
Grace
Overview
Celebrate the Galapagos Islands’ ecological paradise while also pampering yourself as you experience the small-ship exclusivity of a Grace cruise. This historic 145-foot ship, steeped in tales of love and war, invitingly welcomes up to 20 guests in 10 impressively-sized staterooms and numerous well-appointed social spaces.
Life Aboard The Grace Cruise
The Grace elegantly mixes traditional yacht style with modern amenities. Warm wood hues accented by rich navy and airy white create a refined look that sets the tone for your time aboard the ship. Sun worshipers and stargazers alike will feel at home on the uppermost deck, which is open to the sky. Just one deck below is the social heart of the Grace.
An outdoor bar, Jacuzzi, alfresco dining area, and ample lounge seating invite you to settle in, relax and enjoy moments of wildlife spotting. An indoor bar and lounge area perfect for getting out of the sun, watching a film on the large television, and chatting with your fellow travelers. For a quiet moment or a romantic interlude, escape to the private resting area at the stern of the ship, which is home to the Grace’s original wheel dating from 1927.
You will enjoy the locally-sourced, and thoughtfully prepared cuisine served aboard the ship. Lunch and dinner are both served as indoor buffets. Dinner takes things up a notch and features local Ecuadorian flavors and international cuisine, all perfectly accompanied with a glass of wine from the onboard climatized cellar.
Excursions From Your Grace Galapagos Cruise
The Grace offers two eight-day cruises, each designed to maximize wildlife encounters on various islands. Intrepid travelers with more time to spend in the islands may choose the 15-day Darwin’s Muse itinerary, which combines both of the shorter plans. During the Following Darwin’s Trail cruise, you will spend your days exploring some of the same islands the scientist traveled through on his famed voyage.
Look for fur seals and sea birds on Buccaneer’s Cove’s rugged shore on Santiago Island and visit the breeding center of the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. During the Beyond Darwin’s Footsteps cruise, you will discover islands the explorer was never privileged to see. You will be able to snorkel in Gardner Bay and Inlet on Espanola Island in hopes of seeing parrotfish, damselfish, and even the occasional white-tipped reef shark.
On North Seymour Island, take a hike in search of marine and land iguanas and frigate birds. No matter which itinerary you choose, you will have opportunities to hike, snorkel, kayak, and take dingy rides. Each activity is hosted by two highly-trained naturalist guides, each with over 15 years of experience.
A Ship Steeped In History
Though she has all the style and amenities of a modern ship, the Grace is what the French gracefully call “une femme d’un certain age.” This woman of a certain age started life in 1927 as a luxury yacht before she was conscripted in 1939 by the British Navy to join the war efforts.
The Grace, under another name, spent the early years of WWII patrolling along the Isle of Wight. In 1940, the ship was part of Operation Dynamo and made three runs between Dover and Dunkirk, rescuing roughly 900 British Expeditionary Forces from French beaches. On the return of the third trip, a bomb narrowly missed her starboard bow, killing 14 soldiers plus one sailor and leaving the ship sidelined for a short time.
The Grace finished WWII as a hospital ship before hosting Sir Winston Churchill for a post-war cruise. But, history wasn’t finished with this ship yet. In 1951, the vessel was acquired by Aristotle Onassis and given to Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco as a wedding present. After Grace Kelly arrived from America on the ship, the couple spent their honeymoon aboard the Grace, leisurely cruising along Corsica and Sardinia.
Not only will you sail on a royal yacht, but you will also be treated like royalty by ten crew members, plus a dedicated cruise director. Honeymooners, families of all ages, and anyone looking for an upscale way to cruise the Galapagos will delight in the combination of refined elegance and wildlife adventures the Grace provides.
Itineraries & Prices
Accommodations
Social Areas
Suites & Cabins
Premium Stateroom
The Premium Staterooms have features like a digital air-conditioner, a hairdryer, a safety box, and a closet to fit all your luggage. Guests can enjoy the private bathrooms that come with a body wash, a solid soap, shampoo, and conditioner to keep you refreshed.
Twin Suite
The twin suites are well designed and air-conditioned to ensure your utmost comfort. They have an ocean view window for you to take in the scenery of Galapagos Island, a safety box, a closet, and a hairdryer. The bathrooms are equipped with hot water.
Master Suite
Each Suite in the Grace features ocean-view windows, a digital air conditioner, a spacious closet to fit all your belongings, a safety box, and multiple electrical outlets. The beautifully designed bathrooms have hot showers, a hairdryer, and amenities to keep you feeling fresh.
Grace Kelly Suite
The Grace Kelly Suite is spacious with ocean-view windows giving guests a tasteful view of the Galapagos Islands. The suite features a closet, a safety deposit box, and multiple electrical outlets. The gorgeous hot water bathroom has all the amenities to ensure the guest stays refreshed.