Quasar Expeditions has been offering small group sailings and land tours in South America for nearly 40 years. Grace -- which comes with a list of illustrious famous name owners and a royal pedigree -- is one of two yachts operated by the company. The 16-passenger luxury yacht sails the Galapagos and is also available for private charter. The line's second Galapagos vessel is the 32-passenger Evolution.
This stylish and elegant yacht was constructed in 1928 and fully refurbished in 2023. During that time it has had a string of names and owners; most notably being acquired by Aristotle Onassis in 1951. Two years later the Greek shipping magnate gifted it as a wedding present to Prince Rainier of Monaco and his bride, the former Hollywood actress Grace Kelly, who used it for their honeymoon around the Mediterranean.
With a name inspired by the glamorous Princess Grace of Monaco, it was bought by Quasar Expeditions in 2007 when it was completely rebuilt. It has since undergone two further refurbishments.
The yacht has four cabins, situated on the lower Carolina deck, and five suites on the middle and uppermost Albert and Monaco decks. The cabins range in size from 140 to 160 square feet and all have porthole windows. Two of these accommodations have fixed queen beds and the other two can be configured as twins or doubles. Two staterooms can sleep three people.
The four suites situated on the Albert deck also comprise a pair with queen beds and the other two as twins or doubles. These suites all have oceanview windows and are from 138 to 194 square feet. On the middle passenger deck, situated forward and next to the hot tub, is the 183-square-foot Grace Kelly Suite. It is located where the prince and princess slept during their two-week honeymoon, making it a popular choice with newlyweds.
All air-conditioned accommodations feature light nautical-inspired wood panelling and are equipped to a high standard with bespoke furnishings. Quality materials reference textures of the Galapagos, such as faux tortoiseshells. Well-appointed bathrooms have slate rock walls, showers with glass doors and upscale touches such as heated towel rails.
There is a comfortable inside lounge on Monaco deck, with a coffee station and bar, which is also used for briefings. Adjacent, towards the back of the yacht, is the shaded al fresco dining area and a small outdoor lounge area overlooking the stern. Dining tables can be shared or couples can dine separately.
Breakfast and lunch are self-service buffet-style and dinner is served by waiters. All meals, soft drinks, juice and water are included in the fare. There is also an outside bar on his deck. From here stairs lead to the sun deck which is equipped with cushioned chairs and loungers. There is also an outdoor lounge area on the Albert deck. The yacht does not have an elevator.
Onboard activities are low key and the main focus is on shore excursions with expert naturalists for close-up views of the famous Galapagos wildlife. There is also swimming, snorkelling and kayaking and wet suits are provided. While the ship has no formal programming for children, Quasar Expeditions accepts children and families can expect onboard activities such as stargazing, movie nights and board games, plus kid-friendly dishes at mealtimes.
Grace operates three itineraries in the Galapagos. The seven-night Beyond Darwin's Footsteps cruise from San Cristobal Island explores the central and southern section of the archipelago, including Espanola, Floreana and Santa Cruz. The seven-night Following Darwin's Trail itinerary sails further north and calls at different sites and the 14-night Darwin's Muse expedition combines both of these sailings.
The yacht measures 145 feet and carries up to 16 passengers with 11 crew members.
A ONCE IN A LIFETIME ADVENTURE...A DREAM COME TRUE!
few6-10 Cruises
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Age 70s
Perfection
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Age 75s
The trip of our lives aboard the stunning Grace Yacht
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Age 60s
The Real Immersive Galapagos
many10+ Cruises
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Age 40s