Small Cruises Vs. Big Cruises in the Galapagos Islands

You may have come to this blog because you are thinking of taking a cruise through the “Galapagos Islands” and you surely want to be full of adventures, connected with nature, you will see many incredible species and visit the most iconic and attractive places in these heavenly place. Here in Galapagos, not all cruises will offer you the same experience on board, or perhaps not everything you hope to know. If you were wondering the difference between small cruise ships (up to 16 passengers) and big cruise ships (up to 100 passengers), we will show you below.

Remember that choosing the best cruise option will allow you to explore this “Natural Laboratory” in the best way, that is why we want to share with you 3 important aspects that, according to our experts, will help you choose the best option to explore this beautiful archipelago aboard a small or big cruise ship.

1. Exclusivity and personalized service

Don’t let the size fool you! On a small cruise, you will find comfortable facilities that will make you feel at home, but also with everything you need to enjoy your trip. Relax, enjoy personalized service for 16 passengers, and have great experiences aboard a small cruise ship.

In addition, there are exclusive social areas designed so that you can interact in confidence with other fellow travelers or better yet, get to know the crew more and make new friends from all over the world.

M/Y Galaxy: On a cruise with up to 16 passengers, you can enjoy a cozy, family atmosphere and make new friends who enjoy traveling, as much as you do.

On the other hand, on a big cruise ship, the facilities have been designed to complement the entertainment of up to 100 passengers on board, so personalized service will be limited. Perhaps this is also one of the reasons why it can cost you a little more to interact with other travel companions, with the crew, and much more to make new friends.

2. Flexible activities and immersive experiences

On a small cruise, you will be part of a group of only 16 passengers, so immersing yourself in experiences and enjoying them to the fullest will not be a problem. Additionally, you can participate in personalized information sessions every night, in which a bilingual naturalist guide will be ready to solve all your concerns.

The activities can be a bit more flexible, for example, if the group wants to extend a snorkeling session or walk a bit more. Even if after a long day of expedition the group wishes to rest an additional half-hour in the morning, the captain could authorize it.

An additional point is the less time it takes to plan and carry out logistics activities on the islands, since being a small group of travelers, coordination is much easier. This translates into more time spent in activities and prolonged contact with the wonders of the archipelago.

In a small cruise of up to 16 passengers, the activities will be personalized and will be in charge of an expert Naturalist Guide who will be at your disposal at all times.

On a big cruise ship, there is one naturalist guide for every 16 passengers, therefore, throughout your expedition, you will have around 5 different naturalist guides oriented to carry out different activities. This could hamper your trust in the guides and cause you discomfort during your activities.

On big cruises, the schedules are exact, meaning, no activity can be postponed or extended since all activities must be available for the 100 passengers on board.

3. Environmental Impact

Small cruises are an environmentally friendly option since navigation and its operations generate a smaller environmental footprint than big cruise ships.

The small Galapagos cruises undoubtedly leave a smaller ecological footprint in all aspects, since they consume between 25% and 30% less fuel on average per passenger per week compared to big cruise ships. This, translated into CO2 emissions, means that a small cruise ship emits 179,000 kg less CO2 on average per year, for every 16 passengers than a large cruise ship.

WHAT IS THE BEST OPTION FOR ME?

If you want to live a personalized, agile experience, responsible with the ecosystem and in a more intimate and exclusive environment, our recommendation is that you take a small cruise and live a very special occasion.

Dare to know this paradisiacal place on board a cruise, this experience will undoubtedly take your breath away!

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