What Really Changed in Celebrity Eclipse’s 2025 Dry Dock

Celebrity Eclipse quietly slipped into a French shipyard in spring 2025 for a three week dry dock that sparked big expectations among loyal Celebrity Cruises fans. With talk of ten new cabins, a dedicated Retreat Lounge and fresh soft furnishings, many assumed Eclipse would finally receive the full, shipwide makeover promised under Celebrity’s ambitious Revolution program. The reality for guests sailing in 2026 and 2027 is more nuanced. The work in Brest improved some spaces and left others largely untouched, creating a patchwork of refreshed and original areas that matters a great deal when you are deciding whether to book.

Establishing the 2025 Dry Dock Timeline and Scope

Celebrity Eclipse spent roughly three weeks in dry dock at the Damen Shiprepair yard in Brest, France in April 2025. Industry dry dock schedules and contractor references place the work in early to mid April, with the ship emerging in time for a delayed repositioning to Amsterdam. A guest letter dated late April 2025 from Celebrity Cruises confirms that dry dock delays pushed Eclipse’s arrival into Amsterdam back by one day, reinforcing that the refit wrapped up just before the Northern Europe season started.

Official descriptions from Celebrity and trade publications describe the project as a scheduled dry dock rather than a full, stem to stern rebuild. Reports mention technical maintenance, underwater hull work and routine inspections, but the headline items marketed to guests were ten new interior staterooms, a new Retreat Lounge, an exclusive Retreat sundeck or solarium area, and wide but selective replacement of soft furnishings in cabins and public spaces. There is no indication that structural changes beyond cabin insertion or major mechanical overhauls visible to guests were part of this project.

This 2025 work builds on earlier updates. Several sources note that Eclipse received elements of Celebrity’s broader Revolution program in 2021, mainly behind the scenes and in select guest areas. By April 2025, however, reviewers and travel agents commonly described Eclipse as the Solstice class ship that largely “missed” the big Revolution refit, which set the stage for high expectations when the 2025 dry dock was announced. Understanding that context is crucial: the 2025 project was a refresh and partial enhancement, not the full modernization many cruisers associate with newer ships in the fleet.

For travelers looking at 2026 and 2027 sailings out of Fort Lauderdale, Amsterdam or Mediterranean homeports, this means the ship is coming off relatively recent yard time but is still fundamentally a 2010 design. Systems should be in good working order and public areas cleaner and crisper than before dry dock, yet the core layout, decor themes and hardware remain recognizably original Solstice class rather than Edge class modern.

Ten New Interior Cabins and the Disappearing Public Spaces

The most concrete and easily verified change from the 2025 dry dock is the addition of ten interior staterooms. Cruise industry reports and updated deck plans show new inside cabins carved from former public rooms on decks 6, 9, 12 and 15. On pre refit deck plans, these areas were home to an internet cafe, a small technology or Apple branded shop, a card room and a video arcade. On deck plans covering sailings from March 2025 through April 2027, those labels vanish and new inside cabin numbers appear in their place.

Travel trade analysis and agency ship guides describe these cabins as the newest hardware on Eclipse, inserted into spaces that previously generated little revenue. On deck 6 and 9, the conversions sit deep into the interior, where the former card room and arcade once provided quiet, niche venues. On deck 12, space adjacent to the spa and solarium was partially reconfigured, and on deck 15 at least one block of cabins now lies directly beneath the busy pool deck. Reviewers note that some of these deck 15 rooms can be noisy in the early morning when deck crew begin moving loungers and setting up pool activities.

The sacrifice was a set of small but useful public spaces. The old internet cafe functioned as both a help desk and a quiet place to work, particularly valued on longer itineraries. The technology shop and arcade provided browsing and diversion on sea days, and the dedicated card room gave regular bridge and board game groups a consistent venue. After the refit, these functions have been dispersed. Internet and app help now appears at the photo gallery counter or guest relations, casual card games are nudged into the Sky Lounge or Oceanview Cafe off hours, and arcade style entertainment is essentially gone.

For guests booking inside cabins in 2026 or 2027, the trade off is clear: these ten rooms are newer, with fresh carpeting, modern televisions and lightly updated decor, but they lose the sense of being embedded in an active public zone. For travelers who mainly need a dark, quiet place to sleep, some of the new cabins on mid decks may be attractive. Those sensitive to noise should be cautious with deck 15 interiors and review specific cabin numbers against the deck plan to avoid locations just under the pool or buffet seating.

Soft Furnishings, Carpets and What Really Looked New

Across the rest of Eclipse, the most visible outcome of the 2025 dry dock is refreshed soft furnishings rather than hard structure. Travel agency ship descriptions after May 2025 mention new carpets, furniture and upholstery in both staterooms and public venues. Walkthrough videos filmed on 2026 Northern Europe sailings show corridors with brighter, less stained carpets and public lounges with chairs and sofas that look newly upholstered in Celebrity’s now familiar blue and neutral palette, while still keeping the original Solstice era shapes.

Inside individual cabins, traveler photographs from mid 2025 to late 2026 show a pattern. In many veranda and oceanview staterooms, the main carpet looks newer, with sharper color and fewer worn patches than pre dry dock photos. Sofas often appear re covered and armchairs replaced or re cushioned. Some guests sailing in summer 2026 report that their mattresses felt new or recently rotated, while bathroom tile and fixtures still looked firmly original. In other cases, particularly in older standard cabins on lower decks, reviewers in 2026 describe mattresses that felt tired, balcony furniture that remained scratched, and cabinet doors that showed chips and scuffs.

This inconsistency suggests that while Celebrity invested in a large quantity of carpet and upholstery replacement, the work was not perfectly uniform. It appears that high traffic cabin corridors and popular public spaces such as parts of the casino, Ensemble Lounge and sections of the buffet seating were prioritized. Guest reviews from early 2026 cruises out of Fort Lauderdale mention brighter corridor carpets and cleaner looking lounges but still note patches of stained carpet near stairtowers and in some aft hallways.

For bathrooms and balconies, there is scant evidence of systematic upgrade. Recent written reviews from 2025 and 2026 sailings on Eastern Mediterranean and Northern Europe routes frequently praise cabin cleanliness but also mention dated beige tile, aging grout and some rust streaks on balcony metalwork, particularly on older veranda cabins midships. One June 2026 reviewer in a standard balcony on deck 7 commented that their bathroom functioned well but looked “straight out of 2010,” while another guest in a higher category suite noted that only the balcony whirlpool on their top suite appeared obviously renewed. Overall, travelers in 2026 and 2027 should expect refreshed fabrics far more than brand new bathrooms or balcony structures.

The Retreat Lounge, Exclusive Solarium and How Suites Changed

The most meaningful qualitative change for suite guests is the formalization of The Retreat experience on Eclipse. Post dry dock materials and travel agent descriptions list a dedicated Retreat Lounge on deck 5 and an exclusive outdoor Retreat sundeck or solarium area high on the ship, separate from the main indoor solarium that remains open to all adults. This brings Eclipse in line with the Retreat experience on other Celebrity ships, though with some differences in scale and decor compared with fully Revolutionized vessels.

Deck plans revised for sailings from spring 2025 onward show the Retreat Lounge occupying space on deck 5 that previously formed part of the lounge and specialty dining complex. Videos and photographs from suite guests in late 2025 and 2026 reveal an intimate room furnished with deep blue chairs, pale sofas, a central bar and snack display, along with coffee machines and light bites available throughout the day. Guests commonly compare it to a high end hotel club lounge rather than a completely new architectural statement.

Up top, a Retreat sundeck or suite exclusive outdoor area has been carved out, typically on deck 16. Travel bloggers and 2026 review videos highlight a partially sheltered area with cushioned loungers and cabanas reserved for suite guests, though without the dramatic multi level architecture seen on Edge class ships. This retreat space gives suite passengers on Eclipse a quieter sunbathing and lounging option, particularly valuable on busy sea days during Caribbean or Mediterranean seasons when the main pool deck becomes crowded and noisy.

The downside is that these additions did not fundamentally alter the suites themselves. Passengers in older Sky Suites and Celebrity Suites report that their cabin interiors still feature the original wood tones and bathroom layouts, with only minor cosmetic enhancements such as refreshed linens, some new art and occasional carpet replacement. Several long time Celebrity fans writing reviews in 2025 and 2026 note that while the Retreat Lounge and sundeck feel like valuable perks, the underlying suite hardware now lags behind newer ships in the fleet in terms of lighting, storage and bathroom design.

Pre and Post Refurbishment Deck Plans and Lost Venues

Comparing 2023 to early 2025 deck plans with the versions covering sailings through April 2027 provides one of the clearest windows into what changed on Eclipse and what did not. On lower decks, the main dining rooms, theater, casino, Martini Bar, World Class Bar, ensemble of boutiques and specialty restaurants such as Murano, Tuscan Grille, Sushi on Five and Blu remain in their familiar positions with only minor graphic restyling on the plans. Luminae, the suites restaurant, continues to occupy a portion of deck 3 and 4, aligning with the broader Retreat program rather than any specific 2025 modification.

The bigger differences appear in the mid and upper decks. On deck 4 and 5, the presence of a Retreat Lounge label in place of part of the old lounge corridor confirms the reallocation of this space to suite guests. The earlier internet cafe area marked near the photo gallery and iLounge no longer appears separately, replaced instead by general “photo gallery” or retail labeling. Guest communications now treat internet access as a shipwide wifi service rather than something tied to a dedicated room of terminals, a shift in keeping with current fleet practice.

On deck 6 and 9, the appearance of new inside stateroom blocks inboard from the existing cabin lanes matches reports that a card room and arcade were removed. Cruisers on 2026 voyages mention that card and board game meetups now rotate between the Sky Lounge and quieter corners of the Oceanview Cafe, and some lament the lack of a purpose built space where players can leave ongoing games set up between sessions. There is no evidence that a new technology shop replaced the former iLounge style venue elsewhere; instead, tech sales now blend into the general retail mix.

Higher up, deck plans confirm that the adults only solarium on deck 12 continues to serve all guests, not just suite passengers, with features such as a covered pool, hot tubs and the Spa Cafe unchanged in function, although some seating fabrics appear updated in post 2025 videos. The Retreat sundeck space for suites is indicated separately on the very top deck. Importantly, other entertainment venues such as Quasar nightclub, Sky Lounge, theater and live music bars appear unchanged in layout, and there is no sign of Edge class features such as a Magic Carpet platform or multi story Eden style lounge, underscoring Eclipse’s status as a partially refreshed classic rather than a fully reinvented ship.

Bathrooms, Mattresses, Balconies and Other Hardware

One of the most frequent questions from travelers booking older ships is whether bathrooms and beds feel new. On Eclipse after the 2025 dry dock, the answer is mixed. Reviews from late 2025 cruises in the Mediterranean and early 2026 Northern Europe sailings mention cabins that felt cleaner and brighter but still “dated” in design. Guests describe compact showers with curtains or older style doors, beige and cream tile schemes, and limited bathroom storage typical of early 2010s cruise ship cabins. There is no consistent evidence that cabin bathrooms were ripped out and rebuilt.

Mattresses receive more varied feedback. Some 2026 veranda cabin guests report comfortable beds that felt recently replaced, particularly in cabins on decks 7 to 9 amidships. Others, especially those in older standard cabins forward or aft, write that their mattresses were sagging or allowed them to feel underlying structure. This aligns with the idea that Celebrity may be replacing mattresses on an as needed basis rather than as part of a single, shipwide program linked to the 2025 yard stay. Prospective guests with back issues may want to request a mattress topper or note their needs in advance, but should not assume that every bed reflects 2025 manufacturing.

Balconies are another area where reviewers notice the ship’s age. Multiple 2025 and 2026 balcony cabin reviews mention minor rust spots on balcony railings or supports, worn paint on balcony ceilings and scuffed furniture. While some painting and rust treatment typically occurs in any dry dock, the photographic evidence suggests that this was not a complete balcony rebuild. In higher end suites, passengers note that outdoor whirlpools on top tier accommodations appear renewed or better maintained, but standard veranda balconies look much as they did a few years earlier, albeit generally clean and functional.

Entertainment venues and dining areas show fewer structural changes. The main theater, Moonlight Sonata main dining room, Oceanview Cafe buffet, casino and lounges keep their existing layouts. Soft goods, including carpets, drapes and chairs, appear brighter in many guest photos and walkthroughs filmed in 2026, and lighting tweaks give some lounges a fresher feel. However, frequent Celebrity cruisers commenting on Eastern Mediterranean itineraries in 2026 point out that the overall vibe is still “classic Solstice” rather than dramatically modern. Those accustomed to LED heavy, technology loaded venues on newer ships might find Eclipse charmingly traditional but not cutting edge.

How Eclipse’s Refresh Differs from the Celebrity Revolution Program

To understand expectations for 2026 and 2027, it is essential to separate Eclipse’s 2025 dry dock from Celebrity’s broader Revolution initiative. The Revolution program, announced several years earlier, aimed to inject around 500 million dollars into upgrading ships with features inspired by the Edge class: redesigned staterooms with new bathrooms, expanded suite sun decks, fully re imagined Oceanview Cafes, updated color palettes and significant technology additions such as more USB outlets and improved lighting controls.

On some ships, particularly Celebrity Summit and Millennium class vessels, Revolution brought dramatic changes to almost every cabin, with new bathrooms, beds, storage and decor installed across the board. Restaurants were rebuilt, lounges re themed and new suite areas constructed. In contrast, Eclipse received only a subset of those upgrades. By 2024, many travel agencies and bloggers referred to Eclipse as “the Solstice that never got its big refit,” highlighting that while some behind the scenes and limited front of house work had been done, the ship lacked the transformed cabins and bold design of Revolution’s flagship projects.

The 2025 Brest dry dock nudged Eclipse closer to the modern fleet standard by carving out a formal Retreat Lounge, adding a Retreat sundeck, refreshing carpets and upholstery, and introducing a handful of brand new inside cabins. Yet key Revolution style features remain missing. Standard cabins still have their original bathrooms, most lack multiple built in USB charging points by the bed, and cabinetry and lighting look similar to their 2010 origins. The Oceanview Cafe layout is essentially the same, not the more fragmented, made to order focused space seen on fully Revolutionized ships.

For potential passengers, the practical takeaway is that Eclipse in 2026 and 2027 is best viewed as a lightly updated classic rather than a ship that fully reflects Celebrity’s newest design language. Guests who love the traditional Solstice class aesthetic and value real grass on the Lawn Club, a quiet Sky Lounge and a glassblowing history will likely appreciate that these features survived intact. Travelers hoping for a ship that feels almost identical to the latest Edge class vessels in cabin design and technology may find Eclipse charming but somewhat behind the times.

Passenger Reviews: Refreshed Yet Inconsistent

Passenger reviews dated in 2025 and 2026 provide crucial detail beyond corporate descriptions. On summer 2025 sailings shortly after dry dock, many guests praise Eclipse for feeling “clean” and “well maintained,” highlighting new carpets in corridors and lounges, and softer, less worn seating in bars and the main dining room. In balcony cabins on mid decks, travelers mention crisp linens and fresher looking fabrics, with overall impressions that the ship no longer appeared “tired” in public spaces.

At the same time, a noticeable number of reviews from late 2025 and throughout 2026 point to lingering issues. Guests on Eastern Mediterranean itineraries in June 2026 and Northern Europe cruises later that summer reference worn or stained patches of carpet in some hallways, rust spots on balcony railings and inconsistent cabin conditions. One balcony cabin guest wrote that while their mattress seemed new, friends traveling on the same sailing in an inside cabin complained of a sagging bed and dated decor. Another review from an October 2026 balcony stateroom noted that furniture in their cabin felt scratched and older, despite public rooms looking fresh.

Suite guests’ comments are similarly split. Travelers booked in Sky Suites and Celebrity Suites after the dry dock often praise The Retreat Lounge and the dedicated outdoor sundeck for elevating their overall experience, especially on port intensive itineraries where having a quiet escape matters. Yet several also remark that the suite interiors themselves feel unchanged apart from some soft goods, with bathrooms and cabinetry clearly aging compared to newer Celebrity ships. One long time Celebrity cruiser summarized their July 2026 experience by saying the Retreat facilities felt “Revolution level,” but the suite felt “2010 with nicer carpet.”

Importantly, these reviews are cabin and sailing specific rather than universal. There is no consistent pattern of a particular deck or cabin category being unacceptably worn, but rather a patchwork of stronger and weaker areas. That patchiness is typical of a partial refresh focused on visible but limited updates rather than comprehensive, deck by deck reconstruction. Prospective guests for 2026 and 2027 should treat individual complaints as data points, not definitive proof of shipwide neglect, while remaining aware that they might encounter an older bathroom or balcony showing its age even within an otherwise handsome, well kept environment.

How the Changes Affect Standard Cabins, AquaClass and Suites

The passenger impact of Eclipse’s 2025 dry dock differs significantly by cabin category. For standard inside, oceanview and veranda cabins, the main benefits are the refreshed carpets, some updated upholstery and the general improvement in public area presentation. New interior cabins created from former public spaces on decks 6, 9, 12 and 15 offer the newest hardware within the inside category, though with potential noise trade offs in the highest deck locations. Existing balcony cabins largely retain their original layout and fixtures, and while many feel brighter and cleaner, the core experience remains that of a well maintained but mature Solstice class ship.

AquaClass guests, whose cabins sit near the spa and have access to the Blu restaurant, seem to benefit modestly from the refresh. Reports from 2026 AquaClass passengers describe Blu as attractive and comfortable, with updated carpets and upholstery that align with Celebrity’s current style. Cabin photos show familiar AquaClass layouts and bathrooms, not dramatic redesigns, but some guests note that bedding and soft furnishings feel newer than they remembered from pre 2025 sailings. The proximity to the still adults only, non Retreat solarium on deck 12 remains one of AquaClass’s strengths, and any light updates to solarium seating fabrics observed in post 2025 videos enhance that appeal.

Suite guests experience the most defined shift. The introduction of the Retreat Lounge and a suite only sundeck or solarium substantially upgrades the daily rhythm of life for those in Sky Suites and above. Breakfast in Luminae, afternoon drinks in the Lounge and quiet sunbathing away from the crowded main pool make Eclipse’s suites more competitive with newer Celebrity ships from a service perspective. However, because the cabin interiors themselves did not undergo a Revolution style overhaul, the gap between suite hardware and suite services has widened: guests receive a modern, premium service package layered onto older, though often refreshed, physical spaces.

For value focused travelers choosing between cabin categories on Eclipse in 2026 or 2027, this means that standard veranda and AquaClass cabins can represent strong value when priced competitively against newer ships, especially on interesting itineraries from Amsterdam or Fort Lauderdale. Suites may be worthwhile for travelers who heavily use the Retreat spaces and prioritize privacy and service, but those whose expectations are set by newer Edge class suite designs should study recent photographs closely and weigh whether the older cabin decor matches the premium price point.

Before and After: Evidence Based Condition Snapshot

Looking at Eclipse through a before and after lens helps clarify which aspects of the ship saw meaningful improvement and which remained largely as they were. Before the 2025 dry dock, frequent cruisers described Eclipse as well loved but aging, with tired carpets in some corridors and lounges, worn upholstery, and a scattering of maintenance issues such as balcony rust and scuffed cabin furniture. The lack of a dedicated Retreat Lounge and suite sundeck also made Eclipse feel less aligned with Celebrity’s current premium branding.

After the dry dock, verified changes include the creation of ten new interior cabins from the former internet cafe, tech shop, card room and arcade spaces on decks 6, 9, 12 and 15, installation of a refurbished or new Retreat Lounge on deck 5, and a dedicated suite sunbathing area high on the ship. Wide though not completely uniform replacement of carpets and upholstery in staterooms and public rooms gives the main circulation areas a fresher appearance, and some mattresses and balcony whirlpools in top suites appear renewed based on passenger reports and photographs from 2025 and 2026.

In the “partially refreshed” category sit most standard cabins, many public lounges and the solarium seating. These areas feel brighter and less worn but retain original layouts, bathroom fixtures and much of the early 2010s design language. Unchanged facilities include the fundamental structure of the main theater, Moonlight Sonata restaurant, buffet layout, casino footprint and older suite bathrooms, as well as the overall silhouette of the ship. Disputed improvements center on mattress replacement and the consistency of carpet upgrades, with some travelers in 2026 reporting near pristine conditions and others experiencing lingering wear.

For a prospective guest weighing a Spain and Canary Islands cruise in late 2026 against a Norwegian fjords itinerary in 2027, this snapshot means that the ship you will board is cleaner and better aligned with Celebrity’s branding than it was in early 2024, but it is not a fundamentally new environment. The atmosphere is that of a cared for, mid life vessel whose strongest improvements are visible in fabrics and suite only spaces, not one that has been rebuilt from the steel up.

Is Celebrity Eclipse Good Value for 2026–2027 and What To Watch For

In practical terms, whether Eclipse represents good value in 2026 and 2027 depends heavily on your expectations, itinerary choices and the price you are quoted compared with newer ships. When Eclipse offers appealing routes from Fort Lauderdale to the Southern Caribbean or from Amsterdam to Iceland and Northern Europe at prices meaningfully lower than edge class vessels on similar dates, the refreshed public spaces, classic Solstice layout and newly enhanced Retreat amenities can make her an attractive option, particularly for travelers who appreciate a more traditional cruise ship feel.

Passengers who place a premium on cutting edge cabin design, fully modern bathrooms and abundant built in technology in every stateroom should approach with more caution. The 2025 dry dock did not deliver wholesale cabin replacements, extensive new USB charging points or completely redesigned bathrooms. Some cabins will feel almost new thanks to fresh carpets and soft furnishings, while others, especially in high wear areas or older deck zones, may still show signs of age in furniture, balcony metalwork or bathroom grout. Those sensitive to these details may want to budget for a higher cabin category on a newer ship instead.

Condition related concerns worth investigating before booking include the exact location of any interior cabin you are considering, particularly on deck 15 where early morning pool deck noise can travel; recent reviews mentioning mattress comfort in your chosen cabin category; and comments about balcony condition on your intended sailing region. Guests looking at suites should pay special attention to recent suite walkthrough videos to align expectations on bathroom style and storage before paying a Retreat level fare.

Overall, Eclipse now sits in a middle ground: more polished than she was before spring 2025, with meaningful enhancements for suite guests and visible improvements in carpets and upholstery throughout much of the ship, yet still unmistakably a 2010 era vessel in terms of cabin architecture and many hardware details. Travelers who value itinerary, service and the relaxed Solstice class ambiance over having the newest design elements are likely to find good value, especially when securing competitive fares. Those who expect a fully modernized, Revolution level makeover in every corner will need to calibrate their expectations or look elsewhere in the Celebrity fleet.

Practical FAQs About Eclipse’s Refurbishment and Future

When was Celebrity Eclipse last refurbished? Eclipse’s most recent significant dry dock took place at Damen Shiprepair Brest in April 2025, lasting around three weeks. This project focused on adding ten new interior cabins, creating a Retreat Lounge and suite only outdoor area, and refreshing carpets, furniture and upholstery in many staterooms and public venues. Technical maintenance and hull work were also performed, but there is no evidence of a full, shipwide structural refit of cabins or bathrooms.

What exactly changed with the new cabins and lost public spaces? Ten interior cabins were added on decks 6, 9, 12 and 15 by converting former public areas that included an internet cafe, a small technology shop, a dedicated card room and a video arcade. These new cabins offer the newest hardware onboard in the inside category but occupy spaces that can vary in noise exposure, particularly on deck 15 under the pool deck. Card games and similar activities have been redistributed into multipurpose venues such as the Sky Lounge and parts of the buffet rather than having a dedicated room.

Which features still feel outdated after the dry dock? Many standard cabins and older suites retain their original bathroom layouts and fixtures, cabinetry and much of the early 2010s decor. Balconies on standard veranda cabins may show minor rust or wear despite general maintenance, and not all mattresses appear to have been replaced at once. Public venues such as the main theater, buffet, casino and lounges feel fresher thanks to new carpets and upholstery but do not match the dramatic architectural redesigns found on fully Revolutionized ships.

Are more renovations planned for Eclipse? As of late 2026, public dry dock schedules list Eclipse’s April 2025 yard stay as her most recent major refit, with no confirmed dates for another extensive refurbishment announced. Cruise lines sometimes add technical or cosmetic work during shorter maintenance visits that are not heavily publicized, but travelers should not count on a full Revolution style rebuild before booking 2026 or 2027 sailings. Guests who require the very latest cabin design or bathroom standards may want to monitor official announcements or consider a newer vessel if those details are critical to their enjoyment.