The Galapagos Explorer II
One of the most remote island chains in the world and definitely most interesting from a naturalist's perspective, the Galapagos Islands remain one of the great feathers in any wildlife-oriented traveler's cap. Isolated from humans for millennia, the Galapagos famously plays host to dozens of species found nowhere else on the planet.
Established as an ecological park to help protect it from human destruction and abuse, the Islands are now viewed only by guided daily expeditions. As a traveler, your lifestyle is luxurious. Staying aboard a ship such as the Galapagos Explorer II for a grand cruise liner experience in the evenings and traveling to different islands with expert naturalist guides by day.
The Galapagos Explorer II is a full-service cruise ship on a scale small enough to navigate through the archipelago of the Galapagos. On board, you will find every luxury you are familiar with from far larger transcontinental cruise ships.
Cabins are spacious with many amenities. Every one has a TV and VCR, a phone for international calls, a private bath with marble vanity and a hairdryer. Each cabin also has full air conditioning and temperature control. In the cabin, you will find a workspace for reviewing your day's travels or referencing field guides for information about marine iguanas or blue-footed boobies.
Enjoy views of the islands from the lounge and bar areas on the main deck of the Galapagos Explorer II. Relaxing in the ship's library, you can read books about the islands and their natural history, extensive maps and charts, contemporary literature, and an extensive collection of the classics. The library also houses the video collection for you to watch in your cabin.
The kitchen on-board creates exciting selections three meals a day. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style and offer both local in international dishes. Lunch is usually served on deck to take advantage of the beautiful mid-day weather. A more upscale seated dinner is served every night in the dining room.
While traveling between islands, take a few laps in the fresh-water pool, soak away your afternoon in the jacuzzi, or read a book in a relaxing chair on the hard-wood pool deck.