airhose

We're loving this trip report, especially as we will be there next year at approximately the same time, same itinerary (northern loop, right?). If you get a chance, could you please ask the captain if the seas are usually rough at this time of year?  I wear the sea bands and they work like a charm for me, so I'm hoping that they'll be adequate. 

Thanks for your report!

So far, only the Flora is offered in 2026, if that is when you're planning to go.  We had hoped for the Xploration, so we changed plans to May 2025.   

Another flight question....what time did the Celebrity charter land in Balta?  It looks like we'll be doing independent flights, probably via Guayaquil (to avoid the high altitude of Quito).  We will be on the island a couple of days early and need to know what time to meet the flight. 

Many thanks again.  It certainly increases our excitement level!

We're going in late May next year, also on the northern loop!  How was the weather?  Water temperature? Do magnet hooks work in the cabins or are the walls fiberglass?

And a flight question....we will be going early to the islands and I wonder if you inquired about a flight through Celebrity.   Will they arrange a flight a few days earlier?

Thanks for your input. 

Could your wife please give some description of the snorkeling?

We're avid snorkelers (in Bonaire the last few years), looking forward to next year on the Xploration.  Thanks!

Can one book a breakfast at 8 and a lunch at 12 on the same day?

Are kayaks available on Exploration? 

We decided to book the Xploration for the May 31, 2025 sailing, although we would have preferred 2026 (Flora, while awesome I'm sure, just too expensive for we Canadians, considering other future travel already booked).  We have been to mainland Ecuador 10 years ago, so are spending a few days in Galapagos prior to the sailing.  Thank you for the previous posts,  and any further posts, about the Galapagos, either sailing or on land.  Exciting trip!

Sailings for Flora are available now but not for the other two ships in 2026.  Are Flora sailings usually released first?  When might the others be released?

Not sure at all!  Will have to wait and see.

Thank you for the replies.  It seems that we will be able to wait inside, until the B to G's are called for check-in!  And then we can have lunch and a glass of wine or 2 while we wait for our cabin.  Sounds good to me!

First time with Oceania!  We will be doing a side to side, so we'll be arriving around 11 to the terminal.  Our check-in time will be a couple of hours later (when stateroom is ready, from what I've read).  Can we wait inside, out of the sun and potential rain?

How do you find out how many excursions are needed for the discount?   I didn't notice anything when I booked ours, for a 10 day cruise.

Any reviews of the wine pairings?  Selection? Quality? 

Canada is also getting phone calls.  I did miss the call this afternoon but got an email requesting a good time to call back on Monday. 

I have just emailed my reaction to the $17 premium package limit.  Lots of customers should as well.  There was a positive response by Celebrity to the reduced evening buffet offerings, after many complaints. 

Protest! 

I think that most of us just want what was advertised when we made the purchase.

A 25% increase for Villa is still exorbitant (as are the other price in reases).   Is there any chance that the pours are larger?  Or is that just wishful thinking! 

We just had a deluxe inside on Apex.  Great room (dark, quiet)...our only issue was how close the bed was to the closet (hard to access, especially when my husband was sleeping, so I didn't). There was also limited space between the foot of the bed and the tv/wall, which could be a bit tight for a larger person.

Do they ever offer a second day if the first one fills up quickly? 

Is it possible to go directly to the muster station to check in before going to one's stateroom? ......no Sea pass card yet, but would avoid backtracking. 

I was checking upcoming menus on Apex as we are on in November.  Only the children's menu is posted, and I noticed that their small filet mignon (which some of us have ordered) has sadly  been replaced by a small steak.  

A menu posted by a current sailor on Apex shows no rotating choices.  

We really enjoy the peace and quiet of the Solarium.  I can see allowing children occasionally on an Alaska cruise, but I think it should remain Adults Only.   Even a couple of kids can change the atmosphere a lot.  There are plenty of other cruise lines geared to families.

1 hour ago, Frenchkona said:

Definitely the tasting menu at Eden. Varied menu with beautiful presentations. Fine Cut is great, but you can always go to a steakhouse, you can’t get the nice surprises that you can get at Eden. Plus the view is awesome. 

Can you get the tasting menu at Eden without the wine pairing?  Is there any additional charge for just the tasting menu?  I would hope that the portions were smaller for each course!  TIA.

What time were you going for dinner, with the small wait?