Reviewed by: Kathy Fossati   

Date: 20 March 2023

Cruise line and ship: Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Eclipse

Size of ship: 317 meters in length – 122,000 grt

Passenger capacity: 2,850 (Crew: 1,210^)    Year built: 2009

Year refurbished/revitalised: 2016

Where the ship cruises: Alaska, South America, Hawaii, South Pacific, Mexican Riviera, Australia & New Zealand, Eastern Caribbean, Southern Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada & New England

Currency onboard: USD

Main features/highlights

Celebrity Eclipse is the third ship to be built in the Solstice class ships. She is the sister ship to Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox she brings elegance to this medium-sized ship allowing you to experience destinations with intimacy and without feeling crowded with quiet spaces to relax and robust suite perks.

The Lawn Club at the top of the ship is an unusual feature only on the Solstice class. Featuring real grass, this area often hosts lawn games or picnics. The Persian Garden is the onboard spa facility which is large, airy and included for AquaClass guests.

Those who love shopping will find a large shopping area set apart from the main lounge areas and includes labels such as Tiffany & Co. The Martini Bar and Crush feature a clever ice-covered bar so your drinks don’t get warm and up to 100 different brands of Vodka.

Most suited to

30 to 70 year olds wanting a modern experience with exceptional food and luxurious surroundings. Music fans will also appreciate the diversity of bands, duos and soloists that perform in various venues from early evening until late at night. Perfect for first-time cruisers as it’s not so big that it’s overwhelming but not so small that you get bored.

Atmosphere

Vibrant yet calm and relaxing. The ship is so spacious and nowhere seemed to be crowded. With three pools there are plenty of sun lounges and spaces to sit on deck with several bars meaning you never have to go far or wait long for a drink.

Dining

It’s a food-lovers paradise, with many options onboard from the complimentary Moonlight Sonata, which will satisfy almost any tastes, to the upscale but extra-cost French bistro Murano and the fun, animated experience at Qsine.

We had lunch in the Grand Epernay Dining Room – absolutely lovely food and the service was exceptional. There are so many options so we’ll just highlight most of them below:

• Moonlight Sonata Dining Room – is the ship’s main dining room, spanning two decks at the aft end of the ship. The room is bright and light in tone and makes ample use of the ship’s signature design element, glass. The two-story glass wine tower is a showstopper. (B,L,D)
• Oceanview Cafe – a multi-station buffet for breakfast, lunch and casual dinner. Outside of regular mealtimes, ice cream, pizza, pasta, sushi, afternoon tea and late-night snacks are on offer, all without additional charge. The buffet layout is excellent, with many serving and prep stations situated as islands in the middle of the room, rather than stretched along the walls. The result is a dependably uncrowded, spacious operation offering an extensive number of choices.

• Mast Grill – Outside and forward of the main swimming pool, the Mast Grill serves burgers, hot dogs and fries.
• Luminai – This restaurant is free, but only for those in suites. Lunch and dinner menus change daily – often with produce sourced from the port visited that day. The food, service and ambiance are excellent.
• Blu – A private dining room reserved for passengers booked in Celebrity’s AquaClass. The atmosphere and theming are wellness, meaning there are healthier options with fresh and creative dishes with a changing menu. Blu is open for breakfast and dinner and does not take reservations.
• AquaSpa Cafe – is located in the adults-only Solarium, and serves food like small salads and wraps for breakfast and lunch. They also offer yogurt parfaits, juices and smoothies, although these cost extra. It’s usually quiet and relaxing in the early morning and is very popular with solo travelers.

• Murano – Only open for dinner, Murano is a nouveau take on classic French cuisine with a contemporary twist. There is a charge for this venue, with the centerpiece being a six-course tasting menu, with the option to have a  wine pairing. You can also order from the a la carte menu. Good luck choosing between the Châteaubriand, venison filet, duck confit, lamb in herb crust… or the lobster flambeed at your tableside!
• Tuscan Grille – an Italian steakhouse restaurant, has the best view of any restaurant aboard the ship, being situated all the way aft. The grilled meats and seafood are outstanding. Other signature touches are an antipasti bar and Caesar salad prepared tableside. There is a charge for this specialty restaurant.
• Qsine – a cute, animated show is screened on each diner’s plate and across the table in between four courses. Known as Le Petit Chef, because the cartoon stars a little chef who mutters in French as he struggles to prepare and deliver your meal through 3D visual mapping. Kids would enjoy it as much as adults! There is a charge for this specialty restaurant.
• Sushi on Five – is more than just sushi, offering sashimi, hot pots, noodle dishes and snacks, which can also be delivered to your cabin. There is also a charge for this restaurant.

Rooms

All cabins, regardless of category, come with robes, safes, hair dryers and stocked mini-bars. A large interactive flat-screen TV in every cabin allows passengers to book reservations, services and excursions; check accounts and menus; and watch on-demand entertainment (for an extra fee). There is plenty of storage space, with many nooks and crannies. Most cabins also feature two twin beds, which can convert to a queen; a sofa bed, cabinet with shelving and desk with chair.

Entertainment

You will be sure to be impressed with world-class entertainment and bars onboard Celebrity Eclipse.

From early morning, Celebrity Eclipse has nonstop activities, such as gym and dance classes, trivia, bingo, game shows, lectures and workshops,  wine and whiskey tastings…  the list goes on.

Inclusions

Dining in the main dining room is included however there are several extra tariff restaurants. Drinks are not included however Celebrity Cruises often have deals available that include a beverage package, WiFi or onboard credit. Blu restaurant is included for Aqua Class and the new Luminae Restaurant is included for suite guests.

Exclusions

Specialty restaurants, beverages, gratuities, shore excursions, laundry and all items of a personal nature. Note that generally gratuities can be included in your fare and deals often include beverages or more.

Self Service laundry

The ship offers a paid laundry and dry cleaning facilities.

Insider tips

Remember to take a power adaptor as the ship has US style plugs. The ship does have formal nights however leave your tuxedo at home. A nice suit or little black dress will go a long way. Don’t eat to much before going onboard – there are so many fantastic places to try so you will be eating a lot!