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Post-cruise, travel to the Peruvian capital of Lima, then venture deep into the Andes Mountains to visit Cuzco, the stunning Sacred Valley, and one of the most mysterious and inspiring places on earth, famous Machu Picchu. Shrouded in mystery, this Lost City of the Incas will awe you with its beauty and its secrets. While the Galapagos Islands are Ecuador's most famous destination, its capital, Quito, is a remarkable place unto itself. At 9,350 feet, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers one of the largest, least-altered, best-preserved historic centers in the Americas. Start your adventure with a pre-cruise tour of Ecuador's mountaintop capital of Quito, then head for your incredible 7-Night Galapagos cruise. Plus, after 17 years of award-winning Galapagos cruises and vacations, we can open your world even wider with all-inclusive packages of 10–16 nights in South America.
Galapagos cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do
Every menu is crafted by our Michelin-starred chef, and every menu takes you a bit further into becoming one with this enchanting destination and unique culture. If you take your time and enlist the help of a seasoned travel agent, you should be able to eliminate many of the usual snags and focus on enjoying your time on some of the world's most untouched islands. For example, Galapagos sailings begin and end on either Baltra Island or, less frequently, San Cristobal, where you'll land after flying in from mainland Ecuador and before boarding your ship. Centrally located Santa Cruz Island, which is inhabited, tends to show up on several itineraries, as does Isabela Island, which is the largest in the group. The Galapagos — which comprises about 100 small islets and 19 larger islands, only four of which are inhabited — can be difficult to break into regions, particularly since itineraries vary by cruise line. G Adventures runs a few ships in the Galapagos; your chosen itinerary will determine which ship you sail.
Ultraluxury experience on Silver Origin
The Galapagos is one of the world's true bucket-list destinations, a veritable wonderland filled with stunning vistas, amazing wildlife and plenty of expedition-style opportunities. Nearly a hundred ships call this region home, but we've picked seven of our favorites that offer a great mix of authentic experiences ashore and world-class comforts. These two itineraries (also known as Inner & Outer Loop) are arranged to meet the strict visitation requirements of the Galapagos Islands National Park. They offer the same level of wildlife viewing, snorkeling and hiking opportunities regardless of the itinerary you choose. Unless there's a specific island you want to visit, don't worry about the itinerary.
When do cruises go to the Galapagos?
Celebrity Cruises Makes Changes to Final Payment Dates - Cruise Hive
Celebrity Cruises Makes Changes to Final Payment Dates.
Posted: Tue, 30 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
You will also have the opportunity to take a bus ride to the highlands to observe giant tortoises in the wild and walk through a lava tunnel. In addition, you will have an exclusive opportunity to participate in the Scalesia reforestation project. All of our ships feature service so attentive, so intuitive, yet so unobtrusive, that the things you want tend to appear before you even realize you want them. An expedition leader along with onboard naturalists will guide you through your trip. The ship is equipped with kayaks for guest use, and a glass-bottom boat provides views for those who aren't into snorkeling.
River cruise line Avalon Waterways is known for sailings in Europe and on the Mekong. However, it's also in the Galapagos, chartering the 16-passenger small ship Treasure of Galapagos for seven-night sailings from February through November 2023. MIAMI (March 10, 2021) - Celebrity Cruises has today announced its 2023 sailings around the stunning Galapagos Islands - perfect for those looking to plan a vacation that’s on every world traveler’s “must see” list.
Cruises
In the case of Celebrity and Silversea, the lines built their ships specifically for the destination. However, Avalon, Hurtigruten, National Geographic and Abercrombie & Kent charter ships that are owned by other companies that are already established in the region. Due to government restrictions, it's not easy for cruise lines to break into the Galapagos market.
The Galapagos Islands
With us, you'll encounter flora found nowhere else, come face to face with fauna that has not learned to fear humans, and hike moonscapes that barely resemble Earth. Personal suite attendants cater to your needs while experienced naturalists lead star-gazing sessions. All cabins on the ship — including the 430-square-foot master suite — have balconies and are done up in welcoming, contemporary decor. The ship's design is outdoor-focused, with alfresco dining and a bar near the Jacuzzi. Pampering ensues — even for young guests who are on board select family departures during which added activities include a cultural exchange with local students. Check out the rare Galapagos publications in the library when you're not in the outdoor Jacuzzi, on the kayaks or on paddleboards.
by Celebrity Cruises
A few well-known brands have done it, including Avalon Waterways, Celebrity Cruises, Hurtigruten Expeditions and Silversea Cruises. On the flip side, the dry, cool season — July to November — offers more blue skies but also colder water temperatures. Although you can spot wildlife in the Galapagos all year, this season tends to attract more fish, mammals and birds because of the nutrients and plankton that become available as water temperatures cool.
Celebrity Galapagos Cruises: The Complete Guide
Even though tropical showers turn into trade winds in this period, the conditions are excellent to go hiking and spot ocean wildlife. One of its highlights is Punta Vicente Roca, at the island's northwestern tip. It's home to many animals, including flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, marine iguanas and fish in a rainbow of colors.
Celebrity Flora, our newest ship here, features dynamic positioning to protect the seabed, silicone paint to glide with less fuel, solar panels to make electricity, and no single-use plastics. There is also the luxury of space to spread out, indoors and out, amid gorgeous contemporary furnishings. Ultraluxury line Silversea Cruises delivers everything on a silver platter on the 100-passenger Silver Origin. Passengers can explore with Zodiacs, kayaks, glass-bottom boats and stand-up paddleboards.
Along the way, you can climb a quick set of stairs for great views over the island. It's also possible you could visit the same island more than once on a sailing. Again, note that specific itineraries will vary by cruise line and are subject to change. With a capacity for up to 100 passengers, Silver Origin, which debuted in 2021, is arguably the most luxurious vessel sailing in the region.
Celebrity Xploration is a 16-passenger catamaran that's perfect for family get-togethers, getaways with friends, or small groups who want to explore together. Imagine visiting the same islands Charles Darwin did on your very own private vessel. From New Year’s Eve 2022, the new luxury travel brand will offer six unique, in-depth itineraries that are meticulously designed to ensure travelers experience the best of the islands on every sailing.
Perhaps the coolest experience on board is glamping on the top deck, overnighting under the stars in a cabana equipped with a double bed. Guests will likely also appreciate the high-tech walls that feature touch-controlled HD screens allowing you to zoom in on exclusive wildlife videos shot by drone in Galapagos National Park. The ship, which is operated on a carbon-neutral basis, is under charter to the well-regarded expedition company Hurtigruten for select dates each month in 2023. Keep in mind that this is just a taste of the adventure waiting for you on a Celebrity Cruises Galapagos expedition cruise.
From your pre-cruise stay in Quito to optional post-cruise visits to a nearby cloud forest, you'll marvel at the variety of species, foods and climates you'll encounter in just a week or two on a Galapagos cruise. Full room automation that lets you control everything with the touch of a button. One thing makes our world-renowned cuisine, with menus crafted by a Michelin-starred chef, even better. From the robust coffee grown on Ecuadoran plantations to the fresh local seafood, almost everything was grown, raised, or caught nearby.
In this extraordinary destination, every island offers its own unique experiences, from hiking otherworldly volcanic landscapes to snorkeling alongside sea turtles in their natural habitat. Known for its favorable snorkeling opportunities, Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island offers plentiful chances to get up close and personal with underwater life. Onshore, you can spot sea lions, marine iguanas and beautifully colored Sally Lightfoot crabs. Santa Cruz, one of the Galapagos' four inhabited islands, is connected by a bridge to Baltra Island, where most cruise passengers arrive before boarding their vessels.
