Wildlife aficionados have long considered the renowned Galápagos Islands to be their ideal vacation spot. And although the opportunities for observing birds and tortoises are unmatched, most of the boats that travel these waterways are ordinary, with a few notable exceptions. Thoughtful design and opulent facilities are, happily, being introduced to both the islands and the mainland by a few new small ships.
“Ecuador hasn’t had the same high-end experiences that you’ve found in recent years in Peru, our closest neighbour,” claims Santiago Dunn, CEO of Ecoventura, which by next year will have three ships working in the Galápagos. However, I believe we have much to offer and space to develop.
With its Origin (debuting in 2016) and Theory (launching in 2019), Ecoventura contributed to the trend towards design-conscious ships. The Evolve is scheduled to launch in 2021. Only 20 guests can be accommodated aboard each of the identical 142-foot vessels in the Relais & Châteaux series. (They can also be chartered privately.) Huge windows can be found in staterooms, while daybeds and accent tables made of teakwood in a soothing neutral colour scheme may be seen in public areas like a sundeck.
The 100-passenger Celebrity Flora, a brand-new ship from Celebrity Cruises, was delivered last year; however, due to the pandemic, it has subsequently ceased operations until October. Adriana Hoyos’ lounge chairs, ottomans, tables, and sculptures were chosen by BG Studio International, who also designed the Club Spa Suites aboard Azamara ships. King-size beds with Egyptian-cotton linens were also included in the interior design. The custom-built Novurania dinghies include steps, metal rails, and a hydraulic ramp to make wet landings on the islands’ beaches a bit less wet. Even the tenders that shuttle visitors from the ship to the islands have been redesigned.
At the time of publication, Silversea Cruises was planning to launch The Silver Origin, their first ever destination-specific ship, in September. Hirsch Bedner Associates, an architecture company, designed the Four Seasons Kyoto’s cold angularity with colourful accents. The 100-passenger ship’s airy interiors include an observation lounge in the bow with floor-to-ceiling windows and 180-degree vistas. Its 51 butler-served apartments all feature balconies, and a few even have bathtubs with views of the beach.
The 100-passenger Celebrity Flora, a brand-new ship from Celebrity Cruises, was delivered last year; however, due to the pandemic, it has subsequently ceased operations until October. Adriana Hoyos’ lounge chairs, ottomans, tables, and sculptures were chosen by BG Studio International, who also designed the Club Spa Suites aboard Azamara ships. King-size beds with Egyptian-cotton linens were also included in the interior design. The custom-built Novurania dinghies include steps, metal rails, and a hydraulic ramp to make wet landings on the islands’ beaches a bit less wet. Even the tenders that shuttle visitors from the ship to the islands have been redesigned.
At the time of publication, Silversea Cruises was planning to launch The Silver Origin, their first ever destination-specific ship, in September. Hirsch Bedner Associates, an architecture company, designed the Four Seasons Kyoto’s cold angularity with colourful accents. The 100-passenger ship’s airy interiors include an observation lounge in the bow with floor-to-ceiling windows and 180-degree vistas. Its 51 butler-served apartments all feature balconies, and a few even have bathtubs with views of the beach.
Furthermore, despite the fact that the cruise industry has mostly ignored mainland Ecuador, the new business Kontiki Expeditions plans to launch the first of its 128-foot-long ships there in December. The company’s founder and CEO, Carlos Nez, who is also a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, claims that Ecuador is a very diversified country. “The coastal regions have never been visited. We are transporting visitors to remote locations like tiny towns and beaches.
The ships will include a sundeck, two outdoor salons, a bar, a jacuzzi, a gym and nine bedrooms (sleeping a maximum of 18 guests) and 10 crew members. Interiors feature abundance of natural light, Ecuadorian art, and organic materials like bamboo, jute, linen, and straw.
When people claim that we are a cruise ship in the Galápagos, Nez chuckles. We resemble a tiny, floating boutique hotel, more so.
