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From choosing a ship and itinerary to determining what to put in your suitcase, you have much to consider when planning a Galapagos cruise. The Galapagos is a region unlike anywhere else on Earth, which means a trip there is full of nuance. You'll also need comfortable shoes, including hiking boots and water shoes that can get wet. (I recommend Keen-style sandals, water socks or Crocs.) Bring extra socks; merino wool works well to regulate temperature and keep you comfortable. The island of Rabida is an aesthetic standout, thanks to its pristine red-sand beaches.
Celebrity Galapagos Cruise Reviews
The vessel is bright and modern but with only the most basic in-cabin comforts. (There are no TVs or bathtubs — showers only.) Although all cabins are outsides (no balconies), the ship does have a small fitness center, two lounges, a small selection of books and a game and movie room. Treasure of Galapagos is a yacht-style motor catamaran that carries up to 16 travelers. What's interesting about the ship is that it's also marketed and sold by other operators, including Galapatours, Audley Travel, Rainforest Cruises and Vaya Adventures. If you want to sail with Avalon Waterways, known mainly for its European river cruises, you'll find yourself on board one of two vessels chartered by the line in the Galapagos. Galapagos-based ships are required to hire locally, so most of the crew on ships in the area are Ecuadorian.
Island exploration with Adventures by Disney on Galapagos Legend
With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. This period of the year is sufficiently warm, and it is the best opportunity to dive or snorkel in the ocean. Cruisers can enjoy the sunny days and light tropical rains that change every day. On the other hand, the alternative variant is to take a Galapagos voyage between June and November.
A Typical Day in the Galapagos
If a Galapagos cruise is new territory for you, this planning guide will provide the overview you need to prepare for your foray into one of the world's most untouched, undeveloped areas. Because the islands are largely a preserved national park, the Ecuadorian government limits the number of visitors. Transform your suite to an open-air room with the touch of a button and experience a greater connection to the Galapagos Islands landscapes. Sky Suites with Infinite Veranda feature a modern layout with an etched glass divider and face outward for stunning views from the moment you wake. There’s no better time to discover one of the most awe-inspiring corners of the world—on the first luxury mega yacht designed exclusively for the Galapagos Islands. Sealed off for millions of years, this pristine archipelago is home to foliage and wildlife found nowhere else.
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Also, keep any fresh fruits and vegetables at home, along with loose nuts and seeds. The local government is extremely cautious about preventing visitors from introducing anything foreign that could harm the islands' delicate ecosystems. Keep an eye out for sales around Black Friday and Cyber Monday, as well as wave season — the period during the first three months of each year when cruise lines offer deep discounts, added perks or a combination of the two. Because Galapagos cruises operate all year, there isn't a shoulder season, so fares remain steady year-round. Animal sightings on Bartolome might include Galapagos penguins, herons and elusive Galapagos hawks. Should you choose to snorkel at the nearby beach, you're likely to see sharks, rays, sea lions and red-lipped batfish.
Celebrity Flora, which launched in 2019, is the first ship of its kind to be built especially for the Galapagos Islands. This 100 passenger all-suite mega-yacht features an innovative outward-facing concept-designed to ensure the destination remains the center of attention during your sailing. Celebrity Xpedition is a state-of-the-art, spacious 48-passenger vessel that first put Celebrity on the map in the Galapagos. Recent upgrades to this game-changing vessel added even more luxury, without sacrificing an ounce of authenticity.
Day 7 Friday
Also sailing to the Galapagos for Celebrity are 48-passenger Celebrity Xpedition and 16-passenger Celebrity Xploration. Much smaller than Flora, they don't offer the same high-tech amenities like fast Wi-Fi and touch-screen in-cabin temperature controls. However, that's often just fine for adventurous travelers who know the focus is on the destination and not the ship. The newest ship sailing expedition cruises for Celebrity, 100-passenger Celebrity Flora is also the only ship in Celebrity's fleet built specifically to sail the Galapagos. The vessel plies the waters of the Galapagos, offering space for up to 16 passengers across seven cabins. Highlights include marble bathrooms, sustainably sourced food and a 1-to-1 crew-to-passenger ratio.
Galapagos Cruises
Extreme isolation and the convergence of three ocean currents developed the most unusual wildlife. Since the animals here don’t fear humans, you can truly get up close and personal, looking into the eyes of a Galapagos marine iguana, and walking among penguins – the only penguin species north of the equator. Here, you’ll discover creatures whose very existence forms the basis for one of the most famous scientific theories in history. Once in a lifetime, you can walk in the footsteps of Darwin, getting closer to the natural world than you ever have or ever will, coming home with a radically new understanding of the planet.
Select the one that provides the best availability and matches your schedule. Unrivaled flora and fauna await you in the Galapagos Islands, a destination that helped to shape one of the world's leading scientific doctrines. Just 600 miles off the western coast of Ecuador, this cluster of islands offers an abundance of riches to explore. You won't see the same distribution of wildlife on any two islands, and each has its own history, both geologic and otherwise. Visit 12 or more different stops along the way, where you’ll get to admire unique flora and fauna and witness some of the most spectacular vistas you’ve ever seen. Go on a snorkeling excursion and watch colorful schools of fish, giant sea turtles, and sea lions.
I took an expedition cruise to the Galapagos on Celebrity Cruises. Here's what a Sky Suite looks like - Cruise Blog
I took an expedition cruise to the Galapagos on Celebrity Cruises. Here's what a Sky Suite looks like.
Posted: Mon, 25 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Arguably one of the most iconic views in the Galapagos is the one from the Pinnacle Rock volcanic formation on Bartolome Island, one of the smallest of the main islands. A short and fairly flat hike will take you over lava rocks to beaches where sea lions laze, play and mate, barking as they make their presence known. This area is also great for snorkeling, offering a chance to view unicorn fish, parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, surgeonfish and hogfish.
Consisting of 19 islands and 42 islets that all rose from the sea as the product of volcanic eruptions, these islands are between 3 million and 4 million years old. For over 15 years, we’ve set the standard for luxurious suite experiences in this unique corner of the world. With an attendant to take care of your every need and premium amenities that make your suite a sanctuary all its own, we indulge you at every turn. Because sailings can cost upwards of $10,000 per person and last two weeks or more, you'll want to know what to expect ahead of time, so you can get the most out of such a sizeable investment in both time and funds.
If you opt for the central loop, you might find yourself on the islands of Baltra, Rabida, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Espanola, San Cristobal, Lobos and Bartolome. Plan an extra day or two of travel on either side of your cruise to account for any flight connections. Below is a more extensive breakdown of the ships you can sail under each company in the Galapagos. In the final stretch of each year, giant tortoise eggs start hatching, and sea lion pups begin to mature. Cruises to the Galapagos operate year-round, which means there's no universal "best" time to visit. The best time for you and your travel companions to go will depend on your priorities and preferences.
If you visit during the right season, you might come face-to-face with hammerhead sharks or manta rays. Because the islands of the Galapagos are largely uninhabited and undeveloped, activities are mostly limited to what nature offers. For North American travelers, the journey will require a minimum of two flights — one to Quito or Guayaquil and another to Baltra or San Cristobal, depending on where your sailing departs. However, if you're unable to find a direct flight from your hometown to Quito or Guayaquil, it's possible a third (or even fourth) flight could be necessary. The smaller of Quasar Expeditions' two ships is Grace, a 16-passenger vessel with an interesting past.
Modern explorers need a private retreat where they can rest and recharge after a full day of discovery. Private verandas and large picture windows will bring the beauty of the islands into your room. Our thoughtful designer touches, comfy bedding, and cozy extras transform each stateroom into your own personal getaway at sea. Visit the islands aboard Celebrity Flora℠ ,Celebrity Xpedition®, or Celebrity Xploration℠ and you can choose from various spacious suites including the Penthouse Suite, with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors, and an expansive veranda. The island is the place for travelers to spot frigatebirds and red-footed boobies, as well as giant tortoises (useful if you missed out on Santa Cruz Island).
Three other ships — Origin, Theory and Evolve — are luxury expedition yachts rented from Ecoventura, part of the Relais & Chateaux family of luxury brands. Each carries just 20 passengers in a plush, high-end atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the Galapagos' rugged terrain. Because of that, it's common for more than one travel company or cruise brand to sell sailings on the same ship. If you're confused about which ship to book or how to book it if it's offered by multiple companies, go directly through your favorite cruise line, or contact your travel agent.
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