The 4,077-ton, 100-passenger Silver Galapagos, currently sailing as Galapagos Explorer II, will join Silversea Cruises fall 2013 after an interior makeover.
The upscale line announced in June 2012 that it had acquired Galapagos Explorer II and with it Canodros S.A., a tour operator that runs sailings to the Galapagos aboard the upmarket expedition vessel. The acquisition signals the first time that Silversea will offer cruises to the Galapagos, a group of Pacific islands off the coast of Ecuador known for their abundant and unique wildlife. Silversea's fleet also includes
Silver Explorer, an expedition vessel that visits both poles and almost everywhere in between.
Silver Galapagos will operate in the region year-round via two seven-day itineraries. Both departures, roundtrip from Baltra, will leave on Saturday. The first will visit the western, southern and eastern islands, including Santiago, Bartolome, Isabela, Fernandina, Floreana, San Cristóbal, and Santa Cruz. The other will explore the northeast, central and southeast islands of Santa Cruz, Genovesa, North Seymour, San Cristóbal, Española and South Plazas.
Originally part of the now-defunct Renaissance Cruises fleet, Silver Galapagos has 50 suites ranging from 210 to 287 square feet; all have ocean views and 24 have balconies (a rarity in the Galapagos). The ship features a main restaurant, piano bar, library with Internet access, main lounge, outdoor bar, two outdoor whirlpools and an observation deck.
As denotes a luxury line, fares will include butler service, complimentary beverages and all gratuities.
