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M/S Monserrat: The Perfect Small Cruise Ship for Your Galapagos Adventure

Welcome to Monserrat!

One of the most crucial considerations you'll make when arranging a vacation to the Galapagos Islands is selecting the right cruise ship. And, if you're searching for a small, private experience that's both eco-friendly and luxury, the M/S Monserrat might be the right fit.

The M/S Monserrat, named after the Virgin of Montserrat, the patroness of Catalonia in Spain, has been sailing the oceans since 2005. And, while she may not be the largest ship in the world, she is unquestionably one of the most beloved. For generations, sailors around the world have honored the Virgin of Montserrat as their protector on sea voyages, and the M/S Monserrat proudly bears her name as an amulet for both sailors and guests.



However, the M/S Monserrat is more than just a spiritual experience; it is also a sumptuous one. It has been designed as a first-class motor yacht with comfort and style in mind. The ship was renovated in 2021, and the attention to detail can be seen everywhere. Every detail of the M/S Monserrat, from the salon with TV, DVD player, and bar to the solarium and large staterooms, has been meticulously designed to present you with the ideal Galapagos experience.

One of the most significant advantages of traveling aboard a small cruise ship like the M/S Monserrat is the personalized care you will enjoy. With only 20 people, you'll never feel lost in the crowd. With nine staff members and two naturalist guides on board, there will always be someone accessible to answer your questions and assist you in making the most of your trip.

So let's go into the technicalities. The M/S Monserrat is a motor yacht that measures 91 feet / 28 meters in length and 22 feet / 7 meters in beam. It has a top speed of 12 knots and is propelled by a propeller / 340 HP engine from General Motors. The ship has two decks: one on the lower deck with four accommodations (one twin/triple cabin, one twin bedroom, and two matrimonial cabins), and one on the upper deck with six cabins (five twin cabins and one matrimonial cabin). All cabins are elegantly equipped and thoughtfully built for maximum comfort.

The M/S Monserrat is outfitted with all of the required safety and navigation systems to ensure a safe and comfortable cruise. Because the ship is small, it can navigate some of the narrower channels and coves that larger ships cannot, allowing you to explore some of the Galapagos Islands' most secluded and pristine areas.

In short, the M/S Monserrat is a wonderful alternative for a modest, comfortable, and eco-friendly way to tour the Galapagos Islands. The M/S Monserrat is sure to present you with a once-in-a-lifetime experience, whether you're a sailor looking for a protector, a nature lover searching for an adventure, or a traveler looking for a little bit of both.

Let me tour you around!

Main Deck

Receiving Area/Lounge - The lounge on the main deck has really comfy couches on each side, beneath the panoramic windows. Each evening, we met with our Naturalist Guide here for discussions and briefings. Watch TV and DVDs, read books from the little library, and play board games were all options.



This deck also houses the ship's bar and a comfortable dining space.



Cabins
  • Cabins with Matrimonial Bed (1 in Upper Deck, 2 in Lower Deck)
  • Cabins with Bunk Beds (2 in Lower Deck)
  • Cabins with Twin Beds (5 in Upper Deck)


The high-quality bed linens and towels, as well as the private bathroom with biodegradable toiletries and a lovely shower, will make you happy. Not only that, but Christina, our room attendant, cleans our cabins every day! At times, even after excursions!

Each air conditioned cabin offers a private bath and comfort room, as well as a space to store your items. You may even use the built-in cabinets beneath your bed to store your belongings.



Monserrat also offers water activities by use of paddle boards, kayak and of course there's snorkeling! Equipment used for water activities are tucked on the observation desk.

Guests can rest at Monserrat's numerous social outdoor and interior spaces after a day of seeing the Islands. There are reclining seats outside, including a sunbathing space on the Upper Deck and a partially covered area on the Sun Deck.



And here's a photo with our Captain and the two engineers on board! 



Thank you Monserrat - Via Natura for a majestic experience!

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