FAQs about Galapagos: Which type of boat?
It depends especially on the level of comfort and facilities on board you are looking for:
- On board Luxury class yachts & vessels you can expect large cabin or suites with panoramic windows, suites with balconies, large lower beds, high-end amenities, exceptional cuisine, personalized services, VIP services, cruise director, spacious social areas, sun deck with Jacuzzi plus special treats to complement your trip.
- On board First class yachts services are also quite personalized, large cabins with lower beds and large windows (some yachts have cabins with balcony), excellent cuisine, ample social areas, ample sun deck (some with Jacuzzi) plus complete amenities.
- On board Midrange or Economy class yachts you can still expect good quality service from the crew and your guide, good meals (mostly small buffet), cabins regularly have bunk-beds and port-holes (upper decks offer cabins with windows), cozy and comfortable social areas and sun deck.
Other related frequently asked questions
Some cruises do not allow small children on board, mainly for safety reasons as small yachts/catamarans have many open spaces and steep stairs that are not suitable for children to run around. Other cruises, especially the large vessels do accept small children on board and even have qualified guides and staff on board to make a magical experience for small children.
Most yachts/catamarans accept children over 8 years-old on board and offer special rates to children up to 11 years-old for cruises and flights as per availability and feasibility to accommodate a Family on board; with all cruises, it is required as pre-requisite to have parents sign a release form if travelling with children.
Traveling to the Galapagos is considered more expensive than taking trips on Mainland; the cost of a trip depends of many factors like taking a cruise or a land-based program. A Cruise is more expensive but definitely a more complete experience in comparison with a land-based program.
Prices vary depending on cruise/tour category: Luxury, first, Midrange and Economy Class and the differences are mainly due to type of cabins (accommodations), level of service, social areas, amenities, cuisine and guide’s experience.
Also, take into consideration the additional expenses for your trip like: domestic flight tickets, Entrance Fees, personal expenses, tips, drinks, equipment rental, etc. Please contact us for guidance on how to choose the right type of trip to Galapagos based on your Budget.
Senior travelers are welcome to board a cruise! In fact, many senior travelers find the Galapagos a must-visit destination as the Islands are a true natural treasure that attracts people of all ages!
Perhaps it is important to know that Galapagos cruises do not have complete facilities for passengers with limited mobility or that require a wheelchair. Also some excursions can be considered as strenuous as they’re on uneven terrains and lava formations, which requires a good physical state to perform.
Still, many Luxury and First class cruises are the preferred for senior travelers as they offer the kind of comfort and facilities required making their journey an enjoyable one and being able to meet other fellow travelers of similar age and interests with specialized and friendly guides.
For domestic flights to/from Galapagos, each passenger is allowed to bring one piece of luggage of no more than 20 kilos plus one hand luggage or backpack of no more than 10 kilos. Each passenger can also brink on plane’s cabin 1 small purse, handbag or camera-bag.
If excess on luggage occurs, the fee will be charged and paid directly at airline’s counter at the moment of check-in after checking space on cargo area on the plane to Galapagos.
We send your final trip voucher with reconfirmed services 1 month before the tour dates. Our voucher also contents flight information for the confirmed route of your trip: Airlines issue e-tickets and you do not require to present printed e-tickets as at Airline’s Counter you just need to present your original Passport for check-in.
Upon payment of your tour at time of booking, we will send you a tour non-VAT invoice for your records as proof of purchase and confirmation.