http://www.cruisereviews4u.com/ 142-154 http://www.cruisereviews4u.com/small-ship-reviews/cruise-west/pacific-explorer.html We have cruise several times with Cruise West but this was our first time on the Pacific Explorer. This kind of cruising is not for everyone and is suited to a certain clientele. Everything is very informal, social and very educational. The ship can only hold 100 people so you do get a great chance to know other people onboard. Transportation to and from the ship is often done with zodiacs. Lots of nature viewing, hiking and nature walking. We even got to explore a Spanish fort. The ports and excursions were really enjoyable and an experience you wouldn't get on a large cruise ship. The people on the ship both staff and passengers were so friendly. The staterooms were comfortable and had enough room for all our belongings. There wasn't alot of entertainment but I found we didn't need that. We liked that there was no tipping and they included all the land tours. I would say if you like this type of cruising take a cruise on the Pacific Explorer or another Cruise West ship. ]]> Mon, 03 May 2010 18:39:55 -0500 127-63 http://www.cruisereviews4u.com/cruise-reviews/celebrity/xpedition.html We just came back from our Galapagos cruise on the Xpedition. We had to say that we really loved this cruise. This is not your typcial cruise where you sit back and relax. You wake up early eat and go out for the first Zodiac ride. You come back around lunch and change clothes and rest of a couple of hours and then you are out again. We took a lot of pictures and be sure to bring an underwater camera as well as enough batteries, a packpack and good shoes and sandals. The evening was spent resting and getting the briefing for the next day. All the staff was excellent and the Naturalists were extremely knowledgeable. The weather was good and it only rained a few times. Overall a great cruise that we really enjoyed. A once in a lifetime cruise for us. ]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 23:43:57 -0500