Celebrity consistently earns the highest cruise industry guest satisfaction ratings

Celebrity Cruises enjoys the highest satisfaction ratings in the cruise industry, and The Eclipse has earned the highest ratings within the Celebrity fleet. We recently discovered first-hand just why the ship and her crew of 1,200 have consistently earned such high praise.

High satisfaction ratings have resulted in a matching high volume of repeat business. Hotel Director Bernhard Stacher noted that our voyage included 1,100 repeat guests (of 2,800); and that for longer voyages that number increases dramatically. “Our 13-Day TransAtlantic repositioning cruise will have 1,900 repeat guests sailing with us.” He adds; “During the winter season, we have so many returning guests who have become friends that it’s a bit like reunions happening at the re-opening of a country club.”

“Not only do we have the highest ratings from Travel & Leisure, Condé Nast Traveller, and Cruise Critic, we also have the highest employee satisfaction ratings in the cruise industry. Many of our employees have been with Celebrity for 10 to 20 years. This is one of the reasons our guests give us high ratings for service – because our employees really like what they do!”
The Eclipse is one of Celebrity’s Solstice-class ships whose unique characteristics have proven to be popular with the cruising public. These include: a maximum number of elegant balcony staterooms and suites; a Lawn Club which features a half acre of natural grass on the top deck; guest participation in the Hot Glass Studio in association with the Corning Museum; a serene adults-only Solarium with a pool, hot tubs and lounges; and the Celebrity Life enrichment activities.

Imagine listening to a cool jazz concert under the Caribbean night sky while sitting on natural grass with a glass of Merlot. Or being on one of several balconies overlooking the ship’s Grand Foyer while The Eclipse Orchestra performs Benny Goodman’s Sing, Sing, Sing; Duke Ellington’s Satin Doll, Take The A Train and other big band favourites. People were literally dancing in the aisles. For all the beauty and elegance of The Eclipse – these special moments capture the essence – and romance of a cruise experience.

The Eclipse has everything you would expect from a first-class cruise ship – and then surprises you with some unique features and services. Let’s have a look at what you can expect when sailing aboard her.

The Moonlight Sonata main dining room occupies two decks, and is decorated with European chic contemporary style. It is one of several centres of evening activity – although it is open for breakfast and lunch as well. The alternative dining restaurants are located off the classically elegant Ensemble Lounge furnished with comfortable loveseats, wing chairs and mahogany paneling reminiscent of an exclusive private club.

Diners in The Tuscan Grille have a majestic view from the floor-to-ceiling windows at the ship’s aft. The sun was setting as we enjoyed a fine meal and outstanding service, which created a memorable evening. This Italian steakhouse offers authentic Italian cuisine and for my part, one of the finest steaks I’ve ever enjoyed. The entire staff takes great pride in creating a special dining experience.

Murano is a classic Continental French dining room with mahogany paneling, plush carpets and intimate table arrangements. Servers take pride in explaining the featured menu items and their preparation. French tableside service for flambéed dishes adds to the sense of occasion. A palate cleansing lemon sorbet before the main course and a Chef’s complimentary appetizer illustrate the attention to detail and fine service that complement the delicious Murano cuisine. A house specialty is a five course gourmet dinner with wine pairings – a foodie and wine lover’s delight! A couple at an adjacent table was only halfway through their meal when they made an additional reservation for a second evening in this outstanding restaurant.

With an emphasis on healthy cuisine, Blu is the private dining room for AquaClass suite guests, with open seating from 6 to 9:30 pm. Bistro on Five features made-to-order crepes, and across the way on Deck 5, guests enjoyed cappuccino, espresso and Italian gelato at Café al Bacio Gelateria. The AquaSpa Café located adjacent to the Solarium offers a healthy alternative buffet breakfast and lunch. At the other end of the spectrum – The Mast Grill serves up juicy cheeseburgers, giant hot dogs and fries. The Oceanview Café (better known as ‘the buffet’ in cruise vernacular), has a huge variety of dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and the Chef’s late night selections. In addition there are stations specializing in Mexican, Asian, and Indian cuisine. The comfort food station with fried chicken, Scotch eggs, meat loaf and shepherd’s pie is a favourite. There is literally something for everyone at the Oceanview Café, which also offers prompt bar service for diners.

Staterooms on Solstice-class ships are on average 15% larger than industry standards – plenty of space in your home-away-from-home. In a unique move, the company sought design advice from several successful women who had travelled the world. Their common-sense recommendations for functionality and European-inspired sophistication were included in the design and décor. Mattresses have rounded corners, bathrooms are larger and with ample drawer space, and the elegant décor features natural earth-tone colours.

The Eclipse Theatre features elaborate full-scale production shows with singers, dancers and the outstanding Eclipse Orchestra. It’s a multi-million dollar hi-tech theatre with incredible sets, top flight performers and guest artists. The performances are marvelous; from the show-stopping songs of Broadway and London’s West End featured in Ovations; the cirque-inspired acrobatics and fabulous costumes of the extravaganza titled Eclipse – The Show; or the talented guest artists. For what you would pay to see such outstanding entertainment at home, Celebrity includes a stateroom, three-plus meals a day, indoor and outdoor pools, and all the services and amenities of a luxury cruise ship. Also, coming soon to a Celebrity ship near you; Vox Lumière will introduce musicals performed against a black & white silent film.

Entertainment onboard Celebrity Eclipse is not confined to the main stages and lounges. The Solstice-class ships have been designed to provide performance spaces in the ship’s common areas. The Grand Foyer is a mid-ships atrium soaring twelve decks with windowed elevators overlooking the Foyer, Card Room, Library, and Café al Bacio Gelateria. Before dinner, you might hear an outstanding a Capella vocal group, a jazz quartet performing selections from the American Songbook, a band performing a vast selection of pop music, or a string quartet. It’s also the setting for the popular Venetian Masque show, and Dancing With The Stripes – guests and officers competing in pairs. You’ll also hear the performers poolside, or in the elegant Sky Lounge towards the bow of the ship. And… if you prefer, Eclipse has numerous quiet lounges, sundecks and bars. Whatever the time of day or night – you can enjoy the serenity of a quiet corner.

Celebrity Life encourages guests to expand their cruise experience: participate in cooking demonstrations, attend informative Smithsonian lectures, and join in fitness classes and other self-improvement activities. “We have guests who discovered fine wines through wine tasting classes and have become knowledgeable oenophiles,” notes Hotel Director Bernhard Stacher. “Others have become gourmet cooks or accomplished ballroom dancers after discovering a talent or interest from one of our Celebrity Life programs.”

Celebrity Eclipse has ample deck space with two outdoor pools for taking the sun and enjoying the daytime activities and entertainment. The natural grass of the unique Lawn Club on the top deck continues to a favourite where guests can also play Bocce Ball or enjoy Lawn Bowling. Located forward up on deck 16, the Solstice Deck offers a quiet sunbathing area.
A full range of spa services for women and men is available in the The Aqua Spa, and you can keep fit in the adjacent fitness centre.

This was our second Celebrity experience, and we’ve come to understand why the company enjoys such a high level of repeat business. The staff and crew meets the expectations of their discerning and sophisticated clientele. Bon Voyage!

Travel Planner

The Eclipse is now sailing from Southampton for the spring, summer and early fall, offering itineraries that include Norwegian fjords, historic cities of The Baltic, and exciting Mediterranean cruises. In November she’ll return to Fort Lauderdale with 14 day itineraries of The Caribbean. Transat Holidays cruise division is a major wholesaler for Celebrity, and their customers benefit from the company’s buying power.

For more information: www.celebritycruises.com or www.transatholidays.com

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