leehal

Just my opinion, don't think any of the specialties are any better tha Blu.

I nearly agree with that, other than Murano which is extra special in my opinion.

Had it on my first couple of cruises, was fine this time.

We've stayed at the Novotel a couple of times, rooms are OK, breakfast is good. On our last trip we stayed in Winchester, there isn't a lot to do in Southampton. If you are just looking for a room and somewhere to park then the Novotel is good.

We have decided not to bother in future, we have noticed no difference in service if we tip or not. We pay our gratuities and leave it at that.

We upgrade purely to avoid the hassle of asking whether something is included in Classic or not, we do always make sure we ask for premium brands by name rather than just saying vodka and tonic, we ask for Greygoose & tonic for example. Like to make sure we get our monies worth on the upgrade!

Back from the Eclipse last month and we were told we had to ask for it, we did so on our last day and took it home with us.

You may be ok. One of the VPNs I have is blocked at work, the other isn't.

Maybe download a few before you go to keep your options open.

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I've spent a bit of time tonight searching for WiFi VPN use success and none of the info is current. Has anyone who has sailed since, say, March this year successfully used Nord VPN onboard (or PIA) with X's WiFi sevice? I usually do any financial stuff using phone data or wifi VPN in port, but on a TA, I'd like to have secure access onboard. Hoping someone has recent experience.

Just back from the Eclipse, can't comment on Nord VPN, however I use both Express VPN and Pure VPN - I couldn't connect to either through the ships wifi.

On Celebrity's website it indicated that with the Classic package, you could only get fountain sodas. However, when I spoke to someone in customer support, they assured me that can sodas were included in the classic package. If I am reading this thread correctly, it sounds like canned sodas are NOT included with the classic drink package--is that correct? Thank you!!

I think the plan will be that the bars will have 'python' soda from a trigger mechanism. Just back from the Eclipse and I noticed 1 bar had this installed, the other bars were using bottles of soda to top up classic drinks.

Confused me totally this time, we received log in details at check in last year, this time there were vague instructions on the welcome letter in our cabin.

Basically log on to your browser and create a username and 4 digit pin code, you will need the number from your seapass card the first time to create your account.

We park dockside with ABP, cost just under £100 for 2 weeks. We decided to stay overnight at Winchester for a change this time rather than in Southampton. Not far away but turned out to be stressful drive due to 3 accidents on the motorway between Winchester and Southampton. Thank goodness for satnav!

Currently on the Eclipse and the first game was advertised front page of the daily newsletter as being shown in the Passport Bar and the Casino bar, we watched it in our room.

On the Eclipse now and although I'm on the ships wifi, no 'wifi calling' logo. Never mind at least I can use my phone in all ports except St Petersburg.

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Great choice, we have only sailed on the Eclipse and are heading there tomorrow for a cruise on Sunday.

As already said, drinks packages have changed, stick will Classic unless you like cocktails or the higher priced bottled beers. You can always upgrade along the way.

You can now spend your OBC before you go on trips etc (not sure if you can still do this if you haven't booked direct?).

Keep looking at the forum, its a great help.

There are loads of things we take to help out whilst on board, random things - USA/European adaptors/chargers, magnets to stick stuff to the walls + lots more.

Don't be afraid to explore and chat to people. We love the Eclipse and are going to miss her next year on the changeover!

We are staying in Winchester the night before this time, its about 30 minutes away. Southampton is OK for the night before, we just fancied a change this time (we stayed at the Novotel and park dockside).

We prefer Blu as you can choose to talk to people or not, you can usually tell if someone wants to spark up a conversation on an adjacent table.

I would find it hard going if you were on a bigger table and someone didn't want to have a conversation.

Food is great in Blu, in my opinion as good as the speciality restaurants with the exception of Murano. I haven't eaten in the MDR so can't comment on the comparison.

Has anyone any experience of using wifi calling on board?

I am with Three in the UK and they now have wifi calling, if needs be I can use a VPN, not sure if you need to be in the UK for it to work to avoid call charges.

I was wondering about that comment too. Plenty of people on cruises jog, fast walk etcetera. They are not all liquored up sloths who lay around waiting for their next drink or meal.

Guess I'm just a sloth then.

I've seen very people running/jogging on the cruises I've been on.

My comment related to the fact that, in general the cruise crowd is older and therefore less likely to jog.

My husband and I ran on Deck 11 on Summit at 5:30-6 am. Most days it was just us. And yes the sunrises are great. Any later than that we found people just barely strolling right in the middle of the jogging lane...very inconsiderate. We also made good use of the excellent fitness center...again we were there by 7am.

I didn't realise it was a running track, if it was I doubt it would be used too much, I imagine very few people who cruise Celebrity are up to running.

I would personally give the Library a miss, good place to catch germs!

I've been charged for premium drinks before on board despite having a premium drinks package, I now make a point of checking my bill each day when I'm on board.

I booked 1546 in the Reflection, and it gets good commentary on the Cabin thread.

 

The available A1s are all near the Persian gardens and Spa area, and I'm not sure if they are actually better?

We stay in either 1547 or 1549, good location, near the lifts and quiet.

travelling on Eclipse from Southampton 8th October 2017 .

staying overnight in Southampton..beforehand ...any advice as to best time to go to ship to avoid the queues or the "rush".?

Or is it pot luck .

You will be allocated a boarding time based on your cabin type/location or cruise points. We've always travelled Aqua Class so can turn up anytime, we tend to go within the first hour. Worked OK first cruise and we boarded with little queueing, 2nd cruise they had problems with the boarding ramp and everyone was held up.

Great video, brings back memories of our 2015 cruise.

Can u help ? First time Aqua class for me on eclipse Sep 28 .what are the main perks ? It's only my fourth cruise all with celebrity and Love them all . Is blu the best perk because I always do the restaurant package .so i am wasting money ??

 

 

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On our last cruise we bought a 3 dinner package and other than Murano we missed eating in the restaurant in Blu. We haven't bought a dinner package this time round.

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hi

 

in the uk - can you do anything if price/offers change on a cruise you've booked? is the only thing to cancel and re-book - losing the deposit on original booking?

 

cheers

When we booked we had 1 chance up to the end of 2017 to lock our price and perks, nothing has looked great so far. We may be stuck with our original price and no perks the way things are going. On our cruise this year we received OBC, classic drinks, wifi and gratuities! Our 2018 cruise costing a considerable amount more too.

If you book direct I am sure Celebrity do a price guarantee where you can alter the booking anytime, but may lose perks etc.