Share this
Twitter
Digg
Del.icio.us
Slashdot
Yahoo
Technorati
Googlize this
Facebook
Print
E-mail
How to select the Best Galapagos Cruise
In the Galapagos, there are five levels of Galapagos cruise ships that exist. The types are: luxury, first class, tourist superior class, tourist class and economy. The below describes approximate standards that you can expect on the different levels of cruise.
Galapagos Islands Luxury Class Cruises
Luxury Galapagos cruise ships and yachts provide a very high level of service to those who choose this option. Such ships might have facilities such as an on-board swimming pool, a gift shop, a Jacuzzi and more. As a standard, they will have hot water, air conditioning and large shared areas such as the dining area. The boats in this category tend to have the most qualified guides. The boats in this category tend to be larger than other boats, which enables them to visit some of the more distant islands. Prices for an eight day tour will tend to cost upward of $2500 (flights, national park fees and drinks not included).
Galapagos Islands First Class Cruises
Yachts and cruise ships that fall into this category tend to be very spacious. They are also large and with very fine decoration. They have hot water and air conditioning. However, they tend to not have the extras such as a swimming pool. The food on this level of trip will be excellent, and the guides among the best and most knowledgeable out there. These boats are usually also able to make trips to the more distant islands. An eight day trip will cost anything from $1500 to $3000 depending on the boat (flights, national park fees and drinks not included).
There are five levels of Galapagos cruise ships that exist...
Galapagos Tourist Superior Class Cruises
Boats that fit into the Tourist Superior Class are smaller. They have cabins that may have an ocean view, but some will be below deck. They have hot water and air conditioning. Social areas will not be too cramped and the food is usually pretty good. These boats usually house from eight to 20 passengers. The guides and itineraries are usually very good. The cost is usually from around $1000 to $1500 for an eight day tour, depending on the actual boat (flights, national park fees and drinks not included).
Galapagos Tourist Class Cruises & yachts
Tourist class boats are less good than Tourist Superior Class in a few important ways. The cabins may have private facilities but they equally might have shared facilities. The social areas are not usually very big, and the food is decent but not what you would get on a more expensive ship. The naturalist guide is usually decent and the itinerary is not bad either. There may be hot water and air conditioning, but there might not be either. Eight day categories in this type of boat will set you back from $800 to $1000 (flights, national park fees and drinks not included).
Galapagos Economy Class Cruises & Yachts
Economy boats are the cheapest option and this is noticeable in the level of facilities and service that you will receive. There is usually not any hot water and definitely no air conditioning. The tour is reasonable enough and the guide is fairly knowledgeable. If you book at the last minute you can almost always book a trip on an economy class boat, but you may wish you had spent a little more for a slightly better trip. A tour on an Economy boat will cost around $550 to $750 (flights, national park fees and drinks not included)
