By 5am, the staff aboard the M/V Evolution has already had its breakfast. Coffee steams from an urn. The cook rattles away in the kitchen. All eighteen men have begun their morning routines. Banisters are washed and wiped. Motorized pangas receive their morning baths. Wooden floors dry from their pre-dawn swabbing. Everything is in order before the hotel manager, Sergio wakes up the 32 guests aboard the ship.
Music streams through the overhead speakers. Gentle tunes fill the cabins and roll across the decks. “Buenos dias, caballeros!” Sergio’s voice is cheerful. “It is now 6:30. Time to wake up.” Each day begins with music and a hearty breakfast. Aboard Quasar’s Evolution, travelers to the Galapagos receive first-rate service, heart-pounding excitement, and the flexibility to go off schedule when whales and dolphins make their maritime appearances.
Activities & Sights in the Galapagos
Unlike 5-day tours and day tour packages, the Evolution’s 8-day schedule allows visitors to see all the classic sights in the Galapagos in addition to hard-to-reach destinations. With its longer cruise package, you’ll see all these at a leisurely pace that includes time for relaxation, sunbathing, and socializing.
Each day is roughly partitioned into four parts: a morning activity, snorkeling or swim time, an afternoon activity, and then evening dinner with relaxation. Often lunch is followed by a siesta, with time to unwind and gear up for the afternoon.
During the eight days, you’ll visit over 13 places with a licensed national park ranger, including: the Charles Darwin Research Station, Kicker Rock, Bartolome Island, Prince Phillip’s Steps, Fernandina Island, Tagus Cove, and North Seymour Island.
Each island is home to various breeds of animals. Boobies are prolific breeders here. Lucky visitors may see Nasca Boobies nesting, Blue-Footed Boobies mating, or Red-Footed Boobies guarding their young. Iguanas, pelicans, and owls can also be seen—up close and personal. Frigates will fill the skyline with wide wings but also dot the treeline with their colorful red breasts.
Snorkeling is a daily highlight, offering visitors a chance to see marine life from inches away. As the day begins to reach its hottest hours, you jump into green waters to swim with sea lions, penguins, reef sharks, hammerheads, and giant turtles. Starfish cling to rocks and multi-hued fish skim along the tide. Besides stocking up on all the essential things to bring to the Galapagos, make sure to bring a good underwater camera.
Ship Living & Service on the Evolution
Every detail of ship living has been tended to. Cabins come in a variety of classes to accommodate budgets and needs. Portholes allow travelers to see the seascape as the ship navigates. Rooms are cleaned three times each day and include closets, a safe, and life jackets.
Several lounge areas are available including a covered veranda with sofas, a bar, sun deck with chaises and hot tub, a lounge with TV, and an outdoor sitting area.
Coffee, tea, biscuits, and hot chocolate are available 24 hours a day in the dining room. Laundry service is by request.
During excursions on land or in the water, the ship’s resident doctor accompanies the group in case of any bumps or scrapes. The infirmary is always open and available for guests. Medicines, bandages, and medical equipment are all stored onboard. Don’t hesitate to page the doctor at the first sign of illness.
Food Aboard the M/V Evolution
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served either in the main dining hall or al fresco on the covered patio. In the small galley, the chef prepares fresh juices, veggie omelets, grilled whole halibut, ceviche, chicken, steak, tacos, and rice pilaf dishes. A choice of two desserts comes at the end of lunch and dinner, so save room. A selection of beer, liquor and wine is also available.
After each morning and afternoon activity, guests are welcomed back to the Evolution with a fresh fruit smoothie and hot snacks. Bartender Juanito tends bar and shepherds guests toward platters of donuts, shrimp skewers, pigs-in-a-blanket, fried red potato chips, and hamburger sliders. With the ship’s full itinerary, you burn through all the calories within an hour.
After eight days as a guest aboard the M/V Evolution, my opinions represent a genuine impression of the ship and crew.
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