My wife and I signed up for Celebrity Xpedition's 10-day package. We made our own airline arrangements and flew to Quito, Ecuador on November 5, 2010, arriving there after 9:00 PM. After a smooth transition through customs and baggage claim, the Celebrity representative was waiting for us (and others in our group). From that moment until we arrived back at the airport to come home, Celebrity handled everything flawlessly. This truly was an "All Inclusive" vacation—expensive but worth every penny.
We had a 15-minute bus ride to the J W Marriott with a Celebrity representative on-board to give us a run down of what to expect at check-in and the itinerary for the next day. This was followed by a welcoming drink and hors d'oeuvres in the lobby, a check-in that took no more than a minute, and baggage delivered from the bus to our room. We were settled in our room in less than 1½ hours after the airplane touched down. The J W Marriott is a first class hotel.
Regarding altitude at Quito: My wife had a little difficulty initially with the altitude at Quito, which is 9,200 feet. From what I have read, it helps to stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, take headache medicine and drink the coca tea that is readily available.
Cabin 401 is in a great location, nearest to center of ship. It is next to Guest Relations and very near the Discovery Lounge. It is the closest cabin to the stairway leading to Darwin's restaurant.