Onboard Review: The Galapagos with HX— A Transformative Experience

ROCKSThe Galapagos with HX—Transformative ExperienceBy Paloma Villaverde de RicoThe traveler who heads out to the Pacific Ocean for an adventure in the Galapagos archipelago will come back transformed. This is no ordinary travel experience—this is a journey that digs deep into one’s soul, leaving one mesmerized, recharged and with memories that are forever etched into the mind. Your client will be transfixed from the moment they land in Galapagos’ Baltra Island. Then, for the next few days, they’ll be immersed in a banquet of wondrous natural marvels while exploring this stunning Ecuadorean archipelago during an expedition cruise on board HX’s MS Santa Cruz II. We recently boarded the intimate 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 a vacation on steroids. And sailing with HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) is the cherry on top. An 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 culinary selection; comfy cabins (no key needed as there are so few passengers); and informative lectures. TURTLEExploring These Remote IslandsOur 7-day Northern Loop: Nature & Wildlife itinerary began in Quito—situated in the lush Andean foothills at 9,350 ft. (it’s the second-highest capital city in the world). Here, clients stay at the exquisite JW Marriott Quito for a couple of days. On day one of our adventures in Ecuador, we took a whirlwind tour of Quito, visiting one of South America’s most famous Old Towns, where the stately churches will leave your clients speechless. They’ll marvel at La Compania, one of South America’s most significant baroque structures whose interior is bathed in gold leaf, and, of course, at the oldest of Quito’s churches, The Church and Monastery of San Francisco (here, climbing the bell tower for a magnificent view of the city is a must). Your clients will then be guided through the town to check out the beautiful, lively plazas and sit in on an engaging chocolate-making workshop (yes, there’s opportunity to buy this delicious treat), then it’s off to experience the “Middle of the World City,” located some 16 miles north of Quito (a stop for lunch prior to the afternoon excursion is included). Nothing quite like being able to say you’ve had your feet planted on both the Southern and Northern hemispheres at the same time, so of course, once your clients have reached the Middle of the World—located at 0 degrees latitude, halfway between the North and South poles—plenty of silly and fun photo-ops will ensue (and there’s lots of great souvenir shopping here as well). The next day, the sailing in the Galapagos begins and it’s full throttle from here on out. After landing in Baltra Island, passengers will start spotting the famous Galapagos wildlife as soon as they step off the plane. Africa might have the Big 5, but the Galapagos is known for its Big 15 (from the giant tortoise to the adorable sea lion). Once there, clients are taken straight to the port to board the pangas (Zodiacs) that will take them to the expedition ship. SEA LIONS During our time in the Galapagos—the cruise portion of our itinerary included five days sailing around the islands—we were astounded by how many magnificent creatures we crossed paths with. These remote islands, which were formed by a series of volcanic eruptions several million years ago and welcomed animals drifting across the ocean from the rainforests of Central and South America, have protected status and as such, very few ships can cruise here (large ships are off limits). This means your clients 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. In fact, only 1,660 guests can be on boats and 180 on day-cruises in the National Park area daily, with each operator allocated specific time slots per site, so only one operator can visit a location at a time. This makes for an ideal journey for adventurous clients who want to immerse themselves in nature. BLUE FOOTED BOOBIES Our Northern Loop route took us to a trio of spellbinding islands, each with a unique personality and each as captivating as the other. Let clients know that each day brings with it plenty of very active shore excursions—deep-sea and shoreside snorkeling (wet suits and snorkeling gear are provided), hiking (on Bartolome Island, for example, our group walked up 372 steps to the tippy-top of the island for some of the most glorious views I’ve ever seen), leisurely kayaking along the cliffs of Genovesa Island, birdwatching everywhere, glass-bottom boat rides and the like. All excursions are via panga as the ship can only get so close to the islands. Highly active clients will embrace all the activity and there’s plenty of time to rest in the evening (during daytime sailing hours, the crew offers fascinating lectures your clients will want to sit in on as they provide more in-depth knowledge of the destination). On the last day, in Santa Cruz Island, we were treated to close-ups with those otherworldly giant tortoises—to say your clients will be giddy is an understatement (this is a moment to cherish because experiences like these don’t come along too often). ROOMThe Evolution of HX in the GalapagosYou’d never know that it was only in 2022 that HX started programming in the Galapagos Islands—they’re experts at delivering a vacation that will wow all your clients, no matter how well-traveled they might be. The first HX itinerary in the Galapagos was the 9-day Eastern Loop: In Darwin’s Footsteps. During the last couple of years, HX has added to its offerings with the addition of three new routes: the 7-day Western Loop: Iconic Wildlife & Sublime Scenery, the 7-day Northern Loop that we sailed on, and the combined 11-day Northern/Western Loop: Nine of the Best Isles.KAYAKING With a guest capacity of 90 passengers, Santa Cruz II—which was fully refurbished in 2022 and is the only ship HX uses in the destination—is one of the largest vessels sailing the Galapagos, affording guests intimacy yet space to explore, including a restaurant (there’s only one on board), Library with a Science Corner, the Panorama Bar and Lounge, a Sky Deck (our trip included an evening of resplendent stargazing), a fitness center and outdoor hot tubs (there are also self-serve laundry facilities). The ship, incidentally, has 36 interconnecting cabins (including suites); the most interconnecting cabins than any other vessel currently operating in the Galapagos (think family/multigenerational vacation). Clients will find a friendly, highly competent crew on board, cabins that are ideal for this type of expedition sailing (no TVs in cabin, but none needed), top WiFi connectivity (at times it’s spotty, but that’s due to remoteness) and terrific options on the menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. HX’s partnership with Metropolitan Touring truly is a game-changer when it comes to the region’s cruise landscape, with the latter being a pioneer in Galapagos expeditions with nearly 70 years of experience. For clients who are mindful of sustainability and the impact their visit to these most pristine islands can cause, let them know that both HX and Metropolitan Touring are committed to sustainable tourism, with HX measuring cruise emissions and offsetting them through a conservation program. LIBRARYWhat Your Peers are SayingThe group in our sailing included 10 travel advisors—part of an HX FAM—some of whom I had the opportunity to speak with post-sailing to pick their brains on the experience. Julia Swenda, Director of Host Accounts for HX, led the group of advisors and when I asked her about the key points that differentiate HX from other cruise lines sailing the Galapagos, she pointed to the brand’s partnership with Metropolitan Touring. “They are the ones who started it all and know the Galapagos like no other company,” she told Recommend. She adds, “HX offers personalized, in-depth exploration of the Galapagos with local naturalist guides who are not only experts in the ecosystem but passionate about conservation. Their knowledge adds an enriching layer to each excursion, whether you are kayaking alongside sea lions or hiking volcanic islands.” Regarding the onboard experience, Swenda notes that, “Unlike HX’s other global itineraries, where the onboard experience might lean more towards luxury and relaxation, in the Galapagos, the emphasis is on adventure and discovery. Guests will find the ship’s ambiance to be informal but comfortable, with a focus on enriching experiences like lectures from naturalists, gear for watersports and exploration, and ample time to relax between excursions. It is more about enhancing the guest’s connection to the islands than traditional luxury cruising—think sophisticated yet laid-back, with a strong focus on nature and conservation.”RESTAURANT Travel advisor Marie Abuyousif of LuxuryOnly, adds, “HX offers a great option for cruisers looking to have an authentic experience at a great price point.” She says advisors would do well to sell this destination to “adventure-seeking travelers who are physically able to enjoy this destination. If this is a cruiser who typically sails on one of the more amenity-laden cruise lines, I make sure that they are fully aware that they will not have a butler, refrigerator or walk-in closet.” She recommends advisors send photos and/or videos of the ship “so they can ‘see’ how unique the experience would be, and what trade-offs they might be willing to make in order to visit the Galapagos.” In fact, says travel advisor Kristin H.R. Small, with Cruise Planners, the target clients for her agency “are educated and adventurous Gen X and Boomers. Typically retired, they are nature enthusiasts and hobby photographers who are drawn to the story of the Galapagos, its unique wildlife and rugged beauty. The high-paced activity level offers guests multiple opportunities to indulge in their personal interests.” Travel advisor Terry Strauss of Dedham Travel reminds her peers that it’s important to stress to clients that although the Galapagos is on everyone’s bucket list, it’s definitely not for everyone. “With HX, you need to be able to walk down stairs, get on to the pangas, endure the wind and the rain and climb stairs that are not handicap-friendly,” she says. This is ideal, she points out, “for clients who want to explore and step back in time.” Contact Information HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions): travelhx.com/en-us
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