passenger decks (14 Celebrity Reflection)
• 4 specialty restaurants (5 Celebrity Reflection), 3 dining rooms, buffet, ice cream parlor, pizzeria
• Wi-Fi, safe, refrigerator, DVD (some)
• 3 pools (1 indoor)
• fitness classes, gym, hot tubs, sauna, spa
• 11 bars, casino, dance club, library, showroom, video game room
• children’s programs
• dry cleaning, laundry service
• Internet terminal
• no-smoking cabins