There are those out there who proclaim that Galapagos vessel size can make or break a trip in the enchanted isles. We’re here to tell you otherwise. Read on to find out what myths you should look out for when it comes to choosing a Galapagos vessel based on size alone.
Galapagos Vessel Size = Level of Intimacy
Some Say: True intimacy can only be found on smaller yachts.
We Believe: Intimacy is the ability to unwind more easily – to be alone with your thoughts, to have a quiet moment with a loved one, to read a book, or just enjoy the sunset. Larger expedition vessels provide ample spaces that allow for this exact level of intimacy. In fact, more often than not, you may find that you have some of the communal areas entirely to yourselves!
Get ready to explore the Galapagos Islands in the comfort of Santa Cruz II Cruise!
Out of Many, One
Some Say: You will feel like a passenger and not a guest on a bigger boat.
We Believe: It’s our job – and our pleasure – to make sure every guest on our vessels thoroughly enjoys their journey with us, and with a 3:2 guest-crew ratio, you know you’re going to be pampered. The word passenger, in fact, is practically non-existent in our vocabulary. We tend to every need – be it comfort, dietary, activity, or health-related – as if each individual were a guest of honor aboard. We spare no effort or expense in guaranteeing that our guests experience the best and most comfortable stay possible.
Stranger Danger?
Some Say: You will be surrounded by strangers.
We Believe: Unless you’ve chartered an entire, smaller yacht for you and 15 of your closest friends, you will most definitely (and constantly!) be surrounded by strangers on a smaller vessel with less room to separate. Smaller ships mean less space to find your own personal space. Larger ships, however, have the added benefit of allowing guests to find plenty of space and room to themselves, should they need a break from being in the presence of other guests.
Nevertheless, it’s important to note that, regardless of ship size, it’s the experiences we share with strangers, friends, and family that bring us together and connect us in ways we never thought possible. And why should we be afraid to be surrounded by our fellow humans on a trip as extraordinary as this one, anyway? Here in the Galapagos, experiencing the new and wonderful as a group is what brings us all closer together; for there is always something to talk about, new opinions and worldviews to share, and memories to build together. On large vessels, you get to choose when you want to do and have that.
The Bigger They Are, The Less They Rock
Some Say: Large ships will still rock on rough seas.
We Say: Large ships are in fact less prone to the movement of the ocean and its currents than smaller vessels. Large vessels, or “Expedition Vessels” as they’re known in the Galapagos, are way more stable due to their sheer size. Passengers experience the motion of the waves much less on expedition vessels than on smaller vessels. The smaller the ship, the more prone and susceptible they are to being moved dramatically with each gentle push of a current or a small smack of a wave. Physics is key when it comes to dispelling this myth: The greater the size of the ship in the water, the more stable it is.
Some Say: Cruise Ships need to cater to many passengers, many times using pre-cooked ingredients.
We Say: It’s important to remember that we are not a cruise ship. In fact, there are zero cruise ships, in a traditional sense of the term, allowed in the Galapagos. Secondly, only the best of the best is served on this expedition vessel. Our meals are prepared daily using primarily fresh ingredients. With top-tier chefs under the direction of a Le Cordon Bleu-trained gastronomic director and quality ingredients sourced both locally and from the mainland with our own dedicated logistics operations, the food prepared aboard our ships is on par with some of the best culinary experiences that can be found over on the mainland.
