We booked the 10 day Quito - Galapagos cruise package as for a few extra hundred dollars, three nights accommodation in Quito, return air to Baltra, transfers and some tours were included, making this very cost effective. Being part of a tour group, however, has its drawbacks and we would probably not take part in one again. Meals on the land component were adequate, being rather mass produced, with limited choice of dishes, expected I supposed when catering to a large group. The JW Marriott in Quito is a first class hotel with comfortable rooms, expensive laundry and a very average Executive Club. Breakfasts in the bistro included the usual fare and egg station.

Flights and transfers to the ship were generally efficiently handled, though we found that the Celebrity host at the hotel did not provide very good customer service at all.

The ship had recently undergone a refit but unfortunately this has not been completed by the time of our cruise with the result that there was no gym or spa as well as construction continuing throughout the cruise. As well the Blue Finch Bar was not operating. Read more