Silversea – The Galapagos Islands
The first destination specific ship built by Silversea, Silver Origin is the height of experiential travel in the Galapagos. Never before have the islands been so superbly presented: a team of Ecuadorian national expert guides, the highest crew-to-guest ratio in the Galápagos, 8 Zodiacs, seamless hybrid spaces that offer an extraordinary voyage – for extraordinary people.
All-suite accommodation, Horizon Balconies, butler service, sophisticated interiors, interactive basecamp, Ecuadorian inspired cuisine; no aspect of Silver Origin has been left to chance. The most environmentally conscious ship we have ever built, take a vertical leap and transform your idea of travel with Silver Origin.
The Silver Origin offers 7-day cruises (Saturday to Saturday) following either a Western or a North Central route. Both itineraries have highlights: the Western Itinerary has the biggest marine iguanas, more turtles, the Galapagos penguins and the flightless cormorant. The North Central Itinerary goes to the older islands that are more arid and moonlike; it has warmer water which is better for snorkelling and plus it also has the waved albatross.
Western Itinerary
North Central Itinerary
The following holiday cruises are also available: 11-day Holiday Cruise from 18 to 29 December 2021, prices are from $17 010 per person sharing as well as a 10-day New Year’s Cruise from 29 December 2021 to 8 January 2022, prices are from $15 750 per person sharing.
These expedition cruises offer adventurous travellers the life-enriching chance to discover a wild, pristine paradise that has long been regarded as a natural laboratory of evolution. On complimentary expeditions ashore, guided by an experienced expedition team (certified by the Galápagos National Park Service), Silversea’s guests may experience up-close encounters with an abundance of wildlife that includes sun-basking land iguanas, giant tortoises, blue- and red-footed boobies, colourful marine iguanas, sea lions, penguins and Darwin’s famous finches. The expedition team will also present daily briefings, lectures, videos, and scientific information.
The destination immersion continues in authentic local cuisine, prepared by Ecuadorian chefs, and the understated Italian décor is influenced by the natural environment with bright, colourful motifs and regional materials. Italian whispered luxury combined with amazing expedition experience redefines luxury in the Galapagos. From getting ready in the basecamp for a day of Zodiac exploration to cosying up with friends around the fire pit in the Explorer Lounge at the end of the day,
Silver Origin offers immersion far beyond excursion.
Basecamp, an elegant lounge that connects with the ship’s Zodiac embarkation area, has a large, interactive digital wall—through which travellers can access destination-related pictures, videos, excursion previews and scientific presentations. The Explorer Lounge will host daily briefings and lectures from the ship’s expedition team. It has floor-to-ceiling windows, a large video wall, wide HD screens and a piano bar.
There are eight suite categories, all with a private balcony. Some feature a “Horizon Balcony,” which can convert to enclose the balcony with a floor-to-ceiling window for added space and shelter from the elements. Plus, a first for Silversea, select suites have windows in the bathrooms.
The two dining venues, The Restaurant and The Grill, are both capable of accommodating all guests at full capacity. The menus feature fresh, local ingredients and regional wines. The Grill is an open-air venue that can be partially enclosed; it also hosts Silversea’s Hot Rocks concept where guests can cook their steak or seafood on hot lava rocks.
ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS
The Galapagos Islands are the largest National Park in Ecuador and one of the most important protected natural areas in the world, so Silversea wants to be sure their carbon footprint is well below standard. The Silver Origin has a dynamic positioning system that lets the ship automatically maintain position to protect the sea floor; this means no anchor to damage the delicate ecosystem of the sea bed.
It also has an advanced wastewater treatment system to meet or exceed the strictest regulations in the market.
She is also plastic free – guests will be gifted a metallic reusable bottle and all suites have a mineral water station to reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles.
The Galapagos has restrictions using local people and food, so it operates differently from other areas but we’ve had great feedback from those who have been there. I’ve also been to the Galapagos if you’d like us to discuss the trip in more detail.
INCLUDED AIR / LAND PACKAGE
- Galápagos Expedition aboard Silver Origin
- Two-night pre-cruise hotel stay with breakfast at the Quito JW Marriot
- Evening tour of Quito's historic city highlights
- Post-cruise hotel day room at Hotel Oro Verde in Guayaquil (for guests with flights after 10pm). The dayroom is for any guests having their inbound flight after 10.00pm - flights between 10.00pm and midnight.
- National Park, Ingala Transit Card and porterage fees
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Roundtrip Economy Air between Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands;
- For the Holiday Cruise (Western itinerary) - Quito/San Cristobal and Baltra/Guayaquil
- For the New Year’s Cruise (North central itinerary) - Quito/Baltra and San Cristobal/Guayaquil - Transfer from JW Marriott to the airport in Quito
- Transfer between the airport and Silver Origin in Baltra/San Cristobal
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel in Guayaquil
- Transfer from Hotel Oro Verde to the airport in Guayaquil
The above package needs to be booked or removed in its entirety; if you’d prefer to make your own flight and land arrangements, you will receive a $600.00 per person credit. We suggest that you take the included air/land package, as making your own arrangements can be difficult and will be more expensive than the $600 credit that you’ll receive.
ALL SILVER ORIGIN CRUISES INCLUDE
- Guided Zodiac, land and sea tours, and shoreside activities led by the Expeditions Team
- Enrichment lectures by a highly qualified Expeditions Team
- Spacious suites
- Butler service in every suite
- Unlimited Free Wi-Fi
- Personalised service – nearly one crew member for every guest
- Choice of restaurants, diverse cuisine, open-seating dining
- Beverages in-suite and throughout the ship, including champagne, select wines and spirits
- In-suite dining and room service
- Onboard entertainment
- Onboard gratuities
Click here to see Silversea 2021-2022 cruises – Highlights for Europe in 2021.
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your ideal holiday – 021 434 9394
