CRUISE REFUSED DOCKING IN SAN ANTONIO/SANTIAGO CHILE

Item: Celebrity Eclipse
Rating: 4.5
Author: S148TOY

Celebrity Eclipse Cruise Review to South America

S148TOY

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 44

Overall rating:

4.5 out of 5

15 Night South America & Mexico (Santiago To San Diego)

Sail date: March 15, 2020

Ship: Celebrity Eclipse

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 7332

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

Some wish to blame Celebrity for this cancellation. Blame China, COVID-19 Chile closing their port at the last minute, notifying Celebrity within 24 hours, the port at midnight, ship was arriving at 2:00am. When you book your own airfare, Celebrity isn't to blame, but still offering $300pp. These are unprecedented times. Those stuck aboard, free 14 day cruise to San Diego, reimbursed to those who paid, 100% refunded or 125% FCC. Open bars, free internet, all ship activities being provided, not charging gratuities(although everyone should tip the crew), free flights to home airports. Situation horrible to those who flew in to join this cruise, either booked own airfare or used ChoiceAir. Those who used ChoiceAir supposedly were being helped but things were chaotic this last weekend, so some maybe weren't helped as they should have been. It was chaotic on the ship too, we waited in line for 4 1/2 hours on Sunday booked two flights then had to cancel both including hotel, many hassles. Guest Services staff only got rest on Thursday night when we sailed.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Already on the Eclipse, since 2/16/20

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Solstice class ship headed soon to be "Revolutionized", but still in great shape

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Alejando is the Cruise Director and now we understand why he has a following, the best CD we've ever had. Captain Leo is also outstanding available every day in public areas.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Great variety, Samba dancers while in Brazil, outstanding ship orchestra, all entertainers and speakers also marooned onboard working hard to entertain us.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

The best, especially since 3/15, only working for wages because they're not charging gratuities. I've made a couple announcements in the theater and Cruise Critic roll call to pay your gratuities.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Due to Covid-19, staff has been cleaning and sanitizing much more than usual.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

2B balcony, Cabin Attendant Effram is the best we've ever had, been with him since 2/16

Ports of call

San Antonio, Chile

1 out of 5

Denied entry or docking

Thumbs Up 0

San Diego, California

5 out of 5

Great city, not sure if were docking at usual cruise port or military base??

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

3 out of 5

Unknown, not in San Diego yet

6 Comments

Gwbigdog 2 years ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise

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javawoody 3 years ago

Thanks for the review and sharing your experience

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cruisereckoning 4 years ago

Crazy times, glad you enjoyed.

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Stevej61 4 years ago

Gee you sound like the media SnoMan sticking up for China.

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TheSnoMan 4 years ago

I would not blame China. It was know about in December but many did not take it seriously and help it spread. China did manage to contain it for moment. Other countries including our own is paying price for not taking it seriously months ago. We love cruises but ships are floating petry dishes just wait for a bug to take hold. Most bugs that spring up on ships are mild but this one is serious.

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Summerholiday 4 years ago

It must be crazy for all and a nightmare for all crusielines your so right if they close the port what are they to do ? And sometimes on the last minute which is what happened! You can't blame the cruise companies.. It could of been any ship at any time .. glad they looked after you all that's the main thing and you arrived home it's a crazy scary situation we hope goes away sooner than later so we can all sail back on the high seas :-)

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