Flora Galapagos 11/07/2021

[rawtravel]

We are currently on the Flora. We booked the 10-day package which began 11/5/21. We embarked on the Flora 11/7.  I was hoping to post a “live” blog but time past so quickly. I will try to update and post my thoughts about this wonderful cruise. So far the experience has been fantastic. Feel free to ask questions. I’ll do my best to get answers.

[mahdnc]

Hi, rawtravel.  I trust your trip is going well.

 

I would appreciate it if you would make this inquiry for me: does Flora (or Xpedition) offer a scuba diving option for certified divers?  When I asked this at an onboard Galapagos seminar a few years ago, I was told "yes, for an additional charge".  I am skeptical of that answer.  So, can you please ask the staff on my behalf?  Thank you.  

 

David

Edited November 11, 2021 by mahdnc

[rawtravel]

Hi David, 

 

Just got back from a snorkel excursion this morning. Another one is scheduled this afternoon.

 

Unfortunately, there are no scuba options on any of the Celebrity ships in Galapagos. There used to be some add-on options, however, since the pandemic Celebrity eliminated all third party offerings in order to control the COVID “bubble”.

 

 I brought my own snorkel and prescription mask. Also have my Padi card in case there was a chance to scuba dive. I used shorty wet suit and fins provided on Flora.

[mahdnc]

Thank you for taking the time to answer.  Enjoy your cruise!

[NouCruzer]

On the topic of snorkeling, can you describe a "deep water" snorkel excursion?  Is this open water snorkeling?  Are currents a concern?  We're scheduled on Flora for May 29, so just starting to compile information.  Thanks for your help.

 

[rawtravel]

Flora schedule lists “deep water” snorkel as “Advanced deep-water snorkel (for experienced snorkels only)”. This is open water snorkeling along the shoreline as opposed to beach snorkeling, where you walk in from the beach. A tender will drop you off in open water and will be at a pick up area. Flotation vests are discouraged, maybe even prohibited for these “advanced” excursions. We typically had 4 tenders with 30-40 snorkelers. I felt very safe. You were asked to buddy up but since I was a single I just joined or stayed with or near a couple of others. If there was a strong current we were dropped off up current and drifted towards the pick up area. Guides were in the water with us and had whistles to let us know if we were headed in wrong direction. Also you could signal for help, if needed, and a tender would pick you up. CEL wants to discourage beginners. I feel that any snorkeler who feels comfortable in open water for 45-60 minutes would enjoy this activity. 

[rawtravel]

I should add  that the “deep water” snorkeling was in open water near the shoreline. So it was easy to find your direction.

[mcglauser]

On 11/10/2021 at 11:29 PM, rawtravel said:

We are currently on the Flora. We booked the 10-day package which began 11/5/21. We embarked on the Flora 11/7.  I was hoping to post a “live” blog but time past so quickly. I will try to update and post my thoughts about this wonderful cruise. So far the experience has been fantastic. Feel free to ask questions. I’ll do my best to get answers.

How many guests are traveling with you this week? We'll be taking the Flora in December, and I wondered if they were limiting guest capacity.

[NouCruzer]

22 hours ago, rawtravel said:

I should add  that the “deep water” snorkeling was in open water near the shoreline. So it was easy to find your direction.

 

Thanks for the info.  One additional request; can you give us your impressions about the quality of the food and service that were provided?  Enjoy the rest of your cruise.

 

[rawtravel]

There are 74 guests on board. I was told that the numbers have been gradually increasing. I don’t think that current numbers are being limited. Galapagos no longer requires a negative COVID test for entrance. Just need to be fully vaxed. However, CEL has more stringent testing requirements. I took a RT-PCR test before flying to Ecuador. My negative test satisfied CEL when I arrived at the hotel Friday night. Guests who could not provide a negative test result were tested by CEL at the hotel. Sunday morning all guests were required to take a rapid Antigen test at the hotel before boarding buses to Quito airport for private charter to Baltra, Galapagos. We were allowed to remove masks on tenders to Flora. No masks required on Flora.

 

The food and service has been excellent. I will try to post menus and pictures later. Food is not available 24/7. However, the variety, quality and service has been  very satisfying.

[rawtravel]

On 11/12/2021 at 3:00 PM, mcglauser said:

How many guests are traveling with you this week? We'll be taking the Flora in December, and I wondered if they were limiting guest capacity.

As I mentioned earlier there are 74 guests on this cruise. Was told today that there will be 76 on next cruise. I asked if there are any limitations on capacity and was told no and that one of the sailings in December is sold out.

[rawtravel]

Back home.  This cruise experience was fabulous. The 7 days past very quickly. 

[Suzanne123]

Did you do the inner or outer loop?  Favorite port?

[bethtex]

did you get a tour of Quito?  I heard that was cancelled due to Covid 

 

since CEL provides flights and hotel for 10 day cruise/tour, presume it also provides transport to hotel and from hotel to ship/airport?

 

we are on Xplorer in January and really looking forward to it!

any packing tips appreciated!

[cruisequeen4ever]

It was fun to hear about your experience!

[FFMilesJunkie]

20 hours ago, rawtravel said:

Back home.  This cruise experience was fabulous. The 7 days past very quickly. 

 

I understand the wine on board is mostly South American wines due to provisioning limitations.  Do you recall if there were any upcharge wines/champagne for celebrations?  Just wondering whether to purchase some nice champagne at duty free and bring on board or if there are on board options to purchase special wines.  

[rawtravel]

On 11/15/2021 at 5:12 PM, Suzanne123 said:

Did you do the inner or outer loop?  Favorite port?

Outer loop. Espanola was my favorite.  Lots of wildlife. Iguanas, sea lions, albatross, hawks, boobies (blue footed and masked).

[rawtravel]

On 11/15/2021 at 10:38 PM, bethtex said:

did you get a tour of Quito?  I heard that was cancelled due to Covid 

 

since CEL provides flights and hotel for 10 day cruise/tour, presume it also provides transport to hotel and from hotel to ship/airport?

 

we are on Xplorer in January and really looking forward to it!

any packing tips appreciated!

We flew from Houston to Quito and arrived almost 10pm, Friday, 11/5. After breakfast Saturday morning we boarded buses for the Quito tour. Went into downtown, visited a church, continued the downtown walk and had lunch at another church facility. Excellent buffet lunch. Then headed to equator museum.

 

We booked our own flights from US to Quito. The 10-day Flora package has option of booking your own flights or using CEL air. With either option, CEL handles all transfers and transportation after your arrival in Quito and through your departure. CEL takes care of everything. Customer service was outstanding. I hope that the Xplorer experience is the same as Flora.

[jogruffy]

We are going on the Flora on Nov. 28. Just wondered what the temperatures were like for your trip?

Thanks,

John

[rawtravel]

6 hours ago, jogruffy said:

We are going on the Flora on Nov. 28. Just wondered what the temperatures were like for your trip?

Thanks,

John

We had nice weather. Upper 60s to low 70s F. No rain for the first 6 days. We did bring the CEL supplied ponchos for the Santa Cruz excursion to the Darwin Center. It rained a bit on the bus ride but stopped by the time we reached the Center.

[rawtravel]

On 11/16/2021 at 12:10 PM, FFMilesJunkie said:

 

I understand the wine on board is mostly South American wines due to provisioning limitations.  Do you recall if there were any upcharge wines/champagne for celebrations?  Just wondering whether to purchase some nice champagne at duty free and bring on board or if there are on board options to purchase special wines.  

I forgot to copy the wine list. I'll ask my brother if he has a copy. There were no upcharges on the wines that I drank. I just tried the wines that were served at dinner. If I did not like the wine I just asked to try another. Two nights in a row I didn't care for the dinner wines. I think that they were Malbec and Merlot. I asked for the Chilean Cab that my SIL liked and I was happy with it.

[rawtravel]

On 11/15/2021 at 10:38 PM, bethtex said:

we are on Xplorer in January and really looking forward to it!

any packing tips appreciated!

DW and I packed lightly. We each carried a backpack. DW brought a relatively small carryon and I brought a slightly large suitcase that was checked. We were well below the 44 lb limit for checked luggage. The only reason that my suitcase was a bit larger was that I packed a large dry bag, prescription mask and snorkel.

 

We didn't bring any "dress" clothes. Our dress clothes consisted of a couple of nicer tops for DW and one button down polo for me. We were very casual. We didn't feel the need to dress to impress. I wore my walking pants at dinners and shorts during lunches. Each cabin gets 2 free bags of laundry (20 items per bag). Laundry was returned the next day. We didn't take a photo with the captain during the evening cocktail reception with the officers. However, many guests took a photo and wore nice outfits.

 

I brought 4 pairs of footwear. 

1. Walk/running shoes - these were fine for the long/hard walks over rough terrain. If you need extra support for your ankles then you may want to wear hiking shoes and even us a walking stick (CEL provides sticks)/

2. Casual slip on shoes (they have shoe strings) - wore on ship

3. Flip flops - used for wet landings and on beach or easy walks, the toe strap broke the last day. Fortunately it broke when I was getting ready to pack so I threw it away. I would bring sturdier rubber sandals if I took another trip.

4. Cheap water shoes - used the first day only, then used flip flops.

 

CEL provides water bottles and sun screen. 

 

 

[rawtravel]

I did bring a pair of long athletic socks that were nice to wear in the boots that CEL supplied for the tree planting on Santa Cruz. All of my other socks were the short ones.

[VioletView]

On 11/11/2021 at 3:47 PM, NouCruzer said:

On the topic of snorkeling, can you describe a "deep water" snorkel excursion?  Is this open water snorkeling?  Are currents a concern?  We're scheduled on Flora for May 29, so just starting to compile information.  Thanks for your help.

 

I was on the Flora in October and the water of the "deep water" excursion wasn't really any deeper than the water if you went off the beach and swam out a little bit.  the key was being comfortable getting on and off the tender boat.  In addition to going along the shoreline, the tender boat stays with you (and a naturalist) so there is help nearby if needed.  They provided ScubaPro brand gear and the mask was one of the best fitting ones I have ever used.

[rawtravel]

Getting off and on the tenders for "deep water" snorkel excursions is very easy.  To get off just sit on the side of the tender with your fins in the water and slide or push off into the water while holding your mask on your face. To get back on the tender go to the rear where there is a small ramp that extends into the water. I just leaned back on the ramp, removed my fins and then slide back up the ramp.