Review of Celebrity Transatlantic Cruise Barcelona to Buenos Aires
So this is a review of the Transatlantic cruise we enjoyed on the Celebrity Eclipse it was from Barcelona in Spain to Buenos Aires Argentina, with port calls in Cartagena, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Rio De Janeiro & Santos.
The route was still on the schedule for 2021 and was due to be sailed by the Celebrity Silhouette. Post Pandemic it is hoped this route will return.
Celebrity Eclipse
The Eclipse is one of Celebrities Solstice class ships which is a class we were very familiar with having sailed on her sister ships Equnox, Reflection & Silhouette numerous times.
For this trip we were booked into a Aqua Class stateroom, again a class of room we had sampled before, so this gave us access to the Blu restaurant for Breakfast and dinner. We also had the other Aqua benefits such as access to the Persian Gardens and canopies in the room each day.
The Eclipse has 15 decks, carries approx 2850 passengers and 1000 crew.
As I have said we had cruised on Solstice class ships before so this time it was very much all about destination and itinerary for us. We had in fact been to the Spanish ports on this trip many times but South America was going to be new. From a purely personal point of view I was looking forward to visiting Rio. It is worth stating that we were staying on in South America after this cruise and would in fact return to Rio as part of it but sailing into it for our first visit was part of the reason we booked this.
Barcelona
Barcelona is a city we know well having visited it a few times previously so we flew direct there Edinburgh to Barcelona International Airport the day before we were due to board the ship. It was a early flight so we had a full day to ourselves in Barcelona.
We stayed at the H10 Marina Hotel Barcelona, which was in fact a easy 20 minute walk to La Rambla. The hotel was good, decent size rooms with good modern amenities. It had a rooftop pool, but in November as this was it was not something I was in a hurry to sample.
No instead we headed out and went for a walk around Barcelona, after the normal walk along La Rambla we found a nice bar to sit at and watch the world go past whilst enjoying some tapas.
As it got dark we began to wander slowly back towards our hotel and it was then we stumbled unsuspectingly onto a street wine festival... Now this turned into a great few hours. Basically it was a full street that was closed off, with stalls all along it, you paid €10 to get entry to the street where you were given a free wine glass and thereafter the wine was free at each stall. Let's just say we had a surprise great first night 🍷
I have done a full review of Barcelona and my own tips and recommendations you can access it here. Barcelona Review
Barcelona then South America here we come.
My Logistics Manager in Barcelona
On La Rambla
The surprise wine festival we just came across
Great night in Barcelona
After a great night we headed for breakfast with that smile on our face that everyone who enjoys cruiseing has had on the day its time to board the ship.
We had ordered a taxi transfer for 11 am and it arrived sharp. Barcelona has two main cruise terminals but the one at the World Trade center is predominantly for the small vessels so we were heading for the Adossat Quay where there are 4 Terminals. A, B, C, & D
To access the Quay you drive across the modern bridge and as we looked to our right next to Terminal B !! There she was the " Beautiful Celebrity Eclipse " that smile on our faces just got bigger.
Barcelona cruise terminals Adossat Quay in the background.
As we approached the gangway the feeling of contentment was obvious, we were back in our happy place, Onboard.
As we had cruised a number of times on this class of ship the layout was familiar to us so we made our way to the Speciality restaurant Murano. As we did we noticed that the ship was fully decorated for Christmas, which we later learned was also to mark Thanks Giving in the USA, but being from the UK we don't do " Thanks Giving " so since it was still late November the decorations had initially been a surprise to us but it just made the day even more special.
Now Murano is not open as you board but there is always the Maitre D there, we had Pre Booked a 5 night Speciality dining package so our visit was to secure the restaurants, nights and times we wanted. Once that was completed we just had a wander around the ship frequenting ourselves with happy locations and memories from past sailings. We of course stopped for a drink at my favourite bar at Sea the Martini Bar on Celebrity Cruises. To be honest this is my go to spot most nights at some point. It was there we met for the first time some of the people who as this cruise went on became good friends and who we are still in contact with now. One of the things we love about cruise Holidays is the people you meet.
Then the " rooms are ready" announcement was made and it was off to our room to find our cases already there. At this point the Logistics Manager sprung into action and unpacked, me I retired to the balcony , trust me you don't get in the way when she is unpacking, I learned that from experience . ☺
Checked in and heading to the ship
Celebrity Eclipse in Barcelona
First drink at my favourite spot the Martini Bar
Our Aqua Stateroom
The bathroom in the stateroom
View from our balcony whilst unpacking is ongoing.
Sail away and night 1
After the unpacking operation was completed we freshened up and had a quick change of clothes, before heading to our Muster station, for the saftey drill, its just one of those things that has to be done.
Once that was completed, the ship wound up the anchor, and we pulled away from the Quay. We had made our way up top to watch us sail out of Barcelona and at that point it was very much ... South America here we come.
It was by now a wet Barcelona with rain falling so once the ship was moving we returned to the Martini Bar for pre dinner drinks and it was here we got to know our barmen, who at this bar are always part of the fun, with the tricks and novelty pours there a show on there own.
Then it was dinner in the excellent restaurant Blu, before the show in the theater, which was a introduction performance by the onboard entertainment team.
We finished the night back at the Martini Bar before retiring to bed happy to be back at sea and knowing we had 16 more days & nights to enjoy.
Ships Atrium all dressed up for the festivities
More of the decorations
Sailing out of Barcelona, South America here we come.
Blu Restaurant
Theater show
Enjoying the Martini Bar.
Day 2 Cartagena
After a quiet nights sail where the Mediterranean was as calm as you can get it, and its not always like that it can Rock and Roll better than Elvis when it wants, but not on this occasion, we arrived in our first port Cartagena. I know it has a namesake in Colombia but this one is in the Murcia region on Spain and it was a city and area we had again visited a few times before. If it was your first visit you could visit its Roman ruins including amphitheatre which are right in the center of the city and a easy walk from the port or go a bit further a see the Moorish Castle. But for us it was going to be a simple walk into the town and the chance for my Logistics Manager to have a look along the busy main shopping Street. The port in Cartagena is within 5 mins walking of the city center so its very convenient to simply do your own thing and like most Spanish towns or cities there are a multitude of bars and cafes all offering food. So after I had did my morning hour in the ships Gym ( I am no gym monkey but onboard I do like to do a hour or so on the cross trainer most days to at least try and help balance those calories) We headed out into the city. It was dry but overcast, and faily mild so a pleasant afternoon was spent simply shopping and then sitting enjoying a local " cerveza ". Now don't think I speak Spanish !!! No it just that every UK teenager male learns that word on there first boys holiday in Spain at that age it practically makes you fluent.
Anyway whilst there we bumped into a couple also from Scotland we had met the day before onboard and arranged to catch them later at the Martini Bar.
So after a relaxing day in Cartagena just after 5 pm we set sail again knowing we now had two sea days to enjoy before we arrived in the Canary Islands.
Eclipse in Cartagena
Port of Cartagena
Logistics Manager at a local landmark
Checking out the shopping in Cartagena
Eclipse Gym
The pool deck at night.
Always find this team smiling great people who provide excellent service and fun.
Donny in the Martini Bar
Ships position
Putu practices his party piece for later in the cruise.
Days 3 & 4
I know it takes all kinds and its good to visit new ports but we do love sea days.
This really is the relaxation days, you can make them as busy or as chilled as you want it really is up to you and we now had two of them. It also gives you the chance to enjoy all the ship has to offer. Now the ships team really pulled out the stops on these days, from various music at different locations around the ship, to fitness classes, dance classes, talks/presentations from guest speakers there is so much to do, in fact one of our new friends wife actually joined the choir ? Well she is from Ireland and we all know how the Irish like a good sing song just like us Scots. Mary if your reading this you and the choir were great. Basically for a time each day they learned a song and routine that they got to perform on the last night as part of the entertainment, its just one example of the different things you can find to pass your time, you really won't be bored.
Also it was on Day 3 we had our first Chic Night onboard, when you get the chance to put on your glad rags and party, have to say its something we really enjoy about cruising and on this sailing almost everyone joined in. It was a great night, very much enjoyed by all.
On Day 4 after a lazy day on the Solstice deck recovering from a fun night before we went to the Speciality restaurant Tuscan Grill, this is a Italian themed steak house, it is situated in the aft of the ship with ceiling to floor windows giving some fantastic views of the wake. The food was also very good and the service was excellent.
It was on Day 4 that the weather began to warm up, it and the sea had been ok since we left Barcelona but cool, we were now out the Mediterranean and heading south in the Atlantic towards the Canary Islands with the coast of Morocco out of sight on our port side.
Ships pool as we sailed South in the Atlantic
Logistics Manager relaxing on deck
Mast Bar
That view, I never tire of it.
Sunset Bar
Afternoon Margarita be rude not to.
Logistics Manager looking great on chic night.
Me scrubbed up to party on Chic Night.
Day 5 Arrecife Lanzarote
Once again this is another port and island we have visited numerous times, so unlike many on the ship who were going on excursions to the likes of the volcanic Timanfaya National Park or to the resorts and beaches in the south of the island, we simply walked off the ship and into the town. The cruise port is a 20 minute walk from the town center but there is a long wide promenade to enjoy with a few bars and cafes if you wanted to stop. So after spending the afternoon in the town we walked back to the ship. That night we had booked another restaurant this being Sushi on 5. If you enjoy sushi and we do you will love this. The food was again prepared to perfection with excellent service. Later we had a drink at the Passport Bar in the ships Atrium before finally heading back to the Martini Bar where we met up with our growing group of regulars and swapped stories of what we had been up that day.
Sailing into Arrecife
Poseing at the port.
Logistics Manager checking out the defences
The walk into Arrecife
Looking back at the town from the cruise port.
View as you walk along the Promenade in Arrecife
Sushi on 5
Menu in Sushi on 5
Some of the dishes we enjoyed in the restaurant
Day 6 Las Palmas Grand Canaria
Another port stop we had experienced before so again this was going to be a easy walk off into the town for us. However after I had done my hour in the gym I met my other half in her favourite daytime spot, Cafe al Bacio on Deck 5, this is Celebrities Coffee and Patisserie offering. Now I am no expert as I don't drink coffee or tea, but I am told its very good, I can however vouch for the cakes. It is to be honest always one of the busiest spots on the ship.
Menu from Cafe al Bacio
We then headed out into Las Palmas, which is in fact the largest town/city in the Canary Islands it also there administration headquarters. So you find a modern busy city.
The cruise terminal is next to the main port and only 10 minutes walk from the city center and Pargue Santa Catalina which is a recreational park witch is home to various cafes, bars and restaurants as well as the Sicence Museum. However if you just want to shop there is in fact a large shopping center directly across the street from the cruise terminal. It also has a long wide coast walkway. So thats where we headed and walked along there quite some way in fact, before turning back and finding a place for lunch.
So after nearly a week on the ship already we knew we had 6 days at sea after this port stop as we crossed the Atlantic to South America. After we departed Gran Canaria we had dinner in Blu before taking in the show in the theater then as normal finished off at our favourite bar.
Eclipse in Las Palmas
Las Palmas cruise terminal
Logistics Manager in Las Palmas with the ship in the background
Yours truly on the coast walkway.
Looking from the ship towards Las Palmas
Cruise Port entrance
Enjoying our meal in Blu
Day 7 to 12 Wonderful Sea Days
So 6 straight days at sea as we crossed the Atlantic to our next port Rio De Janeiro, now sometimes the Atlantic crossings can be a bit lets say " active" but we were not only going West we were also heading south and would tick up another first for us in that on day 4 at sea we would cross the equator. Thereby moving from Northern Hemisphere winter to a Southern Hemisphere Summer.
The reality of this particular crossing was we enjoyed glorious weather from before we reach the Cansry Islands until we left the ship its was simply perfect. Also I have never seen the Atlantic as calm it really was like a garden pond all the way across.
Perfect day in the middle of the Atlantic
Calm moon lit night there is something special about sitting on your balcony at this time
Entertainment
As we sailed across, the ship put on a full and comprehensive entertainment program there were all sorts of shows, games, presentations and guest speakers. I even attended a art auction !! Now I know absolutely nothing about art but its always puzzled me why on Celebrity Ships there are always art auctions for original pieces of work. So just for curiosity I actually attended one where the on ship experts gave you a full description and background of each picture and artist before the were presented for sale I never bought anything but two people did and both pictures were not cheap !!
Now on the subject of the night time musical entertainment, it is one area that I am critical about with Celebrity, not the standard of the artists or performance, No the way the cruise line start a show in one part of the ship, then just when people are starting to enjoy it and having fun they stop it dead after 45 or 60 minutes and tell you to move to another part of the ship for something else. Honestly this is ridiculous and whoever came up with this has no idea how to organise a good night. Its a complete atmosphere killer. Sadly I have experienced it on all Celebrity ships and its one thing I wish they would stop. We do attended a couple of the theater shows but there never the main thing for us we much prefer the music in a bar setting and I know we are not alone in that.
However this did not stop us having a brilliant time at sea with our cruise friends, for example on the first night at sea we all attended the Silent Disco and this as normal was a good nights entertainment. In fact every night on that crossing turned into a really good night thanks to the wonderful company onboard and what a cosmopolitan bunch we were with couples from the US, UK, Ireland, Canada & Hong Kong.
Silent Disco in Quasar
The dancing continues outside Quasar
Slot Pull
Before this cruise I had joined our Ships Roll Call on the Cruise Critic Forum online, as part of that I signed up for a Slot Pull, now I don't gamble so the casino is a mystery to me, but this seemed like a bit of fun and a great way to meet our fellow shipmates. So on the first of the sea days as we crossed we attended in the casino and took part. It really was a good way to meet people and have a laugh , Ok we never won a $ but it was still fun.
Logistics Manager at the slot pull
Inside Access Ships Tour
On another day we signed up for the inside access tour of the ship, this was a interesting tour of the parts of the ship us passengers never get to see. So we had a full tour of the stores, kitchens, laundry, engine control room and finally the bridge. Really let's you see the crew quarters and how the incredible slick operation that runs behind the scenes so we have a smooth and fantastic cruise. Truely makes you appreciate how hard these people work.
Ships stores
Another store room
Bread being baked for our evening meals
Ships kitchen and the head chef
Laundry
Engine Control room
Engine Control Room
Eclipse bridge
Some of the controls that keep the ship on course
Bridge
Floor window in bridge used when ship is docking
Logistics Manager on the bridge
Looking back towards the aft from the bridge.
Crossing the equator and kissing the fish !!
So as we sailed South we approached the Equator and at 1 pm on day 4 at sea. We were scheduled to cross the imaginary line.
To mark the occasion the ship put on a pool party with the Captain and ships officers in attendance.
Now tradionally when a ship crosses the line sailors who have not done it before or as they are named in the navy "Poliwogs" have to mark the occasion by kissing a fish !!
The Eclipse was no different they produced a large thankfully frozen fish on the pool deck and the passengers who wanted to lined up to kiss the fish.
It was a bit bizarre seeing this line stretch all around the pool with people waiting to kiss a fish. 😄
At the moment we actually crossed the line the ships horn sounded loudly and flares were fired into the sky.
This was a really hot day with the temperatures in the 80 F's so with the music playing and the sun shining it truely was a memorable afternoon at the pool.
As a momento when we returned to our room all the passengers had been issued a certificate to say we had sail across the line.
Kissing the fish ceremony as we cross the equator
Pool party as we sail across the equator
My crossing the equator certificate
Dinner in Murano
On one of the evenings we had dinner at this superb speciality restaurant onboard, it style's itself on French Cuisine and delivers a evening we always enjoy. I find the service and presentation to be top class with food being full of flavour. The Eclipse's branch of Murano was no different and we really enjoyed both our visits to this restaurant during this sailing.
Martini Bar
Ok I have mentioned this a few times but it is a bar that I always enjoy. However on this sailing it really did turn out to be the place we had some great nights not only because of the fantastic friendly and talented barmen but also because of all the people we met at it and who became our friends. The bar is topped by ice and that is a talking point in itself but it also leeds to some cool tricks as the pictures below demonstrates.
How did they do that
Norma one of our shipmates being given her surprise birthday cocktail by Putu
Donny pouring our drinks.
I have tried to give a flavour of what was available during these days on the ocean wave but what I actually enjoy as much as anything else is simply relaxing onboard and enjoying the ship. From sunbathing on the Solstice deck, to sitting on my balcony watching the sea float past or enjoying a drink and a chat with fellow shipmates at the Martini Bar all of it adds up to my perfect vacation and this cruise really was and remains a special one.
Sky Lounge
Art work onboard
World Clas Bar some truely fantastic cocktails made here.
Logistics Manager
Relaxing at sea
Bubbles on the balcony
Enjoying those bubbles on our balcony as the sea floats past, bliss.
Day 13 Rio de Janeiro
So after a brilliant sail across, the day arrived after almost a week at sea when we saw land again and it was fabulous Rio. The sail in here was one I had been looking forward to so we ordered breakfast in the room and sat on our balcony and watched us arrive in South America and the city of Rio.
Breakfast on the balcony
Land ahoy
Rio come's into view
Rio coastline
We had arranged a private days tour of the city with our guide Augusto Guinaraes. He really has some great reviews on TripAdvisor and I have no hesintation in recommending him if your visiting Rio he really was excellent in every way.
You will find him on TripAdvisor at this link Tour Guide Gus and his e mail address is gusguide@hotmail.com
So after taking well over a hour to get off the ship we met up with Gus and headed off into Rio. We wanted to see all the main sights but Rio is a large city and a very busy one, it is fair to say it also has its social issues so do your research its not a city to simply wander around on your own. That said we never once felt unsafe and there are some great safe and friendly areas to visit.
We first went to Sugar Loaf and quickly got in the queue for the cable car up, this can get very busy but we were not long at all. The views of Rio and its Bay were wonderful.
Sugar Loaf with the cable car behind
View from Sugar Loaf
Another view over Rio
Rio from SugarLoaf
On the cable car beginning the decent
After Sugar Loaf we drove through the city to Ipanema Beach and from there onto the iconic Copacabana Beach. We stopped here and had a walk on the beach and a local refreshment. The beach really is fantastic with the Atlantic waves rolling onto the white sands
Refreshment at Copacabana Beach
Walking along the beach
Copacabana Beach
After the beach we headed to Corcovado mountain the home of Rio's famous Christ the Redeemer Statue.
Now you can drive up the mountain but only so far, our Guide took us to the train that takes you up to the Statue. As you climb the mountain you pass through lush tropical forrest and its wildlife, and after 15 minutes you arrive at the visitor center that sits just below the statue. Once your up there you realise just how big the statue is and again you have some good views out over Rio and the Atlantic. Of course you also get the chance to obtain that classic picture.
That picture
Christ the Redeemer
View of Rio from the statue
After the statue we returned to our car and began the journey back throught the very busy Rio traffic to the ship, but on route we did stop for a short visit to Rio's modern and unusual Cathedral.
Rio Cathedral
Inside of the Cathedral and the spectacular stained glassed
We then proceed back to the ship, after a great day in Rio, we were happy to cover the main attractions because we knew that after the cruise we were coming back for a few more days. I will finish by again reminding you if you do visit this city then consider Gus as your guide as he went above and beyond on both our visits to Rio.
Day 14 Santos
We arrived in Santos in the early morning after another smooth sail, Santos is a port city but really did not have much more from a tourist point of view. It is however the closest port to Sao Paulo which is 35 miles inland. Many people decided to do organised tours there, but after a bit of research I discovered that Santos has a large 3 mile long garden that runs along its beachfront , its called Jardine da Orlando Praia. So we decided to head there. We caught a taxi from the port which was again a industrial one with few facilities. We then spent a few hours at the garden and the beach.
Santos also has a couple of interesting Museums, the Coffee Museum and the Pele Museum dedicated to the football legend. We however were happy to stay by the beach before returning to the ship in the early afternoon.
Logistics Manager in the gardens
Enjoying the gardens in Santos
Walking the beach
Logistics Manager and a Vintage Santos tram
Santos Beach
The last full day on the ship and we awoke in the morning as we sailed down the coast of Uruguay which you could clearly see on our starboard side.
Around midday we left the Atlantic and entered the River Plate basin, almost immediately the ship slowed to a snails pace as we began to navigate these dangerous waters, the ship constantly zig zaging towards Buenos Aires as the water turned a sandy coffee colour.
We began to pack and prepare to leave the ship at our destination.
This really was a lazy day but we made a point of meeting up with everyone who we had enjoyed some great times onboard to say goodbye.
Logistics Manager on the stairs
At our favourite spot
Fun in the aitrum
Another good night
Putu and me
Donny and Logistics Manager
Saying goodbye.
Day 16 Buenos Aires So after over two weeks it was time to leave the beautiful Eclipse and experience Buenos Aires
We had arrived very early in the morning but were told the first departure would be at 8 am.
However again this was a industrial port with no Cruise ship terminals or facilities. The first problem was they Quay we were in struggled to get the gangway onto the ship, and then it was at a extremely steep angle all this and the now obligatory shuttle buses to the port gate ment it was almost 10.30 before we got off and we were not the last. It was another chaotic port.
However we eventually did get off and found our taxi transfer to our hotel.
One tip if you are leaving a ship in Buenos Aires make sure you arrange transfers to your hotel or airport. Dont walk out the port the area around there is not tourist friendly so pre plan.
Conclusion
This was a brilliant cruise in so many ways. The weather and seas were perfect, the destination and port stops were good, the relaxation of the sea days was just what we wanted. All of this but then you had the wonderful friendly and professional crew. Finally there was the people we met onboard that really made this trip standout many of whom we are still in contact with.
It's a route still on offer on the Silhouette but there is no stop in Santos. So its one I would consider doing again it was that good. Yes the South America ports were chaotic but they were different and iconic.
Hope you enjoyed the review and I will leave you with a picture that sums up the full trip, cheers.
