Celebrity Xpedition Review

The Only Way to Cruise the Galapagos Islands

Review for South America Cruise on Celebrity Xpedition
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Rathne
6-10 Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Oct 2014
Cabin: Penthouse Suite with Veranda

My wife and I just returned home from Ecuador, having spent seven most memorable nights on the Celebrity Xpedition. Our ten day package included two pre-cruise nights, and one post-cruise night at the JW Marriott in Quito. We had looked at the larger vessels that operate in the Galapagos, and decided that the Xpedition is the only vessel for our cruise, mostly based on the positive reviews both on Cruise Critic, and on Trip Advisor. Fortunately for us, Suite 604 was available and we immediately booked it. We later upgraded to the PH Suite for a nominal supplement. In addition to the reviews posted on line, we also did our due diligence on the vessel itself. The Xpedition is probably the most modern vessel of this size operating in the Galapagos. Although it was not initially designed for Celebrity, this vessel has all the modern navigation equipment of a large vessel, its own sewage disposal system, own water treatment system, to name a few. The crew on board this vessel is mostly Ecuadorian, probably a requirement to operate in these waters. Starting from the Captain, down to the dining room and the state room attendants, their level of spoken English was quite good. A number of Naturalist guides were on board the vessel, and on shore excursions each fifteen guests were assigned a Naturalist Guide. For a vessel of this size, the 100 guests were treated to excellent food both from land and from the sea. All drinks and gratuities were included, although most guests rewarded those staff who they thought was most deserving a little extra.

The Cruise Director, Monica was exceptional in keeping things operating like clock-work. She was at her desk at 7.00 a.m. and was in charge of every activity that relates to the guests. She must work long hours! The information sessions before dinner each night, signing up for different shore, beach, and excursions by the Zodiacs, were so well organized that each person was able to take part in one activity or another both morning, and afternoon, without having to stay on board due to physical limitations. Our fellow passengers, over eighty percent, were mostly seniors. This is our first cruise on a small vessel. In addition to the opportunity of witnessing one of the most pristine environments in the world, we were in the company of a great group of fellow passengers who were pleasure to be around. As a result of the open seating policy in the dining room, we were able to sit with mostly all the other passengers. We were mostly individual couples who had booked separately, and as a result most people mingled with others quite freely.

We did not have any complaints about the food. Unlike the large cruise ships, almost everything is obtained from local suppliers. Sea food, which is plentiful, is fantastic. We did try lamb, and steak which were extremity good as well. Breakfast and lunch were buffet style, while dinner was more formal (not in terms of dress code). A great seafood barbecue was offered one afternoon with lobster tail, large prawns, steaks, sausages, chicken, and one could eat as much as one could handle. It will be a mistake to compare the dining experience on the Xpedition to that of a large cruise ship where a number of theme food stations are offered at the buffet style restaurants. We have cruised with Regent Seven Seas, and Holland America previously. One night, a number of us at our table asked our server if we could have Surf and Turf even though it was not on the menu for that evening. Without any hesitation, he made it happen, and I can tell you that the lobster tail was so large that it was a meal by itself.

Cabin Review

Penthouse Suite with Veranda

Cabin PS

We upgraded to the PH suite as the supplement was very reasonable for the additional space, and its amenities. We had originally booked The Royal Suite #604. This suite offers more than adequate space for two guests, as it was originally designed for two units. Two full washrooms, a separate sitting room, and a large bedroom are offered. We did enjoy the two-person jacuzzi tub located on the large balcony. Complete privacy is offered, and is the ideal place to enjoy the night skies, and watch the islands go by. The balcony has two loungers as well, and is ideal for an afternoon nap, as long as one is in the shade. The temperature in October is very comfortable, although lying in the sun while at the Equator without any skin protection, is not recommended.

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