Solid cruise, nice ports of call. Ship is a bit tired and perks once associated with SkySuites have been curtailed - and it's noticeable. Food quality and selection is reduced from years past - pretty clear cutbacks. Crew remained a high point of the cruise.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We had an 1100am boarding time. Retreat guests. Arrive at port about 1030, was escorted to a "Retreat" waiting area where there were refreshments whlle we awaited boarding. Boarded about 1045 and first martini about 1050.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Bars were fine as were the main dining areas. As Retreat guests, we dined in Luminae. Observed two new dishes, but the primary menu was terribly weak. We ended up ordering from the MDR menu. Staff was very good - but they're not being given the best dishes to work with. We found less selections in the Ocean View as well as shortages in certain beverages and fruits.
Michael's Club
3 out of 5
Michaels definitely needs updated. After sailing Edge class as well as the revolutionized M and S class ships, the Eclipse Michaels club is a non-event. Bar is manned , but does not carry the compliment of drinks that it should as a suite lounge. Food is only served at tea time so there isn't a draw to keep guest interested in the club except for concierge consults or special entertainment or officer events. Its pretty lame.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Well organized and distributed around the ship. Good rotations of talent types activities for all ages.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Very good variety of entertainment spread throughout the ship. From large theater venue productions to vocalists, musicians and comedic entertainers .
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
This was the brightest spot of the cruise . The crew was first rate, housekeeping, food and entertainment. Its appears Celebrity is directing selected material cutbacks in food, beverage. But the staff really wanted to please.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
It's time for dry dock. While well maintained, it's just not a prime time ship anymore. Needs updated dining and activity venues.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
For a 2010 Solstice class ship, it's fine, but cannot be compared to the new Sky Suites seen on Edge class. We found the bath too small. However, storage throughout the room is generous for an 8-day itinerary. Television equipment is dated and had black out service most of the cruise. They updated premium Star Link internet was the best we've experienced. Had issues with hot/cold water control. Seems like some days it was scalding and others too cold. Value was there for the price.
Ship tip
The ship is dated and fine for adult couples. Wouldn't recommend for family with kids - just not enough for the kids to do. Bar selection is generous and well spread out. But ship is dated and in need of a dry dock renovation. The original Michaels club serves as the Suite area, and is terribly small, dark, and lacks the new Retreat amities found on other updated Celebrity ships.
Our last port visit was San Diego and as the first re-entry point into the USA, we actually completed custom clearance the day before disembarkation. In one way, it made actual disembarkation much easier the next day BUT, it took up valuable time on a port day. Everyone had to leave the ship to check through customs. No sleeping in - had to be done before noon.
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