Go on the Xploration before Celebrity retires her!

[timbo89]

We just got back from a wonderful Southern Galapagos cruise onboard the Exploration.

 

We have over 30 cruises under our belt and 10 with Celebrity, but I have to say that this was by far the most enjoyable of all.

 

Perhaps it is because we do not necessarily feel that "bigger is better", but the intimacy of only 16 wonderful passengers was in stark contrast to the thousands onboard other ships.

 

We had no lines for anything, our ship anchored much closer to the landing sites, the staff was wonderful, and, even when we had a little hiccup (one of the generators failed), we were accommodated in a very professional and sensitive manner.

 

My advice if you are thinking of going to the Galapagos Islands - do it while the Exploration is still available.

[kjbacon]

Was just looking at this cruise and considering it for next year. It looks fabulous! Can you help with a couple questions please ... I have issues with flying so it would be helpful to know more about the flight over to the ship. I tried to search it and didn’t get anywhere. Things like the size of the plane and length of the flight would be the issue. Also, Is it true or is it an exaggerated story that the bees and mosquitoes are a force to be reckoned with? Thank you!

[dodger1964]

Was just looking at this cruise and considering it for next year. It looks fabulous! Can you help with a couple questions please ... I have issues with flying so it would be helpful to know more about the flight over to the ship. I tried to search it and didn’t get anywhere. Things like the size of the plane and length of the flight would be the issue. Also, Is it true or is it an exaggerated story that the bees and mosquitoes are a force to be reckoned with? Thank you!

 

Can't answer for Celebrity...but assuming similar to our trip with Lindblad, the plane to Baltra was a regular jet (like a 737 or A319).

 

We had a great trip, but had closer to 100 passengers...

[timbo89]

Can't answer for Celebrity...but assuming similar to our trip with Lindblad, the plane to Baltra was a regular jet (like a 737 or A319).

 

 

 

We had a great trip, but had closer to 100 passengers...

 

 

 

Yes.... it is an A320. It is a commercial flight. However, it stops in Guayaquil on the way over and back. If you go on Celebrity ‘s Xpedition (or the new Flora, I assume) they use charter direct flights from Quito to Baltra. All planes are 737, 319, 320, etc

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[NeonMoon]

Just booked the 10 day package May 2019 with Celebrity Xploration through Global Travel Destinations/Direct Travel. Celebrity's package includes 7 days Galapagos plus 2 nights Quito hotel pre cruise and 1 night post cruise with meals, tour of Quito, RT airfare Quito to Baltra, all ground transfers, park fees, gratuities, on board beverages including alcoholic, and wet suits. Plus a Celebrity host meets you at airport to help you with ground transfers.

 

 

Sent from my SM-T800 using Forums mobile app

[TikiTimeAlways]

Is it true or is it an exaggerated story that the bees and mosquitoes are a force to be reckoned with? Thank you!

 

I did this trip in March 2016 and was told to pack safari colors which is basically sand color, washed out greens or khaki. Best advise I got! Wasps and bees on some islands were very very pesty and those in bright colors such as reds, oranges, yellows became huge magnets. Also avoid packing bright colored bags you’ll carry during hikes. Think safari colors and you’ll never have an issue. I never noticed mosquitos either, but we also wore bug spray.

Loved this Celebrity cruise, it is not your typical cruise vacation. We got the all inclusive package (land before and after) and from the moment we boarded our flight in Miami we felt “the rich and famous” treatment, escorts did everything for us- it was such a pleasure and all staff on land and on the ship was top notch. Never gave baggage, taxis a thought and even was escorted to our flight gate when we departed. So worth it!

Pack very casual for on board as well, no dressy nights, shorts and polos on board.

[Makeithappen]

Thank you for all the information, especially about the muted colors, we never gave bright colors a thought. My husband has a severe reaction to wasp stings (not the venom but he gets an infection from the sting which makes the area swell quadruple the size if not more)