Ths is the second leg of the trip and it was like having a completely new vacation. I believe we were Tauck's first trip this year.
Once we arrived in Guayaquil, it seemed that Silver Sea (SS) and its contractors took over. Off the ship, SS used Metropolitan Touring for transportation and coordination of the Covid testing. Metropolitan was excellent - very knowledgeable and on the ball. They even stayed with each of us to make sure our bags and we were checked in at the airport. We had an issue with our flilght being moved up and not having received our test results. Metropolitan worked with the lab and we had the tests delivered by email on time. PHEW!
Tauck had very little involvement in this leg of the trip. We had 18 on the tour. Two left the trip in Peru due to non Covid related reasons. We ranged in age from 55-77. Tauck arranged for a farewell dinner at the hotel in Guayaquil and a reception/dinner on the ship. The small group was great - I think the experience would be different if all 40 spots were filled.
Covid: **We had a PCR test required by Silver Sea when we arrived at the hotel in Guayaquil. Antigen test were administered at the end of the trip at the hotel. I had to remind the Tauck Rep that the test was scheduled too early for our departure. Others were in the same situation. A second testing was scheduled for the next day. The airline did check the test on the first leg of the trip and was particularly focused on the date of the test that had to be administered within 24 hours of departure. On the ship, guests were not required to mask but the staff were all masked. I felt safe, because except for 2 instances, all contacts were with fellow passengers and staff. While on a bus and in public places we masked according to local requirements.
Guayaquil: The Parque Hotel is a lovely property in a lovely setting. Its food was good. That said there is nothing of interest in Guayaquil. People who arranged for an extra day were disappointed and were warned about crime. The airport was beautiful - you are greeted with a Koi ponds and green walls.
Silver Origin:
Space: 87 of the 100 spaces were filled. Although the ship was small it was not difficult to find private public spaces. The lounge was filled during the daily briefing and lectures. Staff was 93.
We were in a cabin on Deck 5, with sliding glass doors to the balcony. We kept the doors open at night - no bugs. We viewed a room on Deck 6 with the balcony incorporated into the room. Missing were the sliding glass doors but there was a lip on the floor where the doors would have been. The balcony section had balcony furniture. The rail was the same as the Deck 5 Cabin but moved to the ceiling to close the room. We were very happy with our room as we like the separation of the balcony and we use it to dry clothes! Also I don't like the idea of deck furniture in the room. Others may like the extra room.
Dining: Three dining options - the restaurant on Deck 4; the Grill on Deck 7 and your room. A few places for beverages - Deck 3 and the lounge. Reservations were needed for the Grill at night - they have a feature called "Hot Rocks" where some entees are placed on a sizzling block so you can cook it! We ate lunch in the grill and enjoyed being outside in the shade and beautiful weather. Buffets were served at lunch, likely due to Covid concerns. Menus for the dining room and grill at lunch appeared very similar. The free alcohol list was very broad and we were not disappointed.
You can ask for certain items off the menu such as a burger, salmon or tenderoin. They even made cassava rolls for us when asked after having them one evening! The food was good, however the beef is not what we are used to in the US - It was not to our liking. The burgers were very good. Variety of fish and cerviche available. Breakfast included cooked to order eggs.
Dress in the dining room was casual however one guest was refused entry the first night for being too casual - shorts and sandles. Not a problem - he just wasn't thinking.
Activities: Hikes, Zodiac trips, kayaking, snorkling and lectures. Snorkling equipment was provided. Walking sticks provided. The Naturalists were excellent - educated, engaged, informative and happy to be there. This is an excellent job in Ecuador and well paid.
Silver Origin is a well oiled machine and a wonderful trip. A week later - I still have a glow.
