This was a once in a lifetime cruise to a pristine location where few are able to travel. If you like wildlife in a natural setting with a cruise line that knows how to do it simply and never miss a beat to excite and offer new opportunities, this cruise is for you. This small ship (100 passengers) affords passengers the opportunity to explore a world where animals have no natural predators and fear of humans does not exist. The ability to see a world where marine iguanas sun themselves alongside of sea lions, fur seals and penguins is unbelievable and all at a distance of a few feet. The naturalists that accompany the small groups (up to 16) are well informed, humorous and willing to answer any question without hesitation. It is obvious that the entire crew of the Xpedition love their jobs and want to share their love with everyone they come in contact with.

From the moment that you land in Quito two days before the cruise begins, it is obvious that this staff have the logistics of the entire trip down pat. In a small city where people are travelling great distances to get to, delays and snafus are inevitable but the Celebrity staff seems well equipped to handle every possible scenario from missed connections to cancelled flights to lost luggage, and you feel that you are in the company of professionals that can deal with every possibility. The first day in Quito (pre-cruise)involves a city tour that is informative and fun. At the start of the tour many expressed a desire to go back to the hotel early after lunch (which was not a problem) but after lunch everyone decided the tour was so good that they decided to go on the afternoon as well. The afternoon was very interesting so no one was disappointed even though many were tired from late arrivals the day before.

The following day, everyone has a wonderful breakfast at the JW Marriott Quito and then it is time to assemble for the bus to the airport for the chartered flight to Baltra. The logistics of getting 100 people to the airport, through security and then on a plane was seamless. The trip was handled by Avianca Airlines who served lunch on the plane even though we knew we were headed to a lunch on the ship once we embarked. After the two hour flight you land in Baltra and are quickly escorted through security to waiting buses for the 10 minute trip to the dock for a Zodiac ride to the ship. After a quick briefing, the expert staff assisted everyone to board and we were on our way. Read more