Dear customer,
The ships cruising the Galapagos Islands vary a lot regarding the quality of the services offered, the crew's training, the gastronomic offers as well as the equipment of the ship. Therefore we provide you with the following classification of ships according to the European standards. By doing this, we hope that our precise and easy differentiation will help you to better plan your cruise. We often hear about unsatisfied or disappointed customers, because their expectations concerning the cruise have not been fulfilled. After having a look at many websites of various companies offering Galapagos cruises you will notice that the same ship is often listed in different categories. We of Surtrek do not want you to have a bad experience and so it is our aim, that your cruise in this unique paradise will be unforgettable. In advance we would like to point out that a cruise in the Galapagos Islands generally is an exclusive trip.
The Galapagos is one of the last and untouched paradises existing on earth that - like any other exclusive destination - is more expensive. So it is not advisable to calculate a cruise with a normal budget. Moreover by visiting the Galapagos National Park you are supporting the efforts to conserve this one-of-a-kind natural wonder.
On the Galapagos Islands ships are usually classified in four different categories:
Economy (E):
The equipment of ships belonging to this category is quite simple. Due to the size and the speed of the boat, fewer islands can be visited compared to ships of a higher category. The guides (Naturalist Class I) are usually from Galapagos and they often speak only a bit of English. The food aboard is not very diversified. In general, this category is rather suitable for young travelers on a small budget.
Tourist (T):
The cabins of tourist class ships are more spacious and partly equipped with air-conditioning. Nevertheless it may happen that the air-conditioning does not work.
The ships do not vary significantly from economy class boats with regard to size and service. Guides (Naturalist II) have obtained a better training, speak English fluently and possess a better knowledge of the islands. All in all the organization is better.
First Class (F):
Ships of this class are already very comfortable and comply with international standards of superior cruise ships. The cabins are very spacious and supply cold and warm water as well as air-conditioning. Guides belong to Naturalist Class III, which means that they have studied (for instance biology) and therefore possess scientific knowledge of flora and fauna, the evolution of the archipelago and are multilingual. In this class meals are served in form of a buffet.
Luxury (L):
Ships belonging to this category are cruise ships with a capacity of 20 to 100 passengers, additionally single cabins are offered. You won't miss anything aboard. Part of the comfortable equipment are satellite telephone and TV/Video. These ships are a lot faster and so more islands can be visited in less time. This makes the program even more interesting than it already is. It goes without saying that guides belong to the Naturalist Class III mentioned above. Due to the latest technology aboard luxury class ships use environmentally friendly fuel.
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South America 
