My Experience on the Celebrity Eclipse Conveyance

Recently I was honored to be invited to an exclusive Celebrity event – The Conveyance of the new Celebrity Eclipse. The conveyance is the process by which the ship yard moves ownership of the new vessel to the cruise line. Specifically, I would be participating in the movement of the ship from the shipyard in Papenburg Germany, to Eemshaven in the Netherlands, as the ship makes it journey to the ocean for sea trials. This occurs just before the cruise line takes ownership of the ship.

We flew from Atlanta direct to Dusseldorf and arrived early in the morning on Wednesday 3/11/10. We took advantage of the day room Celebrity was kind enough to arrange for us at the hotel Maritim and rested until we were to board the motorcoach to Pappenburg.

It was about 7PM when we arrived in Pappenburg, and seeing the ship tied up alongside the ship yard was amazing. Inside one of the ship yard buildings, we were given hard hats and led to an area overlooking the steel cutting area of the building. There the Mr. Meyer and Mr. Hanrahan explained that they had a surprise for us. In addition to boarding their newest ship tonight, we were going to witness the first piece of steel being cut for the next ship in the Celebrity fleet, the Celebrity Silhouette!

 

Both Mr. Hanrahan and Mr. Meyer stood by a red button that would start the steel cutting. There were viewing windows that over looked the laser cutting area, as well as a plasma screen which showed the cutting up close. Once they hit the button, and the cutting began. It was very exciting!

We were given the opportunity to have our picture taken with both Mr. Meyer and Mr. Hanrahan and were given a steel ship cut out of the Silhouette which had a plaque on it commemorating the date of the cutting. The cruise line arranged for all of us to have these shipped home, as they would most likely be difficult to get through security at the airport.

 

We were given a tour of the building and the technology that the ship yard uses to build these incredible ships. Meyer Werft has one of the only 30 meter laser steel cutting facilities in the world. As we walked through, we saw entire walls of new ships, including the Disney Dream. It was very interesting to see the steps the ship building process follows.
Now the best part – we got to board the Celebrity Eclipse for our 26 mile journey on the river Ems. When we arrived at the gangway, in true Celebrity style, crewmembers were available to assist us with our carry-ons and handed us a glass of champagne as we boarded. This was very nice, as there were only about 90 of us (my estimation), including press and cruise line and ship yard executives.

We were escorted to our cabin on deck 10. The cabins on this ship, like the other Solstice class ships, are beautifully decorated and very well laid out. The only difference I noticed in the cabin, was that the safe was moved from the closet, to the desk area, giving you more room in the closet.

Then we were off to a cocktail party and dinner. The ship was not fully completed, there were many areas, that would be completed over the next few weeks while the ship completes it sea trials. The main dining room was fully decorated, but did not have all of its furniture. We were treated to wonderful food in the Oceanview Café for dinner. The crew had prepared the space just for our arrival, and had tables set complete with linens and stemware.

Our journey down the Ems was to begin at 9:00 am. So we were up and outside for the festivities. How amazing it was to see this ship move through the Meyer Werft locks to begin its journey. I was one of many who were amazed that the ship would fit through the lock, as we looked over from deck 14, it just didn’t seem possible.

 

A tug boat was pulling us backward through the lock, and would continue to pull us backward for the entire journey. As we moved through the lock, hundreds of people stood on the river banks to watch this rare event. They had Andrea Bocelli’s “Time to say goodbye” playing as we passed by, and eagerly waved at the few passengers and crew on the ship.

During our journey down the river, bridges had to be moved or opened for us. A portion of one bridge hung from a crane as we passed through it and s motorists waited for us to pass. Through the entire journey, thousands of people came to watch the Celebrity Eclipse move down the river. It was an amazing sight.
A couple who had won a Celebrity’s Eclipse of a Lifetime Sweepstakes to be on the ship renewed their vows as we moved backwards down the river. The captain shivered in the cold as the two professed their love for each other. They were so excited to renew their vows after 30 years, and it was a nice addition to the day.

 

We were treated to some events on the ship as well. In addition to wonderfully delicious meals, we were given the opportunity to take part in the ships first official wine tasting and tea! The day flew by way too fast for me, as I could have watched the ship move down that river for a week.
Later, we were broken into small groups and given a tour of the ship. While we toured, I rememberd the feeling I had when I saw the Solstice for the first time on an inaugural sailing. I was in awe of the design of that ship and I remember thinking that that ship was the most beautiful ship on the sea. The Eclipse, while different in some ways from the Solstice, provides that same feeling when you first see her. Stunning design and finishes though out the ship. This class of ship is just breathtakingly beautiful and it is obvious that they spared no expense in the décor and finishes of the ship.

After the tour, we all got to sign the wall behind one of the panels on deck ten:

 

The Eclipse dining room is slightly different than her predecessors, in that the color scheme is brown, beige and blue.

The design of Murano was changed to move the entry of the private dining area away from the foyer of the restaurant. The large white flowers on the walls of Aqua Spa Stateroom restaurant – Blu were different, but just as impressive.

 

The design of QSine, which replaces Silk Harvest, is equally stunning. Just a beautifully fun venue.

We had the opportunity to sample some of the food from this new concept, and it was enjoyed by all. This dining experience promises to be one you will remember with fun offerings such as Sushi Lollipops, Disco Shrimp, Crunchy-Munchies, and Lobster Escargot.

The Eclipse will also have the first iLounge at sea. A collaboration with Apple, the cruise line will offer a café type venue for internet access, as opposed to the classroom like venues it has now. The ship will also have a shop that will sell iPod’s and accessories. A most innovative addition to the broad range of shopping already offered on Celebrity.
Our last night on the ship, at dinner, Mr Meyer made a toast to Celebrity cruises and the crew and staff that brought them to this point. We had the pleasure of dining with Dan Hanrahan, president of Celebrity Cruises, and Dondra Ritzenthaler, Senior Vice President of Sales of Celebrity Cruises, at our table. We enjoyed filet and lobster, as a musician played for all of us. We just had a great time!

 

Our disembarkation was at 7:30 AM. In addition to the wonderfully unique experience of being part of the conveyance, Celebrity treated us to two nights in Amsterdam. At 8 AM we boarded our bus for the 3 hour ride to Amsterdam.

The experience of being part of this event was one I will never forget. It was so amazing to be on the ship traveling down the river Ems while thousands of people watched us float by and being part of the steel cutting for the new ship. I hope I get to be a part of the Conveyance of the that ship as well! I can dream can’t I????