Grace Galapagos Cruise

Origin & Theory

- Two twin ships operating side by side - Sustainable luxury - Wonderful amenities The Origin and Theory are two of the newest boats in the Galápagos cruise fleet. Built in 2016 and 2017, they travel as twin ships - one next to the other. Both have been designed to be as environmentally conscious as possible, and were constructed using zero-emissions materials. The operators are no strangers to sustainability - they were the first to be awarded the flagship SmartVoyager environmental certification, which they have held since 2000. However, the Origin and Theory have no hint of the austerity sometimes associated with environmentally friendly vessels, and your amazing voyage of discovery around the Galápagos will also be one of luxury. Stunning accommodation There are ten luxury staterooms on each ship, and all feature large panoramic windows for unparalleled views. Sumptuous touches included the finest linens, memory foam and soft pillows to suit all tastes, and twin beds that easily convert to a single King bed. Measuring a generous 145 sq ft, each cabin on board the Origin and Theory Galápagos Cruise has individual climate control, and ample closet space, including a personal safe. The en-suite luxury bathrooms feature plush towels and bathrobes with slippers, and a delightful "rainfall" shower with its own ocean view! A hair dryer and luxury range of biodegradable cosmetics are also provided. Unique in the fleet, every stateroom on the Origin and Theory features an Apple TV with a pre-loaded movie selection, a universal docking station for your mobile devices, and a personal Espresso machine and tea kettle. Stunning amenities As befits a luxury experience, the public areas of the Origin and Theory are no less splendid. Unlike other vessels of this size, the Origin and Theory has its own dedicated fitness room with cardio equipment, weights and yoga mats. There are several areas perfect for lounging, with comfortable seats and cozy decor. There is a comfortable library filled with books about the Galápagos, and about Charles Darwin - whose work "On the Origin of Species" clearly inspired the vessels' names. Outdoor accommodation is wonderful, and includes a large sun deck with chaise lounges, daybeds, chairs and hammocks, a shower, wet bar, BBQ and tables for al fresco dining. The food is stunning, and consists of international cuisine as well as gourmet Ecuadorian and Peruvian specialties. The chefs are also pleased to give cooking demonstrations on any of their recipes! Complimentary house wines and beers are poured during dinner, and there is a generous open bar policy excluding premium brands. Origin and Theory have raised the bar for what "all-inclusive" means in a Galápagos cruise. Stunning wildlife itineraries The Origin and Theory operate two alternating 8 day/7 night itineraries together. These can be combined into one absolutely amazing 15 day trip with no repeated excursions - the ultimate exploration of the Galápagos. One itinerary features the southern and central islands, the other visits the northern and western islands. Each ship carries two highly qualified, bilingual naturalist guides each, meaning the 40 guests on board each ship are split into four groups à 10 passengers. This will let you enjoy much lower guest-to-guide ratio than almost every other boat in the fleet! As well as visits to the stunning islands and their unique habitats and wildlife, the guides will lead you in other activities including swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and stand up paddle-boarding - all included with your cruise. Our comment Stunning. We used that word a lot up there, but it's the only one we think justifies a Galápagos cruise on board the twin ships Origin and Theory. The ships are amazing, the crews go out of their way to ensure your happiness, the food is first class, and the encounters with Galápagos wildlife you will have will make memories that last a lifetime. For those who are conscious of their environmental impact, the Origin and Theory are among the greenest vessels in the Galápagos fleet, and yet they also among the most luxurious. Origin and Theory prove that sustainable tourism can still be luxurious.

Passion

Passion feels more like a private yacht charter than a conventional Galapagos cruise ship. That is her charm. She carries only 14 guests, which gives the vessel a very exclusive rhythm: fewer people in the lounge, quieter deck time and a more personal feeling during briefings and meals. Accommodation is divided between five staterooms and two suites, so choosing the right category matters. The former private-yacht background shows in the sense of space, the classic interiors and the number of places to sit outside. Two hot tubs, broad decks and stabilizers add comfort after long excursion days. We recommend Passion for travelers who want privacy, romance and a yacht-like atmosphere with a high space-to-guest ratio. She is less ideal if you want a shiny new catamaran, balcony cabins throughout or a more social larger-group cruise.

Infinity

Infinity is a modern Galapagos yacht for travelers who want more space, more cabins and two-guide logistics without stepping into a large expedition ship. She carries up to 20 guests, which is unusual in a destination where many vessels are built around 16. That larger small-ship size only works because Infinity uses two naturalist guides. For guests, the benefit is clear: the yacht can offer a little more onboard volume and cabin choice while still keeping excursions properly guided. Cabins are balcony-focused and spread across main and upper decks, with suites for travelers who want more space. Choose Infinity if you want a contemporary yacht, private balconies and a slightly larger small-group setup. She is less ideal if you want the intimacy of 12 to 16 guests or the classic feel of an older Galapagos vessel.

Sea Star

Sea Star is a 16-guest luxury yacht for travelers who want generous suite space rather than a compact cabin-only Galapagos experience. She was originally built in Ecuador and refurbished in 2019, and her layout still feels unusually roomy for a yacht of this size: eight cabins, wide social areas, al fresco dining and a sun deck with two jacuzzis. Cabin choice is a real reason to look at this ship. The main deck has four Balcony Suites, while the upper deck has three Galapagos Suites and the larger Sea Star Suite. Interconnected suites and triple-room possibilities make the yacht especially useful for families or friends who want comfort without moving to a much larger vessel. We recommend Sea Star for travelers who want a small ship with suite comfort, family flexibility and strong open-air spaces. She is less ideal if you are looking for a very traditional expedition yacht or if your priority is the lowest possible price.