Let’s just jump right to the point – a regular cruise ship is not at all discreet. Whether it is the thumping night club music or the non-stop buffet, there is nothing small, quiet, or unnoticed on or about the traditional cruise liner. So, if you are going somewhere that might benefit from small, discerning, and eco-friendly ships it means you may not be able to “cruise” to the destination.
Fortunately, the popularity of the Ecuadorian islands known as the Galapagos has created an entire industry around small cruises. These are going to be far more intimate and enjoyable than those which might ask you to stand at a railing and look through a pair of binoculars to “see” the far shore.
Ah, you might think, but if giving up the large ship means giving up all the little luxuries, then what is the point? The point is that you don’t have to give up anything except the size and clumsiness of that massive cruiser.
When heading to a place as ecologically fragile as the Galapagos, you will be able to find yachts, sailing vessels, and very small ships that bring you right to the islands, but which also give you a great deal more than the average cruise. For instance, small vessels are often “intellectual” vessels that have lectures from knowledgeable experts and guided tours by those who study the region as a way of life.
The small vessels are also the ones that can allow you to enjoy a “greener” vacation because the amount of waste is minimal at best. These are also the kinds of environments in which you can easily bond and befriend the crew, which is the best way to find out a lot more about the locale. For instance, your ship’s crew may be composed entirely of locals who can point you to the best shopping, dining, and sightseeing when you return to your point of departure!
Small can be wonderful, especially when cruising the historic, fascinating, and fragile Galapagos!