National Geographic Galapagos Cruise reviews

48 guests
Year Built: 1995
Refurbished: 2005
Length: 164 feet
Beam: 30 feet
Speed: 6 knots
Flag: Ecuador

The National Geographic Islander is a versatile 164-foot twin-hulled vessel with 24 spacious cabins comfortably accommodating 48 guests. She is a sturdy expedition ship, designed for year-round discovery and active exploration of the Galapagos and can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to her small size.

The National Geographic Islander is the smaller of the two National Geographic ships in the Galapagos, so choose her if you are seeking a more intimate experience. Otherwise choose her if you are seeking an active, educational and intellectual cruise with the experts from National Geographic. The experts and equipment on board the Islander are the best in the business. Like the Endeavour she is not luxurious, but that's not the point. The point of the National Geographic Islander is having the best expedition experience possible, with the best guides in the industry. If you are willing to pay the premium of such an experience, and are seeking a smaller ship, then the National Geographic Islander is the right Galapagos ship for you.

The AdventureSmith Explorations crew has personally cruised aboard National Geographic Islander. Review the ship description below and our review. If you still have questions contact our Galapagos travel experts.

Expedition Staff Aboard National Geographic Islander

The National Geographic Islander's captains have decades of sailing experience in the regions they explore. They know when and where to navigate so that you feel the places visited are all yours. And Ecuadorian Captain and officers welcome guests to the Bridge in accordance with Islander's "Open Bridge" policy.

The National Geographic Islander's expedition staff likes nothing better than to surprise and delight you by directing the ship toward alluring coves or bow-riding dolphins. The seasoned crew consists of expert Zodiac drivers and considerate service providers. Their energy, enthusiasm and local field expertise are sure to enhance your experience. This is what expedition travel is all about: not just seeing wilderness, but being out there, in it. Thanks to a sturdy fleet of Zodiacs and virtually untippable kayaks, you can be off the ship and out exploring within a moment’s notice.

Common Areas Aboard National Geographic Islander

The National Geographic Islander is fully air-conditioned throughout and features the following amenities: a covered deck with hammocks, chairs and tables; internet access, laundry service, LEXmarket, and Wellness Program; Doctor's Office; Fitness Center; LEXspa; Library; Lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows and presentations. The ship is also equipped with Zodiac landing craft, snorkeling gear, wet suits, a Spa, guest e-mail station, video microscope, hydrophone and Splash-Cam. A Ship's doctor, a Video Chronicler and an Undersea Specialist will be on board.

Cabins Aboard National Geographic Islander

National Geographic Islander accommodates 48 guests in 24 cabins, including two suites. All accommodations have a window, and the eight cabins at the top of the ship (categories 4 and 5) have private, glassed-in terraces for exceptional views of the passing islands. Two spacious suites (category 5) feature a wraparound view forward over the bow and off to the side of the ship. All cabins have two single beds that can combine to create double- or queen-sized beds. Your preference is taken at booking.

Decorated in a rich, nautical design with mahogany trim, Islander’s cabins are cozy and well-appointed. After a morning spent adventuring with sea lions or negotiating your way around hundreds of marine iguanas ashore, your meticulously made up cabin will be an inviting home away from home. All cabins offer ample closet space, and have a small table and chair. They also feature individual climate control and private facilities. There is ample room under the bed for storing smaller pieces of luggage, and hair dryers are stored in every cabin. The small, but well laid out, bathrooms have botanically inspired hair products and shower gel. A limited number of cabins can accommodate a third person.

Category 1

Main Deck #201-206. Cabins feature two lower single beds, which can convert to a queen bed, and a window.

Category 2

Main Deck #207-210; Bridge Deck #301-302. Centrally located cabins feature a window and two lower single beds, which can convert to a queen bed.

Category 3

Bridge Deck #303–306. Conveniently located, these cabins feature two lower single beds, which can convert to a queen bed, and a window. Cabins 305 and 306 can accommodate a third person.

Category 4

Upper Deck #403–408. These spacious cabins feature two lower single beds, which can convert to a queen bed, or a double bed. All cabins feature a window and outside glassed-in terraces with seating. There are large windows in the top half of the terrace doors. The single beds in cabins 403 and 404 convert to double beds.

Category 5

Upper Deck #401, 402. These are the largest cabins onboard. These cabins feature two lower single beds that can convert to a queen bed and wrap-around windows. Both have a desk, chairs and table. They also feature outside glassed-in terraces with seating.