JeffRome

My wife and I (in our 30s and 40s) are interested in taking a luxury cruise around the Galapagos. My wife is an amateur reptile fan and we are both veterinarians. We like GREAT food and want a smaller ship--maybe with 20-30 people max. We also want it to be relatively laid back. Any recommendations?

Percy

Last year I was on the Isabella 2 . a Luxury Class Yacht.

Two weeks before I boarded , the hollywood actor Morgan Freeman and his daughter were on the Isabella 2.

It is a very lovely yacht.. 40 passengers, but we only had 36 because some people came in groups of 3's and so some had a room to themselves.

I can send you a few pictures the this yacht inside, if you like.

Percy

JeffRome

How was the food? Was it a relaxed but informative atmosphere? Thanks!

Percy

Food was always good and the atmosphere was great.

There was always plenty of time between the Island tours to just relax and sit on the sun deck, grab a short snooze or have a drink inthe Lounge.

There is no dress up for the dinning room.
I wore shorts the full time I was there.

Percy

manycruiser

You might want to check out celebrity xpedition. It is new in the Galapagos, has only 90 passengers, and is all inclusive. No tipping, all tours included. They have some great packages that include a coupld of days in Quito.

Percy

manycrusier

Please correct me where I am wrong,but all the yachts that go through the Galapagos Islands are All Inclusive.

I know of none that charge you for each meal once you are on their yacht.

Drinks in the lounge is of course extra but all meals are in the package deal.

Am I wrong about this.?

And yes there are good package deals from Quito, that is why I tell people about Martin at Sangay Tours in Quito because he is right there and on top of any deal that comes along.

As for tipping your guides are so good and so knowledgeable , many have University Biology Degrees ( and more ),that at the end of the week you want to tip them.

The tipping is not expensive ,like on some cruise ships.!!

Thanks

Percy

simonv

Check the tours from adventure travel companies such as Wilderness Travel, International Expeditions or Travacoa. Their trips aren't cheap but they use good accomodations and guides, and well worth the price. They usually use small boats for 25 passengers max, more personal and have better naturalists. But go now. Mass market line coming in there is the begining of the end for Galapagos. The 90 passengers at the same time is more than the fragile environment there can handle.

Patty

Percy,
The difference between the Celebrity Xpedition package and most other vessels is that the tour price includes all beverages, tipping for crew & guides, and the $100pp national park fee, so the total price compares favorably to other luxury class vessels. We looked into it before our trip in May but decided that we didn't want a 90 passenger boat.

Percy

Thanks Patty:

I paid the $100.00 fee as soon as I got off the airplane at the Galapagos.

I also tipped the guides at the end of the week.

Nice to know that there are full and complete All Inclusive Packages.. so that once you pay, there is no more additional fees or charges , except of course for your own shopping.

Thanks Again.... I live and learn .!!

Percy

manycruiser

Percy,

all inclusive means that everything is included. We have paid one flat price, and that is for all the tours, twice a day, guides, entrance to the park, 3 nights in Quito, air to the Galapagos. And of course tipping.

Of course the other ships do include meals, but most do not cover air to the Galapagos, as well as the entrance fee.

This was just one that I picked

Rates Include
All transfers in Galapagos, guided visits to islands, accommodation, meals and soft drinks.

Not Included
Galapagos National Park Fee, Galapagos air, consumption from fridge-bar in each suite, and any other items not specifically mentioned.

I would say this is pretty typical of what most cruises offer.

I was very happy to see that Celebrity offered a total package.......even down to picking you up at the airport. No extra charges.

Percy

Thanks manycruise

I appreciate your comments

That is just about what I got.

One price included 4 days in Quito with four full day tours with private guides , the hotel in Quito, the transfers to and from the Quito airport, the airfare to the Galapagos.
Pickup at the Galapagos airport with a lunch about one hour after we left the airport.

All the tours and meals on the Yacht including coffee , tea and soft drinks and snacks between meals were included.

What was not included was:

Tips
Alcoholic drinks.
$100.00 Galapagos Fee payable at the airport.

It was nice because once I paid from my home City, I incurred no additional costs, except four evening meals at the hotel in Quito.
All full breakfast was included each day at the Quito hotel.

Oh yes I bought a stuffed Blue Footed Boobie at Santa Cruz and it sits on top of my computer as I type this.

My personal opinion is that the more you can pay for here at home the better it is.

Thanks again for your statements..they are much appreciated

Percy