We loved almost everything about this trip. The naturalists were invaluable. Rafa has passion and an encyclopedic knowledge of plant and animal life which makes the long walks really interesting. Carolina is tremendously passionate and brings a positive and youthful energy to her work. Both took endless video and photos of our excursions and generously presented us with the photos and a beautifully collated video created by Carolina (bring a 16GB USB for this). They both went the extra mile to make our trip memorable. A smaller boat has plusses and minuses. The trip is intimate. There were 15 on our trip. You get to know everyone, and best of all, with Rafa’s motto of ‘flexibility’ you get a jump start on the larger boats visiting the islands. It often felt like we were the only ones there. They also have 8 guests to a guide vs 16 on larger boats. The downside is that the boat is a bit more unstable than the larger ones. Most people were unaffected but about a quarter of the boat were using patches or pills for sea sickness as the overnight travel is a bit rocky and can be up to 10 hours. The C level is a bit more exposed to engine noise, but the upper levels are excellent. We loved our room A4, which had a lot of space, I thought better than the Grace suite, A1 also looks nice. Electricity/USB etc was good, AC went on the blink one day but was mostly good. We were off Wi-Fi for the duration. The food was very good given the limitations of a small vessel, all fresh and healthy including great fish. The only comment is that they overcook the proteins. There is a good all day area with coffee, tea and snacks. The crew was excellent. The rooms were cleaned several times a day by the wonderful Nelly and all activities functioned seamlessly. Quasar does same day turnaround at the end of the trip so there is a feeling in the last 36 hours that they are keeping you off the boat to do maintenance and prep stuff. If there is one recommendation it would be to have a one day break for the crew/maintenance etc so the guests remain the focus the entire trip. There are a lot of activities, typically 4 or 5 a day, mostly in the mornings ie walks, snorkel, kayak, panga ride. You get a good early afternoon break to rest or nap. Some folks skipped some activities. Most guest were in their 60’s with varying levels of fitness but the activities cater well to all levels. When you arrive in Baltra they get you in your cabin quickly and you are doing activities within a few hours. What a wonderful experience overall. Shout out to all crew and guides and the great pre planning from Diane and Paul Read Less

My husband, myself and 16 of our friends were guests in the Galapagos on the Grace, starting on Feb 9. The Quasar team also handled our ground plans in Quito, and a trip to Mashpi before and after we left Galapagos. What an amazing experience we have had. The Quasar team created an experience that all 18 of us agree, is one of the most memorable, and impactful of our lives. Planning the Trip We spent approximately a year planning this trip. Most of us also had Quasar plan our visit to Quito and Mashpi as well. Diane was EXCEPTIONAL. She was helpful, inspiring, and detail oriented. There was not a detail missed in either the planning, nor the execution of the trip. I am impressed, because it is not easy ‘herding cats’, but Diane does it with flawless execution, and “grace”. Based on the planning process alone, our entire group was expecting this trip to be the best of their lives. Our Quito Experience We arrived in Quito to beautiful and memorable accommodations at the Hotel Carlota, and tours of the Old City that we all loved. Carlota was filled with character and hospitality. Every Quasar guide we had was fantastic. Galapagos and the M/Y Grace team We arrived in the Galapagos and the Grace via our two guides Roberto and Carolina. From the moment we met them at the airport, to the moment we left them at the airport for our flight back to the mainland, we felt the warm, caring nature of these two really special people. We created an intimate connection with them. They led our group throughout the week with confidence, excitement, knowledge, inspiration, conscientiousness, thoughtfulness and mindful of all the details. The two of them have high emotional IQ. They intuitively knew when to make a slight change to the plans, based on the feeling of our group. This made the week feel “personalized”, even though we know that you spend great effort in following the plan that has been created. These two individuals created tremendous value towards the overall experience. Our daily snorkeling and land excursions were fantastic. The Quasar team we had last week on the Grace were beyond our wildest dreams. Our cruise director was fantastic. She made everything happen, again flawlessly. She was always so cheerful, warm, hospitable and helpful. Housekeeping was exceptional. Public areas of the yacht and our cabins were always spotless. The housekeeper was like a fairy. Every time anyone would leave their rooms, she was in there cleaning it up a little. What she was doing was like magic. I stay in a lot of hotel rooms each year and never have I felt such joy and care in housekeeping. The boat Captain leads quietly behind the scenes much of the time, but the Grace would not operate so beautifully and seemingly effortlessly without the strong leadership of the captain. I almost forgot the amazing food and culinary team. Wow! We had three amazing meals a day. All dietary requirements and preferences for some of our group, were met at each meal with really special meals. Those individuals typically feel that their needs are an afterthought, but on this trip, they felt special at each meal. They even accommodated an unplanned Caftan and Critters dinner party, as more of an informal cocktail supper on the bar deck. They prepared an amazing sushi evening. All the food the entire week was spectacular. (and many of us are fussy foodies) Many of our group travel a lot, and none of us has had an experience like your team created for us in such an “authentic” and caring way. What this teams does each day is truly special. My company consults with restaurant companies, hospitality companies and retailers. I know how hard it is for any company to consistently deliver exceptional service, hospitality and memorable guest experiences. The Quasar team, and the special small yachts, in my opinion, are unmatched in what you deliver. You are truly ‘best-in-class’. I have not been on your larger boat, but I think you have some special magic in having these smaller, intimate luxury yachts. I know our trip was somewhat unique since we basically chartered the Grace with our friends. However, this really amplifies the trip experience. It was pretty easy for us to fill the boat. I think there are a lot of people that dream of going to the Galapagos, but need a little inspiration to start. Our group appreciated being able to book with people they knew, and not have to think about anything, other than paying and packing. We saw all the other boats in the Galapagos. None matched the Quasar yachts. I can't imagine having the experience we did on the larger boats of 50 - 150 people. 16-32 people is the ideal size. We are already planning our repeat trip in 2-3 years of the other Northern itinerary. Read Less

My siblings and I along with our spouses cruised on the M/Y Grace at the end of January 2019. The ship was great, the food wonderful, and the crew amazing. Ever one of the crew members was personable and made it clear they were there to serve. The captain took time to snorkel on several days with members of our group who were not experienced snorkelers. He worked with them each day to improve their skills. The naturalists, both Rafa and Walter, were extremely knowledgeable and a lot of fun. Nothing about their presentations were rote. During our visit to one of the islands, some members of another ship started asking our naturalists questions because they found them to be more knowledgeable than the persons they had on their boat. Shout out to Saul who tended bar and served every meal. He was terrific. Also to the chefs, who served up a wonderful variety of food and very delicious desserts. Read Less

Galapagos certainly has its magic, and it goes without saying that our expectations for this trip were very high. Our week on the Grace was outstanding and has surpassed the initial expectation, leaving us with a life-changing experience and fabulous memories. What made the difference is that the crew and our naturalist guides (Rafa and Sam), made everything possible to make us feel alone on the islands, adapting the schedule in the best way possible. Going to such a remote place, we did not want to be surrounded by 50 people on every activity. They made us feel like the only ones around and they can count on the flexibility of the crew, that has been hosting us like family, attending all our needs even before we thought of them. They knew all our names after 1,5 day. Outstanding. The Grace is a comfortable and timeless. It is by far the most elegant boat floating on Galapagos islands. Cabins are very comfortable, spacious and nicely decorated. Easy to relax here, rooms are always impeccable, and whenever we returned to our cabin, our bed is nicely made. We loved to sit on the outside terrace for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as at the bar. This seemed to be quite unique compared to the other few ships we saw. We liked the fact there was no wifi or tv in the rooms (there is one common tv in the living), as it let us disconnect fully with the outside world while connecting with ourselves, the wildlife and other passengers. After this experience, we really stand for small cruise ship experiences, they are way more personal and unique. Food was also delicious, with great variety and local cuisine. The fact they have one chef and one pastry cook really makes the difference from breakfast to dinner. Camila and Colja – travelled in August 2018, as a couple. Read Less

We chose AdventureSmith for our trip to the Galapagos Islands on the recommendation of friends who had used them several years ago. We were not disappointed. On the recommendation of AdventureSmith, we arrived in Quito two days before boarding the M/Y Grace, therefor we were able to explore a little of Quito. We arranged our accommodations in Quito ourselves and used taxis to get around. Travel from Quito to Baltra for embarkation onto The Grace was arranged by AdventureSmith, the flight was on Avianca. We were met in Baltra by two gentlemen who would be our Galapagos guides for the week, May 12 -19, 2018. AdventureSmith works with Quasar who operates the yacht. The Grace has a crew of twelve and there were eighteen guests. Both the crew and guides are well-trained, professional and attentive without being intrusive. All staff are very warm and friendly. As guests, we all felt safe and well-cared for. The crew works very hard from early in the morning to late at night to make sure your trip will be exceptional. Our accommodations were very nice. We had an upper cabin with twin beds and private bath. It was exceptionally clean and comfortable. All our meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner, were delicious - some featuring Ecuadorian specialties. Meals are al fresco. Information about the history of M/Y Grace (very interesting!) and our trip is well-documented on the AdventureSmith website. The activities included hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling. Again, I would like to emphasize that we were always well-cared for and looked after. Our guides made sure to point out sights or animals we may have otherwise have missed. During down-time, some napped, some sat outside and enjoyed the cruise from one island to another. It was so relaxing! Generally, our day started at 7:00 a.m., and ended around 8 or 8:30. Every evening there is a “Briefing” - an informational session - so that we would learn about our next destination, know what to expect, and how to dress or prepare for the next day. I guess I would call that our “Entertainment”. The guides are enthusiastic, knowledgeable and clearly love what they do. Truthfully, after being out for the better part of each day, after dinner and the briefing, we were happy and content to just relax and do nothing. We disembarked on San Cristobal Island, again, this was arranged by AdventureSmith and again, our flight was on Avianca. I would not hesitate to recommend AdventureSmith and Quasar for a “trip of a lifetime” to the Galapagos Islands. Read Less

We choose the Grace for the history of the vessel and the size. Wanted to go on a smaller ship. The dining was excellent. Emphasis on local products and freshness. The staff and guides were excellent and made sure that everyone was well taken care of. Sammy and Walter were our guides for the week and they were very enthusiastic about showing us the islands. We were busy non stop. That was good and bad. I would have liked a little more down time but then I'm not a big fan of riding in zodiacs but I did it, all landings. I personally did not snorkel but I went out with the groups and stayed aboard the zodiac and enjoyed seeing the marine life from the boat. That was fun! Enjoyed the al fresco dining. Jorge, our bartender, was excellent at making fresh juices. So delicious. Freddy and Gallo were excellent. Gallo was very helpful to me on land, making sure I was safe and several times, I think Freddy actually picked me up and put me in the zodiac. Great gents!!! Thanks for an awesome time. We generally do not return to a destination, we like to do once and done so that is probably the case with The Galapagos. Not because we didn't have a good time but there are so many other places in the world to see. Read Less

Quasar Grace Galapagos 1 week tour (originating in San Cristobal, ending in Baltra) exceeded my expectations in every way. The boat was elegant, well-appointed and very comfortable. I didn’t see a single boat in the Galapagos that was as beautiful as Grace. Her age (built in 1928, later gifted to Princess Grace and Prince Rainier by Ari Onassis) was not an issue at all - she is fast, nimble and beautifully maintained. The itinerary and activities were perfectly planned, with several excursions a day on land and sea. Land visits were timed to capture the animals in their most dramatic moments (e.g., the mating dance of the blue-footed boobies), while also avoiding other tourists. We snorkeled almost every day, and it was the best I've experienced, swimming with sea lions, turtles, reef sharks, and many schools of beautiful fish. I am physically fit and a long-distance swimmer, but the activities were structured in a way that even older and less able guests could fully enjoy them. Late January was a perfect time to visit because the water was warm enough to swim without a wetsuit. The food was wonderful, served al fresco. I can’t imagine preparing 3 meals/day for 16 guests plus crew in a yacht kitchen, but the kitchen staff continued to surprise us with new delicacies. The fruits and vegetables were incredibly fresh and flavorful. I looked forward to the fresh breads in the basket every morning, prepared by Walter. There were 2 ceviches (shrimp and crab) that were so good that we asked the chef for the recipe. The fresh tuna was a crowd pleaser, and the preparations and sauces always had a unique and harmonious mixture of ingredients. The crew was exceptional. I was impressed with their expertise across multiple roles, commitment to pleasing their guests, professionalism and work ethic. Melissa (hospitality) was delightful, very responsive and energetic. Freddy and Miguel, our zodiac pilots, were very capable, confident and fun. Saul, our bartender, learned our names and preferred cocktails and wines very quickly, and always appeared just as my glass was getting low. Nelly crept into our rooms several times a day to tidy up, and quickly replaced any linens as they began to get grimy. Our guide, Rafael Pesante, was extremely knowledgeable, which of course, is critical. But on top of that, he was a skilled teacher and story teller. He was full of energy and good cheer. He treated every single guest as if they were his top priority. He took beautiful photographs of every excursion and supplied downloads to departing guests. He treated the other crew members as equals and fostered a sense of family. I can’t imagine that there is a better guide in the Galapagos. Most impressive of all was the way they all work together to give their guests a memorable experience. One morning around 6am, one of the crew members spotted orcas near the boat. Immediately after that, Rafael came on the intercom encouraging everyone to come to the zodiacs in their pajamas ASAP to chase the orcas. Within minutes, all 16 guests were loaded into the boats and on the chase. We had a thrilling ride and captured dramatic footage of the orcas. A less-organized crew would never have been able to pull that off, and a bigger boat never would have even bothered. I could not have been happier with the Grace experience. My only hesitation in giving this glowing review is that it might create more competition to get a reservation when I inevitably return to the Grace one day! Read Less

My wife and I just recently from a one-week cruise on the Grace, concluding on February 3rd. Our guide, Rafael, was outstanding throughout the trip – in terms of his level of knowledge, and his ability to safely and competently guide a group of 16 people. We always knew what was coming next, and the end of day photo review and briefing for the next day was very effective in keeping us grounded throughout the week. Our wildlife viewing was outstanding – I thought nothing could match our trip to Tanzania last year, but Galapagos on the Grace, with Rafael, was right there on a par level. Our impression during the week was that the crew was very much in sync with Rafael, so everything they did seemed to meet the same high standard. The food was superb everyday. Our hotel manager, Melissa, could not have been more accommodating. We stayed in the Grace Kelly suite, and it was a real treat. Everything in the room, and the way it was maintained and serviced during the week (Nelly’s efforts), was excellent. I never did get tired of looking at the Grace from the water – such a classic boat. You could tell that other boats were steering their pangas toward the Grace when the opportunity presented itself, to have a closer look at the Grace. Read Less

What you experience in the Galapagos in terms of flora and fauna is beyond any description. Prepare yourself for unique once in a lifetime experience. The Grace’s crew was outstanding. Starting with Edison (cruise director) who was always making sure everything was up to our satisfaction and solving any issue promptly and with a smile on his face. Saul, the barman was also very kind and friendly. Nelly in housekeeping was also great. The captain was a very nice gentleman and very open and friendly to all passengers. Our guide, Rafael, was fantastic. Great knowledge about the Galapagos, very friendly and flexible. He was always on top of things making sure everyone was having a good experience and his most remarkable attribute is his passion for his job. The excursions were great and since we were only 15 guests this makes all the difference because you get to experience the island without too many people. The same applies for the snorkelling activities. Even though the main focus in this trip is the flora and fauna of the islands, the level of service in the Grace was outstanding and makes the experience even better. Cabins are very spacious as well as the common areas. The Dining menus were very good and varied. The overnight sailing can get very rocky at times so be prepared for possible sea sickness (not in my case, but some fellow passengers did). They had all the snorkelling gear ready for us by size so it made everything gone smoothly. I will definitely without any doubts recommend this cruise and I will definitely go again for the other itinerary. Read Less

We just came back from the Galapagos on the small 18 person ship the Grace. The ship itself if old but refurbished and very comfortable. The above board cabins were roomy with a king bed and room for two chairs and a table and plenty of closet space. The doors did not lock but there was a very small safe in the room. The bathroom was ok with plenty of cabinet space. The shower had to be fixed during our voyage but was done so quickly while we were off the boat. The main plus of this ship is the crew and customer service. Everyone was just great from the two naturalists (Gustavo and Walter) to the entire support crew. Meals were good with breakfast being the best with fresh fruit, cook to order eggs, and other hot dishes. Lunch always had two main course choices as did dinner. Very balanced cuisine. Desserts were so/so. We saw a ton of wildlife and it was a good balance between hikes, viewing wildlife, and snorkeling. We saw multiple species of iguanas, penguins, sea lions, sharks, dolphins, whales, blue footed boobies and what seemed like 50+ other varieties of interesting birds. We did see large tortoises on two of the stops. Everyone on the ship was adult age and they had an evening briefing on the next day's activities and some history of the islands and conservation efforts. The ONLY downside was that most of the passengers (15 of 18) came down with a virus that lasted about a day of vomitting and other common symptoms. The cruise before ours also got sick. However, the crew did everything possible to be helpful. Read Less

Myself and my wife spent a week on the Grace on the northern itinerary. We stayed in cabin C4 which is small but it did not matter because the only time we spent in the cabin was to sleep. The boat was full with 18 passengers but there was more than enough room in all the common areas. The week was spectacular. The crew could not do enough for you, from the captain Jimmy, barman Frankie, purser Allie, the chefs, and the naturalist Walter and Hernan all went out of there way to help make the week something we will never forget. The 18 passengers on the boat all got along and everyone was friendly and were all good company. We were lucky to be on the Grace the week that they had an executive chef from Quito there to train the chefs on a new menu, the presentation, quality and taste of the food was as good as any restaurant that I have been to. Breakfast was buffet style with an egg station, fresh fruit, oatmeal and then a meat and alternative to eggs. Lunch was 3 courses, a appetizer served to you, buffet main course with multiple options and then a dessert which was served. Dinner was appetizer, main course and dessert. They have a small but good selection of wine. Each day started with wakeup music, some days started at 5.30am. It is a very active week. There are three to 4 excursions off the boat each day. We would start with early morning landing on island to see iguanas, boobies ( red footed, blue footed and nasca), tortoises, penguins, cormorants, owls, sea lions, and many other birds. Then after a break we would go snorkeling, they supplied the gear including wetsuit. When snorkeling we swam with, iguanas, penguins, dolphin, cormorants, sea turtles, rays, hammerhead sharks, reef sharks, Galapagos sharks, octopus, sea lions and many other smaller beautiful fish. Then in the afternoon we either snorkeled or another excursion on land. At night after dinner we would sit at al fresco dinner table and talk with each other and then watch the sea life attracted to the boat lite or go to top deck and see the stars. By 9pm the boat was quite. It was a great week and we want to go back and do the other itinerary. Read Less

Cabin-roomy and rich, with dark wood paneling and granite counters in the bath. Clean. A/C is quirky and I wouldn't trust that it works in summertime. Not enough closet space. Common areas-Nicely done parlor with A/V, hot tub on deck is great but too small for the size of boat, sun loungers available Food-Mostly good. A bit overdone at times, and quantity was laughable of some dishes (e.g.-salmon) but mostly very good Wine-Buy the bottle of Chardonnay for $30...not a bad value Excursions-they shine here. You will be busy all the time. Up to 3 trips a day. Lots of physical activity. Guides very knowledgeable, though one of them a bit too soft spoken to be heard well. However, they give an excellent presentation every day on board. Staff-Accommodating and professional. Willing to go the extra mile. Entertainment-non existent. If you find a video to watch, that's it. You are the entertainment. Read Less

In December we took a 8 day cruise aboard the Grace. The trip was organized by Heather, who is so friendly and knowledgeable, what a delight to deal with. The Grace was a ten. The trip was a ten. The Grace really is the most beautiful yacht on the open seas. Cabin. we stayed in the lowest deck with port holes instead of windows. No problem, as you only go to your cabin to sleep. Less motion and no problem with motion sickness. The cabin in the back on this deck is the largest, but noisy due to engine noise. The people in there just used ear plugs. The bathrooms are large. I looked into the cabin on the A deck two large picture windows on each side. Beautiful room. Cleanliness: Rooms are constantly cleaned. The ship is beautifully maintained. Crew: top notch. Probably the best service I have ever experienced. Smiles in abundance, they know what you like by the end of the first day. Guides: First class. Excellent english and very knowledgeable. Raphael in particular was an encyclopedia of information. Kept up with the scientific journals and was on the fore front of current evolutionary happenings. Best of all was their enthusiasm and love of the islands. Food: plenty and good. Not gourmet, buffet style. Wine list is sub par. But you are there for the animals and the ambience. However, the lobster on the last night was the best lobster I have eaten Fellow travelers: a mix of cultures, American, Swiss, Mexican, Dutch, Cayman. Everyone spoke english which made for a brilliant time. I have never laughed so much in a week, as Galapagos brought out the best in everyone. I was concerned that a luxury cruise would be full of older people. And yes people are older 50s-60s. But the type of person that goes on this ship are the adventurous type. Our fellow travelers in their youth backpacked and hiked mountains, solo sailed the caribbean and generally are in love with the outdoors. Itinerary: we did the northern route. But whatever route you do will be amazing, as the islands are amazing. Flexibility: not sure how common this is but when something was seen the cry went out " get to the pangas" we all ran and jumped on board to explore orcas. Then later in the week at 7 am " grab your snorkeling gear and get to the pangas" hundreds of mantra rays were jumping. We were deposited in their midst and swam with them. What a highlight. Snorkeling: the equipment was in good shape and both shorties and long wet suits were available. as well as hoodies. The water was cold on the west side of Isabella (61 F) . We swam with rays, hammerheads, turtles, flightless cormorants, sea lions, and countless fish. Cormorants were particularly curious and even tugged on my wetsuit. In all a trip of a life time. Read Less

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We traveled as a family of four - my husband and two grown sons (26 and 28). We chose the Galapagos because it would have something for everyone and it is an active trip - hiking, snorkeling, kayaking. We chose Quasar Expeditions and The M/V Grace because of the reputation of each. Quasar sends only very small groups - our total group was 18 passengers, and I cannot imagine a better set up for really seeing everything in the Galapagos. We had two Level IV naturalists and traveled on each shore expedition as a group of 8 or a group of 10; that ratio of guests to naturalist cannot be surpassed. Both naturalists were superb in their knowledge and both were local - one from Guayaquil and one from the Galapagos itself. We were always out and about before any other ship - kayaking at 6:30 a.m. (that was optional) or snorkeling at 7 a.m., getting to all the best spots first. I cannot say enough about the ship M/V Grace - where to start? It was a wedding gift to Princess Grace of Monaco from Aristotle Onassis. Wood panelling, wood floors, coffered ceilings, beautiful built-ins, bathrooms that really looked like and had the space of real bathrooms - just gorgeous. Every meal was al fresco on the rear deck - delicious local, healthy, elegant but simple food. The crew of 12 did everything as though we were the first group they had ever hosted on the ship - superb. The captain even turned the ship around so we could follow a pod of 500 dolphins leaping through the waves as they chased fish - we followed them for 20 minutes in the direction away from our destination - that's caring! We had at least 3 activities a day, plus siesta time (usually 1-2 hours after lunch as the ship repositioned). Hopping into the hot tub after snorkeling and having tea or hot cocoa handed to you is the lap of luxury. Star gazing from the rooftop deck at night was sublime. I can't say enough about the ship, the crew, the itinerary and most especially our two fabulous naturalists! Read Less

The Grace is a small ship that houses only 18 guests. It was a very personalized trip and we had a wonderful experience. The guides were superb and we learned a tremendous amount about the wildlife, geology and history of the islands. The food on board was outstanding and the daily excursions were of "bucket list" quality. We met outstanding people on the trip. There were couples from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Switzerland.Although there was no "traditional" entertainment on board (this boat is too small for that type of activity). We were enchanted by the excellent company and friends we made. If you love nature, this is the trip for you. There are animals, birds, fish and plants that you can only see in once place on earth..... Darwin's Galapagos Islands. We would do this trip again in a heart beat. Don't miss it if you have the chance to go! Read Less

My husband and I had an amazing trip on the Grace's Western itinerary. The boat is beautiful. The rooms are comfortable, clean, and well-kept. The best part of the boat, in my opinion, is the large amount of outdoor space, which is unlike many other boats in the Galapagos. It was wonderful to have all our meals in the al fresco dining area. We also enjoyed the large, comfortable outdoor bar area on the upper deck - a great place to enjoy the scenery during navigation and to socialize with others in the evening. Our crew and guide were first rate. Everyone was incredibly friendly and knowledgable. Our guide, Rafa, kept everyone laughing and made sure we visited the landing spots at just the right time to see the most wildlife; the captain, Jimmy, welcomed us in the bridge anytime we wanted to drop in and say hello; our cruise director, Michele, made sure everyone's special dietary needs were taken care of with a smile - and I could go on and on! About the food: it's delicious. My husband and I are both pescetarian, and there were always plenty of dishes for us to enjoy, both fish and vegetarian. We especially enjoyed trying some Ecuadorian dishes and the whimsical fruit sculptures that changed daily! I am so glad that we chose the Grace. We couldn't have had a better experience! Read Less

We went on a two month trip within South America, from Atacama, Chile to Machu Picchu, Peru to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands being the Galapagos islands the last part of our trip and indeed the Galapsgos was the highlight of our adventure. We visited the islands at the end of October for a 7 night cruise in the yacht MY Grace. We cannot be more grateful to choose this yacht. It was highly recommended to us by our agent, and indeed it was the perfect choice for us. The classic look and history of this beautiful yacht was what we were looking for, with less than 20 people on board, it was like having our own private boat in these wonderful islands. The Grace offer so much ample spaces inside and outside. We saw many other yachts in the islands and this yacht looked outstanding. Our cabin accommodation and services were just perfect for us, we stayed in the top deck. The food was delicious and well prepared considering that I have some food restrictions, the chef was well appointed and experienced to accommodate our personal needs. The cleaning of our cabin and areas of yacht was acceptable. All the staff were very friendly and always with a smile on their faces and ready to help everyone in our group in / out the raft, the bartender well prepared drinks. Our guide Rafael was oustanding, he has so much acknowledge and caring for these amazing Galapagos islands. We share a week with very entuciastic and caring people. Our trip on the Grace was beyond our expectations. We definately planning to return back to the Galapagos in a few years to experience the other part of her itinerary. Read Less

Our Galapagos cruise on the Grace (Quasar Expeditions) was somewhat disappointing. 13 passengers and a crew of 12 on a historic yacht (named for Princess Grace who honeymooned on it) sounded promising. And the itinerary, sites, and naturalist Rafa were great. Although elegant in a classic way, the yacht lacked amenities commonly seen on cruise ships such as TV, internet access, and any activities after 8:30 PM when it seemed the crew was interested in getting the passengers to bed. For a small number of passengers who bonded pretty well together it was ironic that the crew most directly involved day to day with passengers (the cruise director, waiter, and naturalist) never seemed to learn our names! The food, while excellent and bountiful for the most part, has to receive a downgrade because one night the majority of passengers developed moderate to severe gastrointestinal symtoms; an occurrence that the young cruise director attributed to a "virus"; a more classic presentation of a food-borne illness could not have occurred. Read Less

The Galapagos has always been on our bucket list and we had heard that the Fall is a good time to visit because there are fewer people. When we found the Grace on Quasar's website we knew she was the yacht for us and she lived up to expectations when we arrived in the Galapagos. We loved her amazing deck spaces that made it very easy to take advantage of the Galapagos climate, especially the topside bar as well as Jacuzzi, which we happily jumped into after snorkeling. Our guide Walter was amazing and seemed to know each animal personally! His love for, and knowledge of, the islands, was contagious and this translated into some wonderful animal interactions. I didn't realize that sea lions will actually show off for you underwater! The food was excellent and the service from the crew was stellar. We thoroughly enjoyed knowing we were on an historic yacht that was living up to her history of being the honeymoon yacht of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier. Read Less

I sailed the Galapagos with my wife last July, and I could not be more grateful for choosing this company and this boat. We saw a lot of boats during the time we cruised the Islands, but none were more beautiful than the Grace. Her classic lines, her amazing history and her vinatage look just make her stand out from all the other boats on the Islands. We felt privileged to return to this boat after our excursions, and everything onboard just could not have been better. From the food to the service, everything was 5 star. Our guide Rafa was the best guide we have ever had on any of our trips, and we consider ourselves seasoned travelers. Quasar does it right in the islands with their smaller group philosophy. It really made the all the difference during our trip, as we never felt like part of a crowd. Read Less

From the moment we arrived it was like clock work, everything was in order and very organized, ship shape . The Grace is everything you would imagine, its beauty and charm made each day after a long hiking or swim a pleasurable sanctuary to return too. Our Cruise Director Debra was so amazing and was always looking after everyone on the ship. The food was very good, and many choices to be had. Our stateroom was small but efficient the bathrooms were very nice and roomy. Each day there were many excursions usually two after breakfast and one late afternoon before dinner. There were two naturalist guides , Alex and Gilda, both extremely knowledgeable . I preferred Gilda because she was very sweet and kind to me . I tended to stay away from Alex , for some reason he was always reprimanding me and making me feel bad, so in order to not ruin the already wonderful trip i stayed away from him. Other then that, i did enjoy the trip and hope to someday come back and do the other half on the galapagos and maybe try the Evolution to compare. Read Less

Quasar Expeditions runs a first class operation. Everything ran like clockwork. From the moment we were met at the airport to our eventual departure pickup from the hotel, the entire experience exceeded our expectations. Needless to say this experience, visiting the various sites accompanied by very well informed guides made this trip exceptional. I can’t imagine visiting such a place without the benefit of their expertise. Small ship cruising is the only way to go. Everyone was friendly and gladly did their best to ensure all questions were answered and we felt satisfied. Additionally, the accommodations on the Grace were superb and comfortable. As we continued our travels with Quasar, the hotels, which were all located easily within walking distance to the central squares, were filled with local custom and tradition. All hotels were staffed by very courteous s and professional individuals who did their best to make our stay as pleasurable as possible. I would gladly recommend your services to anyone with the desire to visit such an interesting part of the world. Doing this trip “on our own” would never have provided the richness and depth that only knowledgeable local guides could provide. Moreover, this was all made possible by your taking the stress out of traveling in a new country. Not being concerned about transfers and knowing that we would be met timely, time after time by very courteous staff allowed us to make the most of our time. Thanks for making this one of the best vacations we have experienced thus far. Chris Shotwell   Read Less

Grace is the most beautiful yacht in all the Galapagos waters, and her crew has got to be among the best ever. If you are looking for something special and appreciate the beauty of a historic vessel with wood furnishings, spacious open decks, and comfortable appointments, Grace is for you. This lovely yacht and the Quasar company attracts a top notch crew as well. They are genuinely committed to your comfort, enjoyment, and enlightenment. Cooked to order eggs at breakfast, hot chocolate while sitting in the hot tub after snorkeling, a fully stocked bar, elegant al fresco dining service, terrific food, wonderful naturalist briefings, lovely cabins, and more, we felt pampered at every moment. Our extraordinary guide, Rafael, was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, very personable, and patient. He helped make the journey special. This was a very active journey. We usually had two excursions and a snorkel each day, with some time out for a siesta in the afternoons. The trip attracted like-minded adventurers and we quickly became friends. If you like being active and the informal, intimate nature of a special space, this is for you. If you like the giant cruise ships, this may not be for you. I tend toward seasickness so wore a medicated patch and had no problems on Grace. It will rock from side to side, and it took a week to gain my land legs back! I would recommend you bring some good earplugs to help you sleep when the engine runs as they move from port to port at night. Overall, one of the best trips we’ve ever had!   Read Less

I’ve been on two cruises and I would never repeat the first (on a super-large ship), but I was so impressed with the Grace that I’ve made arrangements with Quasar for a group of 28 to travel with them next year. I have no doubt that our experience on the MY Evolution next year will be just as fantastic as our time on the Grace this past January. We chose the Grace and Quasar Expeditions based on their years of experience in the Galapagos along with the style and size of the MY Grace. I wanted a small, comfortable and "classic” yacht, and the Grace was that and more! I did extensive research about the cruise lines in the Galapagos, read reviews and compared over 25 yachts before selecting the Grace. Quasar’s website and their representatives (Paul & Diane) were extremely informative, helpful and possess absolute knowledge of the islands and the options for the best exploration. My husband and I traveled with our 10-year-old grandson. We flew to Guayaquil, Ecuador and spent one night at the Hotel Oro Verde (wisely recommended by Quasar). The Oro Verde was great, staff very helpful and the shuttle service included in the price of the room was there and waiting for us when we arrived. A representative from the Grace contacted me at the Oro Verde, and met us at the airport in Guayaquil for our flight to the islands, and the real fun began! Once we arrived in San Cristobal we were greeted by the staff from the Grace " they whisked away our bags and we boarded the Zodiac (or Panda/a small rubber boat) for the short ride to the yacht. We boarded the Grace around noon, took a short ride out of the harbor, and were treated to our first welcome toast and our first gourmet meal. I can’t say enough about the food… it was absolutely fantastic, a 5-start restaurant aboard an 18-person yacht (with their own pastry chef), we were continually surprised us with the outstanding dishes, a variety to please everyone and excellence beyond words! We were celebrating our grandson’s birthday and they surprised him (and us) with a beautiful, and delicious, 12” high layered birthday cake with 10 candles for desert with our first dinner. Our stateroom was large, attractive, functional, extravagant and beautifully appointed. All details down to spa soaps, shampoo and hair dryers were provided. The staterooms aboard the Grace make you feel as special as Princess Grace must have felt on her own honeymoon on the yacht. The common areas were warm, welcoming, and provided the perfect amount of "outside” room to enjoy the views of the islands. I have to note too that our adventures off the yacht began immediately upon our arrival too. After the first fantastic lunch, we had about an hour to settle in while we took a short ride to our first snorkel-site. In reading other reviews about cruises, some mention the ‘excursions’ while the Grace is 110% committed to making the exploration of The Galapagos the best you can find. Quasar, with 30+ years of experience in the islands clearly knows the best guides to travel with their yachts. Since your guide can make or break your adventures, we were amazingly pleased with our guide, Rafael, who made every experience on land and in the water safe, educational, fun, relaxed and perfect for each of the group whether they were young or old. The staff aboard the Grace were amazing too  absolutely professional, personable and completely skilled. They immediately took care of our needs (including playing board games with me and my grandson while others were resting) and went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure we were always happy. Nothing was out of their notice and if any little problem did occur (like a little too much wind to eat outside) they changed plans and re-worked things for us so we didn’t even know a problem existed. More than efficient - they treated us as one big family, and indeed there were many hugs with all at our departure! Would I highly recommend the Grace to others? - Absolutely you can’t find a better yacht in the Galapagos!   Read Less