Cruise Articles - Cruise Reviews : The Galapagos Islands with Quasar Galapagos Expeditions
The Golden Age of Travel Lives On in the Galapagos
The Great Gatsby Era of the 1920s and 1930s ushered in the Golden Age of Travel, which opened the far corners of the globe to journeys characterized by a new style and grace. This was the time of the Orient Express and millionaire luxury yachts. Exotic and romantic destinations offered a sense of adventure combined with a new level of comfort and service where how one traveled became as important as the destination.
This golden age lives on today aboard the M/V Evolution, where the destination is designed to be experienced as a voyage through one of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders, the Galapagos archipelago.
Passengers aboard the M/V Evolution experience the magic of incredible underwater encounters with sea lions, sea turtles and Galapagos penguins; while terrestrial outings bring one eye-to-eye with hundred year old giant tortoise and the amusing antics of dancing blue footed boobies.
And if that’s not a wonder enough, there are also opportunities for hiking, snorkeling, swimming and kayaking.
The Golden Age of Travel was also known for service including that of the loyal guide and the M/V Evolution typically offers two expert Galapagos National Park guides on board during each cruise.
As one of the cruise passengers explains: “I have never met such a brilliant nature guide. He has an affinity to the ecosystems that would be hard to beat and combines his natural ability, university education, passion and love for his islands into a world class guiding and education style.”
Photo: m/v Evolution saloon - Quasar Galapagos Expeditions
Home away from home during this cruise is the 32 passenger expedition vessel, the M/V Evolution, designed in the same vein as the luxury yachts of the 1920s. From the rich wood paneling and brass appointments of the dinning saloon, to the rattan furnishings of the outdoor sky lounge under shade, the Evolution is designed to evoke the richness of a bygone era, while providing all the modern comforts and amenities, including a state of the art navigation system.
One of the main features aboard the M/V Evolution is the library – stocked with a rich collection covering the history and natural history of these islands made famous by Charles Darwin, whose voyage here in 1835 aboard HMS Beagle led to his earth shaking work, On the Origin of Species.
The spacious main saloon is surrounded by a great wrap around sofa; perfect to cuddle up on while watching episodes from our collection of the best DVDs about the archipelago on a large flat screen TV.
Photo: m/v Evolution cabin - Quasar Galapagos Expeditions
Each cabin offers the spaciousness and comfort with old world charm and modern amenities that the M/V Evolution is known for. Cabins and en-suite bathrooms are cleaned twice daily during the voyage by, “a crew that knocks themselves out to treat the guests like royalty,” according to passenger Lee Lowrie.
Cruise food is also a high point of the adventure with Quasar Galapagos Expeditions, with menus featuring a combination of both local Ecuadorian and international dishes (see the recipe from Chef Angel Choez at www.prowsedge.com/cruise-food-recipes-chef-angel-choez.html).
The M/V Evolution also offers a nightly happy hour in our outdoor sky lounge along with whale, dolphin and giant sting ray watching as the sun sets out over the Pacific. After dinner the guide sgoes over the next day’s animals and activities so that everyone knows what to expect when it comes to the terrain and landings.
There’s no cruise quite like the adventure about the Galapagos Islands aboard the M/V Evolution from Quasar Galapagos Expeditions.
For more information visit the Quasar Galapagos Expeditions at http://galapagosexpeditions.com
