Hello all fodorites,

I'm trying to decide between the Celebrity Xpedition and Linblad for a cruise thru the Galapagos this month with a teenager-both cruiselines have availability ... I've read the forums but any new info is appreciated. Also would like info on what to see in Quito as we will have 2 days there. Thanks in advance. As always, I will post when we return for all future travelers. Thank You..

Just returned from three weeks in Quito and the Galapagos. Don't know anything about the boats you named. We were on the Floreana, a 16 passeneger 78 foot boat that is tourist class. It was more than adequate; Victor the guide has very good English and was quite helpful. We travelled with about four other boats and they all seemed to be about the same.

In Quito we spent time in the old part of the city, took the Teleferico (gondola) to the top of Mt. Pinchincha - best on a clear day - and took a trip to Mitad del Mundo (middle of the earth) - both the monument/museum and the actual site next door are both interesting - and Pululahua (extinct volcano where people now farm).

If you are there on a Saturday, a trip to the market at Otavalo with stops in Cayembe, Cotahachi, Cuicocha and St. Anthony Imbarra is a nice way to spend a Saturday.

Something no one mentioned on this site and I didn't find it in my guidebooks, even though it is there: There is a $38.00 departure tax when you depart Quito for home - not required on the trip to the islands.

Thanks for the info on Quito and surrounding areas. Did you do the sightseeing on your own ?? Thanks again.

We sailed on the Xpedition a couple of years ago and were extremely satisfied. Very comfortable ship, good food, knowledgeble naturalists and excellent on-board service. All alcoholic beverages are included on the Xpedition too. Try posting your inquiry on the Trip Advisor web-site (Ecuador Forum); you should get some great feed back on both ships.

Thanks for the info. I'll check trip advisor also.. Peace.