DRIPPING IN LUXURY
MEGA ALL-INCLUSIVE
SILVERSEA SILVER ORIGIN
VACAYA’S 2024 Galápagos Cruise HAS SOLD OUT!
The 2024 Galápagos Cruise is SOLD OUT. If you’d like to put your name on our waitlist for this trip, please follow these 2 easy steps:
- If you don’t yet have a profile in our booking system, set one up HERE.
- Once your profile has been completed, email info@myvacaya.com and provide us with the following information: full name, phone number, email address, type of room(s) you’re looking for
Once on the list, we’ll reach out to you in the order your name appears on our waitlist if a room that fits your request becomes available.
To avoid disappointment in the future, we encourage you to book soon after the trip becomes available. Doing so is the only way to truly avoid missing out. ❤️
VACAYA BRINGS THE LGBT+ COMMUNITY TO GALÁPAGOS WITH THE FIRST FULL-SHIP CHARTER IN NEARLY 20 YEARS!
There are fantastical destinations and then there are FANTASTICAL DESTINATIONS! Galápagos is one of earth’s FANTASTICAL DESTINATIONS. In fact, it may be THE MOST fantastical destination of all – one filled with pre-historic beasts and otherworldly wonders.
Located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador in South America, its remote location offers true adventurers a wholly unique experience for 7 wondrous nights on the ultra-lux 5-Star+ Silversea Silver Origin. Couple that with a 2-night pre-cruise stay at the JW Marriott in exciting Quito and this 9-night luxury adventure will be the trip-of-trips for 100 lucky seafarers.
What makes Galápagos so special? The 19 islands that make up Galápagos were the world’s very first UNESCO Heritage Site, home to an astonishing 9,000 species of flora and fauna that make it the strangest and most wonderful place on Earth by far.
EXPEDITION CRUISE
What is an Expedition Cruise? Remote ports and secret harbors are accessed via Zodiac (inflatable 12-person lightweight motorized boat) so you’ll be some of the few people to explore these special spots. The wild beauty and unique ecology of the Galápagos Islands make for the perfect expedition cruise. And with most excursions included, you’ll go deeper than you ever could’ve imagined with Silversea’s world’s best Expedition Team. Throughout these lands, and in their surrounding waters, you’ll admire the Galápagos’ rich variety of wildlife, as well as the volcanic landscapes. Each included experience will nurture a connection with this magical destination, fostering a deep appreciation for the majesty of nature. Check out this video to get a better idea of just how close you’ll get to the wildlife and landscapes:
EXPLORE THE DIFFERENCES THAT SET VACAYA APART…
WELCOMING TO ALL
ENDLESS NATURAL WONDERS
EXPERT EXPEDITION TEAM
GUIDED ZODIAC, LAND & SEA TOURS INCLUDED
ALCOHOL BEVERAGES INCLUDED
LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS
GET UP CLOSE!
LIFE-LONG FRIENDSHIPS
Now, before we go any further, let’s talk about the elephant in the room… there’s no cheap way to get to Galápagos. Full stop. It’s in a category without compare – the most expensive cruise destination on earth, but its rewards are almost incalculable. With VACAYA and the all-inclusive luxury of Silversea, this 2024 adventure will end up being among the most memorable of your life.
We’re releasing the trip 18 months in advance to give you the opportunity to finance this once-in-a-lifetime adventure with our interest-free monthly payments – putting what would normally be an untouchable Luxe experience within arm’s reach for many. Yes, still expensive, but certainly more manageable.
It’s difficult to call any trip at this price point a great value, but when you begin to look deeply at all that’s included, you’ll quickly discover that luxury at this level rarely comes at a fairer all-inclusive price:
- 7 Nights aboard the astonishingly gorgeous Silversea Silver Origin
- Multiple open-seated restaurants, serving diverse cuisine and an in-suite 24-hour dining service
- Beverages in-suite and throughout the ship, including sparkling and selected wines, premium spirits, soft drinks, and more
- Round-the-clock Butler Service
- WiFi
- Highly-qualified Expedition Team, comprised of Naturalists, Zoologists, & Botanists
- Guided Zodiac, land and sea tours, shore-side activities, and enrichment lectures
- All Galápagos National Park and Immigration Fees
- Complimentary backpack, water bottle, snorkeling mask, and snorkel
- 2 Pre-Cruise Nights at the JW Marriott in Quito, Ecuador
- Daily Breakfast at JW Marriott
- Pre-Cruise Quito by Night City Tour
- All transfers in Ecuador (airport-to-hotel, hotel-to-airport)
- Economy air from Quito to Galápagos May 11, 2024
- All transfers in Galápagos (airport-to-ship, ship-to-airport)
- Economy air from Galápagos to Guayaquil or Quito May 18, 2024
SILVERSEA SILVER ORIGIN:
DESIGNED FOR GALÁPAGOS
Ship Highlights
Italian whispered luxury combined with amazing expedition experiences redefine luxury in the Galápagos.
EXPLORER LOUNGE - INTERIOR
EXPLORER LOUNGE – EXTERIOR
OUTDOOR WHIRLPOOL
BASECAMP
THE RESTAURANT
THE GRILL
BEAUTY SALON
FITNESS CENTER
SPA
OBSERVATION LOUNGE
THE MARINA
SILVER ORIGIN IS THE MOST LUXURIOUS SHIP SAILING GALÁPAGOS
YOUR DESTINATION BEGINS ONBOARD
EXPEDITION EXPERIENCE
EXPEDITION EXPERIENCE
AUTHENTIC LOCAL CULTURE
AUTHENTIC LOCAL CULTURE
COMFORT AND SERVICE
COMFORT AND SERVICE
COMFORT MEETS DESTINATION
COMFORT MEETS DESTINATION
ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS
ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS
trip highlights
WORLD-CLASS LUXURY
DEEP EXPLORATION
EXPERT NATURALISTS
ZODIAC EXPEDITIONS
ALL-INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE
Itinerary
QUITO, ECUADOR
MAY 9, 2024
ARRIVALS ALL DAY
Our guests will be flying into Quito from all over the world today – ready for the incredible adventure that lies ahead!
EXPLORE QUITO, ECUADOR
MAY 10, 2024
Today is all yours to explore, but tonight, we’ll get the very best of Quito all together on our included tour.
SAN CRISTÓBAL, GALAPAGOS 1S * 89W
MAY 11, 2024
BOARDING: 1PM | DEPART: 4:30PM
Today, we’ll fly from Quito to Galápagos. Like so many of the islands in the Galápagos, San Cristóbal is formed by dormant volcanoes. It lies to the east of the archipelago and is one of the oldest islands in the group. Approximately 8,000 people live on the island, making their living from tourism, fishing, in government offices, or off the rich volcanic soils with some limited farming in the highlands. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on the southwestern tip of the island is the capital city of the Galapagos Islands. A statue of Charles Darwin graces the harbor, marking one of the first places he likely stepped ashore in the 1830s.
PRINCE PHILIP'S STEPS & DARWIN BAY, GENOVESA
MAY 12, 2024
ARRIVE: 5:30AM | DEPART: 11PM
Genovesa is one of the northernmost islands of the archipelago. Genovesa’s southern side of the shield volcano’s crater collapsed, and a protected bay known as Darwin Bay was formed. The island is often referred to as the “Bird Island” as the numbers and species of land and seabirds on Genovesa are quite extraordinary. There are two visitor sites, and Prince Philip’s Steps give access to the flat plateau above the bay. Named after Prince Philip who visited the Galapagos on two occasions, the “steps” are mostly natural. The steep cliffs are home to Red-billed Tropicbirds, while Magnificent Frigatebirds, Nazca and Red-footed Boobies prefer the top. The plateau above Prince Philip’s Steps has a palo santo forest and an extensive lava field. This is an area where one of the Galapagos’ top predators, the Short-eared Owl, is hunting storm petrels. The Short-eared Owls are extremely well camouflaged and are not always easy to spot in between the rocks.
2 Included Shore Excursions
- Hiking with Silversea Expedition team
- Deep Water Snorkeling with Silversea Expedition team
Darwin Bay, Genovesa
At Genovesa Island the ship tucks into Darwin Bay, an ancient volcanic crater now flooded by the sea. Zodiacs land on a picturesque sandy beach where Galapagos sea lions often rest on the fine, white sand. Explorations along the shore may reveal marine iguanas looking like prehistoric dinosaurs in miniature. By heading inland a short distance, you’ll encounter seabirds of all shapes and sizes nesting in the vegetation. Scores of immature Red-footed Boobies perch on branches within an arm’s reach of the path. In addition, watch for Great Frigatebirds and Yellow-crowned Night Herons along the walk. There is also fantastic snorkeling in the waters of Darwin Bay with the opportunity to see large schools of reef fish and brightly colored sea stars.
2 Included Shore Excursions
- Hiking with Silversea Expedition team
- Snorkeling with Silversea Expedition team
NORTH SEYMOUR & SULLIVAN BAY, SANTIAGO
MAY 13, 2024
ARRIVE: 4:15AM | DEPART: 6PM
The landing at North Seymour Island is onto black lava rock. After a short climb, you’ll arrive on the island’s flat plateau where a number of sea lions nurse pups and frigatebirds nest. The island is dry, and so the predominant tree is the prickly pear cactus favored by the Galapagos land iguanas that live here in number. The undulating terrain is littered with red-brown volcanic boulders and large male Magnificent Frigatebirds can be seen inflating their vivid red gular sacs in hopes of impressing females flying overhead. At certain times of the year, pairs of Blue-footed Boobies dance here in a ritualized mating dance that reinforces their pair bond and shows off their vivid blue feet. The snorkeling here is well-known for schools of colorful creole wrasses and parrot fish.
3 Included Shore Excursions
- Zodiac Cruise with Silversea Expedition team
- Hiking with Silversea Expedition Team
- Deep Water Snorkeling with Silversea Expedition team
The lava fields of Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island will inevitably remind visitors of the surface of the moon. As brilliant red Sally Lightfoot crabs scuttle along the black volcanic shores, learn about the formation of the islands through geological forces from your guides. The lava flows here are just over 125 years old, dating back to 1897. The lava took on a rope-like appearance and geologists have adopted a Hawaiian word, pahoehoe, as the technical name for this kind of volcanic rock.
2 Included Shore Excursions
- Hiking with Silversea Expedition team
- Snorkeling with Silversea Expedition team
PUNTA MANGLE, FERNANDINA & PUNTA MORENO, ISABELA
MAY 14, 2024
ARRIVE: 6:45AM
DEPART: 6PM
Among the impressive new lava fields of Fernandina Island hides a cove surrounded by mangroves… a rewarding place for bird watching as the bay is the point where the land meets the sea, joining the two environments, with sea birds, shorebirds, and land birds all in the same place. The different species of mangroves: Red, White, and Black, have formed a root system that serves as a nursery for many species of fish, including juvenile sharks and green sea turtles. Snorkeling is especially rewarding here with unique sightings like marine iguanas feeding on algae, or flightless cormorants diving for their prey.
2 Included Shore Excursions
- Zodiac Cruise with Silversea Expedition team
- Deep Water Snorkeling with Silversea Expedition team
Explore the impressive Pahoehoe lava field that lies between two active volcanoes, Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul, on the south coast of Isabela Island. The rich waters of Cromwell Current wash the shores, and as a result, you can see the largest marine iguanas of the archipelago basking on the rocks, Flightless Cormorants and Galapagos Penguins diving for food. During the walk, you’ll experience an oasis in a desert of lava. With coastal lagoons in the middle of the field, you’ll find shorebirds such as White-cheeked Pintail Ducks, Black-necked Stilts, and even sometimes Flamingos here.
2 Included Shore Excursions
- Zodiac Cruise with Silversea Expedition team
- Hiking with Silversea Expedition team
SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS & SANTA FÉ
MAY 15, 2024
ARRIVE: 5:30AM | DEPART: 10:30PM
Santa Cruz Island reaches a maximum altitude of 864 meters (2,835 ft) above sea level; at high altitudes, weather changes creating microclimates. The species of flora and fauna found near the shoreline are extremely different from those on the highlands. Life in the highlands is much easier due to the presence of fresh water, from the constant drizzle that happens during the dry season to heavy rains that occur during the wet season. Local people take advantage of this climate to cultivate a large number of crops and giant tortoises love this ideal weather to mate, feed and rest before their next long migration to the shorelines.
1 Included Shore Excursion
- Hiking with Silversea Expedition team
Isla Santa Fé is home to a reptile that exists nowhere else in the world: The Santa Fe Land Iguana. A beach covered by sea lions is the beginning of our adventure where sea lions’ pups welcome the visitors with their naive curiosity. Then a rocky terrain will guide us to explore the island and the view from the cliff becomes a reward unto itself. View some of the tallest and the widest prickly pear cactus of the islands. Also known for beautiful snorkeling and kayaking.
4 Included Shore Excursions
- Zodiac Cruise with Silversea Expedition team
- Hiking with Silversea Expedition team
- Kayaking with Silversea Expedition team
- Deep Water Snorkeling with Silversea Expedition team
GARDNER BAY & PUNTA SUAREZ, ESPAÑOLA
MAY 16, 2024
ARRIVE: 3:30AM | DEPART: 11:30PM
Located on the northern coast of Española, the turquoise colored water and white sandy beach stand out from far away. This beach is made out of pulverized shells, and corals offers a sandy patch of up to 1 kilometer in length. Española is considered one of the oldest islands in the Galápagos and has thus developed species that are endemic. Along the coast of Gardner, a subspecies of colorful marine iguanas are living among Hood Mockingbirds. The apex predators Galápagos Hawks commonly visit the coastline and a occasionally a giant tortoise has been seen here.
5 Included Shore Excursions
- Hiking with Silversea Expedition team
- Kayaking with Silversea Expedition team
- Snorkeling from the beach with Silversea Expedition team
- Deep Water Snorkeling with Silversea Expedition team
- Expedition activities with Silversea Expedition team
Punta Suárez lies at the western point of Española. Sheer cliffs provide superb thermals for seabirds and you may spot Swallow-tailed Gulls, Nazca Boobies, and Blue-footed Boobies on the breeze. The largest seabird to nest in the Galapagos Islands is the Waved Albatross. These ocean wanderers can be seen seasonally here from April through December, when pairs reunite on Española, going through an elaborate pair-bonding display. Mockingbirds, doves, and occasional Galápagos Hawks can also be seen on the point, along with sea lions and colorful marine iguanas.
1 Included Shore Excursion
- Hiking with Silversea Expedition team
BREEDING CENTER & CERRO BRUJO, SAN CRISTÓBAL
MAY 17, 2024
ARRIVE: 7AM | DEPART: 10PM
An impressive tuff cone has been carved by erosion into an outstanding natural sculpture, and has become a resting place for marine birds such as blue-footed bobbies and brown pelicans. One of the most beautiful white sand beaches of the Galápagos (swim or snorkel). View sea lions, sally light footed crabs, blue-footed bobbies. Behind the dunes, you’ll find a coastal lagoon, which was visited in the past by the locals to extract salt. Today, it’s home to shorebirds such as stilts and plovers.
2 Included Shore Excursions
- Hiking with Silversea Expedition team
- Expedition activities with Silversea Expedition team
SAN CRISTÓBAL, GALAPAGOS
MAY 18, 2024
ARRIVE: 1:45AM | DISEMBARK: 8AM
We have walked in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, exploring this other-worldly destination anew. Today, we leave Galápagos and return to either Guayaquil or Quito – all better for the adventures of the past week.
While we work tirelessly to craft the perfect itinerary for each trip, it’s always subject to change based on weather, sea, and myriad other conditions.
ROOMS & PRICING
Silversea’s ocean-view suites are some of the most spacious in luxury cruising. All include the services of a butler thanks to Silversea’s highest service ratio at sea. Almost all have a private teak veranda so you can breathe in the fresh sea air by merely stepping outside your door.
Verandas
Suites
All-Inclusive Benefits
- Butler service in every suite
- Unlimited Free Wifi
- Personalized service – nearly one crew member for every guest
- Choice of restaurants, diverse cuisine, open-seating dining
- Beverages in-suite and throughout the ship, including selected wines and spirits
- In-suite dining and room service
- Onboard entertainment
Note: Room Descriptions, dimensions, images, and layouts are provided by cruise line and are subject to variation.
The Importance of Travel Insurance
As we’ve all learned these past couple of years, having Travel Insurance is EXTREMELY important. So with each travel purchase, we strongly encourage you to purchase “Cancel For Any Reason” (or CFAR) travel insurance. If you decline to secure coverage, know that you’re responsible for any cancellation penalties and out-of-pocket expenses incurred because of your inability to travel/choice not to travel. LEARN MORE
SOLO TRAVELERS NOTE
While our Solo Traveling with Ease Program (STEP) has been sunset, we offer some great recommendations for finding a roommate HERE.
Important Information
LUXURY YOU EXPECT, ADVENTURE YOU DESERVE
Port & Admin Fees are 377 USD per person.
PRE-PAID GRATUITIES
Pre-Paid Gratuities are 180 USD per person. 100% of these gratuities go to onboard staffers, including your stateroom attendant, the culinary services staff, the behind-the-scenes hotel services staff, and the myriad department heads who work with their teams around the clock to create a flawless VACAYA experience for you.
SOLO TRAVELERS
Solo guests in their own stateroom pay double Gratuities and single Port & Admin Fees.
3+ GUESTS IN A ROOM
Because of the unique nature of this cruise, adding a 3rd or 4th guest in a stateroom/suite is not possible on this sailing.
ROOM DESCRIPTIONS
Room descriptions, sizing, and view specifics have been provided to us by Silversea. Room layouts and views (including obstructions) can vary within the same category. For rooms with a capacity greater than 2, the additional bedding is a combination of sofa beds and/or upper berths.
INITIAL DEPOSIT SCHEDULE
- Upon booking outside of 300 Days – 10%.
- At 300 Days (July 14, 2023) – 25%.
- At 240 Days (September 12, 2023) – 50%.
- At 180 Days (November 11, 2023) – 75%.
- At 120 Days (January 10, 2024) – 100%.
CANCELLATION PENALTIES
- Upon booking through 300 Days (7/14/23) – 10% of total.
- From 299 (7/15/23) to 240 Days (9/12/23) – 20% of total.
- From 239 (9/13/23) to 180 Days (11/11/23) – 40% of total.
- From 179 (11/12/23) to 120 Days (1/10/24) – 60% of total.
- From 119 (1/11/24) to 90 Days (2/9/24) – 80% of total.
- From 89 (2/10/24) to 0 Days (5/9/24) – 100% of total.
ITEMS NOT INCLUDED
- Round-Trip Flights from your home city to Ecuador
- Onboard Laundry
- Gift Shop Purchases
- Optional Excursions
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Be sure to read VACAYA’s Terms & Conditions, which include the Payment/Cancellation/Refund Policies for all reservations. Please note that cancellation fees apply from the time of booking.
JOIN WAITLIST
For real-time availability, proceed by clicking BOOK NOW. With ever-shifting inventory, a category that shows availability on this page may no longer be available when you attempt to book. If you need help finding the perfect room in another category or to add your name to our wait list for a sold-out category, feel free to email The V List at info@myvacaya.com and we’ll be happy to assist you.
PAY IN FULL OPTION
You may pay in full at the time of booking. Unless you later modify your reservation, no further payments will be necessary. BONUS OFFER: Paid-in-Full Reservations made through July 14, 2023 will receive $200 off per person/$400 off for solo travelers in their own room.
MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN
Your initial deposit is due at time of booking. Then, your remaining monthly payments will be calculated using the number of months between your booking and the final payment due date. Payments will be charged on the 1st day of the month, the 15th, or the last day of each month (determined automatically depending on the day of the month you book). Payments will be charged to your credit card on file. If your credit card details change at any time, simply update the info in our system prior to your next month’s payment date. Please note declined payments are subject to a convenience fee. For more information, explore our Automatic Billing FAQs and our Terms & Conditions.
TRIP INSURANCE: GET IT!
With Covid-19 in our lives for the foreseeable future, we now have an even stronger rationale for recommending Trip Insurance. “Cancel For Any Reason” insurance has quickly risen in popularity, and for good reason. If you decide you don’t want to travel after the cancellation penalty period has begun, this type of insurance covers most if not all of your cancellation fee. It’s also a great way to help honor your Social Contract with VACAYA.
So go ahead and buy that bucket list trip, but protect your health and your investment by purchasing Trip Insurance. ❤️