by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 5:00 PM ET, Fri August 3, 2018
Peregrine Adventures has begun sailing what is billed to be the most sustainable cruise experience in the Galapagos region.
The Grand Queen Beatriz, named after the matriarch of the Galapagueno family who built and own the vessel, departed on her maiden voyage from Puerto Baquerizo Morena in San Cristobal on July 1.
Some of the notable environmentally friendly features of the new ship include solar panels to assist with power generation and the latest technology, to ensure the best fuel efficiency possible.
In addition, Peregrine, a carbon-neutral travel company that prides itself on its low-impact travel model, has banned single-use plastics onboard its adventure cruises. (Passengers are instead given reusable water bottles.)
Filippos Venetopoulos, Peregrine's Adventure Cruising general manager, says Queen Bea, as she has become known, was launched in response to demand from environmentally-conscious travelers in the region.
"While we have been cruising the Galapagos for more than 20 years, now that we have our own boat, we can offer an even more authentic Peregrine experience at sea; a small group of no more than 16 guests, an immersive experience focusing on discovery and education, comfort and space, insightful and attentive guides and the newest and most sustainable cruise experience available in the region," Venetopoulos said.
This is Peregrine's first custom-built expedition vessel. It will be part of the company's growing small-ship Adventure Cruising program, a segment of business that has grown 35 percent year to date for Peregrine.
The 98-foot vessel was designed with comfort and space in mind. The ship's nine cabins have outward-facing windows, ensuite bathrooms, and on average, are double the size of similar accommodations found on other boats in the region,
Rooms are spread over three decks with separate communal areas, offering extra privacy and space.
The 300-tonne boat also includes a dining room, two bars, lounge and a TV area, as well as a sun deck with a jacuzzi. On the ship's upper deck there are private balcony rooms.
With a maximum of 16 guests and eight crew, the ship offers a ratio of one crew member to every two guests.
"Peregrine's style of cruising is all about immersing yourself in a place, learning about the culture and visiting spectacular natural environments," Venetopoulos said. "Queen Bea will offer a boutique expedition cruising experience including multiple shore activities each day from leisurely beach walks to volcanic treks, and open water or beach snorkeling offering the chance to swim with sea lions and turtles."
Grand Queen Beatriz is offering a combination of six-, 10-, 13- and 17-day Galapagos itineraries departing from Quito with the six-day Galapagos Encounter Central Islands priced from US $2,844 per person twin share.
The vessel will also offer Peregrine's new action-packed 13-day Treasures of the Galapagos - Western & Central Islands itinerary, which offers great opportunities for wildlife viewing and interaction.
With the itineraries designed for environmentally-conscious travelers and more mindful explorers, Peregrine only charters small ships with capacity for 50 or less passengers, which can call at smaller ports that large cruise ships can't access.
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