Eclipse-our first Celebrity cruise

[Minnie29]

Hi guys...some first Celebrity cruise questions if you don't mind?

On embarkation day are all the restaurants/cafes open as our boarding time is 12noon? How long does it normally take to get our cases to our cabin? We are on Deck 9?

When gambling in the casino how are the chips paid for and if you are lucky enough to win either on the slots or the gaming tables how are the winnings paid out?

And anymire advice for a first time Celebrity cruise would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Alakegirl]

The oceanview cafe (buffet), the poolside hamburger grill, the Aqua Spa cafe (alternative buffet) will all be open. For an extra charge you could also eat at Sushi on 5. The main dining room will not be open unless you are booked into Concierge Class.

 

The rooms will be available around 1:30 or 2. Your luggage could come as early as that, or as late as 6 or on rare occasions even later.

[Hydrokitty]

Greetings from New York, Minnie and welcome to Celebrity! To answer your questions:

1. On embarkation day only the buffet is definitely serving lunch and possibly the Mast Grill (hamburgers, etc) and the Aqua Spa (my favorite, salads, soup, sandwiches.

 

2. Luggage is delivered all afternoon and depending on your cabin status (suite, concierge, etc.). Suites, concierge and Elite will usually go first. We've had our luggage as early as 4 p.m. and as late as 7 p.m. so pack what you might need for first several hours in a carry on.

 

3. I don't usually go to the casino because I never win. The one time I won at Bingo I went to the casino bank and was given my $2 in cash.

 

4. Celebrity, IMHO, is top of the line in the Middle Range. Food in MDR ranges from very good to outstanding. Do try the chocolate mousse cake.

 

Have a wonderful cruise....where are you off to? We're sailing Eclipse out of Southampton in 10 days...this will be out 2nd time on her and she's lovely. If you want a quiet place to read during the day there's a forward lounge on top deck where they gave art auctions by day and night club by night, but it has the most wonderful chaises looking out over the bow for a quiet retreat during the day.

[Champagne Cruiser]

If you have a beverage package definitely go to Cafe al Bacio. The coffees and teas, and iced teas are the best. I read here on CC that there is a coffee beverage where they put in a scoop of gelato. I am definitely trying this next cruise in October. It's a great way to get a free scoop of gelato.

[Minnie29]

Thanks for all your replies. We are off on the Western Med cruise on September 3rd and are so excited.

Any other tips would be fantastic!!

Cafe al Bacio sounds great. Does anyone know what their premium coffees are and whether they are included in the classic drinks package which we have?

[24acorns]

Thanks for all your replies. We are off on the Western Med cruise on September 3rd and are so excited.

Any other tips would be fantastic!!

Cafe al Bacio sounds great. Does anyone know what their premium coffees are and whether they are included in the classic drinks package which we have?

Make sure you "sample" the pastries and cakes in Cafe Al Bacio ( my recommendation any Chiffon Cake) with your premium coffee. I believe all the non alcoholic coffee and premium teas available on Classic package, and with the new changes I presume you can pay the difference for coffee with alcohol.

Enjoy!!!:D

[minimaid 1]

Hi guys...some first Celebrity cruise questions if you don't mind?

On embarkation day are all the restaurants/cafes open as our boarding time is 12noon? How long does it normally take to get our cases to our cabin? We are on Deck 9?

When gambling in the casino how are the chips paid for and if you are lucky enough to win either on the slots or the gaming tables how are the winnings paid out?

And anymire advice for a first time Celebrity cruise would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Hi Minnie 29,

We are also from Cornwall and due to travel for the first time with Celebrity & on Eclipse in March 2018 to the Caribbean ! Have a wonderful holiday & let us know how it goes :cool:

[Champagne Cruiser]

I forgot to mention that all the pastries and cookies at Cafe al Bacio are free. You can get a go cup or just get the pastries and take them with you.

[Minnie29]

Hi Minnie 29,

We are also from Cornwall and due to travel for the first time with Celebrity & on Eclipse in March 2018 to the Caribbean ! Have a wonderful holiday & let us know how it goes :cool:

Hi guys,

Great to hear another Cornish couple will be on our cruise. Have you signed up for the Meet and Mingle and is this your first Celebrity cruise?

[LauraAnneC]

We are travelling in this cruise too - so excited - not long to go now!!

[keithm]

Hi guys...some first Celebrity cruise questions if you don't mind?

On embarkation day are all the restaurants/cafes open as our boarding time is 12noon? How long does it normally take to get our cases to our cabin? We are on Deck 9?

When gambling in the casino how are the chips paid for and if you are lucky enough to win either on the slots or the gaming tables how are the winnings paid out?

And anymire advice for a first time Celebrity cruise would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

The cafes are open as is the MDR(provided you're in Concierge class)I believe Luminae is open for suite pax.

[cruisin lady ca]

 

My favorite spot on the ship for coffee drinks, delicious cakes, muffins and croissant. I always stop by Cafe al Bacio to pick up a skinny vanilla latte and muffin in the morning and take them to the MDR to enjoy as part of my breakfast. It is also a great place for after dinner drinks and dessert (see photo) and a nice place to chat or listen to the music in the atrium.

[cruisin lady ca]

Personally, I can't wait to be back on Reflection in February. We will enjoy our first cruse on Eclipse next July. In the meantime, I enjoy revisiting my last cruise on Equinox. Here's another "preview" of the sweet treats you will find at Cafe al Bacio.

 

[cruisin lady ca]

We often ate breakfast at the Aqua Spa Cafe when we opted out of the MDR breakfast. Melon, oatmeal with berries and muffins (from Cafe al Bacio) were our "light breakfast" alternative when we didn't want eggs, bagels and lox, pancakes etc.

 

 

Lunch at the Aqua Spa Cafe - items changed daily. FYI - You can request a grilled chicken breast or salmon for lunch at the Aqua Spa Cafe. These items are not listed on the menu but will be prepared for you. They are nice additions to the salad and fruit that they have there.

[Hydrokitty]

Cruisin Lady: Aqua Spa Cafe is our favorite place for breakfast and lunch! Have you tried the Muesli with fresh berries? Absolutely divine!