Hope everyone is having a great summer and indulging yourself in some great vacations. If you are a reader of my articles, then you know that I have been planning on going to the Galapagos Islands for some time. Actually, back in 2024 I started talking about this once in a lifetime trip. Well, I just got back from the Galapagos Islands and I’m going to share with everyone some helpful information and some great photos of my new friends.
Everyone keeps asking me how my trip was. Honestly, IT WAS AMAZING. Though I did not get to snorkel, I took every opportunity to board the tender and visit the islands. (When you look over the photos you will see what the tenders looked like and how we had to get on them via the ship.)
Because we were in the Southern Hemisphere, in the Pacific Ocean, the islands were in their dry season (winter) which means most of the shrubbery was brown. One would think that being on the Equator it would be stinking hot, but it wasn’t. Our average temps were between 73 to 75 everyday with a very nice breeze. Most days were cloudy, but that was okay with us. At least we didn’t get rained on or rained out.
Itinerary: Our first day started with a 4-hr. flight from Miami to Quita. When we arrived, a team from Celebrity Cruises was there to greet us, and buses were ready to take us to the JW Marriott for the first two evenings. Did you know that Quita is the capital of Ecuador and their currency is American money, including all coins? Also, since Covid there is NO mail system (post office); one gets their mail via text messaging or emails. If you order something on line it comes FedEx – NO UPS.
Our first excursion was on Saturday morning which included visiting the Equator. Gail Howard, from the Village of Alhambra, planted one foot on the Southern side and other foot on the Northern side. How cool is that? Sunday rolled around and it was time to catch a 2-hr. flight from Quita into the Galapagos Islands. Once there, we had to be tendered to where the ship was which took about 23 minutes. All of our luggage was taken from one airport to the next airport to the ship. The only time we saw our suitcases was at the hotel and then at the ship. And, of course, at Customs. We didn’t have to worry about anything. Celebrity handed everything for us.
Once on the ship, the staff made sure everyone’s Suite was fine. Yes, everyone had a Suite, and not a cabin. For anyone who has been on a regular cruise, you will know what I’m talking about regarding the bathrooms. On this ship, the bathrooms were like the ones we have at home, including the shower.
As I continue my story, I want you to know that I had many inquiries about this trip, and many people got sticker shock when they saw the price. Yes, it is more expensive but when I say everything was included, I mean everything was included. For example, the Wifi, gratuities, all drinks (including hard liquor), all excursions, all transportation (r/t air from your home town and trip insurance was not included). All fees to get into the Galapagos National Park, which amounted to around $300/pp, were also included. If you wanted to snorkel, Celebrity provided everything you needed. And there were many more items that were included that normally we have to pay for. I took $300 in cash and came home with $250. What did I use the money for: Tipping, just like I would on a regular cruise. Never used my credit card.
This is Part One of my story and I will continue it next month. Will I be offering this cruise again? YES, I will. I also offer payment plans so that once you put down your deposit, if you want you can pay a little each month. Do I plan on going back? YES, because there is so much to see. It was truly AMAZING!
For more information on any of my trips and cruises, make sure you go to my updated website, www.carols-trips.com. To book a trip, contact Carol Cane, Travel Professional, at 352-787-9253. Carol’s Trips, LLC is a full-service travel agency.
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