Lindblad Polaris Cruise Review

Exploring the Galapagos is a unique experience which cannot be duplicated anywhere else in the world. We chose Lindblad over several other tour operators because of their reputation for making the most of this type of adventure -- and we were not disappointed. The staff, crew and naturalists aboard the Polaris are outstanding -- totally devoted to showing, explaining and teaching you the wonders of the Galapagos creatures and environment, while at the same time working to preserve it. To wander among wild birds and animals that not only have no fear of you but seem to be as curious about you as you are of them -- is a wonder.

Our Galapagos trip started off badly. The designated flight is American Airlines # 933 on 5/12/06 out of Miami to Quayaquil. First the captain waited for passengers whose luggage was aboard but they were not (2 hour delay), then there was a malfunction which took another hour and a half to clear up. During this entire time in a hot plane on the ground, no courtesy was offered to the passengers except lukewarm water out of a plastic gallon milk bottle -- you could not even buy a drink (Yes - they can serve drinks legally - they did so in first class). I've flown since 1948 -- probably over a million miles -- and I can honestly say I never saw such a surly, unfriendly, and inhospitable cabin crew as that one. To be fair, on the way back, also by AA, we had a much friendlier group.

Lindblad takes good care of you. Arriving in Quayaquil at night you are whisked off to the Hilton Colon - a five star hotel, handed your room key, given vouchers for drinks and breakfast, and made welcome. In the morning a domestic flight takes you to Baltra in the Galapagos, then a short bus ride to a pier where there are sea lions lounging on the benches meant for passengers (you stand -- they were there first!), and then your first experience in a rubber inflatable boat called a Zodiak out to the ship. Get used to the Zodiac -- it's your only means of getting around -- the Polaris never docks during the entire week.

The Polaris started life as a ferry from Denmark to Sweden and was converted to an expedition ship for Lindblad. It has well outlived its useful life and is due to be replaced in about 18 months. If noise bothers you while trying to sleep, take ear plugs -- there does not seem to be any insulation from the engine noise. When talking to reservations we were given a choice between a larger or quieter cabin, chose the 'quiet' one toward the front of the ship (203) and yet my bed vibrated and the noise was very bothersome for me when the ship was underway at night.

This is not a fancy cruise ship -- the cabins are sparse with beds, a desk, a chair, and closets for your clothes -- and a squawk box for all announcements and to wake you up in the morning. The small bathroom has a shower and is adequate. There is air conditioning of a sort -- the fellow in the engine room decides what the air temperature should be and supposedly the 'thermostat' in the cabin will allow you to control how much of that air you let in -- but in ours it didn't work . There is a wall fan we used a couple of times. The ambience wasn't improved by the molding half hanging down or the rust on the door frame. But it's OK, you really don't spend much time in the cabin, and overall the ship is pleasant, clean, and the lounge and library are equipped with comfortable furniture. Your cabin is made up twice a day.

There is open seating in the dining room so you get to meet a lot of really nice folks. This type of cruise attracts intelligent, educated people interested in nature and the environment and having an understanding of how natural selection and evolution works. If your belief is Creationist -- this trip is not for you. Our 71 passenger group was mostly late middle age to seniors with no children aboard, although I understand that at certain times Lindblad has such cruises targeted for families. Our week was designated as a photo excursion, and two professional photographers were brought along.

Page 2 > > More of Polaris Cruise to the Galapagos Review > >

• 1
• 2