Galápagos Islands Hotel Tips by TheTravelSlut

The Travel Slut® Top 25 Tips for the Yacht Isabela II- Galapagos cruiseship for 2007

I was a guest in Cabin #2 from June 12 to June 17, 2007 and here are some suggestions or comments for anyone that might be considering a trip on the Isabela II ship (yacht)

1. Wake up calls consist of soft music over the in-room public address system speakers at 7 a.m. each morning. You cannot stop it or turn it down for 10 minutes and it is much more pleasant than a startling phone call, buzzer or alarm.
2. To obtain very hot shower water, be sure to retract the black button on the right side (cold) shower faucet while turning the left side (hot) fully until it stops. Otherwise you will be showering in lukewarm water.
3. Use caution on the cabin deck stepping over the hatch doors leading upstairs to the sun deck or downstairs to reception as the thresh holds are over 12 inches high.
4. There is free internet on board with 2 computers located in the library between the dining room and reception area. There are no rules for use (open 24 hours) but it is always busy before and after meals and first thing in the morning, last thing at night.
5. When the ship is not docked or at anchor, the engine noise at cruising speed is quite loud in the bar area making conversation difficult. However, I did not experience any significant engine noise on the cabin deck in my cabin #2 (near the bow and bridge) and would recommend you book a room at the front of the ship rather than at the rear. Always bring earplugs just in case and they may also used for airplanes, etc.
6. The ship has a well-stocked bar and very friendly bartender (thanks Lelis!) and it is open all evening. There is also a gift cabinet (shirts, hats, souvenirs, etc) and sundry cabinet (medicine, toiletries, sunscreen, etc.) near reception.
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Unique Qualities: 7. Be sure to check the daily schedule on the bulletin board in the reception area near the entrance to the dining room for all daily activities and announcements The hotel manager is VERY nice and VERY helpful when needed (thanks Macario!) and all announcements are also made on the Public Address system as they occur.
8. There usually is a full-time medical doctor on board and there is no charge for any of his limited services (seasickness, minor cuts, etc).
9. An ice machine is located under the sink in the sun (top) deck outdoor kitchen at the ship’s stern. There are also adequate tables and chairs plus chaise lounges.
10. There is an “open bridge” policy 24/7 and also an open door policy to all cabins. There are no locks or keys to the cabins but safe deposit boxes are available inside each room. You should not be packing expensive items like jewelry for the Galapagos anyway.11. After all water activities, the hot tub/Jacuzzi is fully occupied rather quickly with people warming up so if you really want to hot tub, be sure to be one of the 1st to get onto one of the panga (zodiac) boats back to the Isabela II, remove your life preserver and wetsuit quickly, stow your snorkel bag, rinse off all sand and salt water, grab a towel (or take yours with you) and then proceed upstairs to the sun deck as quickly as possible.
12. The ship is easy to get around as there are really only three decks and the orientation to the ship and procedures the first day were both extensive and informative. 20 cabins, 40 passengers, 27 crew.
13. Breakfast and lunch are always buffet style and dinner has a sit-down menu with complimentary wine poured. The service was very attentive, meals delicious and beautifully presented.
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Theme: Other
Comparison: most expensive
Prices: US$180 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: (593-2) 298 8200
Address: Yacht Isabela II c/o Metropolitan-Touring, De Las Palmeras Av. N45-74 & De Las Orquídeas Quito, Ecuador
Directions: The ship cruises the Galapagos under Avalon Waterways and Metropolitan Touring.
It cruises to different islands depending on the itinerary and makes Baltra its homeport.
Website: www.metropolitan-touring.com
Other Contact: (593-2) 2463681 (fax)

CONTINUATION OF THE TRAVEL SLUT'S TOP 25 TIPS FOR CRUISING THE GALAPAGOS ON ISABELA II

14. Each cabin has plenty of storage space for both luggage and clothes and having your snorkel gear remain outside on the deck means no wet spots in the room (hopefully). Also, all electrical plugs are U.S. 110 Volt and there is a great hairdryer in each room
15. A dryer is located on the sun deck behind the Jacuzzi and near the storage area where wetsuits are hung to dry. You can use it for your swimsuits or towels.
16. On one of the days you will probably experience an authentic Ecuadorian lunch which will include such unusual lunch items like suckling pig, popcorn, fresh milk chocolate cookies, baked chips, yellow rice and cerviche.
17. There is a 24 hour coffee machine, cookie box and purified water jug located in the bar area. The ship’s water system makes 7 tons of water daily and water is safe to drink on board.
18. The library contains a TV, DVD (and some DVD movies) and VHS (plus some VHS movies) machines for complimentary use along with many books on the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador.
19. All three of the naturalists are very knowledgeable, easily approachable and always available. (Thanks Jean, Aura and Antonio!)
20. You will experience either “wet” or “dry” landings during excursions to the various islands or to ports. A “wet” landing simply means the panga boat (a 10-12 passenger zodiac, rigid floor pontoon raft) will drive up onto a beachfront area as close as possible to let passengers off. Passengers will sit on top of the pontoons en route to their destination (feet and legs inside the boat) and upon arrival will swing their legs over the side of the pontoons and step into the water which may be knee deep or ankle deep. You will want to have watershoes or aquasocks or some waterproof footwear for this. A “dry” landing means the panga boat will pull up to an actual dock area or location where your 1st step off the boat will be on either dry land or a pier.
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Unique Qualities: 21. Cash is required for gratuities for all the naturalists (USD $10/day is suggested) and the bartender ($7 per passenger is suggested) but your crew gratutities can be added to your shipboard account.
22. Try to stargaze with the naturalists one clear night while on board. It is an amazing experience to be able to see both the Big Dipper system from the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Cross from the Southern Hemisphere at the same time in different parts of the night sky.
23. The Captains farewell dinner is nicely presented and you will be seated with at least one member of the ship’s crew.
24. Remember also that an Ecuadorian departure tax is required and must be paid in cash USD $37.90 at the airport.
25. The time it takes to disembark, panga-ride to the Baltra docks, bus to the Baltra airport, check in, and fly to either Quito or Guayaquil, is nearly a full day so don’t have anything major planned.

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Theme: Other
Comparison: most expensive
Prices: US$180 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: (593-2) 298 8200
Address: Various islands within the Galapagos archipeligo
Directions: The ship's home port is Baltra, Galapagos on Santa Cruz island
De Las Palmeras Av. N45-74 & De Las Orquídeas
Quito - Ecuador
Website: www.metropolitan-touring.com
Other Contact: (593-2) 2463681 (fax)