Walking in the Footsteps of Giants – My Galapagos Experience and how you can see it all with Celebrity Cruises!

What comes to mind when someone mentions the Galapagos Islands? Do you think Giant Tortoises, the Iguanas, Charles Darwin, unspoilt beauty, Sea Lions or the Blue Footed Boobies? Below I have shared my photos of these amazing islands!

When I think about them I think about all of the above and so much more. My memory takes me back to March 2016 when I was very fortunate to be part of a group spending 4 days around some of the islands.

It was an amazing experience and one where you need a certain level of fitness to enjoy as there will be wet landings, hikes and lots of walking on uneven terrain but the memories you will take away with you will remain forever.

Call me and I can give you some insight into what to expect.

Iguanas

Cruise.co.uk are holding three Galapagos events in conjunction with Celebrity cruises for our customers who have registered their interest. The first took place in Macclesfield, the second in Faringdon (which was the one I attended) and the last will be in Lyndhurst.

Leon from Celebrity brought his experience of these islands to life and reminded me of my own once in a lifetime experience!

A bit of history.

Charles Darwin accompanied Captain Robert Fitzroy on the HMS Beagle which set off from England in 1831 for a 5-year voyage of discovery. The expedition visited many places around the world and Darwin studied the various plants and animals, collecting specimens for further analysis.

Sea Lions

After surveying the coast of South America, the ship stopped over in the Galapagos Islands.

During his visit to the islands, Darwin noted that the unique creatures were similar from island to island, but perfectly adapted to their environments which led him to ponder the origin of the islands’ inhabitants.

The Terrain

Years later in 1859, Darwin finally consolidated all of his observations into his famous book, ‘On The Origin of Species’ which drastically and controversially altered the scientific view on the biological origins of life.

Where are they?

There are 15 main islands and scores of islets and rocks lying 600 miles west of the mainland of Ecuador.

Excursions

The government of Ecuador designated part of the Galapagos a wildlife sanctuary in 1935, and in 1959 the sanctuary became the Galapagos National Park. In 1978 the islands were designated a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE, and in 1986 the Galapagos Marine Resources Reserve was created to protect the surrounding waters.

What animals can you expect to see and when?

You will see many animals all year round as seen on Celebrity Cruises Wildlife Calendar.

Inhabitants

What can you expect from a Celebrity Cruises Galapagos package?

Celebrity Cruises have been sailing the Galapagos waters since 2004 so have over 15 years experience navigating the islands. They have two ships that cruise around the islands, Celebrity Xpedition (Saturday to Saturday sailings) and the new Celebrity Flora (Sunday to Sunday sailings) and launches May 2019 (purposely built for the Galapagos Islands).

Celebrity Xpedition returned from a massive refurbishment in September 2018.

-All rooms have been refreshed with carpeting replaced and balconies upgraded

-All cabin doors have been outfitted with RFID lock technology for easier stateroom access

-Onboard IT systems have been upgraded to ensure Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship and satellite access has been added to make it more reliable

-The Beagle Grill has been outfitted with new furniture and lighting while the kitchen has received new culinary equipment

-The Discovery Lounge received a new, state-of-the-art video wall, as well as a new DJ station and refurbished furnishings

-The Darwin Dining Room received new lighting and carpet

-A water filtration system has been added on every deck for easy access to drinking water

Celebrity Flora – fancy ‘Glamping at Sea’ take a look at what this beautiful vessel has to offer when she launches this year.

-Luxurious all-suites – accommodation incorporating sustainable, natural materials that complement the destination

-Dynamic Positioning System that enables the ship to stay on station without the use of anchors to help protect the seas,

-Celebrity has created a ship that truly differentiates between visiting this incredible corner of the world and experiencing it.

-New tenders to make it easier to embark and disembark

-Stargazing Platform – watch the stars from the top deck (telescopes and binoculars available)

-Water is recycled

-Nothing is disposed of at sea (everything that can be recycled is)

-Environment protection – paint used has no toxins or chemicals, specially designed hull

-50 all-suite cabins – some with Infinite Balconies

What’s included?

10 or 11-night packages:

Includes flights from London Heathrow (indirect), all overseas transfers, 2 nights in the JW Marriott in Quito pre-cruise, a guided tour of Quito flights from Quito to Balta, 7 nights all inclusive cruising onboard Celebrity Xpedition, a choice of 2 excursions per day, return flight from Baltra to Quito, 1 night post-cruise stay in the JW Marriott (or 2 nights with the 11-night package) and return flight back to LHR (indirect).

Celebrity Xpedition/Flora 10/11-night packages (departs on a Friday for Flora):

Thur – LHR (other airports available) flight (indirect) – on the first day of your journey, you’ll be greeted at the airport by a Celebrity Cruises representative and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy free time to relax and settle in.

Fri – during a guided tour of the capital of Ecuador, situated at an altitude of 9,350 feet, you’ll stand on the equatorial line at the Half of the World Park and Museum, and marvel at the monasteries of San Francisco and Santo Domingo. Your tour director will escort you throughout your Quito stay and serve as your personal concierge. Lunch with a spectacular view of the city, and enjoy a welcome dinner at a local gourmet restaurant.

Sat – you will be transferred to the Quito, Ecuador airport to board the exclusive non-stop Celebrity Xpedition flight to Baltra, Galapagos, where naturalist guides will be waiting to transfer you to the ship for 7 nights all inclusive cruising including 2 excursions per day.

During World War II, Baltra served as a U.S. military base protecting the Panama Canal from enemy attack. Now the cactus-strewn landscapes of Baltra are home to the region’s main airport.

Sat – transfer to Baltra airport by zodiac and bus for your flight to Quito. Upon your arrival in Quito, a Celebrity Cruises representative will escort you to the JW Marriott hotel. Dinner is served at the hotel.

Sun – your Celebrity Cruises representative will once again escort you to the airport for your return. Breakfast is included.

Mon – 11-night package – enjoy your day on your own in Quito. Breakfast is included and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Want to do more? Why not extend your stay and visit Peru and the magnificent Machu Picchu?

Post-cruise itinerary:

Sat Baltra Disembarkation – upon debarking from your Galapagos cruise, you’ll fly to Quito Airport and then to Lima, Peru. A Celebrity Representative will assist with your transfer to the International Departure area in Quito. Upon arrival in Lima, Peru, you will be greeted by a Celebrity Cruises representative at the airport, your guide and personal concierge for the Peru portion of the trip. Overnight at the Westin Lima hotel. A detailed schedule of events and departure times will be provided upon arrival in Lima.

Sun Lima, Peru – this morning you will have the opportunity to sleep in, or perhaps enjoy a massage* in the hotel’s fabulous spa or go for a swim in the indoor pool, the choice is yours. At noon, your guide will pick you up to start the afternoon tour with a culinary twist… you will visit Surquillo, the local food market, enjoy lunch at one of Lima’s gourmet restaurants, and visit the bohemian district of Barranco. You will be back at the hotel late afternoon with ample time to get ready for next day’s early departure to Cusco. Breakfast and dinner, as well as an overnight at the Westin Lima Hotel.

Mon Lima – Cuzco After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your Lima/Cuzco flight. Upon arrival in Cuzco, your visit will start en route to The Sacred Valley Lunch is served at Casa Hacienda Orihuela in The Sacred Valley, where the Orihuela, a family of great art collectors, will be your hosts. Dinner and overnight at the Tambo del Inca Luxury Collection hotel in The Sacred Valley.

Tue The Sacred Valley, Peru – tour the impressive ruins, featuring terraces carved into the hillside and a crowning temple designed for a workshop and astronomical observation. You’ll tour Ollantaytambo and the Pablo Seminario workshop, showcasing utilitarian, decorative, and artistic objects. Lunch at Wayra Ranch-gastronomic feast led by prominent chefs, as you delight in stunning equestrian Peruvian Paso horse entertainment and marinera music. Dinner and overnight at Tambo del Inca Luxury Collection.

Wed Machu Picchu & Cuzco – after a morning breakfast at the hotel, you’ll depart for Machu Picchu on the Vistadome from the Tambo del Inca hotel train station. Lunch will be served at the Sanctuary Lodge in Machu Picchu. Tour the almost perfectly preserved buildings and the mysterious passageways underlying the city. Then enjoy welcoming aperitifs, dinner, and an excellent selection of wines, while relaxing on the Orient Express Hiram Bingham back to Cuzco for an evening of local music, dancing, and Pisco Sours. Overnight at Hotel Monasterio.

Thu Cusco, Peru – after a morning breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a scenic tour at the Coricancha, also known as the “Temple of the Sun” before touring the Sacsayhuaman fortress and the Cathedral, one of the most splendid Spanish colonial churches in America, housing about 400 colonial paintings from the Cuzco art school, impressive goldsmith, silversmith, and precious stone works. Overnight at Hotel Monasterio.

Fri Cuzco to Lima, Peru – upon your return flight to Lima, enjoy a scenic tour of the city, visiting the Larco Herrera Museum, a colonial mansion built in the eighteenth century. Lunch at Café del Museo restaurant before proceeding on to the Historic Center of Lima and the convent of San Francisco, a masterpiece of colonial architecture. Dinner is included. A day room (or overnight) in a deluxe room at Westin Lima Hotel is included and based on return flight schedule.

Sat 31Aug2019 – Lima, Peru Departure – your departure is scheduled based on your return flight schedule.

Darwin’s legacy

Charles Darwin was not the first to propose a theory of evolution but his work had a great impact on society at the time. While other thinkers used his research to support their various (often opposing) views and ideas, Darwin avoided talking about the theological and sociological aspects of his work, and that the survival or extinction of each organism is determined by that organism’s ability to adapt to its environment. He continued to write on botany, geology and zoology until his death in 1882. He is buried in Westminster Abbey.

The Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz (Indefatigable) Island promotes scientific studies and protects the indigenous vegetation and animal life of the Galapagos.

The emblem of the Galapagos Islands – the Giant Tortoise