Destination: Galapagos with Celebrity Cruises
by Denise Vogel

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I recently attended a workshop presented by Celebrity Cruises in Atlantic City. In the workshop, it was suggested that the prospective client for their Galapagos cruise product would be those who have traveled extensively to Europe and are now looking for something different. There are also Baby Boomers who now have more time to get away for extended vacations and are beginning to enter the cruising lifestyle. These are just two examples of who may be interested in cruising the Galapagos on the "Celebrity Xpedition." While I was on the Xpedition, I talked to many passengers. I would suggest that you do not dismiss someone who may be older than a Baby Boomer. Onboard, we had shipmates who were in their 90s! Cruising the Galapagos aboard the "Xpedition" is a unique experience and should be marketed as any adventure of a lifetime.

We began our adventure as soon as we boarded the LAN jet in Miami bound for Quito. The service was professional and exceptional. The meal was served with real silverware and wine. All of the movies from your personal TV were free (as well as the headset). And, all of this in coach class! It reminded me of how flying used to be in the States.

Immediately upon arrival in Quito, we were met by our tour guides inside the airport. They met us as we cleared customs and transported us to the J.W. Marriott Hotel. At the hotel, there was a desk exclusively assigned for Celebrity guest check-ins. In the room, an Ecuadorian rose and very comfortable bed awaited us. I could write a whole chapter on how great the tour guides were, and how well planned the tour of Quito was, but Galapagos is calling.

We were introduced to the zodiac almost immediately upon our arrival in Baltra, as the zodiac ride took us out to the "Xpedition." As we boarded the ship, we were met by the vessel's captain and his senior staff. The warmth and excitement of the crew was immediate and contagious. Every, and I mean every, crew member worked hard to make our experience perfect for us.

Every cabin had an ocean view or balcony. And, I am so glad it did. When the captain made an announcement that there were dolphins alongside the ship, I was in my cabin. I jumped up and looked out the window. I had my own private show of the playing dolphins. The benefit of an oceanview room could not have been more apparent. Our cabin was constantly freshened up, from the time we left for the morning shore excursions to the time we went to bed. The crew worked tirelessly to make our vacation more than memorable, and they succeeded on every level.

The ship is geared towards active participation. It was up to us to choose how much or how little we would do. Every day, there were two excursions to choose from in the morning, and two excursions to choose from in the afternoon. Each excursion included a combination zodiac ride, walking, and swimming or snorkeling. The two excursions to choose from are a zodiac ride and a short walk or a zodiac ride to a long walk. This was explained to us the first evening at the nightly briefing. The long walks are not speed walking, but a slow and deliberate walk for observing the flora and fauna on the island. The short walk usually included a zodiac ride first to view the animals from the water, then a short walk on the island to view the species up close. And, I mean, up close. There were sea lions and their pups within a couple of feet from us. Blue-footed boobies with chicks were right at our feet. (FYI: "Boobie" is from the Spanish meaning "clown.")

Our guides were excellent. They kept our small group of 16 together. They did a great job of explaining what we were seeing, answering questions, and sharing the local lore of the islands. They made us all feel welcome, all the while ensuring the protection of the animals and their habitat. You should try to do it all! If you stay behind and do not take even one of the excursions as we did, you will miss a part of the "once in a lifetime."

Who could ask for anything more? When returning from an excursion, we were always greeted by a crew member holding a tray of cold, refreshing washcloths. Then, proceeding forward, there was always an excellent snack for us to refuel after the excursion. In the afternoon, we returned to find "happy hour," and we were greeted by a crew member with the special drink of the day. It could be anything from a pina colada to a milkshake. Of course, there were always wines and mixed drinks too.

Entertainment was provided by the crewmembers you saw every day, such as the bartenders and the waiters. They did an outstanding job in their dual capacities. They entertained with native music, songs, and dancing. We had a King Neptune party when we crossed the Equator the first time. We crossed the Equator four times on our itinerary. A favorite memory of mine is of Danny, our bartender, singing on our last night onboard. When he was finished, he said that, if we ever returned to the "Xpedition," our friends will be here to sail with you again. After talking to many of passengers as we were leaving, I discovered we all felt the same way toward the crew.

There is so much more to cover about the "Celebrity Xpedition" experience, from the great dinners and the terrific barbeques to all of the new friends we met. But, alas, all good things must come to an end.

The "Celebrity Xpedition" gives your client a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience that no other place in the world can offer. Remind your clients to pack lightly. Bring good walking shoes, sunscreen, and a digital camera - and be prepared to be amazed!

Denise Vogel moderates the OSSN Blog and contributes weekly articles on technology and computer skills to the OSSN Daily newsletter. She also operates Click of the Mouse, a tech skills consulting firm.

(Credits: Denise Vogel)