We just got on the SS Galapagos today doing the itinerary above. Will give a full review. So far very nice. Spent 2 days in Quito...could have done 3. Hired our own private guide...Lincoln Jambra who was very good. We found him via tripadvisor. One day went to all the villages and the equator. The equator tour was really interesting and I recommend it. The little villages are filled with different specialties.. One village was all weavers, another furniture making and wood working, rose growing, Guinean pig raising, leatherwork...the roses are incredible here.. Dozen huge long stemmed roses are 2.00. The other day we went to the cloud forest and visited a chocolate factory, butterfly garden, orchid garden and hummingbird garden. Both evenings we ate in old town. One night at the Vista Hermosa. Average food but incredible view. Had hot chocolate with cheese in it! The other night we ate at the theatrum. Highly recommend it. Delicious food. I would have liked one more day to visit the old city and recuperate from altitude sickness. Give yourself some time in case you get hit with it.
The hotel was a typical Marriott. Not much around the hotel but it had a jacuzzi and pool. The room was quiet, views nice, breakfast good, bed was very comfortable and bathroom fully appointed. Hotel rooms were a bit run down, (wallpaper peeling). Loads of traffic, so it took awhile to get anywhere.
Today was a travel day. Got on the bus at 7:30 and arrived around 2. Saw a swimming marine iguana, a couple of sea lions, a pelican and huge crabs on the zodiac ride to the ship. Had a nice lunch, unpacked, went to a welcome lecture, the safety drill, and a discussion of tomorrow's events...about 3 hours of lectures and a cocktail sail away. Got a nice surprise of free internet. 1680 hrs each for a week. No laundry on board and it is very expensive. Reviews on cruise critic said AC was weak. It wasn't working when we arrived, but is now fine. We have the second to largest class of rooms which is much smaller than Regent. Maybe like PG? It's fine but no place to put suitcases, so a bit cramped. Balcony like Regent's. Only a shower but not a bad size bath. Couch, table, chair, fridge, desk adequate outlets.
Heard from folks that the SS pre trip to Machu Picchu was not well run. Folks only got 31/2 hours there due to poor transportation planning. Transportation for us was excellent. Once on board Lunch was very good with very tasty tuna ceviche and lobster. Some folks wanted to change all on board activities to suit themselves and didn't seem it fully understand cruising.. Other folks wore little zodiac vests instead of yellow vests to lifeboat drill lol. Got fitted for wet suits and snorkel gear. Very few folks showed up for dinner tonight. Tomorrow an early day beginning at 7:30..two hikes...easy hike, hard hike, snorkeling, kayaking...quite a full day!
