Peregrine's Queen Bea brings sustainable, small ship cruising to the Galapagos

Peregrine Adventures’ first custom-built expedition vessel has begun cruising the Galapagos as part of the company’s burgeoning small-ship Adventure Cruising program, which has grown by 35 per cent year over year to date.

Grand Queen Beatriz departed on her maiden voyage from Puerto Baquerizo Morena in San Cristobal on July 1, 2018.

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The first voyage was a combination of Peregrine’s 10-day Classic Galapagos and six-day Galapagos Encounter.

Spacious accommodations, smaller groups

The 98-foot vessel has been designed with comfort and space in mind. The ship’s nine cabins have outward-facing windows, ensuite bathrooms, are, on average, double the size of similar accommodation found on other boats in the region, and are spread over three decks with separate communal areas, offering extra privacy and space. The 300-tonne boat is also home to a dining room, two bars, lounge and TV area, and a sun deck with a jacuzzi. The upper deck boasts private balcony rooms.

With a maximum of 16 guests and eight crew, the ship offers a ratio of one crew member to every two guests.

Environmentally-conscious cruising

The Peregrine vessel has solar panels to assist with power generation and is fitted with the latest technology ensuring the best fuel efficiency possible.

Peregrine banned single-use plastics onboard its adventure cruises this year, with passengers given reusable water bottles to fill using drinking water available on the ship.

Filippos Venetopoulos, Peregrine’s adventure cruising general manager, says Queen Bea, as she has become known, was launched in response to demand from environmentally-conscious travellers in the region.

“While we have been cruising the Galapagos for more than 20 years, now that we have our own boat, we can offer an even more authentic Peregrine experience at sea; a small group of no more than 16 guests, an immersive experience focusing on discovery and education, comfort and space, insightful and attentive guides and the newest and most sustainable cruise experience available in the region,” Venetopoulos said.

Itineraries and trips

Grand Queen Beatriz is offering a combination of six-, 10-, 13- and 17-day Galapagos itineraries departing from Quito with the six-day Galapagos Encounter Central Islands priced from CAD $3,514 per person twin share.

The vessel will also offer Peregrine’s new 13-day Treasures of the Galapagos – Western & Central Islands itinerary, which offers great opportunities for wildlife viewing and interaction.

Peregrine Adventures launched its first season of small-ship cruising in Europe and the Americas in 2017 and expanded the program to South East Asia this year.

With the itineraries designed for environmentally-conscious travellers and more mindful explorers, Peregrine only charters small ships with capacity for 50 or less passengers, which can call at smaller ports that large cruise ships can’t access.

All trips are accompanied by Peregrine Adventures’ local leaders and include onboard kayaks, all transfers and excursions, as well as most meals. Peregrine will continue to carbon offset all trips through a range of renewable energy projects.