Celebrity Eclipse - First Timer

[stamford57]

We have just booked the Celebrity Eclipse for a 5 night cruise in May. We are well cruised with RCI, Carnival and Princess but this is our first time with Celebrity. If you have any information or tips on the ship it would be greatly appreciated! We are in cabins 6224 and 6226.

[Keith1010]

I think you will be very pleased with your choice.

 

I would familiarize with your ship ahead of time by looking at photos on Cruise Critic and also looking on the Celebrity Web Site.

 

Have a wonderful time.

 

Keith

Edited October 26, 2014 by Keith1010

[iandjm]

I can't see a 5 night cruise in May. Only 9th May 7 night Norway?

You will love Eclipse. I'm onboard now 😃

 

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Edited October 26, 2014 by iandjm

[cruisestitch]

I was told that this cruise had some special restrictions, among them that it was not available to US or Canadian customers. If you are on board, you might be looking at the US-based site. See if you can get to the UK based site or consult the on-board booking office. If you live in the UK you might be able to book it if you are interested.

[stamford57]

Apparently it's a chartered cruise which is only available to book through some agents in the UK. It was a fab price so we just booked it as its during the school holidays which I need for work. I have looked at the Celebrity website and it does look fantastic as we are just wanting a short relaxing trip. Landjm, can you tell me where is free to eat and do they offer free water, lemonade, fruit punch in the buffet like RCI do? Also, what's the surcharge for Qsine and is it worth it? Do you know if you can open the balcony dividers? How is the library? My daughter will still have a few Alevel exams to sit on our return so she is hoping for some places to study as well as our balcony. Is the solarium open to everyone and what is the age limit? Sorry for all the questions!

[kevinyork]

Apparently it's a chartered cruise which is only available to book through some agents in the UK. It was a fab price so we just booked it as its during the school holidays which I need for work. I have looked at the Celebrity website and it does look fantastic as we are just wanting a short relaxing trip. Landjm, can you tell me where is free to eat and do they offer free water, lemonade, fruit punch in the buffet like RCI do? Also, what's the surcharge for Qsine and is it worth it? Do you know if you can open the balcony dividers? How is the library? My daughter will still have a few Alevel exams to sit on our return so she is hoping for some places to study as well as our balcony. Is the solarium open to everyone and what is the age limit? Sorry for all the questions!

 

 

 

We got off Eclipse last Sunday after our third trip on her in 15 months. We love her. The Main Dining Room and Ocean View Buffet are free as are the cakes from Cafe El Bacio. Yes they have free punch, water and lemonade in the buffet. Qsine is $40 but we have been offered $30 many times onboard, though we have not tried it (The MDR food is very good IMO). The balcony dividers can be folded apart from the higher deco cabins that have a steel support angled on to the balcony. The solarium isfor16 years and older but on cool weather cruises they relax this. The library is very pleasant but can be quite busy,especially on sea days and the noise from the atrium can carry upwards.

 

Im sure you will have a great cruise. We would cruise on Eclipse again in a heartbeat.

 

 

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[kevinyork]

I've found this 5 night charter offered through a few UK specialised agents. Its a good price at £300 pp for an inside. As its only available to UK cruisers I think I would miss the mix of people even Southampton departures normally get but I have to admit its a good price for a bank holiday cruise.

 

 

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[Tudorcruisers]

you will love Eclipse, it is a beautiful ship. We paid the €40 extra or thereabouts to eat in Tuscan grille one evening and it was a fantastic meal though I do love the food in MDR.

 

I didn't think there was a great selection of books in the library and was very glad I had my Kindle though everyones taste is different. I ended up reading books other passengers had left as I couldn't really get anything I liked from the ship selection.

 

I didn't realise there were some special cruises like this, how would I go about finding out about them?

[stamford57]

Thank you everyone for your replies. We are really looking forward to it! My DD is 17 so glad she will be able to come in the solarium with us (when she's not studying that is). If any of you have any photos I would love to see them. We booked ours through a UK independent agent 😀

[DYKWIA]

Free food and soft drinks (lemonade, punch, water) also available from the Mast Grill. We found the free tea and coffee in the Oceanview Cafe fine and didn't find the need to pay extra for the premium coffees.

 

Perhaps we went to the Library late in the cruise but we found very few books of interest. A lot of the books, particularly those on the upper shelves are just for show - old law books etc.

 

When you travel the ship will be just out of a week in dry dock so there will be a few changes / additions.

 

This was our first cruise and we loved the Eclipse.

 

Can't up load photos but a video of our 14 day cruise is on youtube

Edited October 26, 2014 by DYKWIA

[thebutlerdidit]

I've been on 3 Celebrity ships so far, and Eclipse is my favorite. You'll be wowed! I'd live it if you post your impressions after your sailing.

 

I just wanted to mention that the burgers, hot dogs and fries from the pool grill are also included. Room service items are free unless there's a price on the menu (steak and eggs on the breakfast menu, for example). If you have a beverage package, beware that it doesn't apply for room service. You could get coffee, tea or milk in the morning through room service - they are always included. However, if you want a Bloody Mary or an espresso drink you'll either have to pay or go fetch them yourself from a bar or Cafe al Bacio. (The good news here is that if both you and your spouse have beverage packages, one of you can take both cards and get drinks for the both of you.)

[Gbnut1]

Can I ask what date you are leaving and where you are going? Can not see a 5 day.

 

Thanks

 

Susan

[stamford57]

It's the 25th May but only bookable with independent UK agents! If you ring around they will be able to let you know if they're selling it or not.

Debbie

[UKPete71]

I guess this is a short cruise after it's spell in dry dock.

[need2bespoiled]

If you're looking for lighter fare, the Aqua Spa Cafe is also free, and a good place for lunch, though finding seating sometimes can be hard in the solarium. There are some items like smoothies which may have a charge, but all the food is free. It's not always advertised, or on the menu but the generally will grill chicken and / or fish dailing when open.

 

Eclipse is a great ship, have fun.

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[stamford57]

Thanks everyone, your information has really helped! Counting the days now 😎

[mickey89]

Qsine is now $45/pp, Murano is also $45/pp, Tuscan Grill is $35 if you pre-book on line whilst onboard it rises to $45/pp. Bistro on Five is $7/pp

Sometimes depending on how busy they are, discounts become available.

[DebbieMacG]

If you google the date and ship,it's easy to find from uk agents :)

[Turtles06]

If any of you have any photos I would love to see them.

 

The Eclipse is a stunningly beautiful ship. You will love her!

 

Here are a couple of photos:

 

 

 

(photos by turtles06)

[mickey89]

This 5 day cruise is Southampton - Cherburg - Lehavre - Zeebrugge - back to Southampton and is charter thru' Cruise.co. only marketed via selected UK travel agents. Captain's Club benefits do not apply, unfortunately no 123 perks just a highly discounted price.

I would expect there to be a high number of children aboard as it UK school half term break.

[stamford57]

The Eclipse is a stunningly beautiful ship. You will love her!

 

Here are a couple of photos:

 

 

 

(photos by turtles06)

 

Lovely photos, thank you!