It’s all change for Celebrity cruises in the UK

So the announcement came this week that Eclipse is leaving Southampton!

Instead she’ll be sailing out of Dublin making them the fist major cruise line to operate a ship out of this port.

Silhouette will take over from Eclipse sailing from Southampton in 2018.

Jo Rzymowska, managing director of UK and Ireland, said: “Celebrity Cruises has enjoyed significant support from our travel agent partners and guests throughout Ireland for many years. Now we are saying thank you by basing one of the flagships of our fleet in Dublin for a mini season during early summer 2018.

“We know that our guests from around the world, and in Ireland, will love the warm welcome they receive when starting a holiday in Dublin. Calling Dublin home in 2018 is a major development to our European deployment.”

The exciting new move is set to bring €6 million to Dublin in tourism and lots of profitable economic benefits for the surrounding area.

Pat Ward, head of corporate services for Dublin port, said: “It has been a clear ambition of Dublin Port to attract a cruise line to offer our great city as a homeport. Today, that ambition is realised and Celebrity Cruises will be an important step-change in our history.

“The opportunities that this new investment will bring are extensive. We look forward to maximising this new platform for growth and welcoming yet more cruise ships and holidaymakers to Dublin for the first time.”

As you may know, I sailed on Eclipse this year from Southampton to the Fjords. I know that she has a special place in a lot of peoples hearts but so far, on the forum, I have seen a lot of positive feedback with many people saying they also love Silhouette so it’ll be an interesting season.

You can find details here of my experience on Eclipse.

What are your thoughts? Will you sail from  Southampton on Silhouette or from Dublin on Eclipse?  Maybe a city break in Dublin before or after the cruise – that sounds like a great option too!