Ecuador/Galapagos Pre and Post Days

[sjlsk8r]

We visited Bartolome, Baltra, San cristobal, Isabela, and I think two others that are not coming to me right now. And yes we did all of the stairs!! It was an amazing view from the top. I am working to catalog th 5000+ pictures that DH took - on three different cameras.

Kristilew - We had an amazing Christmas Eve dinner on the ship. That is when they do their big celebration. Probably my biggest tip would be to be prepared for the climate changes. Chilly in the higlands - definitely need a jacket and you may want to shower at night because mornings are almost cold at the Hacienda. Very intense su int eh islands. Lot of sun screen required. We wore long sleeve tech shirts most days for sun protection. If you have specific questions, just let me know!

One comment on older teens. There were several of them on our trip and none were "forced" into the optional children's activites, but they all decided to participate. They even joined in on the second movie night as well as the first!

 

[czycropper]

I loved the view from there as well.

I know all too well about going through thousands of pictures. My DH & I ended up with over 6,000 and that's with me going through them and deleting some on a daily basis on the ship every night after I downloaded them into my netbook - but I guess 6,000 isn't that much for a 10-day trip

Which was your favorite island? I still think that mine was Fernandina since a penguin, a seal and several types of fish decided to swim between my DD11 and I while we were snorkeling - I was so excited I couldn't even get my camera up to my eyes fast enough Then we saw the sharks since we were swimming in the famous current and boy could you really feel the difference in the water!

 

[tatafernow]

My girls are 15/16 and there was another 17 year old girl and a 13 year old boy and 12 year old girl and then several younger down to 8, the 8 yr old hung out with her parents and sister, the teens spent time hanging out together as well as the tweens, and they all, as well as some adults loved the movie nites. (Only the kids up thru teens were allowed to vote on what movie they'd see!)My younger daughter hates pizza so they just made sure her dinner order made it's way to her.

 

[familygoboston]

My girls are 15/16 and there was another 17 year old girl and a 13 year old boy and 12 year old girl and then several younger down to 8, the 8 yr old hung out with her parents and sister, the teens spent time hanging out together as well as the tweens, and they all, as well as some adults loved the movie nites. (Only the kids up thru teens were allowed to vote on what movie they'd see!)My younger daughter hates pizza so they just made sure her dinner order made it's way to her.

Thanks for your report! This was our experience with our first ABD, and I'm glad to hear the age skews older. My neighbor was just asking me about ABD Italy trip with a 17 and 13, and her 8 yo. She was hoping the older kids wouldn't be bored, and I really feel the guides do a great job with the tees too
It's nice that you confirmed ths.