Sea Star 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.

Grace

Grace is the yacht we would show travellers who want their Galapagos cruise to feel considered and individual rather than newly manufactured. Her 1928 pedigree, interiors most recently renovated in 2023 and 16-guest scale create a distinctly classic atmosphere, but the reason to choose her remains the islands: small guided groups, long days outdoors and two very different eight-day routes. The route choice is unusually important here. One itinerary focuses on the southern and central islands—Floreana, Española, San Cristóbal, Bartolomé and North Seymour—while the other reaches Genovesa's seabird colonies and the volcanic west of Isabela and Fernandina. Both combine walks, snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding and panga rides where conditions and National Park operations allow. We would help travellers choose the route first, then the cabin. There are nine cabins and suites, so category and deck matter. Grace is ideal for couples, celebratory trips and travellers who enjoy classic-yacht character, outdoor living and a naturally sociable onboard mood. Choose a newer catamaran instead if private balconies, minimalist design or maximum stability matter more than history and atmosphere.

Grand Majestic

We recommend Grand Majestic to active travellers who want the intimacy of a 16-guest yacht, contemporary design and a route that matters as much as the ship. Built in 2018 with just eight cabins, she feels closer to a private yacht than a traditional expedition vessel. Her verified 25-knot top speed is part of that modern profile, designed for efficient inter-island passages rather than long, slow days centred on life aboard. The most important choice is between the two contrasting eight-day routes. Route A links the southern wildlife-rich islands of Floreana and Española with Genovesa’s seabird colonies, plus Rábida and Chinese Hat. Route B turns west after Bartolomé and Santiago towards Isabela and Fernandina, where younger volcanic landscapes and marine encounters set the tone. Visitor sites can change for National Park or operational reasons, but both routes suit travellers who want guided landings, panga outings and snorkelling to shape the day. Cabin choice deserves attention. The 39 m² Master Suite is a genuine step up, with panoramic windows and two bathrooms; cabin 7 also has panoramic windows, while the six lower-deck cabins look out through portholes. We like the compact lounge, dining room and sun deck with Jacuzzi for relaxed conversations after excursions, but this is not a floating resort. Choose Grand Majestic for a polished small-yacht atmosphere, strong route choice and a standout suite. Consider a larger expedition vessel if broad indoor spaces and greater stability matter most, or a sailing yacht if traditional character is part of the dream. If you are sensitive to motion, ask our specialists to compare routes and cabin positions with you.

Tribute

Tribute is one of the more interesting newer additions for travelers who want a small Galapagos yacht with a strong suite story. She carries 16 guests, but the accommodation feels more layered than a simple double-cabin layout: Owner's Suite, Premium Suite, Panorama Suite and Ocean Vista categories each have a different reason to choose them. The ship's 2024 refit gives the page a clear point of view. Tribute is not trying to be a rustic naturalist boat; she is aimed at travelers who want comfort, modern spaces and a little indulgence between excursions. Indoor and outdoor dining, a wine vault, gym, sky tub and several open-air areas give her more lifestyle texture than many ships of the same capacity. We recommend Tribute for travelers who want a small ship, polished suites and a more contemporary onboard mood. She is not the right fit if you want the simplest possible yacht or if your priority is a long-established classic vessel with old-world character.