March 2016 

The launch of the MV Origin brings understated luxury, redefined to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador 

Lean, green and offering an unsurpassed level of comfort, cruising vessel MV Origin has set sail on voyages of discovery around the Galapagos islands. The newest and only ship of its kind, MV Origin has been built by the award-winning sustainable travel experts Ecoventura, and is positioned to redefine passengers' cruising experience by combining modern sophistication with environmental responsibility.

This 20-passenger mega-yacht features 10 deluxe staterooms, locally inspired gourmet food, a Jacuzzi and fitness centre. The MV Origin offers expansive indoor and outdoor social and observation areas, allowing for easy and comfortable viewing of the islands' unique scenery and topography. High quality guided land excursions can be taken in very small groups, and guests can also enjoy a dose of intellectual science from the team of expert Galapagos guides.

Passengers will not only see the Galapagos in style, but they will know it has been built with green concerns in mind, with water saving measures including reusable plastic bottles, a specially designed water treatment plan and ecological toilets means the Origin will not dispose of any untreated greywater or blackwater into the ocean. The ship is also designed with a curved bow allowing a smoother cruise, increased fuel efficiency and less drag, allowing the ship to use fuel more efficiently.

The MV Origin alternates between seven-night A & B itineraries to reduce the impact of visits to the Galapagos islands' most popular sites. Both itineraries include daily, personalized excursions with optional snorkel and kayak tours led by two onboard, certified naturalists.

Itinerary A Highlights

• Pinnacle Rock on Bartolome
• All three boobies (Nazca, Blue and Red Footed)
• Great and Magnificent Frigatebirds
• Snorkel with Galapagos penguins
• Giant tortoises in the highlands
• Waived Albatross on Espanola
• Kayak and swim with sea lions at Cerro Brujo and Gardner Bay

Itinerary B Highlights

• Galapagos Tortoises in the highlands
• Red Footed and Nazca Booby at Genovesa (Tower)
• Snorkeling with penguins on Isabela
• Volcanic formations of Fernandina
• Flightless Cormorant
• Kayak at Darwin Bay and Tagus Cove
• Whale and dolphin sightings

Examples of tour operator packages including a cruise on the MV Origin:

Sunvil Traveller, (020 8758 4774 / www.sunvil.co.uk.) which specialises in carefully crafted adventure trips to Central and South America offers a 10 night trip to Ecuador including 2 nights in Quito (BB) and a 7 night cruise on the MV Origin (FB) from £ 6,397 per person. The price is based on two adults sharing a cabin and includes all meals and drinks on board, Captain's welcome and farewell cocktail private transfers, guided Quito city tour and return economy international flights with KLM from London Heathrow (via Amsterdam).  An extensive network of regional flights are also available.

Audley Travel (01993 838655, www.audleytravel.com) can arrange a 10 day itinerary to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands including 2 nights at Casa Gangotena in Quito and a 7 night cruise on board the MV Origin from £7285 per person. Price is based on 2 adults sharing and includes all flights and taxes, transfers, a private tour of Quito, all meals and drinks on board the Galapagos cruise, entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park and Captain's welcome and farewell cocktail. Itineraries can also be arranged around the MV Origin's designated family departures.

Or book direct with Ecoventura:

To make a reservation, visit www.ecoventura.com using the “Book Now” form, email Galapagos Network at info@galapagosnetwork.com, or call 800-633-7972. 

Editor's Note:

ECOVENTURA is an award-winning leader in sustainable travel, offering an adventure cruising experience aboard its fleet of expedition yachts. Two unique seven-night itineraries depart every Sunday, visiting more than a dozen exclusive visitor sites in the Galapagos National Park for up close experiences with wildlife, many endemic to the archipelago. Ecoventura also operates the luxury dive live-aboard, MV Galapagos Sky. Joining the fleet in February 2016, MV Origin will build on this indulgent guest experience with the additions of panoramic-view accommodations, gourmet cuisine, open bar, and a variety of other amenities ushering an evolution to the on-board experience. For more information, visit www.ecoventura.com and www.origingalapagos.com. Follow us on Twitter at @GalapagosYacht and Facebook at www.facebook.com/EcoventuraYachts.