We’re starting to get the hang of cruising and have even formed ourselves a routine, or at least starting to see the need for one. For as far as you can see in every direction there is water, which varies in colour from dark grey to dark blue.
After a long day waiting to leave Sydney, our first day sailing is all about figuring out how the whole thing works. Activities, kids’ clubs and meal times – how do we actually find all these things?
What sets Eclipse apart from her sisters?
Celebrity Eclipse is the third of five sister ships in Celebrity Cruises’ Solstice Class fleet, but a brace of brand-new features sets her apart from her siblings.
Celebrity Cruises’ Solstice Class ships are large but their design and décor are elegant; intimate rather than overtly sumptuous. Colours are never garish but there’s lots of ‘wow factor’, especially in areas such as the Tuscan Grille, The Lawn Club and AquaSpa by Elemis.
When the ship is as important as the destination...
I believe all cruise ships are beautiful; some more than others. It’s a matter of comparing many factors.
When my wife Sandra and I boarded Rhapsody of the Seas, we were a little disappointed at not being able to obtain a balcony stateroom, but we became pleased with our large Oceanview stateroom, with its picture window and more room than the usual balcony stateroom. Our cruise was headed north and we were looking forward to 10 days of R&R.
Day 1 on Rhapsody of the Seas was longer than I had planned, and while it involved boarding a big and exciting cruise ship it largely involved sitting in Circular Quay.
Day 3: Thanksgiving. Ever heard of Turkey Pardon? No, nor had we, so we are compelled to wander down to the Royal Promenade (Deck 5) at midday to find out – after a tough morning testing the spa that’s suspended over the Caribbean Sea.
Our On Board host Rosie Kelly has just returned from sailing the Majestic Princess in the Mediterranean with her daughter. She and publisher Peter Lynch discuss her journey - and the changes to the ship, one of Australia's favourites after her many seasons sailing our own waters.
