Disappointing Eclipse

[cruiser4801]

Presently on the 9 day New Year's Eve cruise and found the Eclipse disappointing. Compared to Holland America and NCL suites, we liked them more than Eclipse. The main dining room was average at best. We found the MDR on Holland significantly better. Service in the MDR on Eclipse was erratic and inattentive. Even Qsine and Tuscan Grill were far below Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind, Cagney's and LeBistro. Prices for Qsine and Tuscan Grill at $45 are excessive for the product offered-- I would not do either again.

 

Murano was the bright star on Eclipse. The quality of the food and service were exceptional although at a $50 p/person price. We went four times and each was outstanding.

 

Sea days on Eclipse lacked private areas and activities. The buffet (Oceanview Cafe) on Eclipse was one of the worst we've had. Entertainment was better than HAL and worse than NCL but nothing to overcome the ship's weaknesses.

 

We found Eclipse crowded just about everywhere we went. The main pool area was way too crowded and loud for our taste.

 

The solarium area and solarium pool were refined but could not accommodate all those who wanted to use it.

 

Specialty coffees at Cafe Al Bacio were nice.

 

Compared to Celebrity many years ago, I thought food and service had declined markedly.

 

Having sailed on Holland's Nieuw Amsterdam a few months before Eclipse, we thought Nieuw Amsterdam was far superior.

 

Will be sticking with HAL for the next several cruises.

[brian64]

I know the feeling regarding Celebrity's service. It doesn't compare to what they offered 15-20 years ago. I just got off the Summit yesterday (saw your ship at Antigua) and thought the food was average to good. The MDR service was average or below. There was absolutely nothing to do on the ship after dinner or during the day. Entertainment was less than impressive. My most recent two cruises have been on Princess and they blew away what was offered on the Summit.

 

Now I know why Celebrity is pushing all the Summit cruise packages with the unlimited drink packages and lots of shipboard credit....it's the only way they can get you on the boat when you compare it to their competition!!

[rjrpar]

I agree that Celebrity has slipped and is like the other mass market cruise lines. I disagree that HAL is any better. We were on our first HAL cruise a few months ago on the Volendam. It was the worst cruise experience we have had in 20 cruises. Bad service in the MDR, very average food, dirty tables by the pool and the Dive-in restaurant, poor entertainment, etc. Never again for us.

[davekathy]

Presently on the 9 day New Year's Eve cruise and found the Eclipse disappointing. Compared to Holland America and NCL suites, we liked them more than Eclipse. The main dining room was average at best. We found the MDR on Holland significantly better. Service in the MDR on Eclipse was erratic and inattentive. Even Qsine and Tuscan Grill were far below Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind, Cagney's and LeBistro. Prices for Qsine and Tuscan Grill at $45 are excessive for the product offered-- I would not do either again.

 

Murano was the bright star on Eclipse. The quality of the food and service were exceptional although at a $50 p/person price. We went four times and each was outstanding.

 

Sea days on Eclipse lacked private areas and activities. The buffet (Oceanview Cafe) on Eclipse was one of the worst we've had. Entertainment was better than HAL and worse than NCL but nothing to overcome the ship's weaknesses.

 

We found Eclipse crowded just about everywhere we went. The main pool area was way too crowded and loud for our taste.

 

The solarium area and solarium pool were refined but could not accommodate all those who wanted to use it.

 

Specialty coffees at Cafe Al Bacio were nice.

 

Compared to Celebrity many years ago, I thought food and service had declined markedly.

 

Having sailed on Holland's Nieuw Amsterdam a few months before Eclipse, we thought Nieuw Amsterdam was far superior.

 

Will be sticking with HAL for the next several cruises.

 

Thanks for posting your opinion. We are looking forward to our 3 April 2016 Eclipse Cruise.

[gopro63]

I Have to ask, Did the Toasting in the Theater wit the Capt'n was real or a video?

[Jade13]

I agree that Celebrity has slipped and is like the other mass market cruise lines. I disagree that HAL is any better. We were on our first HAL cruise a few months ago on the Volendam. It was the worst cruise experience we have had in 20 cruises. Bad service in the MDR, very average food, dirty tables by the pool and the Dive-in restaurant, poor entertainment, etc. Never again for us.

 

 

Did you comment on the HAL board?

[Hydrokitty]

Thanks for posting your opinion. We are looking forward to our 3 April 2016 Eclipse Cruise.

 

You'll be boarding as we're getting off!!! :D

[davekathy]

You'll be boarding as we're getting off!!! :D

 

Enjoy your Cruise.

[Christine Frances]

Presently on the 9 day New Year's Eve cruise and found the Eclipse disappointing. Compared to Holland America and NCL suites, we liked them more than Eclipse.

 

As you are comparing suites on HAL and NCL, were you staying in a suite on X?

If you were on a suite on X you should have been dining in Lumunae:confused:

[LabGuy64]

Hi,

 

I noticed your comparison between suites...what level of suite are we talking about?....and if you were in a suite, what were you doing in the MDR? why wouldn't you be eating in luminae? or at least you could mention how you enjoyed the food and service.

 

 

Presently on the 9 day New Year's Eve cruise and found the Eclipse disappointing. Compared to Holland America and NCL suites, we liked them more than Eclipse. The main dining room was average at best. We found the MDR on Holland significantly better. Service in the MDR on Eclipse was erratic and inattentive. Even Qsine and Tuscan Grill were far below Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind, Cagney's and LeBistro. Prices for Qsine and Tuscan Grill at $45 are excessive for the product offered-- I would not do either again.

 

Murano was the bright star on Eclipse. The quality of the food and service were exceptional although at a $50 p/person price. We went four times and each was outstanding.

 

Sea days on Eclipse lacked private areas and activities. The buffet (Oceanview Cafe) on Eclipse was one of the worst we've had. Entertainment was better than HAL and worse than NCL but nothing to overcome the ship's weaknesses.

 

We found Eclipse crowded just about everywhere we went. The main pool area was way too crowded and loud for our taste.

 

The solarium area and solarium pool were refined but could not accommodate all those who wanted to use it.

 

Specialty coffees at Cafe Al Bacio were nice.

 

Compared to Celebrity many years ago, I thought food and service had declined markedly.

 

Having sailed on Holland's Nieuw Amsterdam a few months before Eclipse, we thought Nieuw Amsterdam was far superior.

 

Will be sticking with HAL for the next several cruises.

[Host Jazzbeau]

I know the feeling regarding Celebrity's service. It doesn't compare to what they offered 15-20 years ago. I just got off the Summit yesterday (saw your ship at Antigua) and thought the food was average to good. The MDR service was average or below. There was absolutely nothing to do on the ship after dinner or during the day. Entertainment was less than impressive. My most recent two cruises have been on Princess and they blew away what was offered on the Summit.

 

Now I know why Celebrity is pushing all the Summit cruise packages with the unlimited drink packages and lots of shipboard credit....it's the only way they can get you on the boat when you compare it to their competition!!

 

There must have been a lot of empty public venues: Hot Glass Show, sports deck, pools and fitness center, Grand Foyer, Celebrity Central. Guess they'll have to rename the ship the Celebrity Marooned! :rolleyes:

[jewliana]

I am really sorry to hear this! We love Celebrity and have never had a complaint. We just did the Silhouette and Reflection and arebBoarding the Eclipse Tuesday for my Birthday. I am hopeful to have a rave revue when we get back :-)

[judyfssw]

I remember during one of our first cruises on Celebrity, we were at our table with a couple who could not say one nice thing about Celebrity. They were HAL loyalists and found something wrong with just about everything. I think that was the downer of the cruise for me as I was having a good time. I've never been on HAL but I've heard things on this board and from others and I'm glad I've cruised on Celebrity. I feel that people who are very loyal to a particular brand will probably like that better than anything else they've tried. We each have our own likes and dislkes and it's always good to hear other's opinions. We just have to keep open minds.

[lazygal]

We are not loyalists. We cruise based on itinerary, price and finally ship. We tend to cruise mostly Celebrity, Royal Caribbean. Staff on Celebrity has never let us down. There also is nothing worse than having to listen to people constantly complain on board and compare "this" cruise to other lines. After the cruise, if you want to post your experience, fine.

 

A comedian once said, "If people like that other ship so much, why don't they jump off and swim over to it".

 

This is not directed at the OP - just to cruisers in general.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

Sorry to hear you did not enjoy your cruise on the Eclipse. I hope you will be happy returning to HAL.

 

I recently spent almost a month on the Eclipse. I have over 100 nights on Celebrity ships and I must say I was impressed with this ship. The food was excellent, the buffet outstanding, and the service was wonderful. So I guess everyone has a different experience.

 

[budster]

We just came off the Equinox. It was an outstanding cruise! We had the same experience two years ago where a fellow hated X and loved Holland. One night of that and we changed tables. No way will we let someone else's negativity spoil our cruise.

[Jade13]

Check out the same thread on the HAL board. One person even called Celebrity the bottom of the barrel.

 

And no answer from OP on other thread whether they are in a standard cabin on Celebrity and comparing to Suites on HAL and NCL, and if not, why are they not eating in Luminae and/ or BLU.

Edited January 4, 2016 by Jade13

[chemmo]

So sorry you had a poor experience....

 

Re activities, did you check the daily sheet? One of the things we have enjoyed about Celebrity is the lack of announcements but it does mean you need to plan your day, unlike many lines that are constantly interrupting the quiet to announce activities about to start...perhaps you simply missed some.

 

Re suites and rooms. Although we think a general cabin experience on Celebrity is still very good if you book a suite you do get so much more. You could have dined in all of the specialities at no cost if you had booked a higher end suite. I mention this as a couple we spoke to on our last X cruise said the 'suite life' programme 'knocked spots' off Haven. Celebrity may not be the cruise line for you or it could be that you just didn't pick the right room for the level of experience you wanted.....

[mickey89]

We have been fortunate to have cruised most lines with the exception of the high end ones, all have been great value and all extremely enjoyable. We are Four star Mariners on Hal but switched to Celebrity for a change in 2013, now we are Elite grade on Celebrity. Both lines offer good value for money especially if you make comparisons to any comparable Land based holiday. Many of the problems listed by the OP were down to the passengers on that particular cruise, they need to choose more carefully. Noise around the main pool, what do you expect, its a holiday! Food quality has obviously suffered across the industry whilst companies try to maintain their headline prices, HAL is definitely not better or worse than Celebrity in this regard. Specialty restaurant are always better than the MDR for obvious reasons, can you compare a Michelin star restaurant to MacDonald's ? Tuscan Grill on Celebrity now charge extra for Antipasta course, cut backs on Pinnacle Grill are also noticeable with extra charges for lobster.

 

The significant difference between HAL and Celebrity for most people is their respective smoking policies, no more said, but I would like to live a little longer to enjoy more fabulous cruises.

[cruiser4801]

On Eclipse, we are in a family verandah stateroom, which has two bedrooms plus a living room and is over 530 sq feet. I actually like my cabin on Eclipse-- just not the overall cruise experience.

 

On Nieuw Amsterdam, we were in a Neptune Suite, which is 500 sq feet, and cheaper on a per day basis than Celebrity.

 

On NCL, we were in the largest suite on the Pride of America and was comparably priced with Celebrity. Of course, the suite on NCL was far nicer than the others.

[MustBCruzn]

The significant difference between HAL and Celebrity for most people is their respective smoking policies, no more said, but I would like to live a little longer to enjoy more fabulous cruises.

 

Very well said, thank you. Our experience has been that the biggest difference between HAL and Celebrity is Celebrity's stricter smoking policy which we much prefer. In fact, I wish HAL would get with the times regarding their smoking policy because they offer some very good itineraries that I'd like to try.

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

Very well said, thank you. Our experience has been that the biggest difference between HAL and Celebrity is Celebrity's stricter smoking policy which we much prefer. In fact, I wish HAL would get with the times regarding their smoking policy because they offer some very good itineraries that I'd like to try.

 

I so agree with you on this. I would consider trying HAL's new Koeningdam (spelling?) when it arrives, but will not do so unless they tighten up their

smoking policy especially in regard to balcony smoking. This is the same thing that will keep me off MSC's new SeaSide ship when it launches.

 

Unless I missed it, the OP did not address what he felt about the smoke-free casino and smoke-free balconies. Both of these are a definite plus for me when it comes to Celebrity.

[readyforacruiseagain]

I was on the Eclipse December 13-18 and it was full. However there were plenty of quiet areas to lounge. To say otherwise is blatantly overstating facts. A full ship will certainly be crowded on the pool deck and in certain areas. To expect less is ridiculous.

 

The food I will say was lower quality then other cruises and happy only 5 days as I was starting to feel that it was much of the same. It was good, not great.

 

I thought the burgers were quite good btw and certainly plenty of decent choices. Desserts not as good as other years.

 

Ate in Murano and a fabulous meal. Then booked Tuscan and was underwhelmed. Good but certainly not worth the surcharge.

 

Entertainment I thought was good and lively.

 

Finally I do drink, but hate the drink packages and over consumption. Next time I'll just bring on a few bottles of wine and maybe the non-alcoholic package (as really do like the Al Baci and cappuccinos) and get a drink or two otherwise.

 

Also the mixes for their drinks and smoothies are fake (and taste so) and miss the fresh OJ.

Edited January 4, 2016 by readyforacruiseagain

[kenevenpar]

On Eclipse, we are in a family verandah stateroom, which has two bedrooms plus a living room and is over 530 sq feet. I actually like my cabin on Eclipse-- just not the overall cruise experience.

 

On Nieuw Amsterdam, we were in a Neptune Suite, which is 500 sq feet, and cheaper on a per day basis than Celebrity.

 

On NCL, we were in the largest suite on the Pride of America and was comparably priced with Celebrity. Of course, the suite on NCL was far nicer than the others.

 

I've stayed in many Neptune suites, and they are not 500 square feet. Maybe if you include the balcony.

 

I find =X= suites much nicer.

 

HAL too has declined over the years.

 

We still sail based on price and itinerary, and include HAL as a possibility when looking for cruises.

[wpgcycler]

Thanks for your review. I'm all set for 5 days of disappointment starting in 24 hours. :D