PHOTO: This rendering shows the MV Origin, the new luxury yacht from Ecoventura. (All renderings courtesy of Ecoventura)
Ecoventura, a sustainable travel specialist in Ecuador's Galapagos Islands, is entering the luxury segment of the adventure cruise market with a new 20-passenger ship.
The expedition mega-yacht, MV Origin, is scheduled to depart on its first Galapagos voyage on Jan. 3, 2016. It will operate seven-night itineraries departing every Sunday.
Ecoventura says the MV Origin will be a luxury product, while its other 20-passenger yachts - Eric, Flamingo and Letty - are considered to be "superior first-class" vessels. Ecoventura also operates a 16-passenger luxury dive live-aboard, MV Galapagos Sky.
The MV Origin will have additional amenities not available on the other vessels, such as open bar, al fresco dining on the observation deck, a fitness center and hot tub.
While the other ships have staterooms split between multiple decks, all 10 of MV Origin's cabins are located on the main deck. The staterooms average 140 square feet in size and feature two twin beds convertible to king-size, private bathrooms, and panoramic windows. Two cabins are connecting, and two accommodate three people.
The MV Origin also will feature two naturalist guides, a concierge, gourmet-style meals, a wet bar, barbecue, satellite TV, library, boutique, and fitness center with cardio equipment. Onboard massages are available at additional charge only on charters.
Cruise rates include guided shore excursions and use of wet suits, snorkeling equipment, and sea kayaks. The company hopes to offer stand-up paddle boards, pending park approval. Cabins are cleaned twice daily and laundry service is available.
The mega-yacht will operate two weeklong itineraries alternate as required by the Galapagos National Park to better reduce usage on heavily visited sites.
Rates for the new vessel start at $6,300 for triple occupancy and $6,500 for double occupancy. Cruise rates do not include international airfare, airfare to the Galapagos, Galapagos entrance fee, transit control card, premium alcoholic beverages, gratuities to guides and crew, purchases onboard, and travel insurance.
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