Celebrity Eclipse

One unique feature on the Celebrity Eclipse and other Solstice class ships, is the real grass lawn. This is a great place to relax or play some lawn games. Photos by Matt Roseboom

Celebrity Eclipse makes her North American debut

Ship Review by Matt and Jackie Roseboom

The Celebrity Eclipse had a bumpy start when its inaugural was interrupted by the ashes from a volcano last April. She even rescued some stranded British travelers during the time she was supposed to be making her grand debut. The ship has been sailing in Europe since then, but its now arrived on Florida’s shore.

This 1,033-foot-long Solstice class ship has an impressive art collection. The inspiration for the collection is a true eclipse — rare and unexpected. The pieces are tastefully displayed and don’t appear cluttered in any way. They fit in just like part of the architecture. You’ll feel like you’re in a ritzy art gallery while walking though the halls and up and down the staircases. Paying attention to the art around your room and favorite spots can help you find your way around the ship in no time.

The staterooms are very comfortable and elegant. The decor is tranquil with a splash of color. The veranda rooms have a nice-sized balcony and the bathrooms are larger than on most other cruise ships.

Aqua suite guests are able to indulge at Blu, a specialty restaurant just for them. They can also enjoy unlimited access to the AquaSpa relaxation room and the Persian Gardens, as well as a special spa shower in their room. All staterooms also offer ample closet and storage space as well as the expected amenities. All staterooms have a Macintosh-powered flat-screen interactive television.

Techies will love the iLounge. It’s here that guests can learn about, and purchase the latest Apple gadgets. You can even take an iPad-led tour of the ship’s art collection. If you must conduct business on board, Eclipse is well-equipped to meet your needs.

The AquaSpa is located on decks 11 and 12. There are many of the usual spa and salon services, but their specialty is the bamboo massage. There’s even a licensed doctor on board for Botox or acupuncture treatments.

There are 10 dining options on the Eclipse including four specialty restaurants. Blu, Murano and Tuscan Grill are also on Eclipse’s sister ships. But the new restaurant is Qsine. One look at the restaurant lets you know you’re in for a special treat. The whimsical decor and mismatched seating adds to its charm. From the iPad menus to the “Strawberry Fields” dessert served on an actual bed of grass, the chef has created a fun element in the tastes well as the presentation.

The Eclipse is ship three of five in the Solstice class. Solstice and Equinox launched in the past two years. Silhouette debuts next year and Reflection comes out in 2012. The Solstice class ships feature the industry’s first lawn at sea, an outdoor, country club-like venue where guests can practice their putting, play lawn games or simply relax. The ships also feature a Hot Glass Show, presented by the Corning Museum of Glass.

The Celebrity Eclipse will be sailing to the Caribbean out of the Port of Miami through April 2011.

Ship

  • Year Built: 2010
  • Max Passengers: 3,145
  • Passenger Decks: 13
  • Number of Crew: 1,246

Staterooms

  • Total Staterooms: 1,426
  • Suites with balcony: 86
  • Ocean View with balcony: 1,150
  • Ocean View, no balcony:70
  • Inside: 140
Entertainment

  • Casino
  • Disco/Nightclub
  • Movies
  • Card Room
  • Game Arcade
Spa / Wellness / Fitness

  • MedSpa Services
  • Full Service Spa
  • Sauna/Steam Room
  • Beauty Salon
  • Outdoor Pool
  • Yoga/Pilates
Public Rooms

  • Bars/Lounges
  • Library
  • Internet Center
Children / Teens

  • Organized Age-Specific Activities
  • Outdoor Children’s Play Area
  • Dedicated Teen Center
  • Teen Programs
  • Children’s Pool
  • Youth Staff
  • Group Babysitting Available
  • Family Staterooms
Dining

  • Main Dining Room
  • Specialty/Alternative Dining Venues
  • Coffeehouse/Patisserie
Other Facilities / Services

  • Elevators
  • Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
  • Dry Cleaning Sevices
  • Concierge Desk
  • Infirmary/Medical Center
  • Safe Deposit Boxes
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