Origin, Theory & Evolve

Are you having trouble deciding what you desire most on your Galapagos cruise? Origin, Theory and Evolve, identical, luxury Relais & Chateaux sister yachts that sail together, are the ships that have it all. From ten spacious staterooms for 20 guests to sprawling social spaces, high-end amenities, and first-class service, you can enjoy a leisurely expedition through the Galapagos without sacrificing a single thing.

Life Aboard

Aboard the Origin and Theory or Evolve, there is a new luxury around every corner. Your day starts in your oversized stateroom, where the fine bed linens will tempt you to snuggle in for a bit longer. But, the views through the panoramic windows will draw you outside toward the day’s adventures. Make your way to the partially-shaded sun deck to recline on a day or relax in the Jacuzzi.

Between excursions, refresh under the outdoor shower and enjoy a little something from the outdoor bar. The interior is equally inviting, with a cozy lounge, a library stocked with rare books on the Galapagos’ flora and fauna, and a fully-stocked bar. There is even a fitness center, complete with cardio equipment and yoga mats for perfecting your sun salutation and savasana.

Throughout each ship, you will find minimalist-chic décor, including exotic stone, petrified wood, and contemporary art, all thoughtfully put together by a local designer. To complete the luxurious experience, 13 crew members, including a concierge, can assist with anything you may desire.

Excursions In The Enchanted Isles

The Origin, Theory and Evolve sail as a flotilla, with staggered, enticing daily excursions at each visitor site across two different eight-day itineraries. Departing every Sunday, each provide a comprehensive look into the wildlife and scenery of the Galapagos Islands. Both routes feature two daily excursions lead by expert naturalist guests. Because these sister ships always go the extra step to make your cruise special, there are two naturalist guides aboard for a 1:10 guide-to-guest ratio.

Plus, you will have access to a glass-bottom boat, kayaks, snorkeling equipment, and wetsuits. So, how will you spend your days exploring the Galapagos? During a cruise through the southern and central islands, stop at Wizard Hill on San Cristobal Island to walk along a red coral beach and swim with sea lions.

On Floreana Island, hike along the coast to see where sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand and watch flamingos graze in brackish water. A cruise through the northern and western islands offers an opportunity to see marine and land iguanas at Dragon Hill and snorkel with colorful fish and sea stars at Las Bachas Beach. Along the way, snap plenty of photos of all the wildlife you encounter. Your guides will be happy to help you identify any new species you don’t recognize, and you can share your photos online using the ships’ complimentary wifi.

Gastronomy At Sea

As you might expect from members of the Relais & Chateaux brand, your cruise aboard either Origin, Evolve or Theory expedition yachts will be a delicious experience, thanks to the ships’ expert culinary teams. A la carte menus allow you to pick and choose your favorite treats. A lunch, dine al fresco with something from the outdoor grill. Dinner in the well-appointed dining room is a lavish affair with a four-course menu created with local ingredients from sustainable providers.

Throughout the day, there are tempting treats, including post-excursion snacks and an afternoon tea service, complete with pastries. A generous open bar policy means you will always be able to pair your meal with the perfect beverage, whether red, white, or sparkling wine, a local craft beer, a hand-crafted cocktail, or a fresh-squeezed juice. If you are curious how the ship’s chef makes all of this magic happen, stop by one of the cooking demonstrations to see how it’s done.

Luxury Family Trips

The yachts also offer designated family departures geared toward families who prefer to travel with other families with children, teenagers, college-age, and multi-generational, with a minimum age of 6 years and a 15% discount for kids up to age 17. Offered during major school breaks, these special trips feature exclusive age-appropriate activities that bring the magic of the Galapagos to a multi-generational audience, and the ability to match families with children of certain ages across the sister yachts.

During departures with teenagers, for example, excursions will be at a faster pace and more physically demanding, with longer hikes and more kayaking and snorkeling opportunities, while on departures with younger children they will spend their time learning about wildlife behavior from naturalist guides who make hands-on learning exciting and fun, while the crew will keep them entertained on board with games, music, and cooking classes.

For guests looking for a refined, sophisticated take on expedition cruising, the Evolve, Origin & Theory truly have it all. Between dinner with the captain, surprise visits from King Neptune, and stargazing programs, there is always something new to experience.