I visited the Galapagos a few years ago. I was on one of these 3 boats, http://galapagosholidays.com/destina.../#.VWJnLq1Viko, and we booked directly with the operators EcoVentura (http://www.ecoventura.com/)

This company nailed all the details for getting us from Quito to Galapagos and back, as well as the whole cruise experience. The beds aren't the most comfy, and this isn't the Four Seasons, but the entire experience was excellent.

The rules for cruises changed right after we visited, and now I would pick the B - Western/Northern - Itinerary if we were to go again. This area was more remote, and had some unique wildlife, like the Red Footed Booby, and snorkeling with the penguins!

We also spent most of a week in Quito during this trip, and that is something I would not do again. Once you've done the tourist things in Quito, and it doesn't take long, move along somewhere else!

there are apparently charter yachts, and entry cost is not that much higher than some options discussed here

I plan on using Lindblad Expeditions when I go (hopefully next year). Another option, if you want to arrange a private group is Natural Habitat.

im assuming no agents here (/onsites) deal with nonluxury charters?

launches 10-cabin Origin in 2016

The galapagosholidays.com agency I mentioned deals with the full range - I was on a fairly modest little boat, 12 pax capacity, that was reasonably priced but extremely well done throughout.

IIRC sailing charter i saw was $4K/night, for a couple cabins
their destinations included galapagos as well as antarctica

We have a Galapagos trip booked with Quasar and the prices are way better than Lindblad. We booked before we discovered that friends had been with them before and were going again on the alternate itinerary. They raved about the ship (Evolution) and trip in general.

Any recent thoughts on luxury cruising in the Galapagos? I'm interested in small ships, under 50 people. MV Origin appeals with its 20 max passenger load. Has anyone taken it? I'm unsure of the trip duration, certainly no longer than 7 days, but are 3 or 4 day cruises satisfying?

Crazy- I was JUST re-reading this old thread last night as part of our renewed prep for Galapagos!

I will add that there are some interesting land/cruise packages that combine hotel with a sequence of day trips. Pickaia Lodge and Galapags Safari Camp were two I looked at. Of course a limitation of day trips is that you will not get to further islands.

We are considering a 7-8 day cruise with a 2, 3 or 4 night stay at a lodge/hotel either pre or post cruise... still planning.

I have been told there are 3 luxury ships for 20 or fewer passengers.

MV Origon - 20 passengers, new in 2015, all cabins identical with large picture windows. Targetted at luxury market with focus on food, service.

MS Grace - 18 passengers, built in 1928, in the 1950s was given to Princess Grace Kelly and Prince Ranier by Onassis as a wedding gift, subsequently was refitted for Galapagos

Celebrity XPloration - 16 passengers. The Celebrity brand doesn't say luxury to me. Then, again, I don't cruise, so what do I know. Update: currently being sold on charter basis only.

Who has experience with the Origon or the MS Grace? Origon is ecoventura and Grace is Quasar.

Good thread.

Looking at a Silver Sea (private charter) 7 day cruise for late Oct ... priced at around AUD$20k (US$15k) for two suites. 1 x Deluxe Veranda & 1 x Explorer. Seems like a decent deal.

Have been able to secure 4 x QF award seats SYD-SCL-SYD (2xJ & 2xPE) to ice the deal.

Thinking - just do it!