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Below you will find a quick reference for comparing the different levels of service and accommondations on the ships which are providing cruises in the Galapagos Islands.
Often the price difference in the class of a ship can be low and for a little more money you can greatly improve your Galapagos experience.
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Class of Cruise |
General summary |
Guide English speaking |
Food |
Ship |
Cabins |
Space on Board |
Number of Passengers |
Age of Clients |
| Tourist Boats (economy) |
Small, older ships, No Western Islands, lowest priced cruises. |
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8-12 |
18-30 |
| Tourist Superior |
Larger ships, very good options, comfortable. |
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-
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12-20 |
25-40 |
| First Class |
Recommended for level of service, comfort, and cost. |
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-
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-
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16-90 |
25-up |
| Luxury Class |
Best for all catagories: comfort, guides, service, and overall experience. |
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-
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-
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-
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16-100 |
30-up |
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* The chart above is a generalization of the ships. Individual ships will vary, even within the classes. This chart is an aid in helping you make a decision for a Galapagos cruise, and is not a guarantee of any conditions on board any of the ships.
If you have a specific date planned to visit the Galapagos; let us know! We can provide you with options that meet your travel requirements. This way Dreamkapture Travel can provide you with the best possible suggestions for your Galapagos Islands vacation. All you need to do is click Contact here or above and complete the form.
How to select your cruise
8 days is consider a standard cruise.
Most of the ships in the Galapagos have two different back to back 8 days cruise itineraries. For example: the first 8 days the ship will be making a northern cruise and the next 8 days being making a southern cruise. These two 8 day itineraries are part of a base 15 day itinerary. Every 15 days the cruise will repeat.
Within the 8 and 15 day itineraries there will be shorter options such as 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, and 12 days. The options will vary from ship to ship and by which part of the 15 day itinerary the ship is cruising during your desired travel dates.
Last Minute Purchases are popular. You can read more about Last Minute cruises here:
Click here - advice when buying a last minute cruise.
Also, please visit our Quick Ship Pick to see all the ships and search by day of departure.
The Answers to most of your questions can be found here...
Frequently Asked Questions page: 
Comparison of cruise levels |
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General Summary |
These are on small boats and are very, very basic.
The Tourist Boats are the most economical cruises in the islands.These boats will have very good itineraries. There is only a small number of boats in this class operating and due to the limited number and economical value these ships often sell out quickly. |
This is a standar middle class cruise. For the people who like more space and a more knowledgeable guide, but it is a mid cost range. There are approximately 12 boats in this category and they book fast.
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This category is for the people who like their comfort and want to get the best information and knowledge from their Galapagos visit. There are usually some extras in this class such as th Snorkeling equipment maybe included (varies from ship to ship).
There are approximately 22 boats in this class. |
These boats are the best you can get; spacious, newer boats, very comfortable, the knowledge of the guide is very extensive. You will have the best food and extras in the luxury class. There are approximately 23 ships in the highest class.
|
Guide |
Speaks English |
Speaks English very well. |
Speaks English very well and possibly other languages besides Spanish. |
Speaks English extremely well and possibly other languages besides Spanish. |
|
Moderate to Good |
Good knowledge of the Galapagos Islands |
Very good knowledge of the Galapagos Islands |
Excellent knowledge of the Galapagos Islands including Geology, Biology and History. |
Meals |
Good |
Good, plus snacks |
Possibly Buffet meals, plus snacks |
Delicious Buffet meals, snacks, candies, soft drinks, & more |
Space on board |
Very Little, Bunk Beds,
maybe A/C |
More space in the cabins & on board the ship, bunk beds, some options matrimonial, A/C |
More space in the cabins & on board the ship, twin beds on the floor (some bunk beds), more options for matrimonial, A/C |
Spacious twin, queen, and some king bed options, big bathrooms, abundant deck space. A/C |
Average age |
20 - 30 |
25 - 40 |
25 and up |
30 and up |
Number of ships |
3 |
12 |
22 |
23 |
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These are on small boats and are very, very basic.
The Tourist Boats are the most economical cruises in the islands.These boats will have very good itineraries. There is only a small number of boats in this class operating and due to the limited number and economical value these ships often sell out quickly.
|
General Information about the class of ships.
| Guide: |
Speaks English |
| Guide's Knowledge: |
Moderate to Good |
| Food: |
Good, plus snacks |
| Room Aboard: |
Very Little, Bunk Beds,
maybe A/C |
| Age Group: |
20 - 30 |
| |
Very Basic services! |
*If you are planning a special event in the Galapagos such as a honeymoon, anniversary, birthday, etc. or you have always wanted to visit the Galapagos, you may want to carefully consider the class of ship which you are choosing.
Tourist class ships are very basic and accommodations are small. These ships provide service to the most economical travelers in the Galapagos. If you have higher expectations for your Galapagos cruise and experience, you should take this fact into consideration before making a decision based only on the price.
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This is a middle class standard cruise. For the people who like more space and a more knowledgeable guide, but it is a mid cost range. There are approximately 12 boats in this category and they book fast.
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| Guide: |
Speaks English very well. |
| Guide's Knowledge: |
Good knowledge of the Galapagos Islands |
| Food: |
Good, plus snacks |
| Room Aboard: |
More space in the cabins & aboard the ship, bunk beds, some options double beds, A/C |
| Age Group: |
25 - 40 |
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This category is for the people who like their comfort and want to get the best information and knowledge from their Galapagos visit. There are usually some extras in this class such as th Snorkeling equipment maybe included (varies from ship to ship).
There are approximately 22 boats in this class.
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| Guide: |
Speaks English very well and possibly other languages besides Spanish. |
| Guide's Knowledge: |
Very good knowledge of the Galapagos Islands |
| Food: |
Buffet meals, plus snacks |
| Room Aboard: |
More space in the cabins & aboard the ship, bunk beds, some options for matrimonial, A/C |
| Age Group: |
25 and up |
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These boats are the best you can get; spacious, newer boats, very comfortable, the knowledge of the guide is very extensive. You will have the best food and extras in the luxury class. There are approximately 23 ships in the highest class.
Vertical quick comparison chart guide: |
| Guide: |
Speaks English extremely well and possibly other languages besides Spanish. |
| Guide's Knowledge: |
Excellent knowledge of the Galapagos Islands including Geology, Biology and History. |
| Food: |
Buffet meals, snacks, candies, soft drinks, & more |
| Room Aboard: |
Spacious twin, queen, and some king bed options, big bathrooms, abundant deck space. A/C |
| Age Group: |
30 and up |
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