[ON LOCATION] PALOMA VILLAVERDE DE RICO
The group that heads out to the Pacific Ocean for an incentive trip to the Galapagos archipelago will come back transformed. This is no ordinary incentive experience—this is a trip that digs deep into one’s soul, leaving one mesmerized, recharged and with memories that are forever etched into the mind. Your group will be transfixed from the moment they land in Galapagos’ Baltra Island, and for the next few days, while exploring this stunning Ecuadorean archipelago during an expedition cruise on board HX’s MS Santa Cruz II, they’ll be immersed in a banquet of wondrous natural marvels.
We recently boarded the intimate, 90-passenger MS Santa Cruz II for an itinerary that took us along the Northern Loop to volcanic islands where we swam with penguins, snorkeled in caves, kayaked alongside sea lions, hiked barren landscapes, gazed in awe at land and marine iguanas and marveled at the countless winged creatures that call this archipelago home (yes, those red- and blue-footed boobies are just as delightful in person). We were most stunned, though, with the unique physical traits of each island we visited (each unlike the other), with red-, black- and golden-sanded shorelines, and the serenity-inducing silence. This is an incentive trip on steroids.
And sailing with HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) is the cherry on top. An incentive experience with HX includes knowledgeable and passionate guides who are born and bred on these islands; carefully planned out excursions that allow passengers to get the most out of their day, whether they want to be super active or less so; top-notch onboard service with an excellent F&B selection; comfy cabins (no key needed as there are so few passengers); and informative lectures.
“HX’s MS Santa Cruz II offers an unmatched combination of exclusivity, sustainability and comfort, perfectly suited for incentive groups seeking a distinctive experience,” Carla Brake, Sr. Director, Sales, Americas, tells Prevue. “With a capacity of 90 guests, the ship ensures privacy while offering ample communal spaces, such as the Panorama Bar & Lounge, outdoor hot tubs and Library with Science Corner for group activities. HX’s Galapagos cruises are carbon neutral, offering incentive groups the chance to participate in a journey that aligns with their environmental values.”
Brake adds, “HX’s industry-leading Science and Education Program ensures groups can engage deeply with the environment, supported by naturalists and onboard science facilities.
“Photo assistance and classes throughout the cruise ensure your team captures their memories perfectly, with images provided to them post-cruise as part of the all-inclusive package,” she notes.
The remote Galapagos have protected status and as such, very few ships cruise the islands (large ships are off limits), which means your group will feel as if the islands have put out the welcome mat solely for them. In a world where overtourism seems to dominate the news, the Galapagos are so pristine that the wildlife, since they’ve evolved without mammalian predators, are unafraid of humans. This makes for an ideal journey for an incentive group that’s adventurous and wants to immerse themselves in nature.
“A small ship offers the perfect blend of intimacy and exclusivity,” says Brake. “With fewer passengers, the experience feels personal, allowing for genuine connections among group members and a sense of exclusivity that larger vessels cannot replicate. Additionally, the scale of a small ship allows for curated, customizable experiences tailored specifically to the goals of an incentive trip, such as bespoke excursions, private gatherings or unique onboard events.”
Brake points out that because it’s a small ship, “HX is open to complete buyouts for incentive groups. A buyout ensures exclusivity and the ability to tailor the entire experience to the group’s preferences. For groups that don’t require a full buyout, MS Santa Cruz II offers flexibility, accommodating incentive groups of various sizes while still providing private spaces and group-oriented communal areas. A typical sweet spot would be 20-40 guests, enabling both exclusivity and interaction with like-minded travelers onboard.
“Even without a buyout,” she adds, ”we can organize the group into their own exclusive expedition team for all shore excursions and activities, ensuring they experience the Galapagos as a cohesive unit. This setup fosters camaraderie during adventures like snorkeling, hiking or wildlife spotting. Alternatively, we can mix and rotate the members within different expedition groups, allowing guests to bond with a variety of peers in new settings while maintaining the spirit of collaboration and teamwork.”
There are several Galapagos cruises you can choose from, with Brake noting that “all our Galapagos itineraries are well-suited for incentive groups, offering a seamless experience by starting and ending in Quito, which is easily accessible with direct flights from major U.S. hubs, including Miami, Houston, Atlanta, New York City and Fort Lauderdale.” That said, the two itineraries she recommends based on trip length are the 9-day Eastern Loop – In Darwin’s Footsteps, which showcases the biodiversity and geology that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution and includes stops at Española and San Cristobal islands as well as the Charles Darwin Research Station; and the 7-day Western Loop – Iconic Wildlife & Sublime Scenery, with visits to Isabela and Fernandina islands, two of the most pristine and geologically active islands, and with some of the best snorkeling opportunities.
“To elevate the experience even further, we offer optional extensions to Machu Picchu,” says Brake, “allowing groups to explore one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites as an unforgettable add-on to their journey.”
HX offers tailored benefits for incentive groups, which may include:
• Reduced rates for groups booking a set number of cabins;
• Special amenities for the group, such as suite upgrades for VIP guests or the trip leader pending availability, private excursions or complimentary drinks packages;
• In addition to branded HX water bottles and backpacks, there are opportunities for branded merchandise or unique gifts to enhance the group’s experience (at an additional cost).
Specific offers, says Brake, depend on the group size and travel dates. She says, “On HX’s all-inclusive cruises, pricing and billing are seamless. Groups can come on board without worrying about a thing—everything is included, from food and beverages to WiFi, excursions, tips, national park passes, equipment like wetsuits and walking poles, complimentary laundry and even professional photo services with images provided post-cruise.”
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