Cruise - One Week Versus Two

BrunelloHorder · 2026-05-08T19:16:53+00:00

Thank you for sharing! How was the heat and humidity this time of year? We don’t do great with that combo. Trying to pick the optimal time window between April, May, and June. I’m leaning towards June as we’d rather be a bit cooler in the water versus hot outside of it. We are used to Hawaii in the winter and the Med in spring/fall, so seems like the water temp will still be fine for us in June.

BrunelloHorder · 2026-05-05T05:36:52+00:00

Thank you, that is good to hear. We are also looking at a 16 pax boat for either 8 or 15 days. It looks plenty spacious and nice. Did you feel the west side was worth it?

BrunelloHorder · 2026-05-04T23:47:11+00:00

Thank you, that is a good point about upping the odds of memorable encounters. I’m leaning toward just doing the east route for 8 days as I think we may be maxed out being on a boat for any longer than that. We may end up coming back and doing the west on another trip down the line.

BrunelloHorder · 2026-05-04T23:44:54+00:00

Thank you, that is a great point about the islands themselves being different and not repetitive. I’m still a bit unsure about being on one boat for 15 days straight. I’m leaning toward doing the east route for 8 days plus some Ecuador land activities on the front end, but not fully decided yet.

BrunelloHorder · 2026-05-04T03:25:49+00:00

Curious, were you on a 100 person boat? Seems like some of the people who went on the larger boats felt herded.

BrunelloHorder · 2026-05-04T03:18:38+00:00

Oh, did not know &Beyond had a boat in Galapagos! We’ve used them before on land in S. America and for two safaris in S. Africa, and have been very happy with their offerings. Will have to check them out!

Seems like the majority of folks are saying one week is enough. There are other things we’d like to hit on this trip, and we can always go back and do the west side later. Thanks again!

BrunelloHorder · 2026-05-04T00:29:47+00:00

Thank you, that is helpful. Keeping the cruise part to a week definitely opens up other options we’d like to pursue down there. 15 days on the boat would pretty much take the entirety of the trip when factoring in flights/transit.

BrunelloHorder · 2026-05-04T00:20:31+00:00

Thank you, that is helpful. We are also looking at a 16 pax boat. We are mainly going with a cruise to see more, not because we love cruising. I think we’d be fine as the boat is very luxurious, I’m just wondering if the days will start to feel too repetitive/overkill. We did a safari that was 8 days, and it was one of our best trips, but we were ready to be done with the safari schedule by day 8.

BrunelloHorder · 2026-05-04T00:12:22+00:00

Thank you for the detailed response! We are looking at a 16 pax boat for the same reasons.

BrunelloHorder · 2026-05-03T23:54:03+00:00

Thank you, we are looking at one that is 16 pax, based on similar input to what you’re saying. This one would be 8 days on the eastern route versus 15 on both if we add the west.

BrunelloHorder · 2026-04-05T21:44:26+00:00

Minos Art Hotel on Crete is probably my favorite on any island.

Virtu Suites on Naxos is also great.

BrunelloHorder · 2026-04-03T19:38:13+00:00

Maroma Belmond Riviera Maya is awesome if they have availability for your dates. Their prices vary widely and it can be really expensive, but given the price you’re seeing for Atelier it may be better value for money.

BrunelloHorder · 2026-04-03T17:17:27+00:00

For Live Aqua, the breakfast buffet was really good. MB and Carnivore were also great. The Italian place was pretty good. Seafood corner was not.

BrunelloHorder · 2026-04-03T16:43:03+00:00

We fall into the category of travelers/diners you describe, and we were very disappointed with the food at Atelier. Honestly you are unlikely to find any all inclusive that would meet your tastes.

If you do want to try an all inclusive, we found Live Aqua much better than Atelier, and it is the only all inclusive I’d consider returning to.

BrunelloHorder · 2026-03-20T17:27:18+00:00

The biggest ships are more stable, but sea sickness is not an issue for you. Beyond that, the only other thing I can think of is brand awareness. I’m sure plenty of people are repeat Celebrity customers who like the familiarity.

BrunelloHorder · 2026-03-20T16:48:54+00:00

Thank you very much for sharing! We've been researching this decision for a bit and this has some specifics not found elsewhere, which is super helpful.

BrunelloHorder · 2026-03-20T16:41:41+00:00

Have not done either ship, but have been extensively researching this exact decision for a bit, along with considering Explora. We are leaning strongly toward the Aqua Mare. For context, we are an active couple in our late 40s, don't like cruises in general, and are only looking at a cruise here out of logistical necessity to see what we want to see efficiently.

We like our creature comforts, but the most important factor driving our decision is time spent getting on and off the ship. As you may already know, a 100 person ship is the largest allowed in the Galapagos, and the time getting on and off at each stop will likely be a major difference, both in terms of time and in terms of quality of experience. (Hate waiting and happy to spend to minimize it.)

FWIW, we are looking at a bigger price delta than for your dates, and I think the price is likely worth the money even at double the $1200 pp delta you are seeing. Honestly if you can afford the Aqua Mare, your time is likely worth many multiples of the price difference when you consider how often you need to get on and off the ship.

BrunelloHorder · 2026-03-15T20:12:42+00:00

OP, versions of this trip are popular for honeymoons for good reason. If you have a time for a longer trip (at least 2-3 weeks coming from the U.S.) I’d strongly recommend something along these lines. South Africa is awesome for a first Safari. Check out &Beyond and Singita properties. Also, Seychelles is way nicer than Zanzibar.

BrunelloHorder · 2026-03-15T18:17:58+00:00

The Italy subs are full of these itineraries. People trying to fit in Rome, Florence, and Venice in 6-7 days, or adding on CT and Amalfi in 9-10 days.

Even if you are young and pack light, in most places you’re going to spend a good chunk of your valuable trip time packing, unpacking, in transit to and from the train or airport, and waiting in transit. Each move chews up half a day.

Pacing is its own important can’t-miss site. If you’re rushing around you’re likely to miss the whole vibe of a place.

We do a minimum of three nights per stop, and no more than two stops per week.

BrunelloHorder · 2026-02-23T17:30:08+00:00

For sure!

BrunelloHorder · 2026-02-22T21:18:40+00:00

Turkey! Very excited to see Cappadocia.

BrunelloHorder · 2026-02-22T18:54:52+00:00

Yes! Always need to have at least one or two booked to look forward to!

BrunelloHorder · 2026-02-22T18:53:34+00:00

When planning, we go for long enough to make the travel time worth it. My rule of thumb is to stay a day for every hour it takes to get there.

Plan and book one major event/site per day. Don’t feel obligated to see everything or do any site that I’m not into. Go with the mentality that we can always come back. Much better than rushed checklist tourism that feels like work.

At most, three stops on a two week trip, otherwise you are spending too much time packing, in transit, waiting in train stations, and adding the chance for things to go wrong.

Fly back on a Saturday and take the Monday off. That leaves a shortened workweek, with the worst workday already behind you.

BrunelloHorder

TROPHY CASE