With out hesitation, our favorite experience was a one-week cruise in the Galapagos Islands on the fabulous Celebrity Xpedition.
We had a daily choice of two "light, moderate, or, most active" excursions every day, returning afterwards to a luxury yacht and being greeted by iced towels and fresh local juice. Some days we snorkeled with sea lions, giant green sea turtles, or penguins (yes! penguins on the equator), while other days we hiked to the top of a mountain or visited the Charles Darwin Center. We walked deserted beaches among blue footed boobies, flightless cormorants, sally lightfoot crabs, and nursing sea lions. Although my wife and I opted for almost all "most active" excursions, friends who traveled with us went for the "light" activities, which are designed for less active folks. Anyone at any age could enjoy this vacation. It was just incredible!
The ship itself accommodates 92 guests, all in large oceanview staterooms, it has five decks and is the most luxurious ship sailing the Galapagos. The food and service were outstanding as were the on-board naturalists, who spoke in-detail about the following days options, and then shared their love of the islands with us.
We cruise about 2 - 3 times a year - nothing can compare with this experience. In fact, the group of us that went are still talking about it. The 7-night cruise was part of an 11-night package that included some nights in Quito, Ecuador.
This was not an inexpensive trip, as the package included the flights to South America, the flights from Ecuador to the Galapagos, 4-nights in the Quito Marriott with two-days of sightseeing and all meals, all transfers, and on the ship - 2 shore excursions every day, all liquor, and all gratuties.
However, if you have the opportunity and the means to do it, the Celebrity Xpedition is the only way!
2007-02-06 23:56:27
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answer #1
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answered by travel guy 5
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I have been on many NCL, Princess and Royal CAribbean ships and one Celebrity ship, the Constellation. My favorite ship(s), and I name two because they are identical, was the Royal CAribbean's Jewel of the Seas and Brillance of the Seas. I loved the decor of both ships; the color schemes are different and the layout. They have the main dining in a 3-level dining room on the back of the ship. Then there is a huge buffet area which you can walk out of onto the back of the ship, and sit and eat. The ships have really nice gyms up at the front and a Solarium pool area for adults only (a covered area) with a heated pool and a jacuzzi. The ship has an elevator in the center of the ship and then a forward and an aft elevator/stairway. The ship had great activities, food and staff.
WE took the Brillance to the MEditerranian and the Jewel to New England and CAnada. Loved the ship both times.
2007-02-07 09:45:48
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answer #2
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answered by TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only 7
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My favorite ship was the Celebration on a southern Caribbean cruise from Carnival Cruise line, probably because it was the ship my husband and I went on for our honeymoon. Actually, it all depends on what you're looking for as to what cruise line and ship is best for you. Carnival ships truly ARE fun ships, with constant activities and the crew entertaining you. We went next on the Holland America Van deem and stayed longer in each port, but the cruise was geared towards an older and refined crowd. NCL America was our latest cruise and we went around the Hawaiian Islands on the Aloha. It was a very laid back and casual, do what you want type feeling and was family oriented.
No matter what you're looking for in a cruise, there is a cruise line for you. Try the book "Cruising for Dummies" for lots of info on the lines and ships. I research on line for the itineraries of places I want to see and how long they are in each port. Also, there are some great deals at cruisecheap.com.
Crusing is the best way to vacation in my opinion. How else can you get to travel to the many islands and be treated like a king and eat great food at such a low cost?
Have a great time what ever you decide!
2007-02-06 12:48:50
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answer #3
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answered by Sue 1
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Princess Cruises Island Princess 15 night Hawaii cruise r/t from Los Angeles. Hands down the best cruise out of the 21 my husband and I have taken.
(By the way--the worst experience we had was on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas this past October 19th, 2006 on a 7 night Mediterranean Cruise r/t from Barcelona. The ship is great but the crew was rude, abusive and so far from accomodating to the handicapped its not funny. Definately won't cruise with them again!)
2007-02-07 08:23:02
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answer #4
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answered by auntienaw 2
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I think that the best cruise line is Celebrity or RCCL, as for personal ships, they all were amazing, and some of the Royal Caribbean ships are the finest I have ever seen so go with either of those and youll be amazed at whats there.
2007-02-07 10:13:50
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answer #5
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answered by coolliz2444 6
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Hi I have been on 20 cruise mostly with NCL & Princess & all but, 2 to Alaska. The best for me besides the scenery is no matter how times I go I really enjoy meeting new & interesting people from all over the world and learning about where they live etc. Yes, the wildlife & glaicers are amazing too but, the people hands down ( including the crew). I have been to Bermuda & Hawaii too. Bermuda you can get a better land package than cruise & Hawaii I was stationed there & the best part of that is an Island that is for service personell only. Hope this helps on your quest.
2016-05-24 00:54:43
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answer #6
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answered by ? 4
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I've been on Carnival and Royal Caribbean. I would say that Royal was a much nicer ship. More attention to detail and a lot classier. Carnival was fun and I would cruise with them again, but Royal just better..
2007-02-09 02:10:13
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answer #7
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answered by John E 2
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RCCL---Royal Carribean Cruise Lines. service was impeccable. I went to the Bahamas. the bahamas was filthy i didn't like it but the cruise was nice. i am currently putting a cruise together to Alaska which should be beautiful as far as the scenic aspect goes.
2007-02-06 10:12:49
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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I have to vote for Royal Caribbean also - Carnival's cabins are larger and roomier, but the onboard activities and the private island that Royal Caribbean has make the choice easier....
2007-02-06 10:56:47
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answer #9
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answered by Teresa M 2
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It really depends on what you are referring to, what type of ship, etc.
In general I like Cunard, Princess, Disney, etc. They all have their benefits and it depends on your needs which will work best for you.
You also have smaller ships, like Windjammer, or private ships, charters, etc.
2007-02-06 12:41:50
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answer #10
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answered by tech_fanatic 7
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