Origin & Theory Galápagos Cruise

• 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.

At Galapatours we love and respect the pristine ecosystems and fascinating wildlife of the Galápagos Islands, and we insist that our cruise partners do too. To protect the archipelago all our cruise vessels must have sophisticated water filtration systems, modern efficient engines, and strict maintenance schedules to minimize pollution.

The Galápagos National Park authority also defines exact cruising routes that dictate which ships can visit highlights at specific times, as well as limiting passenger numbers. These measures ensure that animals and habitats are not disturbed by too many visitors.

But at Galapatours we like to go even further. We voluntarily offset all the CO2 emissions of every cruise we sell - at no cost to you. And you can also play your part by traveling responsibly and following our Eco Guidelines during your stay. Click here to find out more about these guidelines, our commitment to sustainable tourism, and the Galápagos National Park rules.

The food on our Galapágos Cruises is among the very best you will find in South America. Most of the on-board chefs are internationally trained and have prior experience working in the best hotels and restaurants in Ecuador and indeed around the world.

You can expect a first-class selection of food, including a good variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, locally sourced poultry and fish/seafood, rice and pasta dishes. Most boats will always include some typical Ecuadorian dishes on the menu during your cruise. If you have specific dietary requirements then these can usually be accommodated by the chef providing you have given advance notice. Please make sure you tell us about any allergies or dietary requirements you have at the time you book with us. If you leave it until you arrive at the dockside, then it may well be impossible to accommodate your needs.

Most boats serve a range of options at meal times in a relaxed buffet-style. At the first class and luxury end of the market, some boats have more formal dining where you will be served at your seat. However the atmosphere is always relaxed on board our cruises, and never stuffy or formal.