Xpedition... for the whole family??

[charleysmom]

Hi everyone -

 

We are considering a trip on the Xpedition in July 2007 and I have some questions for those of you who have been before us.

 

First, and most important, we are a family group spanning in age from 10 - 85 -- yup, 85. Depending on the dates we travel, she'll be celebrating number 86 on the cruise. Mom's pretty healthy -- our last really big trip was to Africa in 2005 and she works out regularly - but she does have some troubles with her balance. Part of why we are looking at Celebrity vs. other options is because of the various excursion options they offer. My guess is that she'll only be doing the low impact excursions. So, my first big question is about the Zodiacs -- how are they to board, where do you sit on them, and how do you hold on? My biggest concern is that she'd fall off one of the Zodiacs. Is that likely?

 

I'm not too worried about the 10 year old -- this will be her third cruise. She celebrated her 9th birthday in Africa and has been to more countries than I can count at this point. She has pronounced the kids programs "boring" and far perfers to be on the excursions. Other that what she now refers to as her "Jesus problem" (when she got quite upset at some of the graphic crucifixion paintings in Florence "they did that to baby Jesus.. who could do such a terrible awful thing to baby Jesus!") she has really enjoyed the excursions and been able to keep up with the adults without being a pain in the neck. She stunned our guide in Africa (and me too!) when she could talk about the breeding habits of termites. However, she is likely to want to get in some swimming time. I know there isn't a pool on board the ship -- how are the beaches for swimming? From what I've read, the water sounds like it is very cold -- is that the case?

 

And me... I'm totally not athletic. Am I going to be limited to the low impact excursions? I've seen postings about the high impact excursions, but not the mid-range... how are those?

 

Thanks everyone -- we are so excited about this trip and hope it will be appropriate for everyone.

 

Ann

[Kamper]

On my recent cruise there was one woman in her 80's. She only went on a couple of excursions and she seemd pretty spry. She told my husband that the crew treated her like a queen when she was the only guest onboard. Getting on and off the zodiacs at the stern of the sthip is pretty easy. You must make a forearm grasp handshake with the guide and the stairs have railings. You sit on the side of the zodiacs. It's not really necessary to hold-on. I would think wet landings might present a problem both getting off and getting back on. Many of the landings require you to step onto a rocky and/or wet landing. I'm only 40 and in good shape and I was nervous getting off and on in a couple of places. I would think you would want to talk to the guides before she went on anything but, a zodiac only excursion.

 

You don't have to be athletic for any of the excursions. I would think the main problem with your daughter would be keeping her entertained between excursions which is 4-5 hours of dead time each day. I think there were board games to check out. The beaches we snorkeled from would all be safe for swimming but, yes the water can be cold. Sounds like she would enjoy snorkeling so, you might want to invest in a wetsuit and snorkel set for her.

[charleysmom]

Are there zodiac only excursions available at most of the stops?

 

Also, was there an extra charge for the snorkling? Any limitations on that? I thought I saw somewhere that there was a charge of around $150 but maybe that was for scuba diving.

 

Finally, in reading one post, I saw something about a 30 pound luggage limitation. Egad! Is that really the case? Does that include carry ons? Though we managed that in Africa and that was a longer trip. Still, three pairs of hiking boots is a chunk of weight right there! Plus my DH will want his own trekking poles and some of other hiking stuff.

 

Thanks!

[drfun48]

Kamper is correct on both counts . We had a 93yo on our trip and the naturalists did everything they could to accomodate and entertain the one they called El Capitan. They even did special mid day private panga rides so as not to have him be a burden and slow down the groups.

You also seem confident that your 10yo could amuse herself. There are the periods from 10 to 4 where many adults gather at the bar or take needed naps but just being in a new and interesting place should be adaquate stimulation for a bright child. I don't think you should have to worry about providing entertainment16 hours a day when they are on a cruise ship in en exotic local.

 

The beaches are not for sunning and swimming in the traditional sense. We had two 15 year old prima donnas on our trip who were complaining because the beached were better in Hawaii--for sure.The water is chilly but in enough locations the snorkling in shallow water should prove enough distraction to take her mind off it.

I say all should go. A bad day fishing is better than a good day at work...or school. And this is far from a bad day fishing.

[Roland4]

There is a low-intensity excursion (zodiac ride) at pretty much each stop. Full snorkel gear (except hoods) is provided for those who wish at no additional charge. They do charge for SCUBA if there is sufficient demand, but you must have a high level certification and be able to prove it.

 

There is a "nominal" 30 lb/person (including carryon) limit. I say "nominal" because no one has ever seen it enforced. Having said that, there are a couple of things to consider;

 

- this cruise is TOTALLY casual. No formal wear required. Shorts and casual tops are perfectly acceptable everywhere, even at dinner.

 

- hiking boots are really not required. With the exception of the hike to the Albatross Airport on Espanola, the trails are generally flat-surfaced rock/sand. If you MUST take them, wear them aboard and save the weight.

 

- walking sticks are provided for those who wish. Most people didn't take them and didn't need them. It keeps your hands free for your cameras.

 

- you don't have to be an athlete to take the high-intensity excursions. We are moderately out-of-shape middle age adults and we did all the high intensity excursions. The stair climb on Bartolome is the only one we broke a sweat.

 

- your daughter will be fine. She is at the right age for this trip (IMHO) and the naturalists seem to really take to the kids.

 

- on our trip the oldest was late-70's and there was a lady with ALS. They both went ashore everywhere and the naturalists took great care of them.

 

- the only thing you REALLY NEED to bring are cameras and lots of film/memory cards. An underwater-capable camera is a plus for snorkelling.

 

This is a true "once in a lifetime" experience. We would (and will) do it again in a heartbeat.

[charleysmom]

Thanks everyone - We have cabins on courtesy hold through Thanksgiving when my sister will discuss the trip with Mom. When we first started talking about taking another cruise this summer, this was the only one that really drew a big spark of excitement from Mom.

 

I have to say, Africa spoiled all of us -- Tanzania is the most beautiful place I've ever seen and the places we stayed were incredible. If you ever have the opportunity to stay at the Crater Lodge, it's amazing! Africa was also the first trip we all took together where we weren't "following in the footsteps" of a trip my parents had taken together and in an odd sort of way I think that made it more special for my mom. She and my dad had 50 happy years together before he passed on and it took her a long time to be able to move ahead without him. She was quite nervous about the Africa trip and considered backing out at the last minute, but now, even a year and a half later, she still talks about how wonderful it was. I think facing her fears and having a wonderful time was really good for her.

 

My sense is that this trip sparked her imagination in the same way. She really seemed excited about the possiblity so all of this is very good news. I don't know how many more of this really big trips she has in her -- but I can sure say that looking forward to them keeps her going.

 

A.

[ocngypz]

Please at minimum book the 11 night package with air. Don't attempt to do your own air. The connections are dreadful.

 

One thing Mom may feel is the altitude in Quito. I always recommend my clients using the two night pre program to relax and climatize.

[CSloan]

Ann-

Not to get way off topic here, but did you use a tour company for Africa? We've started to research Africa Safaris. Any insights would be welcome!

Feel free to email me, so we don't hijack your thread.

cathy@caltel.com

 

Thanks

[Babo02]

We were on the June 4 cruise and there were all kinds of children onboard ranging in age from 8 to about 16. If you are lucky enough to have Jaime as a naturalist your daughter will be entertained; the kids on our cruise absolutely loved him. I'm guessing there will be other children onboard seeing as it's summer vacation.

 

Bonnie :)

[charleysmom]

Please at minimum book the 11 night package with air. Don't attempt to do your own air. The connections are dreadful.

 

One thing Mom may feel is the altitude in Quito. I always recommend my clients using the two night pre program to relax and climatize.

 

Thanks -- we're not nearly that adventurous! We're firmly in the "book everything through the cruise line" camp (except where it comes to excursions - we've had some great private tour experiences). But generally we're too worried about missed connections etc. especially with the age range we've got.

 

We're looking at the 10 day -- is there much difference with the 11 day?

 

A.

[charleysmom]

Ann-

Not to get way off topic here, but did you use a tour company for Africa? We've started to research Africa Safaris. Any insights would be welcome!

Feel free to email me, so we don't hijack your thread.

cathy@caltel.com

 

Thanks

 

Hi Cathy - I just e-mailed you a ton of stuff. Let me know if you don't get it and feel free to ask as many questions as you want. We loved Africa and had a wonderful experience. I know you will too, but you are smart to research and make careful decisions. It's not a place to do on your own.

 

A.

[drfun48]

Thanks -- we're not nearly that adventurous! We're firmly in the "book everything through the cruise line" camp (except where it comes to excursions - we've had some great private tour experiences). But generally we're too worried about missed connections etc. especially with the age range we've got.

 

We're looking at the 10 day -- is there much difference with the 11 day?

 

A.

Most do the 10 day-- I guess it depends on time and money issues. I needed not to be away from work too long . The most important time is those 7 days in the Galapagos.

[CA traveler]

I'd also love to have your information on Africa. My email is s11berg@pacbell.net.

 

We are booked on Galapagos for Oct 28, 2007. I have been monitoring these boards for months so I'll be ready. We plan on taking the 11 night package and doing our own air using miles. Do most of the flights return to the US early in the morning? That is what I am finding.

 

Thanks, Susan

[CSloan]

Do most of the flights return to the US early in the morning? That is what I am finding.

 

Thanks, Susan

 

Susan, We did our own flights to/from the US on American Airlines. Our flight arrives in Quito at 905pm. Coming back, our flight leaves Quito at 805am, arriving in Miami at 1205pm. Then onto SFO, where we will arrive "Home" at 440pm.

We don't have frequent flyer miles. But, one of the nice things we discovered is, once you book the flight, if you see the price go down online, they will match that price, refunding the difference at absolutely no cost. Apparently AA does this for international flights.

[Fontaid]

Just want to clarify a couple of items...

 

With the 11 day tour (vs. the 10 day tour) the extra day is at the end (AFTER you get back from the cruise, not before). The 10 day tour has 2 days pre-cruise in Quito and 1 night post-cruise in Quito. The 11 day has 2 pre-cruise and 2 post-cruise.

 

The vast majority of people book their own air to/from Quito from the U.S.... many use FF miles, but not all. Virtually no one books their own air from Quito to/from Baltra. There's too great a chance of getting bumped if you're on your own....

 

Most flights to Quito from the U.S. arrive in the evening. Most flights back to the U.S. leave in the morning.

 

We had an 80 y.o. gentleman on our cruise... not unusual except he had a prosthetic leg (from just above the knee). I saw him on more than one of the high intensity excursions. I didn't even know he had a prosthetic leg until we had a wet landing and he had his shoe off and his pants rolled up.

 

Although the high altitude can affect almost anyone, the buses have oxygen tanks and the hotel has oxygen tanks in case anyone needed it. I certainly wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Xpedition to anyone because of age.

 

Regarding the 10 y.o.... we had a 14 y.o. boy on our tour. He was the only one younger than mid 20's. He had a good time. I asked him if he would recommend the cruise to his friends. He said that he would to some of them... but not all of them. Based on your comments... I think she'll have a great time... and I'm sure the staff will spoil her too! Also, I don't remember, but I don't recall seeing any youth sized wet suits. Maybe someone going down soon can check for you. If they don't have them, then I recommend you bring one with you. If she has a small face, then I would recommend bringing a mask as well.

 

Although the staff takes great care of everyone, they take extra special care of anyone who needs extra assistance... young or old.

 

Regarding hiking boots vs. not... it's up to you... I think most people need a good thick sole because some of the rocks. Whether you need boots depends on how strong your ankles are, etc.

 

Charleysmom - Book the cruise!!! Your mom (and everyone else) will totally enjoy the cruise.

 

Regarding the low vs. medium vs. high intensity tours... even if your mom only does the low intensity tours (and they are offered on almost all islands), she will have a great time. She will see more animals on some of the low intensity tours than the people on the high intensity tours.

 

Also, never a charge for snorkeling (or any of the equipment)... and don't worry about the 30 lb limit. I think we were closer to 40 lbs in our checked bag and about 30 lbs in my carryon. Nobody checked... nobody cared. It says you can have only one carry on. I had a fanny pack that zipped onto my backpack carryon. But, we got to a screening area so quickly, I didn't have a chance to zip it on. I just sent it through x-ray on its own and picked up both on the other side. The reason I was so heavy is that I had both of our wet suits in my checked bag and had a laptop, charger, camera, etc. in my carry on. My wife's bag was much lighter, but all the bags are mixed when Celebrity picks them up outside your hotel room, so no one really knows which bags go together.

 

Dave :)

[Kamper]

We were under the 30 lb limit on both of our bags but, we saw many in the hallway of the Marriott that were obviously over (large hard side bags). The guides in Quito made it clear that TAME is allowing Celebrity to check the bags without them being weighed with the understanding that the 30 lb limit will be somewhat followed. They said if more people abuse the privledge then TAME will change the policy and require a weigh-in. Based on what I saw I'd say there is a serious concern that TAME will start enforcing the rule. Do yourself and future travellers a favor and stick to the 30 lb limit. I did laundry and wore everything twice. Even carrying our wetsuits we would have been under 30 lbs per bag. You just don't need that many clothes or shoes on this trip.

[CSloan]

We were under the 30 lb limit on both of our bags but, we saw many in the hallway of the Marriott that were obviously over (large hard side bags). The guides in Quito made it clear that TAME is allowing Celebrity to check the bags without them being weighed with the understanding that the 30 lb limit will be somewhat followed. They said if more people abuse the privledge then TAME will change the policy and require a weigh-in. Based on what I saw I'd say there is a serious concern that TAME will start enforcing the rule. Do yourself and future travellers a favor and stick to the 30 lb limit. I did laundry and wore everything twice. Even carrying our wetsuits we would have been under 30 lbs per bag. You just don't need that many clothes or shoes on this trip.

 

Kelly-

How does the laundry work and what does it cost? Do you get it back the same day? I'm planning on taking 4 pair of shorts and two pair of pants. If the shorts get dirty/sweaty on the excurisons, I'll probably want to have them washed. What clothing did you take?

[charleysmom]

Kelly-

How does the laundry work and what does it cost? Do you get it back the same day? I'm planning on taking 4 pair of shorts and two pair of pants. If the shorts get dirty/sweaty on the excurisons, I'll probably want to have them washed. What clothing did you take?

 

You beat me to my question!

 

We managed two full weeks plus in Africa with a 30 lb duffle but we also had laundry done at the two places where it was included in the lodging. I would wear clean clothes to dinner, then wear those same clothes on safari the next day (where they got really dusty). We did wash out a couple of things by hand once as well. I can't remember if the weight limit include our carry ons as well or not, but I think it did. Plus KLM had a strict limit on the carry on weight for the flight from Amsterdam to Arusha so I know they were fairly light. I take it the baggage limit is for the TAME flight only? How does it work to leave luggage at the Marriott? I kind of like that idea.

 

A.

[Roland4]

You beat me to my question!

 

....... I take it the baggage limit is for the TAME flight only? How does it work to leave luggage at the Marriott? I kind of like that idea.

 

A.

 

The Concierge Desk at the hotel will store any luggage you don't plan on taking to the islands. We left one of our wheeled carryons with them and picked it up when we returned to the hotel on the Sunday. One thing that is a bit different is that you stay checked in at the Marriott while you are on the ship. You don't actually check out until you leave for the airport to fly home.

 

We only needed to use the ship's laundry once. It cost $1.75 to get a pair of cargo pants washed and we got them back the next day.

[Kamper]

As Roland4 says, it is no problem leaving luggage at the Marriott. We also left one wheeled bag.

 

The laundry costs have been posted previously. I didn't check them against what we paid but, they look correct.

 

Ladies - Regular Service (Next Day) Pricing

Dress - $5.50

Skirt - $2.75

Slacks - $3.25

Blouse - $3.25

Blazer - $4.25

Sweater - $2.75

Pajamas - $3.25

Night Gown - $3.25

Sip - $1.50

Brassiere - $1.50

Panties - $1.00

Hosiery- $1.00

Handkerchief - $0.75

Bathing Suit - $1.75

Sports Shirt - $2.75

Shorts - $2.50

Socks - $1.00

Sweatshirt - $2.50

 

Gentlemen - Regular Service (Next Day) Pricing

Trousers - $3.75

Shorts - $2.50

Sport Shirt - $2.75

Regular Shirt - $2.75

Formal Shirt - $3.50

Under Shirt - $1.00

Under Shorts - $1.00

T-Shirt - $2.25

Pajamas - $3.50

Handkerchief - $0.75

Sweater - $2.75

Socks - $1.00

Sweatshirt - $2.50

Bathing Suit - $1.75

 

You can pay a 50% surcharge and get it back the same day if needed. I had one pair of shorts cleaned same day and the rest of our stuff next day. I was missing one shirt but, I went to guest relations with a description and it was waiting for me when I got back from the pm excursion. I also washed out a couple of things in the sink. I took 4 pairs of shorts, I wore convertible pants on the plane (you won't need them during the day), 4 short sleeved tops, 2 bathing suits and one long sleeved shirt for the day. I took 3 sundresses (wore each twice) and one pair of capris and a top and a light sweater for evenings. My husand usually wore shorts to dinner and then the same ones with a different shirt during the next day's excursions. He only wore slacks to dinner once.

[Babo02]

I didn't use the laundry service at all. I brought a couple of plastic hangers from home with pant clips and washed my stuff and hung it to dry in the room. There is also a retractable clothesline in the shower that worked for drying bathing suits.

[charleysmom]

Well, we're doing it -- in a big part because of some of the feedback here. Thanks everyone. The deposit's been paid and we'll be on the July 8 departure. We're doing the 10 day so we'll be leaving on the 6th. Anyone on the same trip?

 

We just found out that there's an exhibit on Darwin at our local science museum as well as an IMAX movie so that's part of our holiday plans. We're very excited!

[CSloan]

Well, we're doing it -- in a big part because of some of the feedback here. Thanks everyone. The deposit's been paid and we'll be on the July 8 departure. We're doing the 10 day so we'll be leaving on the 6th. Anyone on the same trip?

 

We just found out that there's an exhibit on Darwin at our local science museum as well as an IMAX movie so that's part of our holiday plans. We're very excited!

 

Congratulations! You've made a great decision.