Daily Life On Board A Cruise In Galapagos - What It's Like

Curious about what life is really like on a cruise ship meandering through the Galapogos Islands? . Well here we dive deep into the details, and now, we're peeling back the curtain to share our very own experiences.

Think daily routines sprinkled with unforgettable wildlife encounters - blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, you name it - all part of a magical journey. Brace yourself for an adventure that's nothing short of remarkable!

Table of content

• Daily life on a Galapagos cruise
• Morning Routine
  • Obtaining coffee and adjusting to any changes in the daily routine
  • Location uncertainty due to overnight ship movement
• Expedition Preparations
  • Gathering for morning expeditions and boarding the "panga"
  • Safety protocol of checking off names before departing
• Wildlife Observations
  • Encountering blue-footed boobies, baby black-tip reef sharks, and a short-eared owl during expeditions
• Onboard Experiences
  • Room attendant's towel art and humorous pranks
• Afternoon Activities
  • Planned snorkeling expedition and relaxation before lunch
  • Variety in meal offerings, including an Ecuadorian Buffet
• Overall Impression
  • Balanced account of structured activities and leisure time
  • Personal anecdotes and wildlife encounters as major highlights
• Final words about the Galapagos cruising experience
• FAQs
  1. What is it like to live daily life on board a cruise in Galapagos?
  2. Are there any special events or activities that take place on the cruise?
  3. How are meals handled during the cruise?
  4. Is there free time for passengers to relax or explore independently?

 

Daily life on a Galapagos cruise

 

• Every day on a Galapagos cruise starts with a mystery because the ship moves at night. Every day you wake up to a new island full of adventures.
• Morning expeditions let you see amazing animals up close, like blue-footed boobies and baby sharks. You need to wear life vests and listen to safety rules before going.
• On the ship, meals are exciting events with lots of food choices from different places, including local Ecuadorean dishes.
• The crew members do fun things like making towel art that looks like animals in your room. They also play kind pranks that make everyone laugh.
• Afternoons offer more time for exploring underwater or just relaxing before the next yummy meal.

 

Morning Routine

 

We wake up early on the cruise, excited for the day. The smell of coffee fills the air as we adjust to a new day's adventures. Our ship has moved overnight, so we're eager to see where we are now.

Breakfast is next, and the dining room welcomes us with many food choices. This is just the start of another amazing day in Galapagos.

Obtaining coffee and adjusting to any changes in the daily routine

 

We start our mornings early. The ship’s gentle sways had encouraged deep sleep, but now they bring us back to reality. In the lounge, we find steaming cups of Ecuadorian coffee waiting.

It's a rich blend, promising energy for the day ahead. Today though, Alastair isn't feeling his best. We've learned to be flexible on this voyage across the Galapagos Islands.

Adjusting plans is part of life here on board the Santa Cruz II ship. Instead of both heading out early as planned, I let Alastair rest and take my time enjoying breakfast alone. Our routine shifts with these small changes, yet it blends smoothly into the cruise rhythm—proof that even in stunning places like Isabela Island or while spotting Galapagos penguins, health comes first.

After adjusting plans and ensuring everyone's well-being – including getting extra chocolates from our travel advisor Mayra for Alastair – we're ready for what comes next: morning expeditions and discovering more wonders around us.

Location uncertainty due to overnight ship movement

 

Waking up on a cruise ship in Galapagos, we often find ourselves puzzled about our exact location. Each day, the scenery outside our windows changes as the vessel glides to new spots for us to explore.

This shift creates a sense of mystery and excitement amongst our group. We gather in the outdoor lounge, chatting eagerly with fellow passengers about what surprises await us at today's stop.

Each dawn brings a new piece of the Archipelago into our lives, turning every day into an adventure.

Our naturalist guide explains that this movement allows us to experience diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes unique to each island— from sea lions lounging on sandy shores to baby black-tip reef sharks darting through clear waters beneath our panga boats.

We often gather around tables laden with choices. The air is filled with the scent of freshly baked bread – it’s hard not to fill your plate more than once.

Our conversations buzz about the day ahead while enjoying local specialties like chifles alongside international favorites. Each bite is an indulgence, fueling us for another day of adventure on these enchanted islands.

Expedition Preparations

 

We wake up early, excited for the day's adventure. Everyone meets to get ready and put on life vests before we head out in small boats.

Gathering for morning expeditions and boarding the "panga"

 

Our mornings on the Galápagos cruise start early, filled with excitement and a bit of hustle. By 8:00 AM, we're all gathered, ready to board the "panga" for our next adventure.

1. The crew hands out snorkeling gear to everyone. This includes fins, masks, and snorkels. We make sure they fit right so we can enjoy the underwater world.
2. We listen carefully as the guide explains where we are going. Each day brings a new place to explore.
3. Everyone checks their cameras and water bottles. Capturing memories is key, and staying hydrated is a must.
4. Crew members tick off our names one by one. They ensure no one is left behind.
5. We help each other put on life vests. Safety always comes first on these expeditions.
6. A few last-minute reminders about respecting wildlife are given by our guide. We all nod in agreement; after all, we're here to observe, not disturb.
7. Finally, we step into the panga carefully, balancing so as not to tip it over. It feels like an adventure just getting on board!
8. The boat moves slowly away from the cruise ship toward today's destination—maybe a secluded beach or a hidden cove.
9. Inquiries about what animals we might see today fill the air; someone hopes for blue-footed boobies or maybe even baby black-tip reef sharks.

With everything in check and spirits high, we're off to see what wonders await us at our morning stop in this breathtaking archipelago!
 

Safety protocol of checking off names before departing

 

Before we head out on our morning expeditions, everyone gathers around. One crucial step must happen first – making sure all of us are there. They check off each name from a list.

This ensures no one is left behind or misses out on the adventure. Safety always comes first, and this simple act shows how much they care about our well-being.

We feel secure knowing that someone is keeping track of us, especially when exploring places like Fernandina island (no human habitants live here) or snorkeling among the vibrant marine life in Galapagos's clear waters.

It gives us peace of mind to enjoy the stunning views and wildlife viewing without worry.

Wildlife Observations

 

Out at sea, every day brings new animal friends to meet. Our eyes catch sights of dancing birds with blue feet, tiny sharks near the shore, and an owl with ears you can barely see.

Encountering blue-footed boobies, baby black-tip reef sharks, and a short-eared owl during expeditions

 

Seeing blue-footed boobies up close was a dream for us. These birds, with their bright blue feet, felt like stars of the show. And it wasn't just them. Near the mangroves, we spotted baby black-tip reef sharks moving through the water.

It's rare to see such creatures so young and free. Then there was the short-eared owl — a surprise guest that not every boat gets to meet.

There's something magical about locking eyes with wildlife you've only seen in books.

Our days were full of these moments, each one reminding us why we chose this adventure. From observing the evolutionary wonder that is the flightless cormorant to the quiet glide of sea turtles alongside our panga, every sighting brought new excitement and stories we couldn’t wait to tell back home.

After spending mornings filled with awe at these encounters, afternoons on board offered yet another kind of wonder with room attendants surprising us with towel art and pranks that made everyone laugh.

Onboard Experiences

 

On the cruise, every day brings something special. The room attendant surprises us with towel art and playful jokes.

Room attendant's towel art and humorous pranks

 

We always look forward to coming back to our rooms after a long day of adventures. The reason? Ailio's magic hands. He turns ordinary towels into adorable creatures like turtles, puppies, and penguins.

It feels like stepping into a new story each day with these towel animals waiting for us. They bring smiles and giggles, making the room more welcoming.

Then there are the pranks—simple yet genius. We once walked in to find what looked like someone sleeping under the covers. Our hearts skipped a beat before we realized it was just another one of Ailio's tricks, fashioned from pillows and blankets.

These fun surprises add such a joyful layer to our cruise experience, mixing laughter with luxury aboard this floating home in Galapagos.

Afternoon Activities

 

Afternoon times bring new adventures, a new visitor site with nature hike, more shorkeling, and resting before our next meal.

Planned snorkeling expedition and relaxation before lunch

 

We all get ready for our last chance to snorkel. The water calls, and we jump in, hoping to see more amazing sea life. It's exciting and a bit sad that it's our last time. After the swim, we relax before lunch.

Some of us pick the hot tub, talking about what we've seen under the waves.

We soak up every moment; even as we dry off, knowing lunch awaits.

Next is a meal everyone looks forward to - an Ecuadorian buffet served on board.

Variety in meal offerings, including an Ecuadorian Buffet

 

Eating on this cruise is an adventure in itself. One day, we explore a Mexican buffet, and the next, we're tasting Ecuador right from our plates. The Ecuadorian Buffet opens a window to local flavors, showcasing dishes packed with fresh ingredients from the sea and land.

We relish bites of ceviche bursting with citrus and seafood, next to heaps of plantains that carry us straight to the vibrant culture of Ecuador.

The variety doesn't stop there. Our lunches transform daily, surprising us with themes that span global cuisines – yet it’s the chocolate desserts crafted from rich cocoa beans that steal our hearts every time.

This culinary journey adds layers to our expedition unmatched by just wildlife sightings or snorkeling adventures alone. Meals aboard aren’t mere pit stops; they're gateways to cultures and lands we float past.

Overall Impression

 

We find ourselves loving every bit of our time on the cruise. The days are a mix of adventure and calm moments, full of tasty food and amazing sights. Our stories from this trip will be ones we share over and over again, always cherishing the laughs, the wildlife, and those special meals that brought us all together.

Get ready to set sail on an unforgettable journey with us!

Balanced account of structured activities and leisure time

 

We start our days full of excitement, ready to explore the wonders that await us. The structured activities, like the wildlife expeditions, give us a chance to see frigate birds nesting and giant tortoises up close.

We gather early, making sure we're all checked off for safety before we board the "panga" for our adventure. Afternoons bring relaxation and leisure time where we unwind by snorkeling or just enjoying the ship's amenities and delicious food.

Every day brings a mix of thrill from discovering new creatures during our expeditions and peace as we relax amidst luxury.

Personal anecdotes and wildlife encounters as major highlights

 

Encountering wildlife up close was nothing short of magical. We saw marine iguanas spitting salt from their nostrils right in front of us. Sea lions surfing in the waves, indifferent to our presence watching them.

And once, we spotted a short-eared owl staring back at us with its large, soulful eyes during a late evening walk. Each encounter left us in awe of the natural world around us.

Final words about the Galapagos cruising experience

 

Life on a Galapagos cruise is an adventure from dawn to dusk. Each morning starts with the surprise of where we've traveled overnight, and breakfast awaits with choices for all tastes.

Our days are full - filled with preparing for expeditions, spotting wildlife like Darwin Finches or giant tortoises, and enjoying pranks by our room attendants. Afternoons bring snorkeling or resting before delicious meals, including local Ecuadorean treats.

We thank Voyagers Travel for making these moments unforgettable. This journey mixes fun activities and relaxing times perfectly, leaving us yearning to come back even before we've said goodbye.

FAQs

 

1. What is it like to live daily life on board a cruise in Galapagos?

The daily life on a Galapagos cruise is an adventure-filled experience, with activities such as wildlife viewing, snorkeling excursions, and guided nature walks.

2. Are there any special events or activities that take place on the cruise?

Yes indeed! On-board events often include expert talks about the unique ecosystem of the Galapagos, themed dinners, and even stargazing sessions under the clear equatorial skies.

3. How are meals handled during the cruise?

Meals aboard typically feature a mix of international cuisine and local specialties from the Galapagos region... think fresh seafood dishes and exotic fruits!

4. Is there free time for passengers to relax or explore independently?

Absolutely - while scheduled activities keep you busy, cruises also ensure ample downtime for relaxation... perhaps lounging by the poolside. It is not possible to explore the visitor sites without a Galapagos park certified naturalist guide.