My friend and I have decided on going to Ecuador and the Galapagos in May 2006 on the Archipel. I've been speaking with Galacruises and they say they don't take credit cards. Is this a normal thing in Ecuador. She says we need to wire our downpayment. I'm just a little nervous about doing it this way. Is it safe? Has anyone had any experience with Galacruises?
Thanks for your help and input.

Hi,

We are going to stay at the Archipel in July 2006. (Cannot wait to read your report when you return!)
We too , did book with Galacruises and wired our money.
I do hope/believe it is safe.
As we are belgian and the person we are dealing with in Ecuador is also belgian, I do hope we can trust him.
Anyway we have payed our 30% a few months ago .

We're probably going to wire the money this week. It just makes me nervous. I went to Costa Rica earlier this year and everyone accepted credit cards. It's just a safe and secur way of keeping track of everything. I hope all goes well. I will definitely let you know how it goes. We're probably going towards the end of May.

I booked our Archipel cruise last year through an agency in Quito that didn't accept credit cards either, so I think this is common practice. Is Galacruises an agency or are they the operators of the vessel?

I hope you both have a great trip!

cschoregge,

Did you book the Archipel?