What to Expect On a Luxury Galapagos Cruise Ship

Galapagos luxury cruises offer fine dining, workout rooms, spas, and some even have a glass bottom like the Santa Cruz II cruise ship. Cruise ships feature high-end amenities and spacious cabins often accompanied by private balconies such as those found on the Galapagos Legend, and Isabela II ships.

Cruise ships in the Galapagos are significantly smaller than typical cruise ships that you’ll find in the Caribbean or Mediterranean, and the term luxury is also relative compared with these larger ships. Expect up to at least 100 passengers but may be as low as 40 passengers. Travelers are split into various groups for day excursions by the leading Naturalist Guide.

On a large cruise ship some visitor sites are restricted by National Park Regulations due to visitor capacity limits in order to protect the environment. Additionally, the service will no doubt be nothing but the best of the best, but you may miss the friendly atmosphere found on smaller boats where the crew gets to know you by name.