celebrity cruises, celebrity eclipse

Blu Specialty Restaurant

Our first full day onboard begins with breakfast in the Oceanview Cafe. Celebrity Solstice class ships don't have the traditional buffet. Instead, food items are organized around serving stations such as breads and pastries, cheeses, hot items, pasta, a carvery, etc. These stations allow much smaller portions to be presented, keeping everything warmer and fresher and eliminate the lines always associated with traditional buffets. Since this ship has just come from 6 months sailing from Southampton, England there are some great British selections such as bangers, black pudding, baked beans and mushrooms.

During a morning "Building Bridges" session, Celebrity execs present plans for upgrades to some of the older ships in the fleet and talk about the upcoming delivery of 2 additional Solstice class ships. They also announced a major refurbishment program to the Celebrity Infinity. During drydock in December, the Infinity will receive AquaSpa class staterooms, the exclusive Blu and Tuscan Grill restaurants, new oceanview and verandah rooms, conversion of Cova Café to Café al Bacio and Gelateria, the Cellar Masters wine bar and other "Solstice-styling" of stateroom and public areas.

After a relaxing afternoon, we're delighted to learn that we've been invited to dine in Blu this evening (thanks Sharon!). Blu is one of the specialty restaurants onboard the Solstice Class ships, but with an exclusive twist: only Aqua Class guests are invited to Blu - without a service fee! According to the invite, we'll be joining a table of 8. However when we arrive, we are quickly shown to a intimate corner table for 2 - awesome!

The menu is Blu is advertised as "fresh and flavorful", but the choices are not what you might expect. All entrée selections appear hardy and tasty, with perhaps a leaning toward leaner poultry and vegetarian selections. After enjoying wonderful appetizers and salads, we are presented with beef and chicken entrees, plus a 'sharing' sampling of Blu's crab risotto. The meal is delicious! With the menu changing daily, plus breakfast offerings, this is a definite "must-do"! In addition to unique spa access & services, in room amenities, the distinction to dine complimentary in Blu makes Aqua Class a unique value. Aqua (AQ) Class offers:

• Complimentary admission to the Persian Gardens (steam rooms & loungers) and Solarium (adults only area and pool)
• Complimentary access to spa Relaxation Room
• Complimentary breakfast & dinners in Blu.
• Unique bathroom amenities including relaxing rain head shower.
• Addition of spa elements into your stateroom.
• Priority boarding / leaving off the ship.
• Express luggage delivery.
• Special Robes, daily Hor dourves, and Fresh Fruit in stateroom.
• Complimentary bottled water and iced tea.
• Extra cruise credit towards Captains Club status.

Following our wonderful experience in Blu, we attend the 2nd show called Ovations. This Broadway style show rates better than the previous show, but still seems a bit "off". Perhaps the move from England to South Florida saw a change in some of the actors? Whatever it is, the Eclipse shows (the two that we've seen) are a bit of a disappointment.