How is it to go on one of the most luxurious cruises in the Galapagos Islands? What’s the difference, and why should I choose this option?

I’ve gotten these questions many times before without being able to give a first-hand answer and just replying to what I have heard and learned all these years. However, I can tell you right now why you should travel this way, giving you feedback on my experience. 

I am David, and this is my experience traveling on the Elite Catamaran and Columbus Travel.

What is a Luxury Elite Catamaran?

A luxury catamaran is a high-end multihull vessel known for stability and comfort. With two parallel hulls, these vessels offer spacious interiors, multiple cabins with ensuite bathrooms, gourmet kitchens, and entertainment systems. Outdoor features like sun decks and dining areas enhance the luxurious experience.

Catamarans are Ideal for coastal cruising and island hopping. These vessels combine superior stability and efficiency, making them popular for upscale vacations and private charters, providing a premium yachting experience. In this post, I’ll cover my personal experience on the Elite Catamaran.

The Journey Begins

At Quito Airport, I realized I had forgotten my ID at home and could not fly to the Galapagos. It was a situation I was not expecting to happen after traveling so many times to the Galapagos, but I was there without knowing what to do. Luckily, my girlfriend took me to the airport, and she was able to get back home to help me take my ID. For situations like this, it is necessary to be at the airport with enough time. I was carrying my carry-on, so there was no problem going quickly through security for the Galapagos and the airline because I did the pre-check-in. 

Finally, I arrived at San Cristobal Island, and everything else since that moment went smoothly. Our guide from the Elite Galapagos cruise, Carlos, was waiting for us outside the airport, and on an airconditioned bus, we were transported to the Island’s harbor. 

Carlos gave us time in case we needed to buy anything else before embarking on this adventure, which was a really good idea because I found out that some of my fellow guests needed sunscreen, insect repellent, and a waterproof case for their cellphones. 

Some others took advantage of the nice weather to sit down and drink a cold, home-brewed, and very tasty local beer. In my case, I decided to walk the main street in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and found a huge group of sea lions lying on the beach.

My Elite Catamaran First Impressions

After a prudent time, we embarked on the Elite Galapagos cruise zodiacs to see our new home for the following days. You could already see the Mega Catamaran waiting for us from a distance. The crew met us at the stern with a welcome drink and chocolates. And while they were taking care of our luggage, our cruise director was already talking to us about the Galapagos catamaran cruise and the safety precautions. Very clear and very informative. 

We checked our spacious cabins, and I could not stop a minute and open all the blackout curtains and the sliding door to the balcony and see the enormous cabin I would be in while on the cruise. I let the breeze from the sea into the cabin while I arranged all the stuff I brought with me and waited for lunch to be announced. To my delight, the food was amazing. 

World Class Service and Unforgettable Experiences

The following 4 days were exceptional, with a crew that cared for every detail. At breakfast, our chef waited for us to tell us what he had for us and offered to prepare eggs as we liked. There was a coffee machine that we could use any moment we wanted, and snacks were always available. For lunch, we had two in the main restaurant, and because we had such good weather, we got another two lunches on the sky deck. Dinner was served after asking us (during lunch time) what options were available, and they even went that extra mile to prepare us something that was not on the day’s menu.

Outstanding Crew Providing Unmatched Customer Service

Our guide was a 5* Naturalist. A very knowledgeable guide that knows about the Ecology of the Galapagos Islands but also about the history of it. He was especially helpful to my fellow companions, who couldn’t do much snorkeling during this activity. He found a way, together with the cruise captain, for everyone to enjoy the activity. The English-speaking crew was quite helpful, practicing excellent hospitality throughout the journey.

In summary, my time on the Galapagos catamaran cruise was amazing. Something also important for me was to have an Internet connection and have the chance to do some work during some of my free time.

So, which are the highlights of the Elite Galapagos? 

• Very Spacious Cabins with private balcony
• A 5* naturalist guide on board
• Gourmet-style cuisine with a chef ready to spoil you
• Excellent condition of snorkeling, wetsuits, and kayak equipment
• The provide internet onboard the Elite Galapagos

Who should come to this Galapagos luxury cruise?

• You!
• Families and friends. Part of our group consisted of friends traveling together, and they had lots of fun.
• Couples 
• Honeymooners
• Travelers looking for big spacious cabins with private balconies
• Travelers that want to enjoy a vacation but have the chance to work remotely as well.

Essentials to Cruise on Board a Luxury Catamaran:

• Go-Pro Camera (trust me, you will use it extensively)
• Tevas and good closed hiking shoes
• Safari-style hats and sunglasses
• Small backpack for water bottle, insect repellent, and sunscreen
• Breathable, fast-drying clothes
• Abundant energy for walks, kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming

Aside from world-class catamarans, Columbus Travel also offers other luxury tour options and packages,  catering to diverse travel preferences and ensuring you get an unforgettable experience on board. Believe me, you can not go wrong in choosing this cruise for your Galapagos adventure

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