Greetings from Celebrity Eclipse PH heading for Norway

[chemmo]

I Chemmo,

I am enjoying your posts and reliving our Norway cruise on infinity a few years ago. We were in a Royal suite and we will be in our first Penthouse on Summit later this summer so I look forward to your comments.

 

Enjoy the beautiful views from your toasty warm vantage point. It keeps getting better!

 

I am presently inside looking out at Bergen through the wonderful picture windows....It was really warm at Mast Grill at lunch and at the bar at the rear of the ship but you needed to stay in the sun, move into the shade and you felt the cold! The good advice to dress in layers as for Alaska is so true!

 

We have stayed in the Summit PH a couple of years ago for a Southern Caribbean cruise....we loved every minute, I am sure you will really enjoy!

[chemmo]

Last night we dined in Tuscan and enjoyed the view, usual excellent service and a great sail away. We did try a few items on the menu we have not had before...nice to try new things! Some we enjoyed more than others, no reflection on the food quality, more of a reflection of our preferences.

 

The evenings here remain light for so long....we left Tuscan, had a drink in Michael's and returned to our room and it was still light. As usual Cesar had arranged a few tasty nibbles for us to enjoy watching the fantastic evening sky so very, very slowly fade...

 

We left our curtains open last night to enjoy what we knew would be great views as we neared Flam....We were awake about 5ish and were stunned by the beauty enhanced by another day of near perfect weather.

 

Our butler arrived at 7 as planned and we were once again able to enjoy our coffee and croissants on the balcony. We had booked a wheelchair accessible place independently on The Flam Railway at 8.35....Sarah (concierge) kindly contacted us to see if we needed an escort off....we had been a little concerned with such an early booking that we could have been caught in queues to get off. As it was I think most of the ship were still asleep!

 

The railway trip was fantastic and fully accessible. This holiday is working out as ideal for me, there is just so much sightseeing we can do from our room...

 

Groryjm, we did loose internet at some point last night (not sure for how long as we weren't trying to use it) and this morning as we approached Flam. Not sure about reception all the time as I am only logging on occasionally. Reception in Flam itself is fine! If you talk to the specialists on board I am sure they will be able to give you a good idea about good (and bad) times to access and hopefully you will be able to organise your use accordingly.

 

We asked a question on CC a long time ago now about was there a 'better' side of the ship for this cruise (both PH rooms were available). There were mixed answers but the general consensus was 'no'. We tried using google to work out sun direction, where the ship seemed to moor and what side she was facing...So far our port side choice seems to have paid off...we were facing Bergen yesterday and Flam today. We also had sun rise entering Bergen yesterday and sun set in the evening. If our planning has worked, we should have a little afternoon balcony sun later....can't quite work out the shadows at present!

 

 

After such an early start a little afternoon siesta may be needed....

[chemmo]

Our 'sun planning' paid off. We spent a wonderful afternoon on the balcony in Flam and in the sunshine it was hot enough to sunbathe and even enjoy the jacuzzi.

 

I never thought I would be writing that in this report!

 

Yesterday morning we sailed into Geiranger. There was a helipad event which owing to my mobility issues and the cold was not suitable for us. Instead we enjoyed a room service breakfast enjoying the views and then spent time on the veranda. Captain Michael did a 360' spin at the seven sisters (5 of which were operational). The water flow was not spectacular but the snow capped mountains were a stunning site. We enjoyed drinks in the sunshine at the sunset bar and then took a stroll into town (push for me!). With the walkway operational tendering not required. A very pretty and easy town to navigate. The sun was once again on our balcony in the afternoon, we made the most it and the views!

 

Groryjm no internet on the ship at this port. Staff had let guests know this.

 

Just a couple of additional comments....we have now used room service for a couple of breakfast, and lunches. We have ordered of the standard list and the food has arrived promptly and hot! As I am tiring quite quickly we have really appreciated this facility we have rarely utilised before. We made our first visit to Oceanview yesterday...as always no issues with the food but it was busy and staff were struggling to clear the tables fast enough.

 

Today we are in Alesund...a lazy day expected.

[BEAV]

Belated Bon voyage! We are currently on Silhouette Transatlantic and heading to our next port of Le Havre.

 

I recall last year you had to postpone travel due to health concerns. So I'm glad that's behind you now and you're back sailing the high seas! Enjoy your well-deserved holiday in the lap of luxury!

[chemmo]

Belated Bon voyage! We are currently on Silhouette Transatlantic and heading to our next port of Le Havre.

 

I recall last year you had to postpone travel due to health concerns. So I'm glad that's behind you now and you're back sailing the high seas! Enjoy your well-deserved holiday in the lap of luxury!

 

Sincere thanks BEAV! Hope you are enjoying your cruise as much as we are!

 

Unfortunately I will be 'grounded' again (not able to fly) shortly and we have had to cancel our M class PH Asia cruise later this year....Rather than be sad about it we have at least been able to swap to a RS cruise to Lisbon and the Azores so life is good.

 

I don't know what your weather is like but ours honestly has been spectacular. We have spoken to several staff who have said that such sunshine is rare and to have it several days running is almost unheard of. For us the weather has been the real icing on the cake....

 

We have our first ever Silhouette cruise next year booked so look after her for us!

 

Have a wonderful rest of cruise....

[cruisecatmama]

Very much enjoying your live review! We are doing this cruise next May and you are increasing my excitement!

[chemmo]

Very much enjoying your live review! We are doing this cruise next May and you are increasing my excitement!

 

Love your picture! I can honestly say I am sure you will really enjoy your cruise.

 

One real positive of this cruise is the range of possible activities for all ages and levels of mobility...anything from cycling to whitewater rafting to leisurely strolls around the towns. Most of the towns are fairly easy to self organise with hop on hop off buses, Flam train easily pre bookable....

 

Hope you have as much pleasure as us planning and then experiencing your cruise!

 

We have just returned to our suite after dining in Q'sine....had a really nice evening!

[chemmo]

Last day....

 

A few final comments. We have found the ship very accessible. Staff have been really helpful. Other guests generally have been considerate although we have experience one or two 'lift' issues where a couple of guests, obviously with something very important to do, 'raced' to enter before us! As this was rare and we didn't need to rush anywhere we found it an amusing reflection rather than an issue. Our midship position meant I could use my crutches to go to Michael's and the restaurants rather than needing the chair all the time.

 

The room.....light, spacious, ridiculously spacious and such great fun! After the challenges of last year it has been great to enjoy this treat. Sincere thanks to Sue, Project Gal, whose reviews inspired us to enjoy this room! The room was great for three of us, the second full bathroom does make a difference. The only drawback to this PH we could find is you do have to go through the lounge from the bedroom to access whereas on the M class you don't.

 

 

With the fabulous weather we have enjoyed we have made the most of the balcony. It is wider than we expected and the area by the bedroom and jacuzzi we found to be a real sun trap.

 

The Eclipse staff are working really hard in preparation for the Presidents cruise...next week the CEO will be enjoying the wonderful care of our butler...

 

Would we book an S class PH again? Oh yes, if the price was right! We have always loved our S class RSs (and have more booked) they have always met our every need for perks and accommodation but the PH does offer that something special!

 

Thank you for reading, for those of you joining Eclipse next week I wish you 'Bon Voyage', may the sun shine on you as it has on us! For those about to experience an S class PH I will look out for questions and hope to be able to offer some information.

 

Finally, Sue, my 'piano chocolates' are going home unopened! Just too much other food to enjoy! I will over the next few weeks eat one each morning as I sip my morning coffee and enjoy the adventures of other Cruise Critic contributors!

 

Now to packing....

Edited May 6, 2017 by chemmo

[Lisacfletcher2009]

Last day....

 

A few final comments. We have found the ship very accessible. Staff have been really helpful. Other guests generally have been considerate although we have experience one or two 'lift' issues where a couple of guests, obviously with something very important to do, 'raced' to enter before us! As this was rare and we didn't need to rush anywhere we found it an amusing reflection rather than an issue. Our midship position meant I could use my crutches to go to Michael's and the restaurants rather than needing the chair all the time.

 

The room.....light, spacious, ridiculously spacious and such great fun! After the challenges of last year it has been great to enjoy this treat. Sincere thanks to Sue, Project Gal, whose reviews inspired us to enjoy this room! The room was great for three of us, the second full bathroom does make a difference. The only drawback to this PH we could find is you do have to go through the lounge from the bedroom to access whereas on the M class you don't.

 

 

With the fabulous weather we have enjoyed we have made the most of the balcony. It is wider than we expected and the area by the bedroom and jacuzzi we found to be a real sun trap.

 

The Eclipse staff are working really hard in preparation for the Presidents cruise...next week the CEO will be enjoying the wonderful care of our butler...

 

Would we book an S class PH again? Oh yes, if the price was right! We have always loved our S class RSs (and have more booked) they have always met our every need for perks and accommodation but the PH does offer that something special!

 

Thank you for reading, for those of you joining Eclipse next week I wish you 'Bon Voyage', may the sun shine on you as it has on us! For those about to experience an S class PH I will look out for questions and hope to be able to offer some information.

 

Finally, Sue, my 'piano chocolates' are going home unopened! Just too much other food to enjoy! I will over the next few weeks eat one each morning as I sip my morning coffee and enjoy the adventures of other Cruise Critic contributors!

 

Now to packing....

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to keep us all in the loop. I have thoroughly enjoyed your updates. I have one question that maybe you could answer.? One of the other threads on this site mentioned that celebrity has started to put the MDR menus on the TVs. Did this happen on your cruise? Thanks again.

[chemmo]

Thank you so much for taking the time to keep us all in the loop. I have thoroughly enjoyed your updates. I have one question that maybe you could answer.? One of the other threads on this site mentioned that celebrity has started to put the MDR menus on the TVs. Did this happen on your cruise? Thanks again.

 

Just had a go on the TV....there is a space under the MDR restaurant to put the menu up but it isn't there at the moment...could be a work in progress...

[Lisacfletcher2009]

Just had a go on the TV....there is a space under the MDR restaurant to put the menu up but it isn't there at the moment...could be a work in progress...

 

You are a star! Thanks millions. Sorry your cruise is coming to an end. Until the next time!

[chemmo]

You are a star! Thanks millions. Sorry your cruise is coming to an end. Until the next time!

 

It is perhaps as well my cruise is coming to an end or I might get too used to this fantasy and find the return to the real world just too hard!

 

We are back on the Eclipse later in the year so saying 'hasta la vista' to the staff is much easier than saying 'goodbye'.