Best Ships for Sea Days

#7. Celebrity Eclipse 
On Deck: Celebrity Eclipse -- and its Solstice-class sisters -- puts a new spin on top-deck fun with the first-ever real grass lawns at sea. The Lawn Club on Eclipse is the perfect spot for a sea-day picnic, a game of bocce or oversized Jenga, or a little putting practice. Or perhaps just stroll around barefoot, feeling the grass between your toes. 

Eclipse also has one of cruising's most inviting pool decks. Parents can take the kids into the shallow family pool, while everyone can join the games in the sports pool. Vertical fountain jets spray visitors to the Wet Zone, a fun place for water play or a quick cool-down. The adults-only Solarium invites with a circular spa pool, a swim pool and two whirlpools, as well as comfy padded loungers, circular daybeds and hammocks. Hot tubs are scattered throughout. 

Indoor Fun: Celebrity's enrichment program, CelebrityLife, runs the gamut from intellectual lectures by Smithsonian Journeys speakers to the less serious mixology and dance classes. On the brainy side, take advantage of Celebrity's partnership with Rosetta Stone for language learning and Apple for computer and technology workshops. The library onboard is small but picturesque; if you can find an empty seat, you may just want to curl up there with a book. 

Foodies can learn about wine-and-food pairings, compete in culinary contests and join expert-led wine-tastings -- or independent ones. Passengers can conduct do-it-yourself wine-tastings at the Cellar Masters wine bar with its automatic wine dispensers. If you like to kick it at a convivial watering hole, the Martini Bar is a great sea-day afternoon hangout. The enthusiastic bartenders will mix you brightly colored concoctions while juggling martini shakers and performing other fun tricks. 

The gym at the spa offers all the newest fitness machines, as well as a serpentine jogging track. Work out on your own, or sign up for a class in yoga, aerobics and the like. 

All-Day Dining: Celebrity has one of the best buffets in the biz, and the Oceanview Cafe is an expansive multi-station venue for lunch and all-day snacking. Choices include a carving station and taco, pasta, stir-fry, sandwich, soup, salad and other specialty stops. For less healthy fare, pick up some burgers and hot dogs at the Mast Grill; for healthier choices, drop by the AquaSpa Cafe in the Solarium for salads and grilled seafood. If you prefer sit-down service, the Moonlight Sonata main restaurant is open midday, as well. (Good bets are the lunchtime salads and burgers.) 

If you don't mind forking over a few bucks for your lunch, Bistro on Five does breakfast, lunch and dessert crepes, as well as panini sandwiches, soups and salads. If you go the savory route, hit the gelateria next door for a sweet ending to your meal. 

Sisters: Eclipse is the third in the Solstice Class; Solstice, Equinox, Silhouette and the soon-to-debut Reflection are all great sea-day choices. The biggest differences are in the specialty dining venues and Lawn Club attractions.