A detailed Celebrity Eclipse Alaska cruise review, covering itineraries, cabins, dining, and unique features for your 2025 or 2026 sailing.
As a Solstice-class ship, the Celebrity Eclipse delivers a premium cruising experience that has become a favorite for couples and food-focused travelers heading to Alaska. It strikes a careful balance, offering a sophisticated, modern atmosphere that feels a clear step above mass-market lines without the all-inclusive pricing of true luxury brands. For many, this is the sweet spot for an Alaskan adventure.
Having sailed on numerous ships in the region, I find the Eclipse offers a compelling blend of outstanding food, comfortable viewing spaces, and just the right size for enjoying Alaska’s ports. It’s not the newest ship in the fleet, but its classic Solstice-class design has aged gracefully and remains perfectly suited for the 49th state.
For the 2025 and 2026 seasons, Celebrity Eclipse primarily sails 7-night roundtrip itineraries from Vancouver, B.C. A typical voyage includes:
It’s crucial to note that Celebrity Eclipse does not visit Glacier Bay National Park. Instead, it showcases the magnificent Hubbard Glacier. At over 76 miles long with a face that’s six miles wide, Hubbard is the largest tidewater glacier in North America and is famous for its dramatic calving, where building-sized icebergs crash into the sea. For many, this active and powerful glacier is just as awe-inspiring, if not more so, than the serene collection of glaciers in the park.
The Eclipse’s design offers several features that are exceptionally well-suited for an Alaska cruise. The Sky Observation Lounge on Deck 14 is a standout, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing panoramic, 180-degree views. On glacier days and while navigating the Inside Passage, this is the prime indoor spot.
For those willing to brave the chill, the Lawn Club on the uppermost deck is a unique delight. This half-acre of real, manicured grass is a tranquil space to relax with a blanket and a hot drink, play a game of bocce, or simply watch the stunning landscapes glide by. It’s a signature feature of the Solstice-class ships and adds a touch of unexpected luxury.
The Solarium is another key feature for Alaska. This adults-only, glass-enclosed space contains a pool and comfortable loungers, offering a warm, quiet retreat to enjoy the views no matter the weather. On a cool, misty morning in the fjords, it’s an unparalleled place to be.
Celebrity also brings an onboard naturalist for its Alaska sailings. This expert provides commentary from the bridge as you approach glaciers and pass points of interest, and typically hosts lectures in the theater on sea days, enriching the entire experience.
A balcony is almost essential for an Alaska cruise, and on the Eclipse, it’s worth the investment. The ability to step outside your room to see a whale breach or watch the sunset over the mountains is priceless.
Dining is where Celebrity Eclipse truly shines and justifies its “Modern Luxury” tagline. The quality and variety surpass most mainstream competitors.
The Moonlight Sonata Main Dining Room is elegant and offers a consistently high-quality menu. However, the specialty dining venues are the real stars.
The Oceanview Café buffet is also a cut above the average, with diverse international stations, plenty of seating, and excellent presentation.
Onboard the Eclipse, the entertainment is polished and geared toward a sophisticated adult audience. The Eclipse Theater hosts production shows, guest singers, and comedians. Live music can be found in several venues, including the Ensemble Lounge and the Grand Foyer.
During the day, particularly on sea days, the schedule is filled with activities like trivia, dance classes, and enrichment lectures from the onboard naturalist. The casino is modestly sized but lively in the evenings.
However, the real entertainment in Alaska is the scenery. Many passengers find the greatest pleasure in simply sitting in the Sky Observation Lounge or on their balcony with a pair of binoculars, watching the world go by.
Yes, Celebrity Eclipse is an excellent choice for Alaska, especially for travelers who prioritize high-quality dining and a sophisticated onboard atmosphere. Its mid-size means it's not as crowded as mega-ships, and features like the Lawn Club and the adults-only Solarium offer unique and relaxing ways to enjoy the scenery.
For the best scenery, a private balcony is highly recommended. For southbound itineraries (from Alaska to Vancouver/Seattle), the port (left) side of the ship will face the coastline. For northbound, starboard (right) is preferable. Cabins on higher decks (like Deck 9, 10, or 11) offer more expansive views. Sunset Veranda staterooms at the aft (back) of the ship provide stunning wake views.
No, Celebrity Eclipse does not have permits to enter Glacier Bay National Park. Instead, its itineraries feature a full day of scenic cruising at the equally spectacular Hubbard Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in North America. Flightseeing excursions over Glacier Bay may be available from ports like Icy Strait Point.
The typical Celebrity Eclipse Alaska itinerary is a 7-night roundtrip from either Seattle or Vancouver. A common route from Vancouver includes sailing the Inside Passage, a stop at Icy Strait Point, a scenic cruising day at Hubbard Glacier, followed by ports of call in Juneau and Ketchikan before returning.
With a capacity of 2,850 passengers, the Celebrity Eclipse feels less crowded in port than the mega-ships from lines like Royal Caribbean or Norwegian, which can carry over 4,000 guests. This means less congestion on the docks and in the small Alaskan towns, providing a more comfortable and intimate experience.
The Sky Observation Lounge provides stunning panoramic views, perfect for glacier viewing days. The adults-only, glass-enclosed Solarium offers a warm place to swim and relax with ocean views, regardless of the outside temperature. The presence of an onboard naturalist who provides commentary during scenic cruising and gives lectures also greatly enhances the Alaska experience.
The main difference is Celebrity's 'Modern Luxury' positioning. The dining, particularly in the specialty restaurants like Murano and Tuscan Grille, is a significant step up from competitors like Royal Caribbean or Carnival. The overall ambiance is more refined and adult-focused, and unique features like the half-acre of real grass at The Lawn Club create a more upscale resort feel.