Eclipse compared with smaller ships???

[worldfamoustravellers]

Hi, we are on Eclipse on Oct 14, 2011 - 16 nights Southampton-Southampton around the Eastern Med.

 

Our 3 previous cruises have been on smaller ships (Boudicca, Balmoral and Discovery). Just wondered if anyone can do a comparison for us, so we have some idea what to expect from the bigger size. For example:

 

How quickly do they embark/disembark passengers at each port?

 

Is it fairly easy to find your way around the ship?

 

What's the service like, particularly at mealtimes?

 

Do you stick mainly to the main dining room?

 

What's the experience re complementary upgrades?

 

Overall feelings about Eclipse?

 

Any other thoughts really appreciated/

 

 

Many thanks

 

Geoff:)

[backyardponder]

We were on the Equinox in February...a sister ship with the same basic layout.

 

How quickly do they embark/disembark passengers at each port? Very fast. Our longest wait was a couple of minutes. The slowest was when we tendered at Grand Cayman, but that was a function of the size of the tender (they were huge) and it took a long time to load and unload them. I prefer smaller tenders which go more frequently.

 

Is it fairly easy to find your way around the ship? No problem. My wife gets lost in our own bathroom, and she had no problems.

 

What's the service like, particularly at mealtimes?The service and dining on all ships are proportional to the number of passengers. All service was fine. The buffet on the upper deck was huge and we rarely had waits there although a few times we asked folks if we could join them at their table since there were lots of folks up there at certain times.

 

Do you stick mainly to the main dining room? We ate our evening meal in the MDR. Other meals we normally ate at the buffet. We did have one breakfast on our balcony and one breakfast in the MDR.

 

What's the experience re complementary upgrades? Didn't get any or ask for any.

 

Overall feelings about Eclipse? Our cruise on the Equinox was our first on a Solstice class ship. By far, the most beautiful ship we've been on. The art work throughout the public areas was fantastic. The furniture on deck and balcony was far better than other cruise lines we've been on.

[The Big Booper]

We are not fans of teeny tiny ships and have never been near one and have no desire to go on one.

 

That being said we were on the Solstice last year and never felt crowded at all. This is a huge ship but the passenger load is very favorable as Celebrity does not stuff people in like a sardine can unlike Carnival,NCL or Princess.

 

And the ship is drop dead gorgeous all over. You can check out my pictures at webshots listed below.

 

On embarkation day the buffet will be crowded since everybody is getting on at close to the same time. Other then that it was never crowded during the week we were on in June with full capacity.

[Adammara]

Never been on a smaller ship, we love the big ones, here's my view!

 

How quickly do they embark/disembark passengers at each port? Very quickly nomally, except tender ports

 

Is it fairly easy to find your way around the ship?. Not got lost yet!

What's the service like, particularly at mealtimes? Very good

 

Do you stick mainly to the main dining room? We sail in Aqua and dine in Blu, never felt the need to eat elsewhere.

What's the experience re complementary upgrades? We have the cabin and position we want, and requested no upgrades.

 

Overall feelings about Eclipse? Wonderful ship (See signature!)

Any other thoughts really appreciated. Consider upgrading to Aqua, the perk and dining in Blu are well worth it in most pax's opinion.

 

We did this trip last year, and will be on it this year! Checking it out on Tuesday!

 

Richard