Just returned from the Galapagos

Let me know if you have any questions! It was amazing!

Welcome back! Glad to hear it was an amazing trip.

We leave in a few weeks. Would love to hear all about your voyage--embarkation/disembarkation, transportation by Silversea, ship, food, wine, crew, excursions, what not to miss, what to be sure to pack, plus any helpful hints. And how was the weather and the water temps?

Looking forward to hearing all about it! Thanks so much.

And I'd throw in did you do any pre or post cruise touring of Ecuador or Peru? If so, thoughts, observations, suggestions on that part, too. As an addendum to what Herman requested: which suite were you in? comments on snorkeling gear provided, did you do any kayaking? pre-cruise overnight at JW Marriott in Quito? day room in Guayaquil?

Look forward to your postings. We are on the 26 Sept sailing; so we'll be looking forward to Herman's comment, too (that's a hint).

Greg

Hey there!

We were in cabin 428. Our friends in Silversuite on deck 6. LOVED the crew, although once and a while they did not completely understand English, so don't be mean Americans ;) - they tried SO hard!

We flew in the night before from Guayaquil not with Silversea, stayed at the Royal Palms in Santa Cruz (beautiful).

You have to meet back at the Baltra airport but it was not a problem. Juan Carlos from Silversea met us, we boarded a bus and it was maybe a 8 minute drive to the dock. (Iguanas on the way).

From here, you can take your smaller suitcase (with you valuables and medications) with you on the zodiac. No problem. You will wear a small life vest, which you will keep in your cabin until departure.

Lots of help at the dock (which is not huge at all). Embarkation was lovely and typical Silversea with "champagne" - very organized. Your butler escorts you to your room and you also have a cabin steward. I'd say here you will see the Butler speaks much better ENG than the steward, but hey, got to learn somewhere.

We ate upstairs most evenings as it was lovely. Lobster, lobster, lobster, and great sea bass, salmon, mahi, etc. You can cook it your self on a lava rock or when it's a warm night, have them cook for you. People enjoyed the steaks too, but I don't eat meat. The ceviche each day was TO DIE FOR.

Don't tarry to get your wetsuit fitted.

I don't normally enjoy the "Bla Bla Bla's" each evening but the ones onboard SSGalapagos are great and I'd recommend each one. So is the guest speaker, Thomas. The guides are all amazing each one. BUT Fernando is the BEST zodiac driver ever.

Each day eclipses the other, so if you are not in great shape, try. My trainer had me work out in my hiking shoes (yes I used them on 3 hikes) and I am so glad I did. Other hikes you can wear Keens or something. Even some beach and kayaking flip flops are fine as long as you feel comfortable on a zodiac.

We had perfect weather (the last day was hot hot hot).

You will be blown away at the blue boobs, marine iguanas, sea lions, and we saw about 50 penguins all in all. Lots of rays and sharks, but only in specific areas. This may not be the case for you. According to the itinerary.

I've been on overall about 30 cruises all high end. I was so impressed with this expedition and so happy we chose Silversea. We all want to go back!

The sheets are AMAZING and I am spoiled.

I only wish everyone had the opportunity to see the Galapagos. I have a whole new respect for conservation. BTW, I saw NO trash in the water AT all or on the Beach - it's that pristine.

OK, I may have said enough. feel free to ask more.

LOVED EVERY MINUTE.

Oh Water Temp! Get a few rash guards! The guides will tell who which area is more chilly than the next - it won't matter! Get some rash guards put them on under your wetsuit and JUMP IN - you won't believe your eyes! Snorkeling was AMAZING. We watched turtles everywhere, sea lions every snorkel, penguins, rays, sharks (no worries) and even Boobies diving oh and marine iguana - wild! JUMP IN! you will warm up in 1 minute, especially with a rash guard.

They equipment is fine BTW

Terrific--great info. Thanks so much!

A few other things came to mind:

Which itinerary did you do?

Did you find a waterproof backpack to be really necessary, or is a waterproof pouch in the backpack ok?

What did you take with you ashore?

Did you encounter a lot of mosquitos on any of the islands? [i am a mosquito magnet.]

How were the seas?

What was the evening attire, in general?

Any difficulties/challenges with the zodiac landings?

Did you bring your own binoculars? Is that really necessary?

Is there anything you didn't pack that you wish you had?

In regard to disembarkation, what time do you get off the ship, and then when is the flight? I have an evening flight and am concerned about having to spend 6 hours in the airport. Oh, and how were the various airports in Baltra, Guayaquil, Quito etc.

How did you find the cabins in terms of the updating, comfort, style etc.? Oh, and in regard to the cabins, a friend of ours was on this ship BEFORE Silversea acquired it and commented about how delicate the plumbing was...i.e., you could not flush toilet paper. Just wondering if that is still the case! :eek:

Great Questions! here are your answers....

Which itinerary did you do? Western

Did you find a waterproof backpack to be really necessary, or is a waterproof pouch in the backpack ok? We did not find it necessary. Hubby and I shared our old backpack (med size) I had 2 cameras and I phone, water, repellent. Never got wet.

What did you take with you ashore? Backpack had water, repellent, cameras.

Did you encounter a lot of mosquitos on any of the islands? [i am a mosquito magnet.] At Post Office Bay it was not really mosquitos as horrible deer flies and some wasps

How were the seas? Perfect never felt a thing until I got off ;) But keep in mind, I am a sailor, and have been on about 30 small yacht cruises.

What was the evening attire, in general? NO JEANS. You will see everything. My hubby wore nice tan pants and a short sleeved collared shirt most everynight - would not promote wearing even shorts at the Grill at night. I wore linen pants, with Lily tops, etc. We ate upstairs all except one night.

Any difficulties/challenges with the zodiac landings? Again, I'm a sailor, on zodiacs more than most. I live on the water in Florida, so my opinion may differ. We did not see one person fall. And we were traveling with a fit 75 year old and two kids. The crew are SO helpful.

Did you bring your own binoculars? Is that really necessary? OK my only complaint. The binocs on board suck, and the backpack they give you will be sufficient but I left it on the ship. We did bring ours and maybe used them twice.

Is there anything you didn't pack that you wish you had? Yes, more rash guards. They don't dry very quickly. I didn't enjoy putting on a semi wet rash guard for the next day snorkeling. I wish I'd had better lens.

In regard to disembarkation, what time do you get off the ship, and then when is the flight? I have an evening flight and am concerned about having to spend 6 hours in the airport. Oh, and how were the various airports in Baltra, Guayaquil, Quito etc. Hmmmm, we were first off the ship as we flew home private. I think there is a VIP lounge in the Baltra airport for SS people who purchase their air but I never saw it. I would go ballistic in that airport for 6 hours, so I'd check into someplace to hang. Guayaquil airport was nice! Although again, we were escorted through customs, but what I saw was clean and nice and air conditioned. Didn't go to Quito. Flew from Florida right to Guayaquil and then right to Baltra and the same back.

How did you find the cabins in terms of the updating, comfort, style etc.? Oh, and in regard to the cabins, a friend of ours was on this ship BEFORE Silversea acquired it and commented about how delicate the plumbing was...i.e., you could not flush toilet paper. Just wondering if that is still the case! Loved the cabin and I am such a snob! two closets with a drawer at the bottom of each. two cabinet of 3 drawers and that's about it. But it worked. Colors were very appealing, clean, no smell, lovely linens, and yes you can flush toilet paper unlike the Baltra airport. Very quiet, bathroom shower area very nice. I have no complaints and neither did our friends in the suites.

Hope this helps!

Another question--did Silversea give you a credit for not using their air to/from Baltra and for not doing the 2 nights in Quito? We have been to Quito and the Galapagos before with Celebrity. We really have no desire to go to Quito again or spend 2 days there, so we would like to just fly to Guayaquil then to Baltra on our own like you did.

CBurger, thanks so much for answering all the questions so thoroughly. I am sure I will have more over the next few days, so I hope you'll check in from time to time! Thanks again!

Rachel G, so wow, you are going back ?? I think this is AWESOME and we all want to go back as well. How cool would it be to take a few young ones who could "get it" about conservation here?

Yes, they did credit us, but I can't remember how much. I know there was conversation about how we had to pay the national park fee on our own and CASH only.

I wouldn't consider any other ship doing GI than SSG. Hands down.

We are definitely going back. I just have to figure out logistics.

CBURGER, or others who have been to Galapagos: if one does not or cannot snorkle, is there still enough to see and do to make the long journey to get there worthwhile? I expect photography opportunities are good, either of wildlife or scenery?

I do not snorkel per orders from my ENT doctor. There is plenty to see and do. In fact, snorkeling was just a small part of our trip. Most of the wildlife is on land or at least above water. And every island is different.

A few more questsions for CBurger and anyone else who has done the Galapagos...

You had said "do not tarry to get fitted for your wetsuit." So, is that one of the things you suggest we do as soon as we board? Anything else?

Do you go to the zodiac launch area already outfitted in your wetsuit?

Did you use the fitness center or jacuzzi? Were they very crowded?

Just wondering what they typically had available for breakfast.

In regard to the evenings, was it dinner, lecture and off to bed? No other activities?

Did you have to make reservations to dine outside?

Sounds like evening attire is smart casual or country club casual?

I thought I'd do a little reading beforehand...has anyone done any pre-cruise Galapagos reading? I just downloaded Voyage of the Beagle.

Thanks again to everyone who has replied to all of our Galapagos questions!

The wetsuits are stored aft on the ship near the lecture theatre. We were called deck by deck to try them and there are plenty.

I put mine on in the cabin and there is a string bag provided for fins and goggles with a small pocket for your room card.

Fitness centre is small with only a couple of pieces of equipment and was little used. Same with the jacuzzi.

Breakfast is not great. Limited choice of fruit, meat, cheese, bakery, yoghurt and cereal (Cocopops for grown ups??). They cook eggs to order.

Lecture 7 pm for thirty minutes then dinner and there was karaoke one evening which wasn't well attended.

Yes you need to book to eat on deck but we had no problem getting a table.

Attire always casual.

The library is well stocked and I enjoyed 'My father's Island' by Johanna Angermeyer before I went.

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If the silversea cruise is anything like the Xpedition one, you are to exhausted after dinner to do anything but tuck into bed. With two excursions every day, the schedule is quite full.

Any observations or comments about the wines served (I understand this is very subjective)? Drinks from the bar?

Thanks for all the descriptive and detailed information.

Greg

The wines (and food) are Ecuadorean or in some cases from elsewhere in South America. Many were very good. The bar stocks usual spirits etc but not a huge selection.

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Hey there! I am back - let me answer these.............

A few more questsions for CBurger and anyone else who has done the Galapagos...

You had said "do not tarry to get fitted for your wetsuit." So, is that one of the things you suggest we do as soon as we board? Anything else?

Yes, as we forgot and there was no much to chose from - but it was fine.

Do you go to the zodiac launch area already outfitted in your wetsuit?

Yes, absolutely and we had it zipped down to our waist.

Did you use the fitness center or jacuzzi? Were they very crowded?

No time for the fitness center, but it was very nice. Used the Jacuzzi once and it was never crowded

Just wondering what they typically had available for breakfast.

Nice, really nice juices, eggs, waffles, cereal, oatmeal, just about anything you want, fruits are amazing.

In regard to the evenings, was it dinner, lecture and off to bed? No other activities?

It was "Talk" about the next day, dinner, and then the piano bar was open. The guest lecturer was usually in the afternoon.

Did you have to make reservations to dine outside?

Yes, you do, but they are so accommodating

Sounds like evening attire is smart casual or country club casual?

Smart Casual

I thought I'd do a little reading beforehand...has anyone done any pre-cruise Galapagos reading? I just downloaded Voyage of the Beagle.

Thanks again to everyone who has replied to all of our Galapagos questions!

Thanks, 57V, Cburger and Rachel.

I found an interesting reading list online by a professor a RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology) and downloaded a few books: The Galapagos: A Natural History; The Voyage of the Beagle and Darwin's autobiography. A few sources said if you were going to read one book, the Galapagos: A Natural History would be it, so figured that was a safe bet.

We spent three nights August 2014 at the JW Marriott in Quito pre-cruise. It is a very nice hotel with three evening restaurants, a sports bar and a breakfast dining area. For evening meals, the Sports Bar was really good with a sushi bar attached. The city Hop On Hop Off bus stops just across the street. The bus ride from the airport to the city was 45 minutes at night with little traffic. Many flights arrived late the night before so many cruisers weren't able to enjoy Quito.

Also for precruise education, watch "Master and Commander". One of my hubbies favorite movies, so he has it memorized, and I have seen it like 50 times.

Hello CC Friends,

As we are going to be guests on board Silver Galapagos for Christmas this year and so looking forward to this adventure I have been reading with interest all I can find on this thread. Thank you, to all whom have shared your knowledge on this amazing expedition. My question: On the zodiac, can you take with you your carry on bag such as the size you can put in an over head bin on airplane? Or is considered regular luggage & delivered to your cabin?

Thank you!

We took our carry on bags in the zodiac.

There is another thread 'Silver Galapagos Questions Please' which may be of interest. Scroll down about a dozen headings.

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May I lob in another question? Some trip reports indicate multiple activities (hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, etc.) on a single expedition off the boat. I'm a bit confused how this works clothing-wise. You indicated that you put your rash guard/wet suit on in the cabin - but what if the expedition starts with a hike, and then has a snorkeling opportunity after? Do you need to haul changes of shoes/clothes with you? Thanks.