Celebrity ships in the Galapogas, thoughts from previous cruisers

[mahdnc]

Just now, Barwick Cruiser said:

Hi David, will you be doing a “live from” on your cruise? 🤞

Cathy

 

Hello Cathy!  Yes, I am planning on doing a live thread during this sailing--we will see how good the ship's internet connection is and how much time/energy I have at the end of each day.  It's nice to know that someone will be interested though.

[NoWhiners]

33 minutes ago, MMsteffey said:

Expedition cruising in the Galapagos is very different than most cruises.  The entire area is a closely managed national park, and you will not set foot on the ground, nor snorkel, without supervision by a Ecuadorian certified guide.  There is no walking around on your own,    Groups stay together with a guide at all times.  Please be sure you are in good physical condition, able to board a zodiac that is moving in swells, climb a steep staircase, and walk at least 1/2 mile on uneven terrain. 

 

While I think this is mostly true, we were on the Flora earlier this summer and had better luck with more flexible arrangements. For example, one tour ended up being a lot more up and down thru rocks and was going to be about a mile of that. We told our guide we didn't want to risk falling, so they sent one of the guides to escort us (and a few others) back to where we landed. They then called one of the Zodiacs back to pick us up. Plus, there are other crew who help with the Zodiacs who always assist with loading and unloading passengers, and can help with people who stay at the landing areas.

 

I would ask your tour guide what the options might be. I think they will tell you to give it a try and if it doesn't work out, they will either let you sit and wait for the group to come back or get a Zodiac to pick you up.

 

The guides and all the crew are very accommodating and they understand that people want to try things and not just dismiss them without trying. And, while it's true you can't just wander around wherever you want, they will tell you where you can/can't walk, and will try and send someone from the ship to keep an eye on those who don't want to finish the tour.

 

Just our experience, might be different for others but it won't hurt to talk to your guide in advance and see what your options are.

 

Have a great time, it's a wonderful place to tour--or just sit and watch the birds, waves, flora and the rest of nature.

Edited October 31, 2023 by NoWhiners
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[Ken the cruiser]

1 hour ago, MMsteffey said:

Expedition cruising in the Galapagos is very different than most cruises.  The entire area is a closely managed national park, and you will not set foot on the ground, nor snorkel, without supervision by an Ecuadorian certified guide.  There is no walking around on your own,    Groups stay together with a guide at all times.  Please be sure you are in good physical condition, able to board a zodiac that is moving in swells, climb a steep staircase, and walk at least 1/2 mile on uneven terrain. 

Thanks! I think we’ll be fine.