Bucket List Cruising: The Galapagos Islands

Situated along both sides of the equator in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Islands are an enchanting place where endemic species – including some found nowhere else on Earth – live in unspoiled settings. These beautiful, volcanic islands are part of Ecuador, which is about 550 miles to the east. Cruising is a wonderful way to explore this bucket-list destination.

The amazing animals that inhabit the islands include giant Galapagos tortoises; marine iguanas, the only iguanas known to feed in water; flightless cormorants; Galapagos penguins, the world’s only tropical penguins; several species of tanagers, also called Darwin’s finches, whose characteristics vary from island to island; and blue-footed boobies, named for their bright blue, webbed feet. There’s also magnificent sea life, from hammerhead sharks to frigatebirds and albatrosses; and unusual plants, including lava cactus. Most cruises sail with experienced guides who help you prepare for and understand what you’ll see and experience.

Cruises to the Galapagos are expedition cruises; they use smaller ships that don’t have as many features as today’s big ships but are still very comfortable (some are quite luxurious). Popular cruise lines that visit the Galapagos include Celebrity Cruises, Hurtigruten Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions, and Silversea Expeditions.

On a Galapagos cruise, you won’t miss a big ship’s amenities because there’s so much to see and do. Expect to be very active: each day will include one or more excursions on land, on the water or both. While the islands are close to each other, you’ll discover that they are also distinct from each other, hosting different species or variations of common species. At night, the ship will move between islands while you sleep.

Because the islands straddle the equator, they experience almost 12 hours of daylight daily and warm temperatures all year. But, some seasonal variations in the weather might determine when you want to sail. From December through May, expect sunny skies with a few showers and daytime temperatures in the upper 80s. But from June through December, a seasonal ocean current brings cooler water to the islands, which makes the sea a bit choppier; daytime highs are still about 80 degrees, and there’s little rain.

Anita, your professional travel advisor can give you more details about Galapagos cruises, available ships, and the specific islands they visit. Consider the possibilities for pre- or post-cruise stays in Ecuador or elsewhere in South America.

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Tips for Packing Small

This is a truism for any type of travel, and especially for cruise travel: the less luggage you bring along, the better. Less luggage is easier for you to handle and keep track of; airline baggage fees can add up if you have too many or overweight bags; and, you’ll want to have some extra luggage space for gifts and mementos you acquire while cruising. So, here are some tips for packing small.

Start by making a list of what to pack, because an hour or two of wardrobe planning can help prevent overpacking. Make a list of things that are right for the climate where you’ll cruise; add any special items for theme parties or shore excursions, as well as essentials like a swimsuit, pajamas and underwear. Then, take a deep breath and pare the list down, keeping only items that can be mixed and matched to make multiple outfits. Be sure to ask your professional travel advisor about your ship’s laundry and dry-cleaning services; using them may help you pack even less.

Special note for cool-climate cruises: instead of bulky sweaters, pack lighter items you can layer.

Shoes deserve special attention because they take up a lot of luggage space. Try to limit yourself to one pair for daytime excursions and one pair for evenings on board. If you don’t have shoes versatile enough to go with everything in your suitcase, a new pair of fashion sneakers may be a good investment.

Many travelers swear by rolling clothes, rather than folding them, to save luggage space; there are some good online videos on this topic. As you pack, try to put smaller items inside others: for example, put rolled socks inside your extra shoes or rolled t-shirts inside a sunhat.

Some travelers use packing cubes to help keep different types of clothes neat and organized, or to keep the pieces of an outfit together.

Also, don’t pack large containers of toiletries or medications; put enough for the length of your vacation into smaller containers.

Finally, be sure that one of your bags is a carry-on that will stay with you. In addition to essential paperwork and medication, use it to store a pair of pants or shorts and two tops. This will give you a little more room in your main suitcase and ensure you have fresh clothes if your luggage is delayed at any step on your journey.

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Evolving Cruise Ship Features

If you’re a frequent cruiser, you may have noticed that some cruise ship traditions are making way for more modern versions of themselves. If you haven’t cruised for a few years, or you’re planning your first cruise, here are some cruise ship features that are entering a new era:

Formal nights are fading. Just as dress codes in schools and workplaces have become more relaxed, some cruise lines are relaxing or completely doing away with “formal night” dress codes. Still, if you love dressing up for dinner, you certainly can!

Paper newsletters are going digital. Lots of passengers look forward to receiving their daily onboard newsletter and schedule of events, but it’s now more likely to appear on your mobile device than under your cabin door. Cruise lines are also using their apps to provide personalized recommendations for onboard and onshore activities, reminders of upcoming spa appointments or specialty restaurant reservations, and more.

Buffets are going full-service. For a time, It seemed that the COVID-19 pandemic would lead to the complete disappearance of the cruise ship buffet. But, the tradition continues – with some changes. Many buffets now have the staff plate the items you select, and even deliver your plate to your table.

Art isn’t just in onboard galleries anymore. Some cruise lines are highlighting art all around their ships, rather than enclosing it in galleries.

Single-use plastics are giving way to alternatives. This often begins with straws and bottles of water; cruise lines are replacing the plastic versions of these high-use items with alternatives made of reusable or biodegradable materials.

Cabin light switches are being replaced by keycard ports. To ensure that cabin lights turn on only when passengers are in their cabins, some ships are installing keycard ports where light switches used to be. Instead of flicking the lights on (and possibly forgetting to flick them off when you leave), you simply put your keycard into the port.

New fuels are gaining ground. Traditionally, cruise ship engines burned heavy fuel oil; now, some ships have switched to engines that use liquid natural gas, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions, particulate matter, odors, and engine noise. Research into new alternative fuels for cruise ships continues, too.

To learn more about new and improved practices in the cruise industry – and to select a cruise line and ship with the updated features you want – talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor.

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About Cruise Ship Size

You can cruise on ships big or small – anything from a megaship that accommodates more than 7,000 passengers to a yacht-style ship that carries less than 100. So, before you make a cruise reservation, think about the size of the ship you’d like to sail on based on what you’re looking for from a cruise vacation.

In general, big ships offer more of everything: more cabin categories, pools, dining spots, entertainment, activities, shore excursions, and more. But, a big ship’s common spaces can be somewhat busy and noisy; or, threaded with lines waiting to enter a restaurant or theater, claim a poolside lounger, or disembark in a port of call.

Small ships don’t have the space to offer as many choices, but they often provide a higher level of service and a more personalized cruise experience. Seeing the same people every day makes it easier to get to know your fellow passengers, too.

Here are a few more things to think about before you answer the “big or small” question for yourself:

Dining. Dining options on small ships are fewer, but there’s often a greater focus on culinary quality. Large ships have more dining spots and may serve a greater variety of food, which can be helpful if you’re sailing with companions who have different food preferences.

Entertainment. As with dining, big ships have more options for onboard activities that appeal to all ages, as well as more pools, theaters, lounges, and special activities for kids. Small ships tend to focus on the region being explored, presenting informative talks about local culture and showcasing local performers.

Wayfinding. On a small ship with fewer decks, it may be quicker and easier to find your way around. On a large ship, you’ll have more places to go, but getting to the pools, gym, dining, and entertainment venues – not to mention getting on and off the ship – may take longer.

Ports. Big ships call on ports that can accommodate them, passing by those with smaller harbors or fewer facilities. Small ships can often take passengers to out-of-the-way places, which may prove to be the highlight of your cruise.

Finally, remember that your cruise ship choices aren’t limited to big or small; medium-sized ships often combine some of the best features of their bigger and smaller cousins. To decide what size of ship is best for your next cruise, talk with Anita.  your personal cruise expert.

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