Jump to content

Flora…vacation begins!


kent4489
 Share

Recommended Posts

4 hours ago, shipster60 said:

So glad to have found your new post. I was communicating with you before you left. When you have time would you please tell me when they checked your Covid test results? I can’t wait to hear more about your cruise. Are you doing inner or outer loop?

We are on Inner Loop. In the end, we did our PCR tests in Miami. I made the issue with Celebrity as a matter of principle. But, I felt better having the results before we flew. We had our results within 45 minutes, both a printed copy and an email. I haven’t talked to anyone that had the PCR test in Quito, so I’m not sure when they did it. Some people did not recall seeing the corrected email from Celebrity saying they would provide the test. I’m guessing most pax got them before leaving the States. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, sippican said:

Thank you for the report.

Did you have a COVID test in Quito to comply with Galapagos requirements?

We had it done in Miami on Thursday afternoon. We had our results within 45 minutes, both a paper copy and an email.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

16 minutes ago, CynthiaP said:

We did Galapagos with Celebrity about 4 or 5 years ago. This is for those of you going in the future. We were at a different hotel, but we were advised the hotel had small oxygen tanks for anyone experiencing altitude sickness. One lady in our group fainted during a tour. That evening, Robert wasn't feeling well so we asked the front desk for oxygen. It's a small tank. They tell you to use it for only 5 minutes. They recommend you take oxygen before bed to prevent problems during the night. We were in the hotel for a couple of nights, and were able to keep the tank until we left for Galapagos islands. We weren't the only ones in our group who asked for the oxygen.

Wow, I didn’t see anyone so I’ll that they needed oxygen. I would think they had it if it had been needed. I only felt dizzy after we arrived at the hotel the first evening, but had a terrible headache all night. (I thought from too much wine, which I knew I shouldn’t have had!) Mostly after that, I just felt a little short of breath a few times. All is good now in the Galapagos!

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

34 minutes ago, BellKat said:

Hi - I’m DrKoob’s wife Kathleen. So glad your trip has started out well. I also had an issue with the altitude. When we got our PCR test the doctor asked if I was okay. My heart rate was way up & I was obviously having difficulties. They took my oxygen level twice. It was even worse on the way back for some reason. I’d been feeling really great for the whole trip until we got off the plane back in Quito. Within minutes I was struggling. I hardly slept that night, my heart was pounding. I checked my sleep app in the morning & my heart rate during the night was in the 90’s. I will definitely be getting meds when we go back in 2024. Have a great time! The Galapagos is an amazing place. Can’t wait to return.

Oh, I was hoping it wouldn’t be too bad when we get back to Quito. We have an all day tour booked for the free day.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

49 minutes ago, kent4489 said:

It was comfortable cool this morning when we left. We took the long walk. I wore shorts and a long sleeve tee. I was warm by the time we got back. Not hot, but warm. We did not snorkel, but waded in the water. Water was pretty cool, but refreshing.

 

Thanks. This helps. Would appreciate more updates as the week goes on. The cruise we are taking includes wetsuit use so sounds like those may be helpful. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 hours ago, calsnoozie said:

Kent4489- what is all involved in the Health Check in Quito ?  Just curious what they check ?
 

- Sue from California 

Very simple. We turned in a form stating we had no symptoms, then they checked our oxygen and temperature. Took about 3 minutes.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, sanger727 said:

 

Thanks. This helps. Would appreciate more updates as the week goes on. The cruise we are taking includes wetsuit use so sounds like those may be helpful. 

Warmer this afternoon, but still very comfortable. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Monday…. Ok, I’m really tired, but a quick recap of today….

 

Breakfast, assisted buffet. (Shout out to the great crew here. More than makes up for the less than ideal pre cruise from the “Galapagos Desk” specialist.)

 

For our morning excursion, we chose the long walk. (Not really that long, but we really enjoyed it and saw amazing things.) I’m not going to go too much into what we experienced because everyone should choose their own experience. I just want to. Give an idea of what to expect as far as basic itinerary. It will be amazing!

 

Back on the ship and they had a light snack and flavored waters waiting. We went to our cabin and relaxed on our balcony, then we had lunch on the deck. And even had time for a quick20 minute nap before leaving on afternoon excursion. Again, we chose the long walk. Again, a light refreshment upon return.

 

Back on the ship and enjoyed a nice long shower and time to relax before the presentation for tomorrow’s excursions. Followed by a relaxing dinner in the dining room. So far, everything is great. We’re so pleased with everything and wish that Celebrity had other small ships. 
 

Goodnight!
 

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you so much for taking time to write about your experiences. Could you please tell me about what time that looked at your Covid test results at the airport, or if they did. I’m getting it done before we leave, but need to time it right. 
Also, I live in Chacos in the summer but they’re opened toed. Will I be ok in those for hiking or will I need something with a closed toe?

Edited by shipster60
Link to comment
Share on other sites

12 minutes ago, shipster60 said:

Also, I live in Chacos in the summer but they’re opened toed. Will I be ok in those for hiking or will I need something with a closed toe?

 

We visited the Galapagos in 2018 and are returning next month. Although you'll see people wearing whatever they want,  I strongly recommend a shoe with a closed toe for walking/hiking excursions. The rocks, particularly the lava, can be very, very sharp. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

20 hours ago, kent4489 said:

We had it done in Miami on Thursday afternoon. We had our results within 45 minutes, both a paper copy and an email.

If you don’t mind sharing, where did you have the test done in Miami, and what did it cost?

 

@kent4489Thank you for doing this! Enjoying your posts and experiences. Galapagos is on the bucket list. 
 

We did Machu Picchu in March, 2020, just before the shutdown. We did have issues with the altitude (we live in the flatland of Florida) but we’re offered cocoa leaves everywhere, which helped. Not all hotels have the supplemental oxygen tanks, but some do. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

38 minutes ago, Margarita Jane said:

If you don’t mind sharing, where did you have the test done in Miami, and what did it cost?

 

@kent4489Thank you for doing this! Enjoying your posts and experiences. Galapagos is on the bucket list. 
 

We did Machu Picchu in March, 2020, just before the shutdown. We did have issues with the altitude (we live in the flatland of Florida) but we’re offered cocoa leaves everywhere, which helped. Not all hotels have the supplemental oxygen tanks, but some do. 

 

We are going to Machu Picchu after our Galapagos trip. The tour company recommends hiking boots. Did you think those were necessary or would sneakers be fine for machu picchu?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, shipster60 said:

Thank you so much for taking time to write about your experiences. Could you please tell me about what time that looked at your Covid test results at the airport, or if they did. I’m getting it done before we leave, but need to time it right. 
Also, I live in Chacos in the summer but they’re opened toed. Will I be ok in those for hiking or will I need something with a closed toe?

You’re welcome. We had our Covid test at 3:45 pm, Miami time on Thursday. Our flight was on Friday morning. The airport did not check the Covid test, they only asked to see vaccine card. Once we arrived at the hotel in Quito, our celebrity guide checked our Covid results and vaccine cards. He took pics of all documents.

We’ve been wearing our Tevas (open toed, but with the sturdier soles). So far, they’ve been fine. We had 2 wet landings yesterday and did the long walk each time. This afternoon, we’re going on the fitness walk. Dry landing, more rugged, so we’ll wear our hiking shoes.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, Margarita Jane said:

If you don’t mind sharing, where did you have the test done in Miami, and what did it cost?

 

@kent4489Thank you for doing this! Enjoying your posts and experiences. Galapagos is on the bucket list. 
 

We did Machu Picchu in March, 2020, just before the shutdown. We did have issues with the altitude (we live in the flatland of Florida) but we’re offered cocoa leaves everywhere, which helped. Not all hotels have the supplemental oxygen tanks, but some do. 

We did our tests at Good Hearts Testing in Miami. Super efficient and simple.  They are actually operating at the hotel where we stayed so it was super convenient. (EB Hotel). The cost was $371. for both of us. We booked the one with results in 30 minutes. Cost less if you get next day results. But, I wanted a paper copy in hand as I would have worried too much waiting for an email the next day after we flew.

Edited by kent4489
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you so much for posting.  Celebrity canceled our May, 2021 cruise, so we moved it to May of 2022.  Fingers crossed that my DH and I make this, but our TP from Sydney to Honolulu was also canceled for April of 2022.  I look forward to your information and hope you have a fantastic journey.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Tuesday… this really might be brief. A full day and fun evening! I don’t really want to go in to too many details as everyone should choose their own activities… and I don’t want to spoil any surprises. I’ll just say that it was another amazing day!

 

The tender ride this morning was full of surprises. Very enjoyable.

We finally had plenty of time to rest today since our afternoon excursion wasn’t until 4:30. We did the fitness walk. It wasn’t too long, maybe 2 miles. Uphill on the way, so coming down was much easier. It was good. The views spectacular and the wildlife on the ride back were again amazing.

 

Our cabin attendant is wonderful. We decided on a favorite waiter and a favorite table and now we’ll have them for the rest of the week. We’re really impressed with the attentiveness of everyone here. We’ve never sailed with Celebrity and if they had other small ships, we would definitely sail them again.  
 

Any questions, just ask!

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

15 hours ago, kent4489 said:

We decided on a favorite waiter and a favorite table and now we’ll have them for the rest of the week. 
 

Any questions, just ask!

 

Thank you for your continued updates!

 

The we sailed Xpedition, dining was first come, first served. We really enjoyed getting to meet the different guests onboard, and honestly, all the staff seemed great.

Do they work the dining differently aboard Flora?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

54 minutes ago, sippican said:

 

Thank you for your continued updates!

 

The we sailed Xpedition, dining was first come, first served. We really enjoyed getting to meet the different guests onboard, and honestly, all the staff seemed great.

Do they work the dining differently aboard Flora?

Yes, it is first come, first served. We prefer a table for two and a table by the window. With so few passengers, it was no problem to request a certain table/waiter. We are having a lot of opportunity to meet and get to know all the passengers. Really nice people. And the crew is fantastic.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Kent4489 - This weekend we will start to sort and stack our suitcase items (we take the red-eye from SFO to Miami on Thursday 9/16 then to Quito Friday, 9/17 morning flight (will get C-19 tested at SFO airport before we fly out just to make sure there are "no surprises" and the RT-PCR test should meet the requirement to travel to Galapagos within 72 hours of testing requirement).  Is there anything that you "wished" you would  packed but you didn't? 

 

Also - is there a clothesline in the built into the bathroom shower to hang wet clothes?  

 

Thanks again for sharing your daily posts and answering questions.  I hope we can do the same...

 

-Sue from California

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...