Cruise Lines - Galapagos Explorer II
A private organization dedicated to the development of Sustainable Tourism Ventures in areas of natural and cultural interest, the purpose of Galapagos Explorer II is to promote Ecuador as a privileged destination for tourism, offering innovative and high quality products while maintaining a permanent practice of business ethics and respect for mankind and the environment.
Galapagos Explorer II
Built in 1990, the 88.16 meter the ship which would become the Galapagos Explorer II was recognized as one of the finest cruise ships in the world under its original name, Renaissance III. The classic lines and profile of the ship are carried through to the interior in public rooms and private suites.
Suites, in queen or two twin-bed configurations, offer air conditioning, rich paneling, full-length wardrobes, marble baths, Internal TV system that allows the passenger to have 3 channels, one with documentaries on the islands or natural history, another with entertaiment movies, and the last one with the Daily program of the vessel, refrigerator-bars, telephones, and 110 volt electric. A doctor to handle minor illness or mishaps is always part of the crew and a well-stocked boutique offers native souvenirs, books, clothing, film and various sundry items. Both an outdoor pool and Jacuzzi are also available. Dining aboard Galapagos Explorer II is open seating and informal... yet elegant. The renowned culinary staff prepares a daily fare of popular international and Ecuadorian cuisine, as well as special diets, all served with style and flair in the one-seating, no-smoking restaurant. Lunch is served buffet on deck.
In keeping with the ecological theme and directive of the company to preserve and protect our natural environment, all soaps, detergents and shampoo used on board are biodegradable. Residual water, under aerobic decomposition, is filtered and purified with ozone before being discharged into open waters, as is all biodegradable waste which is first ground into fine particles.
The ship is equipped with a special sewage treatment system that minimizes environmental disturbance. Chlorine is not used on board. Paper and non-toxic solids are incinerated. Metal cans are compacted for recycling and together with non-biodegradable trash and returned to port. The Galapagos Explorer II produces its own fresh water.
The Galapagos Explorer visits up to ten islands on a typical 7-night cruise. The archipelago consists of thirteen "large" islands, six small ones, and more than 40 islets. For passengers island-hopping for 3, 4, or 7-night cruises, the days are filled with the wonderment and awe that inspired Charles Darwin while evenings aboard ship proffer no thing less than world-class amenities and service, and has been widely recognized for such efforts, i.e.:
* A recently published passenger survey by CruiseReports magazine ranked the staterooms on the 50-suite Galapagos Explorer II among the best in the industry in passenger satisfaction.
* The Galapagos Explorer II was featured as the ship of choice to visit the Galapagos Islands in the Arts & Entertainment Television Network’s (A&E) “Top Ten” series. The show featured the top ten animal adventures in the world. Previously, Canodros’ Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve deep in Ecuador’s Amazon Basin, was included among A&E’s “Top Ten Exotic Destinations” in the world.
* The Galapagos Explorer II was chosen from among the thousands of cruise vacations offered, as one of the 100 best cruise vacations available in Theodore W. Scull’s popular guidebook “100 Best Cruise Vacations” published by Globe Pequet, now in it’s second edition.
* America OnLine’s Cruise Critic listed the Galapagos Explorer II as one of the “10 Best” cruise offerings available last year.
* The Smart Voyager program evaluated and certified the Galapagos Explorer II as an ecofriendly and socially responsible passenger vessel operating in the Galapagos Islands.
For more information visit: www.canodros.com