Petrel Galápagos Cruise

Elite

The Galápagos Elite has taken her maiden Galápagos cruise in June 2019. This exciting luxury yacht has been completely custom-designed for sailing around Galápagos. Her twin-hull catamaran configuration provides guests with an extremely stable cruising experience, giving guests a far smoother ride than older single-hull boats can hope to offer. As well as increased stability, fuel efficiency and cruising speed, the twin hulls mean guests can enjoy more space, including larger, more comfortable social areas, luxurious suites, and opulent premium suites. Outdoor space is also increased, including the huge, semi-shaded sky deck, a delightful alfresco dining area, and a supremely comfortable saloon and bar. The Galápagos Elite features a state-of-the-art power plant, navigation and safety equipment, making her the safest and most reliable ship in the Galápagos cruise fleet. A standout feature for us is the panoramic windows that are a feature of every suite. "Windows" doesn't really do them justice, as they are actually glass walls. This provides a unique experience as you wake each morning to a new view that will bring the outside in to your suite. The food and drink offering onboard Elite is being designed to make meals a real experience. Your chefs will prepare three stunning meals every day. Breakfast and most lunches will be served in a relaxed buffet style. In the evenings, a more elegant dining experience is available, with your meal served to you in the stunning alfresco dining area on the sky deck. Your chefs will only use the freshest local produce and will cater for any special dietary requirements. They are also delighted to offer child-friendly portions and taste options, giving the whole family a chance to experience this once-in-a-lifetime Galápagos cruise option. Despite her stunning luxury, most guests will be keen to experience the unique animals and habitats of the Galápagos Islands themselves. The Elite naturalist itineraries have been designed to give you the most exciting encounters, with visits to the best visitor sites the Galápagos Islands and seas have to offer. Just a few highlights include: hiking the stark, volcanic fields of [Fernandina Island](https://www.galapatours.com/destinations/fernandina); marvel at the Albatross nesting sites on [Española](https://www.galapatours.com/destinations/espanola); snorkel with [Galápagos Sea Lions](https://www.galapatours.com/animals/galapagos-sea-lion) around the so-called "Devil's Crown"; exploring the world-famous "Bird Island" of [Genovesa](https://www.galapatours.com/destinations/genovesa). During your excursions you can expect to see all the iconic endemic animals associated with the islands, including [giant tortoises](https://www.galapatours.com/animals/Galápagos-Giant-Tortoise), land and [marine iguanas](https://www.galapatours.com/animals/galapagos-marine-iguana), [blue-footed boobies](https://www.galapatours.com/animals/blue-footed-booby), frigate birds, and much, much more. Your dedicated onboard naturalist guides are experts in their field, with intimate knowledge of all the species and where you are most likely to encounter them. The Galápagos Elite is operated by a highly-respected operator that has many years' experience serving Galápagos visitors. The owner only hires the best captains, guides, chefs and crews for the vessels they operate. Their philosophy is that the people, not simply the luxury ship, are what will make the trip memorable for their guests, and they are the difference between a good Galápagos cruise and an outstanding one.

Sirius

The Galaxy Sirius, named after the brightest star in the sky, combines luxury and exclusivity with service and activities. The stunning vessel has nine elegant and spacious cabins, each with a balcony, a king-size or twin bed, a private bathroom, and large windows that offer spectacular views of the islands. Guests can enjoy the comfort and amenities of this floating palace, where every detail has been carefully designed to ensure their satisfaction. But what sets the Galaxy Sirius apart from other 16 passengers ships is not only its beauty and comfort, but also its service and activities. The Galaxy Sirius has **two certified naturalist guides** who accompany guests on every excursion and share their extensive knowledge and passion for this unique destination. Guests have more personalized attention, more flexibility, and more opportunities to learn and interact with the amazing wildlife of the Galapagos. The Galaxy Sirius also offers a variety of activities to suit guests' preferences and mood, such as kayaking, paddle-boarding, snorkeling, and guided walks. Guests can explore the islands at their own pace and discover their secrets and wonders. And after a day full of adventure, guests can relax and enjoy the exquisite cuisine prepared by the expert chefs in the dining room or the alfresco lounge, or unwind in the sun deck, which features a solarium, a Jacuzzi, and lazy chairs. The Galaxy Sirius is more than just a ship; it is a dream come true. And anyone can make that dream come true by booking a cruise on this magnificent vessel. For more information, visit [siriusonboard.com]. It is an opportunity not to be missed.

Alia

- Ultra-modern catamaran with sumptuous modern interiors; - Private balconies and amazing panoramic windows; - Upper sun deck, jacuzzi with unlimited panoramic views; - High end luxury in a friendly and relaxing environment. The Alia is the newest catamaran to arrive in the Galápagos. This beautiful, modern vessel has been finished to the highest standards to provide you with a true luxury cruise experience. With only 16 passengers at any time, the Alia has the space to provide privacy, wonderfully comfortable communal living and panoramic vistas from its large windows. Staterooms with a view Alia boasts 9 sumptuous staterooms, 8 of which enjoy private balconies. Fully flexible, all beds can be easily converted to doubles or twins to suit your preference. Staterooms come fully air conditioned, with decadent en suite bathrooms, luxury linens and accessories such as hair dryers and speaker systems. If space is important to you, then we recommend choosing one of the lower-deck staterooms which are slightly larger than those on the upper deck. A standout benefit of the Alia’s youth and modern construction techniques are the wonderful panoramic windows adorning the outer walls of every cabin. Modern glass technology allows the Alias rooms to be flooded with light, and will allow you to wake up to the most breathtaking ocean and island views before moving out onto your private balcony to take in the sounds of the Galápagos morning. Socialize in luxury The lounge, dining area, library and outside decks all match the standard of decor and execution of craftsmanship you will experience in your stateroom with beautiful wood finishes and delightful furnishing throughout. Each deck is equipped with a well-stocked bar. The lounge area is decorated in a modern yet sumptuous style and you will feel immediately at home. Dining on board is always a special event, but the relaxed Alia atmosphere makes eating with your fellow travellers a convivial and rewarding experience. Outdoor spaces are expansive and comfortable, offering al fresco dining or relaxing under shade. Sun worshipers and star gazers will want to ascend to the upper sundeck where the panoramic jacuzzi provides a magnificent place to see the islands unfold before you. Quality service, quality cuisine Captain Jaime has 9 years experience on tourist vessels in Galápagos, and his 8 crew with certified bilingual guide will ensure you are extremely well looked after whilst discovering the hidden treasures of these wonderful islands. Hotel Manager Lissette is known for her eye for detail and she can cater for your every need. Alia’s chef, Julian, prepares amazing fresh meals every day, including barbecues on the glorious sun deck, wonderful ceviche and parrillada. All the staff work to make your trip unforgettable. Our comment Alia is virtually brand new, a really stunning catamaran. Benefiting from the extra deck width and stability of two-hull designs, her lounge and dining areas are stunning and take full advantage of the extra space available. Chef Julian has some wonderful tricks up his sleeve - make sure you try his Shrimp in Orange Sauce - we can’t get enough of it. Captain Jaime has 9 years experience skippering in Galápagos, and hotel manager Lisette is a stickler for detail. Our top tip is to take a close look at the lower deck cabins, as they are bigger. If you love modern decor and you want modern facilities, you can’t do better than Alia.

Cormorant

- Superb suites available; - All rooms with private balcony; - Newly renovated cabins; - Fully carbon-neutral vessel. Cormorant brings the very best in modern catamaran design to the Galápagos and her luxury features make your visit to the islands even more special. Everything about Cormorant is dedicated to maximizing your experience - a limit of only 16 passengers on board with 11 crew at your service means impressive levels of guest satisfaction. Your dedicated resident “Hotel Manager” ensures attention to detail and comfort levels usually only reserved for much larger cruise vessels. A fantastic range of excursions and activities are available and Cormorant carries her own kayaks on board, offering the opportunity for some wonderful “up close” encounters with marine life. Captain Luis will welcome you on board Cormorant. He's Galápagos born and bred and tells us he's been a sailor all his life, and master of the Cormorant since 2013. The hotel manager on board to look after all your needs is Christian. In the kitchen we met chef Edison who produces superb quality, wide-ranging buffets with excellent choice. Every room has a balcony, and as well as a TV with BluRay player, we discovered that each has a hard drive player loaded with movies for you to enjoy. Our top tip - choose one of the suites and you’ll be able to enjoy the amazing showers with multiple body jets! Also, if you're travelling as a group or family note that the upper rooms can be connected together to make huge "virtual" suites. We like the fact that this boat carries 3 double kayaks on board for guests - it means those who don't want to snorkel still get some fun on the water. Ultimate space and comfort Cormorant has some of the largest staterooms in her class, and features two magnificent full suites for those who want to enjoy the ultimate luxury onboard experience. Decor throughout the catamaran is modern and clean and oozes understated class, with natural wood finishes and superb furnishings and fabrics. Her modern design means that every stateroom and communal area enjoys large panoramic windows that fill the boat with light and provide wonderful views of the ocean and islands. The passenger salon is a warm and welcoming place to socialise and to learn about these amazing islands from your qualified bilingual naturalist guide. Dining on Cormorant is a superb experience, with her two chefs serving you a mouth-watering range of Ecuadorian and world cuisine in the impressive dining room. Al fresco dining is available thanks to Cormorant’s ample outdoor decks with plenty of comfortable seating and tables. 2 bars on board mean you’re never too far away from your favourite drink to sip as you watch the sun set and the stars being to shine. Sun-worshippers and star-gazers will appreciate the upper deck’s open areas, and the jacuzzi tub gives everyone a perfect place to unwind and relax. Abundant outdoor space means you’ll always find your ideal spot to simply stop and drink in the Galápagos. Flexible accommodation to suit you Cormorant’s staterooms and suites have been designed to give you the maximum flexibility you need. All beds seamlessly convert between twin and double to suit your requirements. Upper deck rooms can be specified with a sofa bed providing triple occupancy for a child under 12. Larger families or groups travelling will appreciate the 4 interconnecting staterooms. Staterooms are fabulously appointed, and each one enjoys its own private balcony. Thoughtful touches include luxury AVEDA bath products, hair dryers, and full air conditioning. Each room has its own flat screen TV with DVD player and easy chairs and tables both inside and on your balcony Luxury with a conscience You can sail aboard Cormorant knowing that carbon emissions are offset through CanopyCo, an Ecuadorian-based organization managed by local and European professionals. CanopyCo is dedicated to replanting Ecuador’s native forests for the benefit of the climate, the local community and the amazing wildlife. Cormorant's entire operation has been included in the offsets, from the fuel used by the engines on board the catamaran to the bus rides its staff take to work. By choosing Cormorant you know that from the moment you arrive in the Galápagos Islands to the moment you leave, the entire impact of your carbon footprint will be a zero. Our comments We love the size and sense of space you get with Cormorant. If you can, we urge you to take one of the suites - they are one of our favourite places to spend time afloat in the Galápagos. A completely carbon-neutral vessel, Cormorant will bring you great luxury that doesn’t cost the Earth and a fantastic way to experience these wonderful islands.