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eclipse of the caribbean | island hopping with celebrity cruises

15th Jan 2026 | 10 nights | Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Eclipse

Financially protected by the ATOL scheme
This package can be tailored to suit you
Premium cruise onboard Celebrity Cruises
Saint John's, Antigua
Financially protected by the ATOL scheme
This package can be tailored to suit you
Premium cruise onboard Celebrity Cruises

Winter sun, anyone? Florida, Antigua, Dominican Republic and more (save up to £750pp)

Why do we love this cruise holiday? Beginning with a 2-night stay in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, there’s plenty of time to soak in the sights – and the sun! From the famous beachfront promenade to the pretty, plantation-style property of Bonnet House, laid-back sightseeing sets the scene for things to come. Join your ship, Celebrity Eclipse, for an 8-night premium cruise across the Caribbean, with stops in Antigua, St. Marteen, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Offering an eclectic mix of islands, your days will range from beach hotspots to historical sightseeing. Like in San Juan, where imposing forts, city walls, cobblestone streets and UNESCO World Heritage Sites are just waiting to be explored. 

Itinerary available Nov 2025 - Feb 2026. Speak to our sales team for details.

What's included?

  • 2-night 4* stay at a handpicked hotel in Fort Lauderdale, USA
  • 8-night cruise onboard Celebrity Eclipse
  • Return flights with generous checked baggage
  • ATOL protected

Want to go all-inclusive? Speak to our friendly sales consultants about adding All Included for drinks and Wi-Fi.


What's included with the Cruise

  • A stay in one of the spacious staterooms,
  • Delicious gourmet meals at the restaurants
  • A slate of activities and entertainment shows

Cruise Circle Collection packages adhere to our 7 point charter:

  • Up-front, honest pricing
  • No hidden fees
  • No booking fees. Ever.
  • A personal service
  • Educational trips and ship visits
  • Good quality accommodation
  • No unreasonable flight times
Learn more about our charter

Similar Packages:

Day
Date
 
Arrival
Departure
 
1
15th Jan 2026 Thursday
Fly UK to Fort Lauderdale, USA
Fort Lauderdale, USA
 
 
 
 
Fly UK to Fort Lauderdale, USA
Flights

Today your Florida & Caribbean holiday begins with an outbound flight to Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale, USA
Hotel

On arrival check-in to your 4* hotel for a 2-night stay.

2
16th Jan 2026 Friday
Fort Lauderdale, USA
Fort Lauderdale, USA
 
 
 
 
Fort Lauderdale, USA
Other

Today spend a full day at leisure to explore the area. Choose to head to the beach for a day of relaxation, enjoy some retail therapy, or head out on a thrilling Everglades tour.

Fort Lauderdale, USA
Hotel
3
17th Jan 2026 Saturday
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
00:00
15:30
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Cruise
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The "middle city" of Florida's Gold Coast, Fort Lauderdale sits between Miami to the south and Palm Beach to the north. The city blends nicely with its metropolitan neighbours, and elements of Miami's chic vibe and the affluent nature of Palm Beach are recognizable. But Fort Lauderdale is a destination itself. Operating one of the busiest cruise ports in North America -- more than three million people pass through each year -- helps define Fort Lauderdale as a robust tourism spot. Fort Lauderdale started out as a swampy outpost with a fort, built to protect against the Seminole Indians. The swamps were transformed in the late 1800s into a series of canals by scooping out parallel waterways and creating long peninsulas between them. This created more than 300 miles of navigable waterways (twice that of Venice) -- hence the city's nickname "Venice of America." The abundance of waterways that wind up and down the coast make Fort Lauderdale a boating hot spot, with 42,000 registered yachts. The community gained fame and a measure of disrepute when it was featured in the 1960s movie "Where the Boys Are," causing legions of college-aged boys (and, not coincidentally, girls) to descend for raucous spring breaks. For decades, Fort Lauderdale was synonymous with spring break -- and the giddy wildness that accompanies this rite of passage -- until an effort by city leaders in the 1980s went into effect, in earnest, to tone it down. These days, the fastest-growing market for Fort Lauderdale is the trendy high spenders who at one time might have gone south -- or north. Area hotels include Ritz-Carlton, Trump International Hotel and Tower and W Fort Lauderdale. Since shedding its "rowdy, college spring break" reputation, the city has grown into a more genteel community that's family- and boater-oriented. Beyond the canals, and the Intracoastal Waterway that runs through the city, major development projects have been redefining Fort Lauderdale. Downtown -- especially around the hub of Las Olas Boulevard, with its cafes, galleries and boutiques - gives off a Miami Beach vibe. Greater Fort Lauderdale's 23-mile beachfront has also received a major overhaul, with lush landscaping and vivacious lighting complementing the expansive stretches of sand. In fact, since 1999, the beaches of Greater Fort Lauderdale have earned "Blue Wave Beach" certification from the Clean Beaches Council, a designation awarded to the nation's cleanest and safest beaches. Beyond surf, sand and Fort Lauderdale's role as cruise embarkation central, there are enough activities to entice travellers to spend a few days there before or after a voyage.
4
18th Jan 2026 Sunday
At Sea
00:00
00:00
5
19th Jan 2026 Monday
At Sea
00:00
00:00
6
20th Jan 2026 Tuesday
Saint John's, Antigua
09:30
18:00
Saint John's, Antigua
Cruise
Saint John's, Antigua

Antiguans like to boast that they have 365 beaches -- one for each day of the year. And while no one counts to ensure the accuracy of this catchy marketing claim, the squiggly shaped island indeed is full of beachy gems, each with its own unique appeal. Part of the West Indies, Antigua was first occupied by the peaceful Arawak Indians around 200 B.C. They stayed until the arrival of the Caribs, an Amazonian tribe, whose name was derived from the Spanish word "caribal," meaning "cannibal." Then, the island was known as Wadadli until 1493 when Columbus, who never made landfall, sailed by and named the island in honor of Maria de la Antigua, a saint he worshipped in Seville. The English arrived in 1632, establishing sugar plantations and bringing African slaves; slavery was fully abolished in 1838. Great Britain held the island until 1981, when Antigua (pronounced "An-tee-gah") achieved independence. The island was an important colonial base of the Royal Navy, with English Harbour serving as its headquarters. The remains of the navy's presence represent some of the most fascinating attractions -- a walk around historic Nelson's Dockyard and the grounds of Shirley Heights reveals remnants of a working Georgian-era harbor, old forts and officer's quarters, as well as a multitude of crumbling sugar mills from the days when sugar plantations ruled the island. In more recent years, English Harbour has become the capital of international yachting and sailing, and those activities are responsible for a surge in population during the winter months. The season opens in December with the Antigua Yacht Show and ends in May with Antigua Sailing Week, one of the largest annual regattas in the Caribbean. Since gaining independence, Antigua has all but abandoned its agricultural heritage in favor of a tourist economy. The island can hold its own in the duty-free shopping category, but the real highlights lie well beyond the capital and port town of St. John's. And if all those beaches aren't enough, Antigua's sister island, Barbuda, is accessible by ferry for day-trippers. The ferry drops you in the middle of 14 miles of unspoiled pink shell beaches -- including one that used to be a favorite of Princess Diana; it's now named in her honor. Antigua owns an average high temperature of a pleasant 81 degrees, but it's a slightly less hospitable climate in the summer when the trade winds die down. Antiguans celebrate these slower summer months with the annual Carnival at the end of July and beginning of August. The island is susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms, with a direct hurricane hitting about every seven years on average. The highest risk is in early September -- so there's little need to worry during peak cruising season. Bring your umbrella, though, because more than half of the days in November through February experience rainfall.

7
21st Jan 2026 Wednesday
Philipsburg
08:00
18:00
Philipsburg
Cruise
Philipsburg

St. Maarten is busier than ever, as cruise lines call on Philipsburg with their biggest ships. (Sometimes there are a half-dozen in port at one time.) There's also more to do once you disembark, with shopping and beaches serving as the primary attractions.

That can be viewed as either good news (more shopping choices, better deals and more beach activities) or bad news (more people) for this port of call, which, along with neighbouring St. Martin, makes up the world's smallest island inhabited by two countries.

St. Maarten, like many other Caribbean islands, was spotted by Christopher Columbus in 1493. But the island's real history began with French and Dutch settlers who divided the island in 1648. They have lived side-by-side ever since. St. Maarten, governed by the Netherlands Antilles until 2010, is now a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (along with Aruba, Curacao and the Netherlands), while St. Martin is part of the French West Indies. What's particularly fun is that you can easily swing back and forth from the Dutch to the French sides and enjoy the best of both.

On either side of the mountainous island, lovely beaches -- including the famed clothing-optional part of Orient Beach -- rival the best in the Caribbean. Plus, duty-free prices for electronics and liquor in Philipsburg might be the best deals around.

8
22nd Jan 2026 Thursday
San Juan
07:00
15:00
San Juan
Cruise
San Juan

As an anchor on Eastern and Southern Caribbean itineraries -- not to mention a turnaround port for many ships -- San Juan is a place where just about all cruisers, at some point or another, are going to wind up. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, and San Juan is its urban hub. The city, by and large, is divided into new and old. The new includes a business district and outlying neighbourhoods, concentrated with hotel chains like Isla Verde. The old is, of course, the historic city within ancient walls. Both offer many Americanisms. (Senor Frog's has a prime outpost, and you'll never want for a McDonald's Big Mac.)

Get beyond that, though, because of all America's Caribbean islands, Puerto Rico offers the most exotic aura. The melange of indigenous Taino culture, combined with European and African influences in San Juan (and all of Puerto Rico, for that matter), is one major factor. Add to that its own unique influences in areas ranging from cuisine and music to history and art. And there's more: folks who have travelled to Cuba say that Old San Juan reminds them more of Cuba, at times, than Cuba itself! It's also very Spanish (think Seville) and even a bit Italian (reminiscent of Naples). Finally, the city evokes just a wee taste of South America (like Buenos Aires).

For those who visit San Juan as a day-stop on a Caribbean itinerary or embark or disembark there, the island's biggest appeal is the old city. Most cruise ships dock right in the heart of Old San Juan, which dates back to the 16th century. The old, walled city has been exquisitely preserved, and its sprawling forts, cobblestone streets, antique shops and art galleries make it an ideal first stop. Its mainstream attractions include the imposing El Morro fort, which dates back to 1539; the Cathedral of San Juan, where the island's first governor, Ponce de Leon, is buried; La Fortaleza, the oldest governor's mansion on U.S. soil; several colonial plazas; and the triumvirate of Calle del Cristo, Calle San Jose and Calle Fortaleza for shopping. Calle del Cristo, in particular, is chock-full of art galleries, artisan studios and distinctive boutiques.

But, if you're a "been there, done that" visitor to Old San Juan, there's much more to explore.

And there's one more thing to keep in mind: many cruises stay in port until late at night. That makes it possible to sample some of the city's vibrant restaurants and nightlife (as long as you keep an eye on the clock).

9
23rd Jan 2026 Friday
Puerto Plata
07:30
18:00
Puerto Plata
Cruise
Puerto Plata

As the oldest city on the north coast of the country, Puerto Plata has a lot to offer visitors. Stroll through the Parque Central, admire the technicolour homes built by tobacco merchants, then pause at a local restaurant or bar before taking the cable car ride for stunning views on clear days. Alternatively, head to one of the nearby beach resorts to enjoy lively surf and endless golden beaches.

10
24th Jan 2026 Saturday
At Sea
00:00
00:00
11
25th Jan 2026 Sunday
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Disembark and fly to UK
07:00
 
00:00
 
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Cruise
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The "middle city" of Florida's Gold Coast, Fort Lauderdale sits between Miami to the south and Palm Beach to the north. The city blends nicely with its metropolitan neighbours, and elements of Miami's chic vibe and the affluent nature of Palm Beach are recognizable. But Fort Lauderdale is a destination itself. Operating one of the busiest cruise ports in North America -- more than three million people pass through each year -- helps define Fort Lauderdale as a robust tourism spot. Fort Lauderdale started out as a swampy outpost with a fort, built to protect against the Seminole Indians. The swamps were transformed in the late 1800s into a series of canals by scooping out parallel waterways and creating long peninsulas between them. This created more than 300 miles of navigable waterways (twice that of Venice) -- hence the city's nickname "Venice of America." The abundance of waterways that wind up and down the coast make Fort Lauderdale a boating hot spot, with 42,000 registered yachts. The community gained fame and a measure of disrepute when it was featured in the 1960s movie "Where the Boys Are," causing legions of college-aged boys (and, not coincidentally, girls) to descend for raucous spring breaks. For decades, Fort Lauderdale was synonymous with spring break -- and the giddy wildness that accompanies this rite of passage -- until an effort by city leaders in the 1980s went into effect, in earnest, to tone it down. These days, the fastest-growing market for Fort Lauderdale is the trendy high spenders who at one time might have gone south -- or north. Area hotels include Ritz-Carlton, Trump International Hotel and Tower and W Fort Lauderdale. Since shedding its "rowdy, college spring break" reputation, the city has grown into a more genteel community that's family- and boater-oriented. Beyond the canals, and the Intracoastal Waterway that runs through the city, major development projects have been redefining Fort Lauderdale. Downtown -- especially around the hub of Las Olas Boulevard, with its cafes, galleries and boutiques - gives off a Miami Beach vibe. Greater Fort Lauderdale's 23-mile beachfront has also received a major overhaul, with lush landscaping and vivacious lighting complementing the expansive stretches of sand. In fact, since 1999, the beaches of Greater Fort Lauderdale have earned "Blue Wave Beach" certification from the Clean Beaches Council, a designation awarded to the nation's cleanest and safest beaches. Beyond surf, sand and Fort Lauderdale's role as cruise embarkation central, there are enough activities to entice travellers to spend a few days there before or after a voyage.
Disembark and fly to UK
Flights

This morning your holiday sadly comes to an end. At the scheduled time take your overnight flight back to the UK.

Celebrity Eclipse is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful big ships we've ever sailed. Its interiors blend sophistication with a bit of whimsy -- akin to a trendy W Hotel but with softer edges.

It's a food-lovers paradise, with many options onboard from the complimentary Moonlight Sonata, which will satisfy almost any tastes, to the upscale but extra-cost French bistro Murano and the fun, animated experience at Qsine. Music fans will also appreciate the diversity of bands, duos and soloists that perform in various venues from early evening until late at night.

We love that the ship positions itself perfectly for the first-timer -- not so big that it's overwhelming but not so small that you get bored. It's got a good selection of activities, the entertainment is high quality and cabins are bigger than the industry average.

On the downside, the rampant upselling and fee surcharges are a bit of a turnoff. Service is sometimes overwhelmed, and on warm sea days, the pool deck can feel crowded, especially when the ship is at its maximum capacity of 3,148.

But none of the negatives is enough to deter us from taking another cruise on this lovely ship.

Daytime: Casual throughout, with bathing suits and cover-ups common on the pool deck.

Evening: Two evening chic nights take place per seven-night cruise. The rest of the time, it's smart-casual, with sport shirts and slacks appropriate for men, while women will be comfortable in skirts or pants and blouses, or casual dresses. On "evening chic" evenings, men can ditch the full suit and tie in favour of a sport coat and collared shirt, with nice pants or even designer jeans. Women can wear cocktail dresses, sundresses, designer jeans or nice pants.

Not permitted: Swimwear, spa robes and bare feet are not permitted in the buffet, while T-shirts, tank tops and flip-flops are not allowed in the main dining room at any time; shorts are not allowed at dinner (although this rule isn't always enforced).

Theatre

The Eclipse Theater hosts cooking demonstrations and talks from guest lecturers during the day and then each night (at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.) sees a different production, from a Cirque du Soleil-inspired circus show to performances by aerialists, dancers, guest singers, comics and magicians.

Daily Fun

From early morning, Celebrity Eclipse has nonstop activities, such as gym and dance classes, trivia, bingo, game shows, lectures and workshops including tips for using iPhones and iPads, arts and crafts, and learning foreign languages through the line's Rosetta Stone partnership.

Team Earth (Deck 7) is an environmental awareness experience and photography exhibition. Celebrity Tastings, an annex to the art auction's main gallery, hosts samplings of wine and other libations, such as Irish whiskies. There is also a dedicated wine-tasting venue on Deck 4 called Cellar Masters. A fee is charged for both of these tasting activities.

At the Hot Glass Show on the top deck, passengers can watch a master practising his or her art, with a second artist providing commentary. The adjacent Lawn Club itself is used for various games, such as croquet and golf putting (weather permitting).

At Night

Celebrity Eclipse features lots of live music in the evening -- on deck, in lounges and in the main foyer -- including a classical string quartet, a jazz orchestra, solo pianists and singer/guitarists. You'll also find evening entertainment up at The Lawn Club when the weather permits. A jazz concert one night under a starry sky with wine and cheese (you pay for the wine, though not the cheese) was an absolute delight.

Other entertainment at night includes blackjack at the casino, karaoke in Quasar nightclub and a DJ in Sky Lounge, with a silent disco proving the most popular event for all ages.

Celebrity Eclipse Bars and Lounges

Eclipse offers a diverse mix of drinking destinations, from relaxed bars with spectacular views to excellent cocktail options to energetic places to dance.

Highlights include:

Passport Bar (Deck 3): The Passport Bar is meant to be a gastro bar, but it is really just two fridges full of international craft beers from all over the U.S., Canada and Europe. Located off the atrium, near the main dining room and on the way to the theatre, it's in a great spot for passing traffic and watching dance classes.

Martini Bar & Crush (Deck 4): The most popular spot on any Celebrity ship, the Martini Bar attracts fun-loving people from late afternoon until late at night. The ice-topped bar features more than 100 different varieties of vodka and a long list of flavoured martinis. Order a martini flight; it comes with a free show of the fabulous bartenders' creative talents.

Cellar Masters (Deck 4): During the day, there are extra-fee wine tasting sessions, but at night the crowds seem to dry up -- perhaps because the lack of bartenders gives it a soulless feel. Instead of interacting with a friendly crew, passengers access and pay for drinks via automatic wine dispensers.

Quasar (Deck 4): The ship's late-night disco is a small space with a bar, dance floor, DJ booth and limited seating. It's either dead or buzzing, with no in-between.

World Class Bar (Deck 5): Manned by bow-tied mixologists, World-Class Bar is named after a bartender competition sponsored by one of the world's biggest drinks company, Diageo. Craft cocktails include Bulleit Infusion, a blend of tropical fruits infused with Bulleit Bourbon, and Ketel One Strawberry Fields, composed of vodka, Cocchi Americano (dessert wine) and grapefruit juice. Look out for the extra-fee cocktail-making masterclasses.

Ensemble Lounge (Deck 5): This busy space, on the way to the eateries, has plenty of seating around the bar so it's good for socializing before or after dinner. Live music is played here throughout the evening.

Michael's Club (Deck 5): This civilized haven away from the bustling ship is only open to suite passengers and high-ranking (Elite and above) members of Celebrity's loyalty club, the Captain's Club. The personal greeting as you arrive, the hushed tones, the dark red and brown décor -- it's all redolent of a gentlemen's club. A buffet-style breakfast is served in Michael's Club in the morning, and there is a cocktail hour most evenings.

Slush (Deck 12): Nestled in a small stand on the Pool Deck, it's more of a serving station, which only sells frozen cocktails.

Sky Observation Lounge (Deck 14): This is one of the most stunning public bars at sea, with huge windows all around, ample seating and a dance floor. It's a gorgeous space during the day for just gazing out to sea or at night for watching the stars, while a DJ plays different themes of the music.

Sunset Bar (Deck 15): Just above the Oceanview Bar and exposed to the elements, the Sunset Bar is a great spot to watch the sunset. There are chairs and tables just beside it, as well as rows of chairs and small tables on both sides of the grass lawn, so you can grab a drink and park yourself there for the jazz concerts.

Celebrity Eclipse Outside Recreation

Pools

The main pool area on Deck 14 includes a family pool (shallow for youngsters), separated narrowly from the Sports Pool (for pool volleyball) on one side and the Wet Zone on the other. The Wet Zone is a flat area with vertical fountain jets that fire at random; it's great fun for kids to play in or for anyone wishing for a quick cool down. The main pool area also features four hot tubs.

Keep walking forward, and you'll pass into the stunning adults-only (16+) Solarium, a gorgeous spot that is flooded in light. Facilities include a small pool (complete with a waterfall) and two whirlpools on each side.

Recreation

The nicest recreational area is the Lawn Club, and though Celebrity is careful to avoid excess wear and tear on the living grass, the ship's own backyard does feature a bocce court and a three-hole putting course. It's also perfect for picnics or just napping on the grass.

At the forward end of the ship, on Deck 15, is a basketball court and Ping-Pong tables.

Sun Decks

The main pool deck is surrounded by cushioned loungers, as well as the two-person poolside beds that are a signature of all Solstice-class ships. For additional sunbathing space, the sun deck at the front of Deck 16 rarely gets crowded. You can also grab a towel and relax on the Lawn Club's lawn at the other end of the ship.

Celebrity Eclipse Services

  • Guest and shore excursion services
  • Two-deck library
  • Card room with board games
  • Future cruise sales
  • Photo gallery and camera shop
  • Art gallery
  • iLounge internet café and computer store (find Celebrity internet prices here)
  • Shops: designer accessories and clothing, fine jewellery, toiletries, snacks, duty-free alcohol and cigarettes
  • Medical centre

Spa

The Canyon Ranch-branded spa offers a dizzying array of body treatments, facials, medi-spa and hair services, including full-body wraps, scrubs, various types of massages and facials, couples treatments, teeth whitening services, acupuncture, reflexology and cosmetic injections. A 50-minute massage starts at $109 (on a port day; $145 on a sea day). Facials start at $140 for 50 minutes.

At the hair salon and barbershop, a shampoo starts at $53, while a beard trim is $35. Note all prices are higher when the ship is at sea and do not include an obligatory 18 percent service charge.

The Persian Garden thermal suite is coed, with a sauna, steam room, tropical rain shower and heated relaxation chairs with ocean views, but oddly no spa pool. The facility is available for free to AquaClass passengers; for everyone else, passes cost $25 for one day, $50 for three days and $75 for six days.

Fitness

A staffed gym sports lots of modern fitness machines. Yoga, Pilates and light aerobics classes cost $11; morning stretch classes are complimentary. A serpentine jogging track (eight laps equals a mile) is on Deck 14.

Celebrity places a high emphasis on food, and the quality of the food onboard is generally of a high standard. If you choose to only eat in the ship's complimentary main dining room, Moonlight Sonata, you will not be disappointed.

Unfortunately, unless you're staying in an AquaClass cabin or a suite, there's only one other main free dining option, the Oceanview Café buffet.

Cruisers with special dietary needs might want to stick with the main dining room, where vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free and no-sugar items are clearly marked on the menu.

Room service is free, except for orders between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Free Dining

Moonlight Sonata Dining Room (Decks 3 & 4)
Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L) on sea days, Dinner (D):

The towering, airy Moonlight Sonata is the ship's main dining room, spanning two decks at the aft end of the ship. The room is bright and light in tone and makes ample use of the ship's signature design element, glass. The two-story glass wine tower is a showstopper.

Surprisingly for a ship with 2,800 passengers, this single restaurant feels spacious and uncrowded. The room's openness, combined with extensive carpeting on the floors, results in a tolerable noise level.

Service is prompt, attentive and friendly. The dinner menu is not overloaded with choices, offering seven always changing entrees each night, including a salad entrée. Although no separate spa, vegetarian or heart-healthy menus are added on, at least one choice per course qualifies for each category. In addition, the chef suggests his favourite from the available options, and there are also several "classic favourite" options available nightly. We found the cuisine to be a mix of French, Italian and "New American" styles, with good, hearty salads.

Deck 3 of Moonlight Sonata is reserved for those who want traditional assigned time dining; choices are either 6 p.m. or 8 p.m. Deck 4 is for people who opt to dine anytime between opening hours.

Oceanview Café (Deck 14)
Meals: B, L, D

Nine decks directly above Moonlight Sonata is the Oceanview Café, an expansive multistation buffet for breakfast, lunch and casual dinner. Outside of regular mealtimes, ice cream, pizza, pasta, sushi, afternoon tea and late-night snacks are on offer, all without additional charge. A juice bar serves up particularly delicious freshly squeezed O.J., but it will set you back a few bucks.

The buffet layout is excellent, with many serving and prep stations situated as islands in the middle of the room, rather than stretched along the walls. The result is a dependably uncrowded, spacious operation offering an extensive number of choices.

Besides the conventional dinner choices, which tend to mirror what's served each evening in Moonlight Sonata, British (bangers, English bacon, baked beans, Marmite, Alpen -- but only when in Southampton) and Asian (miso soup with mix-ins, tofu, rice) stations, as well as vegetarian and carved meat stations, round out the mix. The standard breakfast selections don't change. We found the breads superb, especially the homemade English muffins.

Lunch features one changing "Chef's Choice" station (primarily a carving station) in addition to tacos, pastas, stir-fry, sandwiches, soups, salads and other speciality stops. There is plenty of elbow room between tables, and attentive waiters are available for assistance for those who require it.

Mast Grill (Deck 14)
Meals: L

Outside and forward of the main swimming pool, the Mast Grill serves burgers, hot dogs and fries.

Luminae (Deck 3)
Meals: B, L, D

This 92-person restaurant is free -- but only to those people booked in suites. Luminae has a contemporary look and feel: lots of light, chrome and glass to reflect the meaning of its name (light). It's split into two separate spaces, which gives the feeling of intimacy and exclusivity that Celebrity is trying to create.

Lunch and dinner menus change daily (as in they are never repeated) and are freshly prepared -- often with produce sourced from the port visited that day. The dinner menu is limited intentionally, apparently, to ensure the selections are always fresh. It features just four appetizers, five mains and three desserts. The food, service and ambience are outstanding.

Blu (Deck 5)
Meals: B, D

A private dining room reserved for passengers booked in Celebrity's AquaClass category, Blu has a similar multicourse menu to Moonlight Sonata but with fewer offerings. The cuisine style relies less on rich sauces and sautéing and more on natural reductions, ragouts and herbs. The calorie count is printed next to each dish. We found the food rather uninspiring, and the atmosphere cold. AquaClass passengers do not have to pay extra to dine here; suite passengers may book tables on a space-available basis, also for free. The restaurant is otherwise off limits to regular passengers.

AquaSpa Café (Deck 12)
Meals: B, L

AquaSpa Café, in the adults-only Solarium, serves healthier fare (think small salads and wraps) for breakfast and lunch. The café also offers Greek yogurt parfaits, juices and smoothies, although these cost extra. It's usually quiet and relaxing in the early morning, with only the trickling sound of the nearby water feature. Solo travellers often dine here alone.

Fee Dining

Pricing was accurate at time of review but may have changed since.

Murano (Deck 5); $50 per person (dinner); $30 per person (lunch)
Meals: L, D

Celebrity is renowned for its high-quality French alternative restaurants. On Eclipse, the restaurant is called Murano, and the theme is Continental with a tilt toward new French. The centrepiece is a six-course tasting menu, with two choices for each course and an option to have wine paired with each (raising the surcharge to $89). Diners can also order from the à la carte menu. There is a "Market Price" surcharge for caviar. Murano is the perfect choice for date night.

Tuscan Grille (Deck 5); $45 per person (dinner); $25 per person (lunch)
Meals: L, D

Tuscan Grille, Eclipse's Italian steakhouse restaurant, has the best view of any restaurant aboard the ship, being situated all the way aft. A meal in Tuscan Grille is best enjoyed before the sun goes down and while there are still seats right up against the wall of glass facing the trailing wake of the ship. The grilled meats and seafood can't be beat. Other signature touches are an antipasti bar and Caesar salad prepared tableside. There is also the opportunity to pay for upcharge items (steaks), like $15 for a bone-in New York Strip.

Qsine (Deck 5); $55 per person (dinner)
Meals: D

Qsine (pronounced "cuisine") has replaced its former gimmick of quirky cuisine, moving the novelty to your plate, literally. A cute, animated show is screened on each diner's plate and across the table in between four courses of gourmet food. Known as Le Petit Chef, because the cartoon stars a little chef who mutters in French as he struggles to prepare your meal, this unique experience is endearing and amusing. Kids would enjoy it as much as adults. Each dish is simple and delicious, but it's a set menu so ask the maître d' when booking if you would like to switch out one of the courses.

Sushi on Five (Deck 5); à la carte, $4–$13
Meals: L, D

Much more than a sushi joint, Sushi on Five offers sashimi, hot pots, noodle dishes and snacks, which can also be delivered to your cabin.

Café al Bacio & Gelateria (Deck 5); à la carte, $4–$10
Meals: Snacks

Located across from Sushi on Five, this coffee place was one of our favourite spots for a light snack. The food, from pastries to small sandwiches, is complimentary, but the (overpriced) beverages cost extra. On the opposite side of the room, a gelato bar dishes out cold concoctions, also for a fee.

Celebrity Eclipse's cabins are relatively spacious, with good storage and amenities. Of the 1,279 cabins with ocean views (including suites), 1,205 have balconies -- a whopping 85 percent of all cabins. All cabin categories come in varieties that fit two to four people, giving families a range of cabin prices to choose from. There are also designated family cabins that can sleep up to five.

Accessible versions of all categories are available.

All cabins, regardless of category, come with robes, safes, hairdryers and stocked mini-bars. (Tea and coffee makers are available only when the ship sails in the U.K.) A large interactive flat-screen TV in every cabin allows passengers to book reservations, services and excursions; examine their accounts; check menus; and watch on-demand entertainment for an extra fee. There is also plenty of storage space, with many nooks and crannies in addition to the closet and drawers. Most cabins also feature two twin beds, which can convert to a queen; a sofa bed, a cabinet with shelving and desk with chair.

Bathrooms have also been well thought out, with curved acrylic shower doors and lots of shelves for your toiletries. Soap and small bottles of shampoo, conditioner and lotion are provided.

Suite privileges on Celebrity Eclipse are robust and include a private lounge and restaurant.

Cabin Categories

Interior: About 10 percent of the cabins onboard are inside cabins, each measuring from 174 to 200 square feet.

Oceanview: Outside cabins are 175 square feet and feature large picture windows.

Balcony: Making up the bulk of the rooms, standard balcony cabins are 192 square feet, with 53-square-foot balconies; the extra square footage goes mostly to bigger closets. Sunset balcony cabins are located at the back of the ship, but surprisingly, do not have bigger balconies.

Concierge Class: Also 192 square feet with 53-square-foot balconies, these staterooms come with concierge-type services (such as restaurant and private car reservations ashore), as well as a full breakfast room service menu, nightly canapes and complimentary welcome aboard Champagne. Other Concierge Class perks include Egyptian cotton oversized bath towels, a Hansgrohe massaging showerhead and upgraded robes. Shoeshine service is complimentary, as is the use of a golf umbrella and binoculars. Priority treatment takes the form of priority check-in, luggage delivery, embarkation and debarkation. Concierge Class passengers also get the use of an exclusive pre-departure lounge with free coffee and juices.

AquaClass: Also the same size as a standard balcony, these staterooms are located on Deck 11 near the AquaSpa and include an expanded assemblage of spa-oriented cosmetics, gels and bath amenities; upgraded linens, including a pillow menu; upgraded robes and slippers; a daily carafe of flavour-infused iced tea; canapes; and access to an exclusive room service menu of salads, whole grains and healthy dining choices. The bathroom features a five-head Hansgrohe shower tower.

AquaClass passengers have their own speciality restaurant, Blu, as well as complimentary use of the AquaSpa Relaxation Room and Persian Garden thermal suite, a value of about $100 per passenger based on a seven-night cruise. Lastly, a "spa concierge" is available to help with booking treatments.

Family Offerings: Families can take advantage of 121 connecting staterooms and four Family Ocean View Staterooms with two bedrooms each. These rooms measure a massive 575 square feet with one master bedroom, plus a second bedroom (with a single twin bed) and sitting area with a sofa (convertible to trundle bed). They can sleep five.

Accessible: Eclipse has 30 state-of-the-art wheelchair-accessible staterooms, covering a wide range of categories from inside to Sky Suite. Eighty percent (24) have outside views, and 20 of the 30 accessible cabins have balconies. All accessible staterooms have additional square footage over their non-accessible counterparts and have 32-inch-wide automatic doors with sitting-level keycard slots. Most accessible staterooms feature a 5-foot turning radius. Bathrooms have roll-in showers, ramped thresholds and lowered fixtures. A service animal relief box is available on request.

Suites

Celebrity has four types of suites, each bigger than the next. All suite passengers get butler service and a range of other perks, which include exclusive use of the suite passenger-only, Luminae Restaurant. Celebrity's suite passengers also enjoy a free mini-bar and exclusive use of the Michael's Club lounge. Bathroom amenities are by Bulgari.

Sky Suite: Sky Suites measure 300 square feet with a 77-square-foot veranda accessed through floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass doors. Bathrooms come with a shower/tub combination.

Celebrity Suites: Each measures 394 square feet with a 105-square-foot balcony. They come with an entrance hall and two separate rooms. The bedroom is almost entirely filled by a large double bed. The living room area is expansive, with an L-shaped sofa, coffee table and chair, sideboard, flat-screen TV and double doors leading out to the balcony. Bathrooms have a combo shower/tub.

Royal Suite: Spanning 590 square feet with a 153-square-foot balcony, each Royal Suite has a master bedroom with a large bathroom that has a separate shower and tub, a second half bathroom and a large living room with an L-shaped sofa, coffee table, a wet bar and a dining area that can seat six.

Penthouse Suites: The two Penthouse Suites, measuring 1,291 square feet with 389-square-foot balconies, are breathtaking. These cabins offer floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors leading out to the balconies, separate living and dining rooms, baby grand pianos, full bars, sofa queen sleepers, two 52-inch LCD TVs (with surround sound in each living room), two bedrooms with full baths and master baths with whirlpool tubs, shower stalls with dual shower heads, double washbasins and even 26-inch LCD TVs. Each balcony has a second whirlpool and lounge seating.

*Prices correct at time of publish and maybe subject to change

Best for...

Modern types who prefer a whimsical approach to onboard dining, drinking, décor and entertainment

Not the best for...

Anyone scared off by being trendy; boisterous families; cruisers who want dining variety without paying extra

Who goes on Celebrity Cruises cruise ships?

Celebrity draws a broad range of travellers, most attracted by the cuisine, unusual entertainment and creative itineraries. Passenger ages typically average in the 50s, with family groups more visible in the summer and during school vacations. The longer and more exotic cruises usually host an older demographic, and the passenger mix varies with the port of embarkation but most are from North America, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand.


Do I have to dress up on a Celebrity Cruises cruise?

Yes and no. The norm on most Celebrity sailings is smart-casual, but in the Galapagos, attire is casual. Despite the daytime casual vibe, you won't find T-shirts, swimsuits, robes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps or swimwear in the main restaurant or specialty restaurants at any time. Formal nights (held once on cruises six nights or shorter, twice on longer itineraries) have been replaced by Evening Chic, where anything from cocktail attire to formal wear is appropriate. The dress code also extends to the theatre on those evenings.


Is everything included on Celebrity Cruises cruises?

No. The cruise fare for a Celebrity cruise covers dining in several complimentary venues, including the Main Dining Room, Oceanview Café buffet restaurant, Spa Café, Mast Grill (on most ships) and Seaside Grill. Room service is also complimentary, except for the period between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Passengers staying at certain suite levels have additional complimentary dining privileges, and those staying in AquaClass rooms can dine in the Blu restaurant without charge. Water, basic coffee and tea, and certain juices are provided free of charge, but unless you're booked in certain suite categories, you'll have to pay extra for soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. The extensive entertainment from Broadway-style theatre to circus shows, comedy, magic, dance and live music is all available without charge. The kids' program is also free, though you'll pay extra for babysitting. Shore excursions are not covered by cruise fares, nor are gratuities, spa and salon services and some fitness classes. There is also a fee for Wi-Fi and laundry services.


What are Celebrity Cruises's most popular activities?

On ships with the Lawn Club, hanging out on the grass, whether playing bocce or just relaxing and reading, is one of the most popular activities for Celebrity cruisers. Other popular things to do on these ships is lounge in the adults-only Solarium, hit the Canyon Ranch Spa or participate in wine tasting. Some ships also offer hot glassmaking demonstrations and classes; sign up early for the classes because they fill up fast. On ships without a Lawn Club, relaxing by the pool or in the Solarium is popular, as are the once- or twice-per-cruise Rooftop film and dinner events. At night, Celebrity showcases everything from Vegas-style production shows to comedians and cabaret, drawing a crowd each time. The ships have a robust program for kids, a lot of it centred on edutainment. Many of the activities are offered courtesy of partners like Anturus, Lonely Planet, Xbox, Fat Brain Toys and Budsies.


Prices based on:

Guarantee Inside
Guarantee Inside

  • Celebrity's eXhale® bedding featuring the Cashmere king-sized mattress and four pillows in every stateroom
  • Some staterooms may have a trundle bed
  • Plentiful storage space in your bathroom and wardrobe
  • Interactive Television system
  • Individual safe
  • Dual voltage 110/220 AC
  • Mini-fridge
  • Hair dryer
  • Plush 100% cotton bathrobes & towels and premium custom blended bath products
  • Celebrity Shopping Bag
  • Twice daily housekeeping service
  • Complimentary beach towel service
  • Stateroom number allocated by Celebrity Cruises at any time up to one day prior to embarkation
  • Cat Cabin Grade
    Cruise

    Guarantee Oceanview
    Guarantee Oceanview

  • Expansive view of the ocean
  • Celebrity's eXhale® bedding featuring the Cashmere King-sized mattress and four pillows in every stateroom
  • Some staterooms may have a trundle bed
  • Plentiful storage space in your bathroom and wardrobe
  • Interactive Television system
  • Individual safe
  • Dual voltage 110/220 AC
  • Mini-fridge
  • Hair dryer
  • Plush 100% cotton bathrobes & towels and premium custom blended bath products
  • Celebrity Shopping Bag
  • Twice daily housekeeping service
  • Complimentary beach towel service
  • Stateroom number allocated by Celebrity Cruises at any time up to one day prior to embarkation
  • Cat Cabin Grade
    Cruise

    Guarantee Veranda
    Guarantee Veranda

  • Private veranda opens up with floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors to outdoor seating
  • King-sized mattress with Celebrity eXhale® bedding and four pillows in every stateroom
  • Plentiful storage space in your bathroom and wardrobe
  • Some staterooms may have a trundle bed
  • Interactive television system
  • Mini-fridge
  • Individual safe
  • Dual voltage 110/220 AC
  • Hair dryer
  • Plush 100% cotton bathrobes & towels and premium custom blended bath products
  • Celebrity Shopping bag
  • Complimentary beach towel service
  • Stateroom number allocated by Celebrity Cruises at any time up to one day prior to embarkation
  • Cat Cabin Grade
    Cruise

    Winter Sun Cruise & Stay Collection

    Winter Sun Cruise & Stay Collection

    Imagine waking up to the gentle sway of the ocean, exploring exotic destinations, and enjoying festive celebrations on board. Whether you're looking to relax on beautiful tropical beaches, indulge in gourmet meals, or take part in exciting holiday-themed activities, a winter cruise offers everything you need for the ultimate getaway. Celebrate the season in luxury with world-class amenities, unforgettable shore excursions, and entertainment for all ages. With a wide range of itineraries to choose from, including both relaxing escapes and adventurous explorations, there’s no better way to make your winter holidays unforgettable.

    Discover the Cruise Circle Collection – carefully curated by our team of experts...

    At Cruise Circle, we're passionate about creating the perfect cruise holiday through our exclusive ‘Cruise Circle Collection’. We specialise in personalised service, tailoring every detail to suit your preferences. Whether you're dreaming of a specific destination, customising your itinerary, or arranging flights and hotels, our expert team is here to take care of everything – even adding those extra touches like tours or show tickets. With ATOL protection, you can relax knowing your holiday is secure, and we’re always here if you need us.

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