Silver Galapagos Review
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Silver Galapagos Overview
Built in Italy for Renaissance Cruises in 1990, the vessel was bought by Conodros Cruises and renamed Galapagos Explorer II. Silversea launched it as the 100-passenger Silver Galapagos in 2013.
As an expedition vessel, the 100-passenger Silver Galapagos can't compare to the bigger, more luxurious ships in the Silversea fleet and to their attentive service. But it's far fancier than its Galapagos competitors.
The ship underwent a partial refurbishment in 2013, and then a major redo in 2014, resulting in upgraded accommodations and public areas better suited for its new luxury owners. Silver Galapagos now provides all-suite accommodations, with butlers for all passengers. Suites were completely remodeled, with new beige- and blue-accented furnishings, carpeting, bedding, flat-screen televisions and marble-accented baths. A fitness center, massage room, beauty salon, outdoor Jacuzzi and the alfresco Grill restaurant were added. The Explorer Lounge was totally refurbished with plush seating, and corridors were brightened and decorated with Galapagos wildlife photos.
Cruise fares are all-inclusive. All shore excursions and activities; onboard wine, beer and spirits; gratuities (even for spa and bar); and Wi-Fi are included in the up-front price. So, too, are round-trip economy air between Ecuador and Galapagos Island, a two-night pre-cruise hotel stay with breakfast in Quito and a city tour, a day room in Guayaquil for late flight departures and all transfers. Only extra fees would be laundry, spa and (hopefully not) medical.
Expeditions are seamlessly orchestrated. Mornings and afternoons are activity oriented, while evenings bring cocktails and briefings. Active travelers snorkel, hike, kayak and take Zodiac and land tours. More sedentary passengers -- or those who want down time -- take in afternoon lectures, get massages, soak in the Jacuzzi or find a lounge chair to read or snooze.
The majority of the crew must be Ecuadorian by law. Some members grasp English as a second language better than others, most evident when seeking service from butlers and servers. However, those who lack in understanding, compensate with heart. For example, when a passenger on our cruise overslept and missed the last Zodiac for a hike, the crew radioed a Zodiac operator, who returned to pick up the gentleman so he wouldn't miss out.
Safety and comfort are top priorities on Silver Galapagos. Besides the requisite lifeboat drill, expedition team members review life-saving actions, such as proper signaling for water rescues. Zodiac crew watch snorkelers, swimmers and kayakers intently. At nightly briefings, expedition team members show videos of upcoming hikes so passengers can best judge fitness required.
Silver Galapagos will leave the Silversea fleet in 2020 when the new purpose-built Galapagos expedition ship, Silver Origin, debuts.
Fellow Passengers
Expedition ships generally draw more physically active, younger clientele than traditional cruise vessels, and Silver Galapagos is no exception. Passengers are typically couples, ranging from late 30s to early 70s. Expect an enthusiastic, outgoing, well-traveled group. Many are new to expedition-style cruising and even first time cruisers. Most are North American with a few Australians, plus English-speaking Central and South Americans and Europeans. Passengers are social, eager to share wildlife sightings and swap travel tips and stories.
Silversea Silver Galapagos Dress Code
Daytime clothing is about protection from the equatorial sun and excursion safety; hats, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, non-slip water shoes for wet landings, hiking or tennis shoes for dry landings. (Some passengers buck the trend and wear T-shirts, shorts and flip-flops.)
Eveningwear is casual, anything but jeans or shorts in The Restaurant. Women don sundresses, or blouses and pants with minimal jewelry. Men wear polo shirts and slacks. Sports jackets are rare. Diners can wear shorts at the Grill.
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Awards and Recognition
Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice
- 2019 Best Overall
- 2019 Best for Cabins
- 2019 Best for Dining
- 2019 Best for Embarkation
- 2019 Best for Entertainment
- 2019 Best for Fitness & Recreation
- 2019 Best for Public Rooms
- 2019 Best for Service
- 2019 Best for Shore Excursions
- 2019 Best for Value
- 2018 Best Overall
- 2018 Best for Dining
- 2018 Best for Entertainment
- 2018 Best for Fitness & Recreation
- 2018 Best for Public Rooms
- 2018 Best for Shore Excursions
- 2018 Best for Value
- 2015 Best for Shore Excursions
Silversea Silver Galapagos Member Reviews
Silversea Cruises Fleet
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The first purpose-built ship in the Galapagos for luxury line Silversea, all-new Silver Origin will replace the line's existing 1990-built Silver Galapagos when it enters service in summer 2020. Carrying 100 passengers and a fully qualified expedition staff, Silver Origin will introduce several new concepts for Silversea, including the onboard edutainment hub known as "Basecamp."