RETURNING to Southampton for its sixth consecutive year, cruise ship Celebrity Eclipse has arrived into its seasonal home port with a host of new features.

The 2,850-guest cruise ship has, says the cruise company, been refreshed and enhanced during a nine-day dry dock in Florida, with new bars, a new restaurant and a new suite accommodation concept.

Popular among holidaymakers, Celebrity Eclipse was named ‘Best from the UK’ in the Cruise Critic 2015 Cruisers’ Choice Awards ahead of the enhancements.

Jo Rzymowska, managing director, UK and Ireland, Celebrity Cruises, said: “Award-winning Celebrity Eclipse has been a favourite choice for UK holidaymakers for many years now.

“With the introduction of new bars and restaurants that bring to life the best of the iconic cities we sail to around the world, the ship is a yet more exciting destination in itself.”

New additions include the Gastrobar, a new craft beer venue featuring a choice of more than 40 boutique beers, cocktails and gastropub-style food choices; the first World Class Bar at sea celebrating the best in innovative mixology culture; a poolside bar – Slush – offering frozen hand-made cocktails; Luminae, an exclusive restaurant for those staying in Suite Class accommodation; and an improved portrait studio for holidaymakers looking for highly personal souvenirs.

Daily Echo:

The exclusive experience for Suite Class extends to the personal touches in the new Luminae restaurant, where dishes will be prepared to accommodate guests’ favourite flavours.

Menus making the most of seasonal produce from ports of call are also on offer.

Celebrity Eclipse will offer cruises from Southampton throughout the Mediterranean and northern Europe during summer and autumn 2015.

The ship will offer three new itineraries this year, including 13- and 15-night Canaries and Azores sailings and a new 15-night Scandinavia and Russia sailing.