Expedition Ships That Will Visit Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

Travelers interested in wildlife have long fantasized of visiting the famous Galápagos Islands. Although the opportunities for birdwatching and tortoise-watching are unparalleled, the boats that navigate these waters are generally dull, with a handful of notable exceptions. The islands and mainland are being graced by the arrival of new tiny ships, which are bringing with them intelligent design and opulent amenities. 

According to Ecoventura CEO Santiago Dunn, "Ecuador hasn't had the same high-end experiences that you’ve found in recent years in Peru, our closest neighbor." Last year, the company had three ships working in the Galápagos. We still have a lot of potential and something to give, in my opinion. 

In 2016, Ecoventura released the Origin, then in 2019, they released the Theory; in 2021, they plan to debut the Evolve, which will further propel the trend toward design-minded ships. There is a maximum capacity of 20 passengers on board each of the two identical 142-foot vessels in the Relais & Châteaux fleet. (Private charters are another option.) A sundeck and staterooms with large windows complement the ship's muted decor with teakwood accent tables and daybeds. 

Launched last year, Celebrity Cruises' newest ship, the 100-passenger Celebrity Flora, will be out of commission until October due to the pandemic. Lounge chairs, ottomans, tables, sculptures by Adriana Hoyos of Ecuador, king-size beds adorned with Egyptian cotton linens, and the interior design by BG Studio International (also responsible for the Club Spa Suites on Azamara ships) were all chosen by the designers. The tenders that take passengers to the islands have also undergone some redesign; the specially-built Novurania dinghies now feature stairs, metal railings, and a hydraulic ramp to alleviate some of the splashback that can occur during wet landings on the beaches of the islands. 

As of this writing, the Silver Origin's September debut as Silversea Cruises' inaugural destination-specific ship was still in the works. Airy furnishings, featuring an observation lounge near the bow with floor-to-ceiling windows and 180-degree vistas, were developed for the 100-passenger ship by architecture firm Hirsch Bedner Associates. The group was responsible for the Four Seasons Kyoto, where they introduced cold angularity with splashes of color. It offers 51 suites with butler service, all of which feature balconies and, in some cases, bathtubs with views of the ocean.