Pre/post-cruise. We booked our own air using frequent flyer miles, but for the first time did the Celebrity pre/post-cruise package. This was by far the most convenient arrangement and was handled beautifully. We arrived in Quito late after delays in Atlanta and it was a welcome relief to see the "X" sign and be whisked from customs to our hotel. The JW Marriott was first rate and we only wish we had more time to enjoy it... Note: Captain's Club members are eligible for Executive Lounge privileges which are a significant perk. (We had read about this and requested it at check-in) The Lounge has snacks, a full breakfast, and free internet. Plus the friendliest and most efficient staff imaginable. After breakfast there, we departed at 9 am for our city tour. We saw Quito highlights and had lunch at the Crater restaurant (take pics as soon as possible before the fog rolls in). After a brief turn around, we went out for a lovely evening at Theatro restaurant and were entertained by a tenor. During the pre-stay we me the first of many wonderful people we would be travelling with. We had to have our suitcases outside of our room at 5 am to be inspected before being taken to ship. (One suggestion would be to check the bags the night before.) We did leave bag with warmer clothes which we hadn't needed at the hotel. Left early to be taken to airport. Great not to have to hassle with luggage. We made one stop en route to Balta to pick up some people. TAME was a delight to fly - not sure if the white table cloth service was because our flight was a Celebrity charter. The post-cruise stay was a bit rushed; we didn't get to hotel until after 4 PM and left at 5 PM for shopping. Did like the open air market and bought some things there and at airport. Had a lovely dinner at the hotel before a very early departure the next morning. We did take altitude meds and had no problems while in Quito.

Embarkation. Term hardly seems to apply. No lines involved. We were met at Balta airport taken by bus to the landing where there were the most photographed seal lions sunning on benches. We boarded zodiacs for first time, were oriented by naturalist, and disembarked onto Xpedition. While we were enjoying welcome fruit punches, we were checked in and found that we had been upgraded. We were escorted to room and had a little while to rest before formal orientation and preview of day's excursions. Our bags had been misplaced and we had our first pleasant interaction with the guest relations staff - truly there to help. Our bags were located onboard in time for first excursion.

The Ship. So much attention has been paid to the wonders of the excursions, that less has been said about the Xpedition itself. It is a lovely ship. With the emphasis on ship - you are clearly on a ship and not a floating hotel. There definitely is the feel of being at sea and the movement to go with it. We had started taking bonine and had no ill effects. The Discovery Lounge is a pleasant, comfortable room where we were briefed each day and the source of espresso, cappuccino and imaginative and standard drinks. The Beagle Grill was not open during our sailing; its menu was served in the MDR. The MDR was never crowded and had comfortable seating where people lingered. An upper deck had chaises and a hot tub (which unfortunately was out of service for part of the trip and not very hot when it was working.) There was no pool. We were given a tour of the galley and could have toured the bridge. The overall condition of the ship was spotless and sparkling. While the live music was nice, the piped in music seemed at odds with the ambiance. The ship has a recycling program but guests could benefit from more instruction on how to recycle their water bottles. When I asked, I was showed where to place the bottles. Read more