A cruise to the Galapagos Islands can be an epic experience, but there are a lot of options to look through. If you’re an inexperienced cruiser, it’s overwhelming to pick the best one for your crew. You may not know much about ship types or what activities are possible. Here are some different things to consider when choosing your Galapagos Islands cruise.
Type of Ship
Catamarans, yachts, sailboats, and large vessels all go to the Galapagos Islands. If you get seasick, a catamaran might be the best option because it is the most stable. That can make the trip more enjoyable for you. If space is a concern, the larger vessels have plenty of room and offer unique facilities.
Cabin Options
When booking your Galapagos cruise, remember that there are a variety of cabin options that range widely in comfort levels. These range from suite-style cabins that have a living area, bathroom, and a private balcony to a set of bunks and a minute bathroom. Decide what you need and what you can do without aboard your ship and pick the cabin that will make you the most comfortable.
Number of Passengers
A Galapagos Islands voyage could have 16 cruise ship passengers or 100, depending on the size of the ship. The services offered on-board also vary with the capacity of the ship. A lot of the boats that go to this destination are smaller. That offers more personalized service, smaller excursion sizes, and better opportunities to familiarize yourself with everyone on-board. However, there are larger vessels which offer more facilities, like swimming pools, shops, a library, and a kid’s corner.
Length of Cruise
You can want to book a cruise that is 4-days or one that is 8-days. You could prefer to stay longer and opt for combining two trips. The decision on cruise length should be based on which islands and how many you want to see and your budget. That 8-day cruise might be ideal if you want to see all the islands. However, if your
budget is keeping you on that 4-day cruise, you can find one that covers all the highlights.
Cruise Itinerary
Make sure you look at the itinerary before you book a cruise, since you can only visit some islands this way. If seeing a specific type of wildlife is a concern, look to see where they are and look for a trip that visits those locations. For example, red and blue-footed boobies, albatross, and cormorants usually hang out in distinct locations.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
You should definitely take the time to establish which wildlife is the most important to you before you book your cruise. Then, make sure the trip you choose will give you plenty of opportunities to see these species.
Budget
There are plenty of boats that go to the Galapagos Islands, meaning there is something for every budget. Your options range from luxury to tourist grade voyages. The tourist grade options will be the cheapest, while you’ll get the best service aboard luxury vessels. Of course, all of them can have good itineraries and can give you a special experience.
Inclusions
A lot of cruises come with excursions, beverages, and meals. However, more exclusive cruises can include things like alcoholic beverages, gear, guides, and airfare. Lay out what you want to pay for in your tickets and what you probably won’t use and try to pick one that gives you the best value.
Kid Friendliness
Not all cruises are kid-friendly. Smaller vessels often have minimum age requirements. Families might prefer larger vessels because they make it easier for children to find entertainment and have more space for kids to run around.
Activity Offerings
The itineraries can offer a couple of stops and many activities each day. Activities can include snorkeling, panga riding, hiking, or kayaking. Some cruises might offer more extreme activities, like diving. You must know your activity options before booking the cruise to make sure you will always have something fun to do.
You want to make sure your once-in-a-lifetime cruise is a great experience. You also want to make sure you get a great deal while shopping. Following these tips will help you accomplish both missions.
