Another review of 23 February sailing on Eclipse

[Bobal]

This was our first time on the Eclipse and 3rd time on Celebrity (Equinox and Millennium before).

 

I am at a loss as to why this ship got such negative reviews not so long ago as we found that mainly this was a wonderful cruise, with a nice mix of people onboard and great staff – also helped by the stunning weather for the whole fortnight and an exceptional itinerary.

 

Here are a few observations based on our experience of the cruise:

 

Embarkation was swift and easy, partly helped by the lack of lines for Aqua.

 

I had read previous reviews saying that there wasn’t a very friendly atmosphere on the ship – I believe someone said it lacked ‘soul’. I have to say we didn’t find this at all, there was a nice atmosphere and officers were often in evidence around the ship (although we never saw the captain). I wonder if the change may be in some part to the very excellent Sue Denning who is certainly one of the best Cruise Directors we’ve encountered on any cruise.

 

This was our first time in Aqua Class and we really enjoyed the experience – particularly Blu which provided, with very few exceptions, excellent dinner choices. Service was impeccable. We also liked a number of other Aqua amenities which we hadn’t particularly thought about – such as the wonderful shower and the very nice towels and robes. The only thing which may stop me booking Aqua again is the position of the cabins – either under the overhang or under the gym. We’re fans of aft cabins and did miss our aft balcony.

 

We also ate in Qsine twice and Murano once. The vibe in Qsine wasn’t quite as wacky as Millennium and I like the space on Millennium better, but we enjoy the variation and have finally learned not to over-order. Murano, whilst very nice, didn’t seem to have quite the same atmosphere or food quality as on Equinox – partly spoiled by the loudest woman I have ever heard whose voice made conversation on any table around her almost impossible. The staff were clearly embarrassed and offered to move us, unfortunately we didn’t take them up on the offer and my abiding memory of Murano is not the food or service but the many times we exchanged looks with other diners as if to say ‘I can’t believe this is happening’.

 

Another observation about the speciality restaurants is that they never seemed anywhere close to full on any night hence, I would think, why there were always special offers to be had – particularly at Qsine. We were offered 30% off as we boarded the ship after one port day and then 50% if we dined there again.

 

Selection and quality of food in the Seaview Café was the best of any of our Celebrity cruises.

 

Wifi was the best of any cruise we've done - strong and fast signal anywhere we tried to use it on the ship.

 

With one exception we felt that the Guest Entertainers were first class – maybe not always our choice in music, but very good at what they did and the Production shows were of a very high standard. Other entertainment was also very good: particularly Top Shelf (the Acapella group). We felt the pool would have benefitted with some Caribbean music during the day, this is probably the first ship we’ve been on which didn’t have live entertainment around the pool, instead they had a DJ who didn’t play a particularly exciting selection. As for noise levels, on the first few sea days the music around the pool was far too loud but someone must have taken notice of complaints as it quietened down after that. I can’t say I noticed particularly loud music around the ship, although I found the Jazz quartet too loud for the Ensemble lounge, perhaps because it’s not my taste in music. On the other hand the guitarist/singer who played in there was really good and ideal for that space.

 

We don’t tend to participate in many activities onboard so can’t really comment, although there did seem to be very few activities on the pool deck. Those we spoke to, who had seen them, enjoyed the guest speakers and there certainly seemed to be plenty of people enjoying dancing in the centrum and at the themed parties.

 

We chose this cruise for the itinerary, which was very port intensive for a Caribbean cruise – 8 ports in 14 days. We enjoyed all the ports and did our own thing in each, except for the Honeymoon and Christmas Cove snorkelling excursion in St Thomas, which we thoroughly enjoyed. It wasn’t on the schooner ‘Bones’ – as advertised – but on a catamaran. Having seen the schooner we all agreed we were glad to be on the cat :)

 

Pool butlers did their job collecting towels around the ship but were hesitant to take belongings. On the first sea day (on deck 14) we saw many sunbeds saved for hours without anyone using them whilst poor people wandered around with towels looking for somewhere to sit. We were also disappointed to see the number of people who would take 2 beds in the shade under the awning and 2 in the sun. The latter sea days didn’t seem quite so busy, perhaps because people found many spare beds on the higher decks. Having said that, the loungers are so crammed in together that it’s difficult not to take an extra lounger just for somewhere to put your belongings. I realise it’s a contentious issue but I really think that the way the sunloungers are squeezed in so close together when there’s such a huge (barely used) space on the lawn isn’t one of Celebrity’s best design decisions.

 

Another contentious issue is that of Elite vouchers. We were really pleased that due to the number of Elite guests onboard we were issued with vouchers in lieu of the Elite function – at least that’s what we thought. We were surprised that a private Elite function still took place every night between 5 and 7 in the Sky lounge, in addition to 3 vouchers each. I’m guessing that the number of Elites onboard put pressure on for their own ‘special’ event. From our point of view (as late diners and without any desire to dress up at 5pm) the elite vouchers worked well. We didn’t notice any particular extra pressure on the bars, we usually used our vouchers at the pool bar or mast bar or just before the 7pm show in the theatre.

 

The eagerly-anticipated daily Zumba classes only happened during the last few days. This was a disappointment to me as the previous few cruises had zumba teachers for the whole cruise and because, as usual, the choice of free exercise classes was woeful – stretching at 7am and Abs at 7.30am on sea days only !! The Zumba teacher, who was very good, didn’t board the ship until Aruba but said he would be onboard for 6 months, so it seems we were the cruise who missed out :(

 

Casino – not very lively, with not particularly friendly staff – a real lack of atmosphere and the tables were very quiet on some nights. Whilst I don’t play the tables my husband does and he’s had some very enjoyable nights where he’s met some great people and had a good time with the staff. I think this really does depend on the casino manager – on this cruise we don’t even know who the casino manager was.

 

As has been posted already, many times, debarkation wasn’t great, although as UK citizens we’ve come to expect to have to stand in line for a long time whenever entering the US. This time US citizens experienced the same thing. One hour from leaving the ship to emerging out of the terminal was pretty good going on past experience getting into US ports, although I understand that those who got off later experienced longer delays. I don’t see how Celebrity can be blamed for the lack of port officials though.

 

All in all this turned out to be one of our favourite cruises due to a combination of ship, ports, weather and a friendly and mixed bunch of nationalities and friendly guests onboard.

 

I have copies of all the dailies but don’t have time to scan and post them. However, please feel free to ask any questions.

[Andy]

Hi Bobal,

 

Thank you for your very informative review. I suspect the change in onboard attitude has much to do with Sue Denning, who is a fantastic Cruise Director. We look forward to seeing her again, in April.

 

I have a Casino question for you. Did you happen to notice what the table minimums were for Blackjack & Three Card Poker ? I've seen conflicting reports of $5, and others stating $10. Any information is much appreciated.

 

Thanks again, and welcome home !

[Bobal]

Andy, I can tell you exactly about blackjack because that's what my husband plays. There were two tables with a minimum of $6 and others with $10. The only tables where people really played were the $6 tables and sometimes he had to wait for a short while until someone vacated the table. Not sure about the poker I'm afraid.

[portofrome]

Thanks for the review.

[gagirl7143]

Not sure how you got the drinks from vouchers in the theater as our letter stated that was one of the few areas that you could not use them. The nightly area of Skye was greatly appreciated as lots pf the Elites do not like to fight to get drinks in the other crowded bars. We enjoy getting together with other elites in a quiet venue.

[Winter2010]

Hi Bobal,

 

We will be on the Eclipse in December, same itinerary. This will be our first cruise with Celebrity and we have also booked Aqua Class. Did you have a fixed time eating in Blu or did you show up at different time each night? Did you have to wait long for a table? Did you try the Main Dining Room? How was the food in MDR compare to Blue?

 

Thanks!

[Bobal]

Not sure how you got the drinks from vouchers in the theater as our letter stated that was one of the few areas that you could not use them. The nightly area of Skye was greatly appreciated as lots pf the Elites do not like to fight to get drinks in the other crowded bars. We enjoy getting together with other elites in a quiet venue.

 

We probably used them 4 or 5 times in the theatre without any problem - but only very early before the 7 o'clock show began, as well as a number of other bars. We were rather surprised to see the Sky lounge operating in the way it usually does but were told that many Elites like to be served and to get together with similar people. As I mentioned in my review, this was too early for us, we like to meet many different types of people (and we did :)) and we have no problem getting our own drinks - and I can assure you there was no 'fighting' involved in any of the bars ;)

 

Hi Bobal,

 

We will be on the Eclipse in December, same itinerary. This will be our first cruise with Celebrity and we have also booked Aqua Class. Did you have a fixed time eating in Blu or did you show up at different time each night? Did you have to wait long for a table? Did you try the Main Dining Room? How was the food in MDR compare to Blue?

 

Thanks!

 

We were given a time to eat for the first night, but I'm sure we could have changed it if it didn't suit us. After that we just turned up whenever we wished and were seated within minutes. There were times which were busier than others, but we never felt we had to wait a long time to be served. We only ate in the MDR once and that was on the final formal night when we were invited to the Captain's table - the food was excellent. We had intended to try there once or twice but the food (and atmosphere) in Blu was so good that we stuck with Blu.

[Jenna109]

Thank you for your review. I found it interesting and very informative. We are on the transatlantic in April and hubby is wondering suit or tux?:rolleyes:

[Bobal]

Thank you for your review. I found it interesting and very informative. We are on the transatlantic in April and hubby is wondering suit or tux?:rolleyes:

 

My husband wore a tux. I wouldn't say he was in a majority but there were many tux wearers. If he wouldn't take a suit to wear on any other occasion and he owns a tux, I would say take the tux - we're those type of people who like to dress up on formal night, as we don't get many opportunities back home.

 

However, if it would require buying or hiring a tux (or luggage is an issue) then he will be fine with a suit.

[texmex.ferr]

Thanks for your review, we are about to go onto Eclipse (23 March), when and where did you have the Cruise Critic Connections Party? and how roughly how many attended?

 

Thanks

[Bobal]

Thanks for your review, we are about to go onto Eclipse (23 March), when and where did you have the Cruise Critic Connections Party? and how roughly how many attended?

 

Thanks

 

The party was on the first sea day at (I think) 10 or 10.30 am. Sorry, can't help with the numbers as we didn't attend.

[Dunmore2]

Thanks for a thorough review with lots of details. I have a couple of questions,

Were the formal nights on days 2, 13, and day8 (Barbados)?

 

Earlier cruisers mentioned an outdoor buffet by the pool with Caribbean flavors, curried goat, papaya, etc. Was this an option?

[Bobal]

Thanks for a thorough review with lots of details. I have a couple of questions,

Were the formal nights on days 2, 13, and day8 (Barbados)?

 

Earlier cruisers mentioned an outdoor buffet by the pool with Caribbean flavors, curried goat, papaya, etc. Was this an option?

 

Yes, those were the formal nights.

 

There was no outdoor buffet (unless I missed it, which I doubt very much) which is a shame, I would have enjoyed that greatly. They did the brunch buffet in the MDR on day 12 from 10am to 1pm - lot of lovely food and beautiful displays.

[Dunmore2]

Thanks for the update. :D

[celebrityprincess]

Thanks for the review! In only 23 days I will be on the Eclipse!!! Yippee!!!:D

[PBPirate15]

Yes, those were the formal nights.

 

There was no outdoor buffet (unless I missed it, which I doubt very much) which is a shame, I would have enjoyed that greatly. They did the brunch buffet in the MDR on day 12 from 10am to 1pm - lot of lovely food and beautiful displays.

 

So they had this on a port day? :confused:

[Bobal]

[/color]

 

So they had this on a port day? :confused:

 

Oops sorry, typo :o - it was on day 13, the first of the two sea days at the end of the cruise.

[PBPirate15]

Oops sorry, typo :o - it was on day 13, the first of the two sea days at the end of the cruise.

 

WOO WEE so glad we are in Aruba day 12 an I was looking foward to the brunch heard so much about it. :D Thanks

[helen haywood]

I'm confused about the vouchers in addition to an Elite cocktail party in Sky. Did the Elites who went to Sky opt out of receiving the vouchers? On our Eclipse sailing in January there was nothing in Sky....just the vouchers. I'll be on the TA as well and wonder about the change....

[Bobal]

I'm confused about the vouchers in addition to an Elite cocktail party in Sky. Did the Elites who went to Sky opt out of receiving the vouchers? On our Eclipse sailing in January there was nothing in Sky....just the vouchers. I'll be on the TA as well and wonder about the change....

 

We wondered too, as we thought the same as you. We noticed the 'private function' sign outside the sky lounge on the first formal night and thought maybe the Elites had requested the room for a get-together on that night.

 

However, we kept noticing it as we passed by (underdressed by Elite lounge standards and with our voucher drinks in hand ;)). On one of the nights I noticed a couple by the door and asked how it worked. Since I could see servers in the room, I asked whether it was a case of Elites still wanting to gather in one place and not to have to stand at a bar, and therefore handing over their vouchers to their servers. The person I spoke with said that vouchers were not needed in the lounge, it operated in the same way as any other Elite event with servers serving drinks (not sure whether there were canapes). In fact she said that theoretically you could come along to the Elite event, get drinks from servers and then go off and use your vouchers elsewhere as long as it was before 7pm.

 

I've just noticed here http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1804413 on post #19 that they appear to be doing the same thing on the current Eclipse cruise.

[helen haywood]

Thanks for the reply. An evolving situation... Who knows what X will be doing in April on my sailing!

[M&M Hayden]

There were over 600 Elites on board Eclipse last week that is the reason for the vouchers for that sailing.

No canapes were served in the Sky Lounge.

The first night we took our drink coupons to the Ensemble Lounge and had the worst service (we tip well, but that server got nothing). We ended up going to the bar to get drinks and tipped the bartender VERY VERY well. After that we asked the Loyalty person (Remco) if the Sky Lounge was open and he said yes we could go up there, so we did. That bartender worked very hard and he was tipped very very very well.......FYI the bartenders and servers don't get ANYTHING from the company for serving folks who use the vouchers.

[Bobal]

There were over 600 Elites on board Eclipse last week that is the reason for the vouchers for that sailing.

No canapes were served in the Sky Lounge.

The first night we took our drink coupons to the Ensemble Lounge and had the worst service (we tip well, but that server got nothing). We ended up going to the bar to get drinks and tipped the bartender VERY VERY well. After that we asked the Loyalty person (Remco) if the Sky Lounge was open and he said yes we could go up there, so we did. That bartender worked very hard and he was tipped very very very well.......FYI the bartenders and servers don't get ANYTHING from the company for serving folks who use the vouchers.

 

Interesting to see your reply but not quite sure what you mean :confused: I understand the bit about not getting good service at the Ensemble Lounge. Then you say you ended up going to the bar to get drinks, do you mean the bar in the Ensemble lounge, then you say you tipped 'VERY VERY well' - where was this and what impact did it have on any future service?

 

You then seem to say that you went to the sky lounge and tipped 'very very very well'. So are you saying that by tipping 'VERY VERY well' somewhere and 'very very very well' somewhere else you had some sort of special treatment

 

Not sure about the point you're making here - we used the vouchers in other bars and tipped the servers extra anyway - just not sure about the 'VERY VERY' and 'very very very' :eek::confused:

[uktog]

Great review, so glad you were able to enjoy Sue, she is the best

[ping1]

Thank you for the review. We enjoyed reading it. We have a question regarding whether the Eclipse offered any Specialty Restaurants deals such as BOGO (buy one get one free) or percentage off?