Celebrity Eclipse occupies an interesting place in Celebrity Cruises’ lineup. As a Solstice-class ship launched in 2010, it is not the newest or flashiest vessel in the fleet, yet it continues to attract loyal fans who appreciate its classic layout, relaxed ambience and destination-focused itineraries.
Recent dry dock work in April 2025 brought fresh touches to public areas and added The Retreat Lounge for suite guests, but the ship still shows its age in places.
If you are considering a sailing, it helps to understand exactly what to expect on board in 2026, from cabins and dining to entertainment, crowd patterns and service.
Ship Overview and Atmosphere
Celebrity Eclipse is a mid-size ship by modern standards, carrying up to about 2,850 passengers at double occupancy. That puts it comfortably between the mega-resorts at sea and the smallest luxury ships, which is a sweet spot for many travelers.
The layout will feel familiar to anyone who has sailed a Solstice-class vessel, with a central atrium, a multi-deck theater at the bow, main dining and buffet toward the stern, and specialty venues tucked around Decks 3 through 5.
The overall design language is understated and contemporary rather than flashy, with warm wood tones, plenty of glass and art-forward spaces that encourage lingering over a drink rather than racing from activity to activity.
The ship has always marketed itself under Celebrity’s “modern luxury” banner, and that philosophy is still evident. You will not find water slides, go-kart tracks or skydiving simulators here. Instead, Eclipse is about low-key sophistication: a real-grass Lawn Club on the top deck, a light-filled library, a martini bar with theatrical bartenders and a Sunset Bar that draws a devoted sunset-watching crowd.
The vibe skews more grown-up than party-heavy, and on many sailings the passenger mix leans toward couples, friend groups and multigenerational families rather than spring-break types.
In April 2025, Celebrity Eclipse went into a three-week dry dock. The work was described as a spruce-up rather than a full “revolution” makeover. Ten new inside cabins were added, suite-class facilities were enhanced with the rebranding of Michael’s Club into The Retreat Lounge, and carpets and furnishings in some public areas were refreshed.
Common spaces like the casino have seen newer slot machines arrive, and certain venues received cosmetic updates. At the same time, recent passengers still report an overall sense that this is an older ship, from some worn soft furnishings to tarnished silverware and dated room decor. Travelers who go in expecting classic comfort rather than a like-new feel are more likely to be satisfied.
The day-to-day atmosphere on Eclipse varies somewhat by itinerary. Longer transatlantic or South America runs tend to attract experienced cruisers, including a high proportion of older guests who cruise back-to-back through the season.
Warm-weather Caribbean and Canary Islands voyages will usually have a broader mix of ages and nationalities. In general, this is a ship for travelers who appreciate service, food and destinations over non-stop adrenaline activities.
Staterooms and Suites
Cabins on Celebrity Eclipse are functional and well laid out, even if they no longer feel cutting-edge. Standard staterooms come in the familiar categories: inside, ocean view, veranda and various concierge- and AquaClass-level balcony rooms.
Most feature a queen bed that can be converted into twins, a small sofa or sitting chair, desk, mini-fridge and compact bathroom with a glass shower. Storage is adequate, with a closet and overhead bins, but travelers on longer itineraries will want to pack thoughtfully to avoid clutter.
Balcony cabins remain a highlight, especially on itineraries with long days of scenic cruising such as Alaska, Scandinavia or South America. However, not all balconies are created equal. Some of the Deck 6 veranda cabins have partially obstructed views where lifeboat structures sit directly below the balcony floor.
Guests who have sailed in these cabins often report that the obstruction is noticeable only when looking straight down, not out to the horizon, and many feel the tradeoff is acceptable given lower pricing. Still, it is worth studying deck plans and cross-checking with photographs before choosing, particularly if balcony time is a major part of your cruise experience.
The aging of the hardware shows up most clearly in the accommodations. Recent guests have reported mattresses that feel past their prime in some suites and standard cabins, along with linens that seem tired rather than plush.
A few travelers have noted odd odors on first entering their rooms, typically clearing once balcony doors are opened for fresh air. Bathrooms are clean but compact and largely unchanged from the ship’s early years, so do not expect the larger spa-style bathrooms you might find on Celebrity’s newer Edge-class ships.
At the top end, suite accommodations are complemented by access to The Retreat Lounge, which replaced the former Michael’s Club after the 2025 dry dock. This private space for suite guests offers a quieter place to relax with drinks and light snacks and to work with a dedicated concierge team.
The suite product on Eclipse is not as fully immersive as the all-inclusive Retreat complex on newer Celebrity ships, but it still adds a layer of exclusivity and service that regular balcony cabins do not provide. Value-conscious travelers should, however, weigh the higher fare against the ship’s overall age and their own expectations for luxury touches.
Dining: Hits, Misses and Specialty Standouts
Dining on Celebrity Eclipse is a major factor in how guests ultimately rate their cruise. Officially, the ship promotes an elevated culinary program with a mix of complimentary and specialty options.
In practice, recent passenger feedback suggests a mixed picture, with some guests praising the food as very good compared with other mass-market lines and others feeling the quality has slipped compared with Celebrity’s past standards.
The main dining room offers a traditional multi-course dinner with a rotating menu, and when everything is firing well, it can deliver satisfying meals with attentive service. Some travelers still find the experience comfortably upscale, especially when compared to the main dining rooms on certain competitor lines.
Others, including long-time Celebrity loyalists, describe a gradual “dumbing down” of offerings, with more repetitive menus, less ambitious dishes and occasional problems with execution such as overcooked fish or inconsistent seasoning. For those who favor variety, it is increasingly common to split evenings between the main dining room and specialty venues.
Buffet-style dining at the Oceanview Café is similarly variable. When crowds are well managed and dishes are fresh, it can be a convenient and enjoyable option, especially for casual breakfasts or lunches between port excursions.
However, some recent guests have criticized buffet quality, presentation and crowd control, noting that food can sometimes look tired and that hand sanitizing enforcement at entrances is not always consistent. Off-peak dining and strategic timing can make a difference, particularly on sea days when most passengers are aboard.
Where Celebrity Eclipse reliably shines is in its specialty restaurants. Venues such as Tuscan Grille and Sushi on Five continue to earn strong word-of-mouth from diners who are willing to pay extra. Murano, with its French-influenced menu and tableside presentations, often stands out for those seeking a more formal, multi-course evening.
Memorable signature dishes, such as certain soufflés or specialty seafood preparations, are still a point of pride and a reason many travelers book dining packages in advance. Le Petit Chef, the animated-dining experience, provides a playful multi-sensory meal that blends projected storytelling with set-course menus, though some travelers debate whether the upcharge is worth it on a ship that otherwise markets itself as all about included modern luxury.
Bars, Entertainment and Nightlife
Entertainment on Celebrity Eclipse is designed to complement the ship’s adult-oriented vibe rather than dominate it. The main theater hosts production shows, guest vocalists, tribute acts and variety performers on most nights. Feedback here has been highly subjective.
Some passengers applaud the quality of the singers, dancers and live music in general, while others have recently expressed disappointment, describing certain production shows as amateurish and not up to the standard they expected from a premium brand. As with food, expectations matter; cruisers coming from lines that emphasize large-scale Broadway partnerships may find Eclipse’s offerings more modest.
Outside the theater, live music is a consistent strength. Acoustic duos, pianists, house bands and solo instrumentalists perform in bars and lounges throughout the evening, providing a soundtrack to pre-dinner cocktails and late-night relaxation.
The Martini Bar, with its ice-topped counter and flair bartending, remains a social hub, while the Sunset Bar and Pool Bar draw steady crowds whenever the weather cooperates. Silent disco nights, where guests wear wireless headphones to dance to competing music channels, have become a signature Celebrity experience and often rank among the most talked-about events of the cruise.
Nightlife on Eclipse does not typically run until dawn, and gigantic late-night parties are uncommon outside of special sailings. The ship’s nightclub-style venue and late-evening bars offer dancing and drinks, but the energy level depends heavily on itinerary and passenger mix.
Longer repositioning voyages and itineraries with many sea days may see a more low-key nightlife scene, with more guests retiring earlier after full days ashore or on deck. Caribbean or holiday sailings, especially with more families and younger adults, tend to feel livelier.
Daytime entertainment leans into trivia, enrichment lectures, art auctions, dance classes and spa or fitness seminars. Some tech and scheduling hiccups have been reported, such as trivia events being delayed or programmed back-to-back in ways that feel rushed, but for many guests these are minor frustrations rather than trip-defining issues.
Travelers who want a quiet cruise with occasional structured activities usually find enough to do, while those seeking non-stop headline-style entertainment often turn their attention to newer mega-ships in the broader market instead.
Itineraries, Demographics and Crowds
Celebrity Eclipse has spent recent seasons rotating among regions such as the Caribbean, South America, the Canary Islands, Scandinavia and transatlantic crossings, often homeporting in cities like Miami, Vancouver or Amsterdam depending on the time of year.
These itineraries shape both the onboard mood and the passenger mix. Twelve-night Scandinavian or Baltic cruises, for example, tend to draw an international audience with a strong contingent of seasoned cruisers. Guests on these longer sailings often prioritize destination immersion and appreciate the ship as a comfortable base rather than a floating amusement park.
On shorter Caribbean sailings, you can expect a somewhat more diverse demographic, including more North American families and first-time cruisers. Even so, Eclipse’s premium positioning and lack of extreme attractions mean it rarely feels like a spring break party.
Instead, the ship attracts travelers in their 40s and up, along with intergenerational groups where grandparents might be as excited as their adult children to spend evenings in the theater and afternoons across the Lawn Club with a cocktail in hand.
Crowd management is generally effective in public spaces, but older design decisions occasionally show their age. Disembarkation at busy ports can involve lines and staging on decks above the actual gangway, as guests wait for clearance to go ashore.
Some passengers note that newer Edge-class ships have more purpose-built staging areas near exits, making the process feel smoother there than on Eclipse. Tender ports, where small boats shuttle guests from ship to shore, can require patience, especially at peak times or in challenging weather conditions.
Sea days are when you will most clearly feel the ship’s population. The main pool area can become busy mid-morning, and finding a lounger may take some hunting during peak hours.
That said, the Lawn Club often absorbs part of the crowd, offering a quieter space at the top of the ship where passengers can read, nap or play lawn games on real grass. Those who prefer quieter vibes can also retreat to indoor lounges, the library or the spa’s relaxation areas rather than compete for deck chairs around the main pool.
Service, Facilities and Onboard Experience
Service on Celebrity Eclipse remains one of the ship’s relative strong suits, even as the line navigates industry-wide pressure to do more with leaner staffing. Many guests highlight friendly, hard-working crew members who go out of their way to learn names, remember drink orders and respond quickly to requests.
Cabin stewards in particular are often singled out for their graciousness, even when looking after an increased number of rooms. In public venues, the tone is generally warm and professional rather than overly casual.
However, there have also been increasing reports of strain behind the scenes. At busy times, certain bars or buffet stations can feel understaffed, leading to long waits for drinks or table clearing. Spa operations and upselling practices have drawn criticism from some passengers, particularly when guests feel pressured into additional treatments, products or tip envelopes beyond what they have already paid.
Experiences can vary sharply by sailing and crew roster, but travelers who prefer a low-pressure atmosphere may want to set firm boundaries when visiting the spa or responding to promotional calls and voicemails.
In terms of physical facilities, Eclipse offers the expected spread: a sizeable spa and fitness center, a casino, shops, multiple pools and hot tubs, a children’s and teens’ club, and dedicated quiet spaces. The Persian Garden thermal suite is popular with spa enthusiasts, though access may be limited to those with spa passes or in specific cabin categories.
The gym includes modern cardio and strength equipment, though some guests on sister ships have remarked that certain machines, particularly Peloton bikes, can show wear if not vigilantly maintained. Expect a functional fitness space rather than a cutting-edge wellness complex.
Occasional technical or maintenance issues can intrude on the experience, particularly as the ship ages. Isolated reports of plumbing or sanitation problems, such as temporary restroom or cabin toilet outages, highlight the reality that older vessels require constant upkeep to run smoothly.
While most issues are resolved promptly, they can be disconcerting when they arise. Travelers sensitive to such concerns may take comfort in choosing mid-ship cabins on higher decks, where motion is often gentler and access to guest services is easier if needed.
Value, Packages and Who Celebrity Eclipse Is Best For
Determining whether Celebrity Eclipse represents good value depends heavily on your expectations and how you cruise. Base fares often compare competitively with other mainstream lines sailing similar itineraries, especially when promotional pricing or added perks such as drink packages and Wi-Fi are included.
Where frustration sometimes arises is in the perception of creeping nickel-and-diming: narrower inclusions on drink packages, add-on specialty dining costs and the feeling that more previously included conveniences now require upcharges.
For travelers content with classic cruise inclusions, Eclipse can still feel like a strong value proposition. The main dining room and buffet provide more than enough food for the average guest, the included entertainment is varied, and a standard drink package can cover a wide swath of beverages if you are not attached to premium labels.
Those who book modest cabin categories and selectively splurge on one or two specialty dinners may walk away pleased with what they received for the fare paid.
Guests with more elevated expectations, particularly suite passengers paying premium rates, are often the most critical when things fall short. When top-end fares start to approach what smaller luxury lines charge, items like dated decor, uneven food or limited included benefits can feel out of step with the price tag.
Similarly, travelers accustomed to the newest mega-ships with cutting-edge amenities may perceive Eclipse as quiet or even underpowered from an activity standpoint. Setting realistic expectations and choosing the ship for what it truly offers, rather than what the marketing gloss implies, is essential.
In broad terms, Celebrity Eclipse is best suited to cruisers who value a relaxed environment, solid service and destination-rich itineraries over headline-grabbing attractions.
It works particularly well for couples, adult friend groups and multigenerational families who enjoy dining together, listening to live music, browsing the art-lined corridors and watching the sea roll by from a real-grass lawn. It is less ideal for adrenaline-seeking teens or travelers who want constant spectacle and the very latest hardware.
The Takeaway
Celebrity Eclipse is a study in tradeoffs. On the positive side, it delivers an elegant, grown-up cruising experience with thoughtful spaces, attentive service and itineraries that prioritize interesting ports over repetitive beach stops.
Specialty dining remains a strong point, the bar program is robust, and the ship’s size feels large enough to offer options while small enough to remain navigable and personable. Quiet corners are easy to find, and the ambience leans more toward stylish hotel than floating theme park.
On the other hand, the ship’s age shows in its cabins, some furnishings and occasional mechanical quirks. Food quality, especially in included venues, is not as uniformly praised as it once was, and entertainment can feel hit or miss depending on the sailing.
Guests sensitive to crowding at gangways or in buffet lines may notice pressure points during peak periods, and some will object to what feels like increasingly aggressive upselling in spa and specialty venues.
If you board Celebrity Eclipse expecting a refreshed but fundamentally classic ship, you are more likely to enjoy what it does well: comfortable staterooms with sea views, personable crew, specialty restaurants that can still delight and a general sense of low-key sophistication at sea.
If you are seeking cutting-edge design, constant thrills or ultra-luxury polish at every turn, you may want to consider other options in Celebrity’s fleet or beyond. For many travelers, though, Eclipse remains a pleasant, grown-up way to cross oceans, explore coastlines and rediscover what made modern cruising appealing in the first place.
FAQ
Q1: Is Celebrity Eclipse refurbished and up to date?
Celebrity Eclipse received a three-week dry dock in April 2025 that added new inside cabins, refreshed some public-area furnishings and converted Michael’s Club into The Retreat Lounge for suite guests. However, it has not yet undergone the full-scale “revolution” refit that Celebrity has rolled out to some other ships, so certain cabins and design elements still look and feel like a 2010-era vessel.
Q2: What type of crowd can I expect on Celebrity Eclipse?
The passenger mix depends on itinerary, but Eclipse generally attracts adults and couples who appreciate a quieter, more refined ambience. Longer Europe, South America or transatlantic sailings often draw a higher proportion of older, repeat cruisers, while shorter Caribbean voyages will include more families. This is not typically a spring break or party ship.
Q3: How good is the food on Celebrity Eclipse?
Many guests rate the main dining room and buffet as good to very good compared with other big-ship lines, while others feel the quality has dipped from Celebrity’s earlier years, with simpler menus and occasional execution issues. Specialty venues such as Tuscan Grille, Sushi on Five and Murano continue to receive strong praise, so food-focused travelers often plan at least a few meals in these restaurants.
Q4: Are balcony cabins on Deck 6 really obstructed by lifeboats?
Some veranda cabins on Deck 6 sit above the lifeboats, meaning the boats are directly below your balcony when you look straight down. Most guests report that the horizon and outward view remain largely unobstructed, so you still enjoy sea and port views while seated. These cabins often come at a lower price, making them a value option if you are comfortable with a partial obstruction.
Q5: How does Celebrity Eclipse compare to the newer Edge-class ships?
Compared with Edge-class ships, Eclipse has a more traditional layout and fewer dramatic design flourishes. You will not find the Magic Carpet or multi-restaurant main dining concept here, and some public spaces feel more classic than cutting edge. On the plus side, many travelers find Eclipse easier to navigate, less crowded in certain areas and more focused on a familiar, hotel-like experience rather than a showcase of new features.
Q6: What is the entertainment like on Celebrity Eclipse?
Entertainment centers on evening shows in the main theater, live music in lounges and popular events like silent disco. Opinions on production shows vary, with some guests impressed and others underwhelmed. If you enjoy live bands, pianists and smaller-scale performances, you will likely be satisfied, but travelers expecting large-scale branded Broadway productions may find the lineup modest.
Q7: Is Celebrity Eclipse a good choice for families with children?
Celebrity Eclipse offers youth and teen programs, pools and family-friendly entertainment, so children are certainly welcome. However, the overall tone is more adult-oriented than on kid-centric lines, and there are no water slides or extreme attractions. Families who enjoy shared dining, port exploration and low-key onboard activities will do well, while thrill-seeking kids and teens might prefer ships with more overtly family-focused features.
Q8: What should I know about motion and noise on board?
As with most ships, mid-ship cabins on lower to mid-level decks typically experience less motion than forward or aft locations, which is helpful on rougher seas. Noise levels depend on cabin location; it is wise to check deck plans to avoid rooms directly over or under busy venues such as theaters, nightclubs or the main pool. Some guests have reported occasional mechanical sounds or vibrations in certain mid-ship cabins, so if you are sensitive, consider bringing earplugs as a precaution.
Q9: Do I need to buy drink or dining packages on Celebrity Eclipse?
Packages are optional and depend on your habits. If you enjoy several alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees or sodas each day, a drink package can simplify budgeting, though some recent travelers feel the inclusions are narrower than they once were. Dining packages make sense if you plan to visit multiple specialty restaurants, as per-meal pricing can add up. If you are content with included dining and only occasional drinks, you may be just as happy paying as you go.
Q10: Who is Celebrity Eclipse best suited for?
Celebrity Eclipse is best for travelers who value a relaxed, stylish environment with good service, solid food and interesting itineraries. It suits couples, groups of friends and multigenerational families who prefer conversation, live music and destination-focused days over high-octane thrills. If you are seeking the newest hardware, constant headline entertainment or ultra-luxury amenities, other ships may fit better, but if classic, grown-up cruising appeals, Eclipse remains a compelling option.