Dec 02 2010

Celebrity Cruises Eclipse Review

By: Kathryn Chavis, Travel Consultant

Wow, Wow, Wow….what a ship! The past weekend started off by boarding the inaugural sailing of Eclipse in Miami. She will be sailing the Caribbean out of the Miami port throughout 2010-2011. 

I am still amazed at the new Solstice Class of ships that Celebrity has developed. Celebrity Eclipse is the most recent (the third) addition to the Solstice Class of cruise ships, which are considered by many to be the most environment friendly ships in the world. The Décor is at the same time sophisticated and vivacious. It caters for comfort, as well as tasteful style. The brilliant décor is an important reason why this ship has received all the great reviews. The ambience is perfect and it refuses to be gaudy. Most impressive, is when they use water and lighting for a dramatic yet sophisticated style.

Dining options are abundant with choices from the specialty restaurants that include: Murano Restaurant, Blu Restaurant (AquaClass Guest Only), Tuscan Grille and Qsine…all for a nominal fee per guest. The main dining room doesn’t miss a beat either. The customer service is outstanding and the cuisine is tastefully created.

Two favorite attributes of the Eclipse and replicated from the Solstice are the Lawn Club and the Hot Glass Show…both of which are definitely popular with the guests. It’s amazing to have grass under your toes in the middle of the ocean!

Celebrity’s iLounge is the first shipboard computer enrichment and internet hub sponsored by Apple. It’s the same concept of the internet café, but offers so much more. Apple technicians are onboard to teach classes in producing photo books, editing photos and developing websites and the ability to sell the Apple products.

Celebrity nearly hit it out of the park with Solstice, the prototype for the current class, and Eclipse carries on the winning tradition. Like its two predecessors, its main strength lies in blending seemingly opposite qualities into a unified whole: it's a large ship, but it's still intimate; it carries a large passenger load but seldom feels crowded; and, most of all, it manages to be high-energy and high-class at the same time.

The problem for Celebrity is going to come when the last of the five Solstice-class ships has floated out, and that problem will be how to top them.

These ships will be a tough act to follow.

For more information about Celebrity Eclipse call 800-300-4567 or click HERE.

About Kathryn Chavis

I've enjoyed being in the travel industry for over 20+ years in both corporate and leisure sales. I have experienced the ever-changing industry and kept abreast of its demands for the travelers. My recent travels have taken me to Ireland, Switzerland, many Caribbean Islands and The French Polynesian Islands, including Tahiti and Bora Bora. I have had specialized training as a French Polynesian Island Specialist and have focused on this area of the world as a fantastic honeymoon destination. I am also an air specialist, having worked directly with airlines where I obtained knowledge of fare structures, schedules and routings.

As a cruise specialist with Holland America, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian, and Silversea, I'm excited to help you plan your next vacation.Cruise or air group travel is also my specialty, from working with church retreats, corporate marketing incentives and family reunions. I use my travel experience and ongoing education to help you make your travel experience the best it can be. Each person deserves the best vacation and travel experience and I enjoy helping those dreams come true. Whether its your next cruise or escorted land vacation throughout Europe...I'm excited to help make your next vacation experience one that is memorable.