Galapagos Legend

The 1963-built MV Galapagos Legend cruise ship is owned by the Ecuadorian shipping company Galatours and operated by Kleintours. She previously sailed under the names Baltic Star, Stena Finlandica, Helgoland, and Galapagos Discovery. The Galapagos Legend operates exclusively in the Galapagos Archipelago. The vessel was extensively drydock refurbished and reconstructed twice, in 2002 and 2017.

Kleintours was established in 1983 by Maria Augusta Klein and is a family-owned cruise company ranked among the largest in the Galapagos by annual passenger volume. The company has been rebranded as "Go Galapagos Ecuador," though whether known as Kleintours or Go Galapagos, the same high standard of value and service continues. Kleintours itineraries range from 4 to 15 days (4-5-8-10-11-15-day programs), priced from USD 1800 (~EUR 1500/GBP 1300) per person based on double occupancy.

The vessel (IMO number 5404964) has been Ecuador-flagged (MMSI 735057603) since 2018. This luxury expedition ship is equipped with 22 liferafts (each for 25 passengers), six dinghies (20-passenger capacity each), one glass-bottom boat, and five sea kayaks (four double, one single).

The crew totals 60, including seven multilingual naturalist guides and one Expedition Leader. All guides speak Spanish and English, with other languages available on request. They accompany guests on island tours, educational programs, and sports activities. Stargazing sessions highlight constellations traditionally used for navigation.

Decks and Cabins

Galapagos Legend staterooms (56 in total) are mainly outside. Only three Inside cabins (Standard Interior) lack windows, while seven Standard Plus cabins feature two small, round, non-opening portholes. Most accommodations are Junior Suites, each with two large windows. The ship also offers 18 Balcony Suites, all with private step-out balconies accessed through sliding floor-to-ceiling glass doors.

The vessel has five decks, four of which are passenger-accessible and all with cabins. Deck 1 houses the machinery, while crew cabins are located aft on Deck 2.

All cabins include standard complimentary amenities: two lower single beds (convertible to one double), luxury bedding, a pillow menu with three pillow types, bedside tables with drawers, underbed storage, wall-mounted reading lamps, a seating area with comfortable furniture and blackout curtains, smart LCD TV (infotainment system), direct-dial phone (intercom and satellite), electronic safe, lifejackets in the closet, en suite bathroom (toilet, shower, washbasin, towels, hairdryer), and air conditioning.

Suites accommodate up to four guests and offer additional amenities such as premium bathrobes, luxury-brand toiletries, sofas, minibars/refrigerators, Champagne on arrival, and large verandas with deckchairs and tables.

Shipboard Facilities and Amenities

The 110-passenger Galapagos Legend was originally built in Kiel, Germany (by HDF-Howaldtswerke Deutsche Werft) and fully converted at Ecuadorian shipyards between December 2001 and 2002.

Designed specifically for Galapagos cruising, she combines large-ship amenities with the intimate feel of a private yacht, offering modern comforts, cozy lounges, and quality dining experiences.

On Sea Deck are the Lonesome George Restaurant (main dining room with adjacent galley and food/beverage storage), two embarkation areas (port and starboard), medical clinic, sauna, snorkeling equipment room, and auditorium (lecture hall/meeting room with HDTVs, PC desk, and armchairs). The restaurant offers buffet-style breakfasts and lunches and waiter-served dinners, featuring both Ecuadorian and international cuisine made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

On Earth Deck (Lobby Deck) are Kid’s Corner (indoor playground with interactive table, books, and games), Interpretation Center/Library (with books, porthole windows, and seating), Boutique Shop (selling sportswear, perfumes, cosmetics, travel essentials, souvenirs, Ecuadorian handicrafts), Reception (open 6:30 am–10 pm), and Science Corner. Aft is the Fitness Center (gym with modern equipment, floor-to-ceiling windows), which connects to a small sundeck with loungers, massage chairs, and a large outdoor Jacuzzi.

On Sky Deck are the forward Dolphin Observation Deck (sundeck with loungers), Charles Darwin Bar Lounge (panoramic windows, comfortable seating, 24-hour coffee and tea station), and the Naturalist Guide Center. The aft Sun Deck includes a swimming pool, sun terrace with loungers, hammocks, and daybeds, and the outdoor Fisherman’s Bar offering beverages and light snacks. The lounge also serves made-to-order food, while drink packages or à la carte options are available.

On Moon Deck are the Navigation Bridge (Wheelhouse), Captain’s Suite, and Officers’ Room. Aft is the open-air Stargazing Area, featuring the Al Fresco Restaurant and Lifeboat Dining, where both lifeboats are used as dining venues. Once per cruise, an outdoor party (ice cream or BBQ-themed) is hosted here.

Several water bottle filling stations are located throughout the ship. The Reception Desk operates daily between 6:30 am and 10 pm. Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor areas.

All off-ship activities (landings, tours, coastal excursions) conclude with snacks and beverages. Complimentary snorkeling equipment is provided for all passengers. Wetsuits, glass-bottom kayaks, and scuba diving are available for rent. Evening entertainment includes karaoke, live piano music, salsa dancing, movie nights in the auditorium, table games, and themed Neptune Parties.

Disney Galapagos Cruises 2022

In March 2021, Disney Cruise Line (via Adventures by Disney) announced Galapagos itineraries starting in 2022, operated on the chartered Galapagos Legend.

Disney’s Galapagos package includes a 9-day/8-night trip with a roundtrip cruise itinerary and two domestic flights (Quito-Baltra-Quito), 23 meals (8 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners), and a one-night hotel stay in Quito (pre-cruise). International flights (to/from Wyndham Quito Airport) are not included in fares.

The Disney Galapagos itinerary features Quito City (hotel stay/Day 1), Baltra Island (embarkation/Day 2), South Plaza Island (Day 3/wildlife walk), North Seymour Island (Day 3/hiking and snorkeling), San Cristobal Island (Day 4/Pitt Point hiking, kayaking, snorkeling; Cerro Brujo Beach), San Cristobal (Day 5/visits to Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve, Cerro Tijeretas Hill, Organic Farm & Restaurant), Española Island (Day 6/Gardner Bay and Suarez Point), Floreana Island (Day 7/Post Office Bay, Cormorant Point, Devil’s Crown, Champion Islet, soccer with crew), Santa Cruz Island (Day 8/Charles Darwin Research Station, Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, local school, Quiman Valle Coffee Farm, Ballena Bay, Eden Islet), and return to Baltra Island (Day 9, disembarkation, flight to Quito).

Disney Galapagos cruise prices started at USD 6300 (EUR 5290/GBP 4518) for adults and USD 5600 (EUR 4700/GBP 4016) for children, based on double occupancy. Adventures by Disney enforces a minimum booking age of 12 years old.