Southampton-based cruise ship Celebrity Eclipse is set to become the city’s most impressive gastro-beer venue when she sails back into her home port this spring.

After undergoing a multimillion-pound refit, the luxury ship will boast one of the most impressive craft beer collections afloat.

Celebrity Cruises has chosen Celebrity Eclipse to be the next of its fleet of luxury vessels to have the Gastrobar added to its already impressive line-up of features and attractions.

The Gastrobar will have a British feel thanks to the involvement of UK celebrity wine and beer expert Oz Clarke, who helped launch the craft beer initiative at a tasting session in London recently.

Oz, who has worked with Celebrity Cruises since 2012, is one of the world’s leading wine and beer experts, and whose formidable reputation is based on his extensive knowledge and accessible, no-nonsense approach.

The beers will not just be from the UK, however, but hail from around the globe and include US President Barack Obama’s favourite beer, Goose Island 312.

Other craft beers among the 400 on offer will include BrewDog Hardcore IPA, from the US, O’Hara’s Irish Red ale, from Ireland, and the raspberry flavoured Lindemans Framboise, from Belgium.

Daily Echo:

Beer and wine expert Oz Clarke has helped create Celebrity Eclipse's Gastrobar

When the ship returns for its 2015 season it will boast new signature spaces and experiences currently only available on sister ship Celebrity Equinox, in addition to the array of guest-favourite features on board. New food and drink venues will include:

  •  Gastrobar – The premium craft beer and comfort food venue will offer more than 40 handcrafted boutique beers in addition to Celebrity Cruises’ collection of wines and cocktails, all paired with a menu of gastro-style fare.

The menus will be presented on iPads which will also include an app for guests to select their ideal food and drink pairings.

Gastrobar’s upscale, casual surroundings will feature entertainment and music for the complete sophisticated lounge experience. Guests can find the new venue in the space formerly known as Cellar Masters.

  • Slush – The poolside refreshments will expand guests’ ‘cool’ beverage options in a frozen drinks bar. Guests will be able to relax by the pool and enjoy a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails.

The revamped Celebrity Eclipse will also feature The Studio, a new portrait photo studio, offering guests a luxury holiday memento to remember their cruise.

In addition, guests will be able to enjoy a range of exciting upgrades to the onboard casino including a re-styled bar, new British-themed slot machines and European-style roulette.

This refurbishment will coincide with the launch of Celebrity Cruises’ new Suite Class following the addition of the Canyon Ranch Spa Club this year.

New luxurious offerings for those booking to stay in a suite include a dedicated, suites-only restaurant, VIP lounge and complimentary “all in” benefits such as premium drinks, dining at any specialty restaurant and unlimited Internet access.

From May 9, 2015, throughout the summer season, Celebrity Eclipse will offer sailings of seven to 15 nights from Southampton.

The revamped ship will sail to a range of destinations including Portugal, Spain and Italy as well as the breath-taking vistas of Scandinavia and Russia.