Okay- With the feedback that I have received, I have researched and researched many ships to charter to the Galapagos, itineraries, pricing, dates, etc. I have decided to charter an incredible Sailboat the M/S Alta named as “Yacht of the Month” by Yachting Magazine! It is a vintage sailboat with all the luxury amenities and we can feel like true pirates—if only Jack Sparrow were aboard!?! Isn’t she incredible! I am so excited! She is 140 ft and holds 16 people and is nimble enough to do the Inner & Outer Islands and at this time of year we can hoist the sails for the majority of the trip! And there is a ton of private space aboard the ship. You can join with the group or find your own sanctuary on one of the many private spaces on deck or on-top of the yacht.
• Alta is ideal for those seeking exclusivity, style and uniqueness. It is very stylish, has exceptional detailing, furnishings, and carries that special romantic charm that can only be found with a sailing ship. Built in Norway, the Alta is one of the finest ships to have graced the waters of the Galapagos. Having previously been named yacht of the month in the past by Yachting Magazine it's no wonder that Alta is a favorite choice for private charters.
• A three-masted staysail schooner, there is nothing that can compare to the feeling of freedom and joy when the engines are turned off, wind hits the sails, and the hull breaks the water. As you gaze off into the waters to see dolphins riding the waves along the bow.
• One of the most beautiful ships in all of Galapagos the interior is finally matched to the beauty of the exterior. The main salon is both elegant and inviting. The curved banquet provides seating for all aboard and it's the perfect meeting spot to enjoy a cold beverage while discussing your next day’s activities with your guide.
• At meal time you will enjoy the finest cuisine at either the elegant dining room with its large picture windows, which seats all 16 and 4 tables or there is the large al fresco dining table on the foredeck. After your meal the best way to relax and take in the scenery is either in one of the lounge chair located on the upper deck forward of the bridge, with cushions on the bow of the yacht at the shade area near the stern.
She includes:
• Snorkeling gear & wetsuits
• Kayaks (Yes one of the few ships that has them- per special request for some See below kayaking with the whales!)
• Dinghies
• 2 landings per day
• Visit both the Inner & Outer Islands- where the large ships cannot go!
• Presentations and Q&A at night with the guides
• Named “Yacht of the Month” with beautiful accommodations and private baths
• Ship has DVD, sound systems to plug in IPods, library, game room, bar, Sun Deck, al fresco dining, etc. I have talked to several people who have recently chartered her with outstanding comments!! Rupert Murdoch is chartering her this Spring.
This first trip is for couples and singles who don’t mind bunking up with a friend! I will be traveling with my "mini-me” but this trip is not really designed for children. If there is enough family interest, I have other dates available for kid/family friendly options with many wonderful and fun activities for everyone!
The feedback that I have received is that around Thanksgiving is preferred to take advantage of the vacation time. So here is what I have!
Cruise dates: (Sat to Sat)- Nov. 27, 2010 to Dec. 4, 2010
(This season is the most active time for the animals so we should see tons of amazing animal life and experiences)
Trip dates: It is necessary to arrive at least 2 days prior to the cruise- so I have planned a wonderful Thanksgiving Feast in Quito at a 400 year old Hacienda! So plan to arrive on Wednesday, Nov. 24th. The extension will include a beautiful boutique hotel in Quito, overnight at the Hacienda and Feast, sightseeing and visiting the Otavalo Highlands for 3 days and the hotel and airport transfers on the return Dec. 4. The price is dependent upon the number of people. If everyone participates (please do, I know from experience- the Andean culture is incredibly moving and you truly will walk away with lifetime memories) it will run about $600/pp. Please note if we have less than 16 the price will increase dependent upon the number of people who attend. I will send a follow-up email with the land portion details.
I am thrilled to offer the below pricing over a holiday! I have negotiated the following which includes
• Galapagos flights from Quito to be included ($425/pp value)
• Park Fee and Transit Card included ($125/pp value)
• Gratuities at $160/pp
• Arrival and Farewell cocktail reception
Cabin Prices (Please refer to Deck Plans)
Cabins 1 & 2: $4,700/pp
Cabins 3,4,5,6,7,8,: $4,500/pp
For those of us that do not have the luxury of many Frequent Flyer miles, airfare from Charlotte is running $642/pp. And $658 from LAX, $442 from New York and only $403 from Miami- wow I need to move either to the snow or sun!!
I will also be including an option extension to Machu Picchu for those interested. If you go all that way you might as well see one of the most fascinating and spiritual wonders of the world! I have been and it is absolutely breathtaking. Pricing will depend on the number of those interested so let me know and I can gather some group rates.
So what I need to know from you is if you are interested!
Since this is a Charter, it is a bit different than a regular tour. It is a commitment to participate in the trip- hence you are taking full responsibility for paying for your cabin price upon deposit (and/or purchasing travel insurance for cancellation protection). Once you sign the agreement and make deposit you have obligated yourself to the full payment. Also, travel insurance is highly recommended for medical evacuation- there are no hospitals in the Galapagos. I can provide you quotes on an individual basis.
Payment details are listed below and as noted above the total cabin price is non-refundable upon deposit.
Feb 26-
For all Cabins- $600/pp deposit payable by check or credit card
May 30
Cabins 1 & 2- $2,050/pp payable by check or credit card
Cabins 3- 8- $1,950/pp payable by check or credit card
July 30
Cabins 1 & 2 $2,050/pp payable only by check
Cabins 3-8 $1,950/pp payable only by check
Extra costs would include if you chose NOT to participate in the Thanksgiving Feast
• Hotel before departure to the Galapagos
• Hotel on the night of departure back to your home country
• The Charter company does require Medical Evacuation insurance
Below is the detailed itinerary for the trip, details on the boat
Yacht: http://www.galapagosexpeditions.com/directsales/yourship/ALTA.pdf
Here is the link to your itinerary Alta: www.galapagosexpeditions.com/directsales/custom_itineraries/Journeys-Alta-Charter-Itinerary.pdf
Category: Luxury
Capacity: 16 guests
Cruise Date with Availability: November 27 to December 4, 2010
Next Steps:
• Thur. Feb. 11 at 7:00 est. Paul Schicke from the Alta Charter Company will host a conference call to answer any questions. Please let me know by Feb. 9 if you are interested and I will send you the conference details.
• Deposit and signed commitment sheets due no later than Feb. 26
• Learn to snorkel and kayak for an adventure of a lifetime!!!!!
Feel free to call me with any questions! 704-898-6229.
Best,
Debbie
