celebrity eclipse for two 20+ s

me and my partner are used to royal caribbean, weve just been on oasis and certainly prefer royal caribbean to any other ship weve done, but next year their itineries are not what we want and celebrity eclipse is doing a brilliant one, my question is, what is it like for 2 young to mid 20 year olds, is it all older people and even snobby? is there much going on and a central part to the ship with the restraunts shops etc? i have looked at some youtube videos but im really unsure, obviously the port of calls make it too but the ships a huge part, are the guests mainly one country, or a real mix (not bothered about either), any tips and help would be appreicated, thanks

Phil, much would depend on the itinerary, time of year and length of cruise. But as a general rule we think that Celebrity does attract a slightly older (we prefer mature) clientele. And some of us are just old....but not necessarily snobs :). But you might want to consider that Celebrity does try to operate a somewhat classier product then RCI. For example, on Celebrity you will usually not usually see a hairy chest contest or diving for spoons. And Celebrity might substitute a decent Martini Bar for a Rock Climbing Wall :).

Hank

oh no not suggestion your all snobs, i dont like the hairy men onboard doing belly flops but i do like the fun and busy atmosphere, hmm maybe celebrity wouldnt do us but the itinerary in November next year goes aruba overnight, i want to do that so much!

Rather than focusing on your age group or that of fellow guests, try to evaluate the cruise based on the itinerary and the quality of the Celebrity experience. One of the gifts that travel will offer you is the ability to be open to new experiences and the appreciation of informative conversations with people of all ages.

The Eclipse is a wonderful ship with the best food we have had on any of our cruises. I suggest you give Celebrity a try and if you decide it doesn't suit you can always switch to another cruise line in the future.

we may do like i say it wins on itinery as well as the p and o one so its in the top 3.

The Eclipse definitely has an older crowd in the winter months. November is probably different. Really though,at the cost of the cruise you could spend a whole week in Aruba.The other islands tend to meld together after a few stops. We enjoyed our day there and plan to go just to Aruba in the future. The island is clean and the people are friendly,not to mention the weather is great.

My wife and I took our first Celebrity cruise when we were 25 years old, and I don't see us going back to Royal Caribbean. We are booked on our 3rd cruise, and we will both be 29 at that time. I think it depends on what you are looking for in a cruise. If you are looking for a party atmosphere, lots of pool activity (belly flops, hairy legs), then Celebrity isn't for you. However, if you like a more refined atmosphere, focused on relaxing and enjoying, then Celebrity should fit your bill. There isn't a whole lot of nightlife, but you'll still find something to do. I find the food on Celebrity to be very good, better than RCCL. Most importantly, if the itinerary is really what interests you, go for it.

A week in Aruba, or two weeks on the Eclipse ( it is a 14 day Cruise for those posters who did not know) would go with the Eclipse. Matter of fact I am in March of 17. Have done the general Itinerary three times now, twice on Eclipse. I would not pay to spend a week in Aruba. Beyond the beach, there is really nothing there.

You will always have an older demographic on any 14 day Cruise, many younger folks can not afford or have the vacation time. That being said, there will be folks of all ages on that Cruise.

My husband and I took our nephews on their 1st cruise on the Summit. They are 25 and 29. They had a great time. They enjoyed the Martini Bar and the improv put on by Celebrity in the Sky lounge. The longer the cruise the older the people seem to be. And no not snobby.

I think you'll have a good time. Celebrity, Holland America, and Princess are all within about 2 years of each other, with an average age of 58 - 59. It might be a little sleepier, but it should be more sophisticated.

Rather than focus on what may not suit you focus on what might. We were regular RC cruisers until we tried Celebrity.

Firstly, much better dining in both MDR and specialities.

Two lively bars, Martini bar and World bar.

Nice indoor and outside pool, unlikely to be filled with children.

Great options if you fancy spending a little more on your room. Aqua class gives you unlimited access to Persian Gardens and the restaurant Blu. Book a suite and even more perks appear.

You will not find as much action on Celebrity but what you will get is a relaxing, quality vacation. I think you would also find the dining venues more romantic.

You will not get a RC experience but variety is the spice of life.

As you have done some RCCL cruises, your status and therefore benefits will transfer to Celebrity.

I love Eclipse, being the only S class ship that we have sailed on (x3)

I also love Aruba. Our son worked there in 2001/02, so I spent a total of 4 weeks there and also visited on a cruise ship when he was there (booked before we knew he was going) We have also been there on Eclipse in 2013.

Celebrity are dropping the 'Formal night' concept from 5 th December, IMO to attract the younger cruiser. Instead, if you want to dress up, they will have 2 'Chic' nights, so maybe not 'snobby' in the future- who knows, only time will tell. The amount of entertainment in the Sky Lounge during late hours depends mainly on the Cruise Director.

Thanks everyone, i do love my caribbean cruises so for me its not a case of the islands are a bit same or boring after a few, this itinery is perfect as it does a few new islands that i really like and want to try eg antigua, then the ones ov been too are all my favourites eg aruba curacao st lucia etc i think all are dofferent and offer many different things, aprr from beaches aruba has plenty of trips and activities even in palm beach and orenjestad, im still unsure maybe price if that comes down will swing it and it leaves miami we did one night in miami this year and are dying to go back, were not after crazy prties and belly flops but still Enough going on, when i watched the videos i couldnt see many shops onboard etc. Or a central area where most thigns are is there anywhere onboard like that?

I know Eclipse has the desired itin...Agree that it's a great itin...but on a 14 day cruise, ages will be older, generally.....

Reflection is more of the party ship, Celebrity style...has a Miami vibe...depends on when you cruise. Silhouette for us is a great choice....we like its style and design, a bit larger than other S class but not as crowded as Reflection.. Equinox is our favorite,.

You mentioned you like Oasis...all S class ships will be different in layout & experience . No mall, no need to pre book events, no lining up or crowds.. no water show, zip line or rock wall. Less tech. But you will likely have better food anywhere on X..., smaller MDR, better service (hopefully) . Shows probably better on Royal but Celeb has new ones in the pipeline.

On Oasis, we liked the adult outdoor solarium area , the jazz club, and the club where they had the Diamond cocktails each evening... X has a nice solarium and spa....and many other nice spaces & hopefully the loud music has been tamed or interspersed with other music everyone can enjoy...more variety.

There is a central atrium... dj plays there or near martini bar, plus other bands...that's the hub... shops are on two levels...some more upscale than Royal...but no real mall or food court feel..

Ok sounds good iv got to admit doesent sound like for us but again depends i dont think id say no any other celebrity ships dont do the route, if i do a rubbish itinery i could go back on rci, ( not rubbish but places iv been before)

That itinerary is great and will include an older demographic. As for snobs, you will find them no matter where you vacation. On Celebrity, I have found several who apparently feel they have a sense of entitlement. But they are a very, very small minority. The vast majority are really friendly and accommodating.

I believe the food is an upgrade from RCCL but the entertainment is a step below. There is less energy on Celebrity but you would have a good time. The Eclipse is probably my favorite ship on the Celebrity line.

Ok sounds good iv got to admit doesent sound like for us but again depends i dont think id say no any other celebrity ships dont do the route, if i do a rubbish itinery i could go back on rci, ( not rubbish but places iv been before)

Phil it's for you, you will have a great time on Superb ship I promise Yes some of the people may be a little older than you but they know how to have a good time also, We are both in 70s yes I know some people can't believe it, my motto is you are as young as you feel and as old as you look so that's 30 & 100 yes it takes me all night to do what I did all night :D:D. Only joking hope the wife does not read this.

A guy on CC rights great reviews have a read of a few great reading you may then change your mind.

http://www.thepreismans.com/equinox_ta_1.htm

By the way we are doing your fancied cruise 6.03.16 out of Miami on Eclipse .

John

Oh are you booked on it fab! If we book we will say hello haha! Il read that review it looks good where are you travelling from?

P.s just read your from the uk too you flying from london? Mind me asking whag you paid just to guage a idea of the prices now and see if they come down?

me and my partner are used to royal caribbean, weve just been on oasis and certainly prefer royal caribbean to any other ship weve done, but next year their itineries are not what we want and celebrity eclipse is doing a brilliant one, my question is, what is it like for 2 young to mid 20 year olds, is it all older people and even snobby? is there much going on and a central part to the ship with the restraunts shops etc? i have looked at some youtube videos but im really unsure, obviously the port of calls make it too but the ships a huge part, are the guests mainly one country, or a real mix (not bothered about either), any tips and help would be appreicated, thanks

Hi Phil - My partner and I started cruising Celebrity 5 years ago. I'm currently 28 and he is 33. Celebrity as a whole does attract an older crowd, but as a previous poster stated, in total it is a more mature crowd which we definitely prefer. Every cruise we find people of all ages (including our own age) to hang out with. We now have friends that we stay in contact with from all over the world from the states, to Canada to England, Sweden, Spain, etc.

We were on the Eclipse last year over Christmas and New Years. The itinerary was excellent; I wish we had an overnight in Aruba! The age range on the ship was mixed, but because it was over the holidays I found it to be much younger in comparison to other Celebrity cruises I've taken.

There is a center atrium on the ship that opens up to / near areas such as the Martini Bar, Cellar Masters, World Class Bar and the casino etc. If you're at the bars on 4 or 5 in the evenings, this is where you will find it the busiest...specifically the Martini bar which is our favorite.

During the day there is some music by the pool from DJs to live bands. A couple days during the cruise there are volleyball tournaments and "olympic" tournaments in the pool. We usually get a lounger near the mast bar or the pool bar so we can easily grab a drink.

The late night scene on Celebrity can be hit or miss, but I'm routinely drinking at the Martini Bar every night until at least midnight. I've been there as late as 2:30 drinking and talking to people.

Despite what I said about it being "more mature" it really is a relaxed, refined elegance. I always feel very comfortable on Celebrity cruises and LOVED the Eclipse.

I wrote a live blog when I was on the Eclipse last holiday season. If you search back you should be able to find it or search under my profile. I also will be live blogging from the Reflection (we're doing a b2b) starting this Saturday. I will try and take even more video than I did last time so keep an eye out for that, it can give you a good insight into activities, food, areas of the ship, etc.

Cheers & Happy Sailing!

Thanks chicagopaul seems like you had a nice time ill defently read your review and look out for the next one! Martini bar sounds popular with everyone haha

I think Adventure of the Seas does a Southern Caribbean cruise from San Juan. If you don't fancy Celebrity, want to stay with RCCL but want alternative itineraries than those from Florida why not look at this? If I am not mistaken they do two alternating 7 day cruises. You could do them B2B.

Im not keen on b2b think there a swizz, especially when you go from ft laurderdale you loose like 3 days, on a normal 14 night Caribbean cruise you do 9-10 ports, b2b usually 6 maybe 7 of lucky, adventure and serenade im not keen on, plus san juan has no flights from uk i know london gatwick is starting one but thats really far from me so easier to fly florida or barbados

OK so you want one of the big RC ships but not the Caribbean ports you have visited before. Why not save yourself some flight time and money and see which of the big ships are in Europe next season. You could even look at a cruise from Southampton, I think the Anthem is doing one to the Canaries....

ill only cruise the caribbean, iv visited europe a million times is i live in england so europe is boring, an exotic holiday is over to the caribbean and the islands are ten times nicer, the caribbean sea and weather, leaving southampton would be cold and rainy in november (currently been 3c in england) so i like to get on a plane and fly, the only one is anthem from nyc we may do that down to the caribbean, so if not im willing to look at other ships which is what im doing still good itineries, theres a princess one as well.