F.A.Q. about Galapagos Islands Cruises
Frequently asked questions about our company, booking terms and other information you may want to know about us to help you book your Galapagos tours with confidence.
Can I be put on a waiting list if the trip I requested is sold out?
|
|
Yes. But first our Adventure Specialists will do their best to confirm you on an alternate departure date that still has space available. We'll put you on a waiting list if no alternative works for you. Someone must cancel before Galapagos Islands Cruises will be able to confirm your reservation. The size of each tour's waiting list is based on the number of cancellations we've had on that tour in the past. While this makes your chances of being confirmed on your preferred departure favorable, it also means that eventually, after a trip is sold out, we may run out of space on the waiting list as well. |
[top]
I'm not ready to make a reservation. Can Galapagos Islands Cruises hold space for me?
Due to limited availability and the popularity of our trips,
Galapagos Islands Cruises is unable to hold space without a deposit. Deposit amount depends on the boat you choose and amount of days you wish to spend cruising the Islands.
[top]
What happens if I have to cancel my trip?
Cancellation penalties for cruises are punitive, since bookings are normally made well in advance and operators find it difficult to fill last minute space. As departure date approaches, so does the cancellation penalty increase. According to normal cancellation clauses, the operators have the right to charge the penalty whatever the reason for cancellation. Sometimes operators may be more lenient, only charge a smaller amount, and provide a credit towards a future cruise, normally within a year. But refunds are rare. So you are strongly advised to take out at least trip cancellation insurance to reduce your risk.
[top]
Do you offer senior citizen discounts?
While Galapagos Islands Cruises does not offer a senior citizen discount, the value included in all of our programs is comparable to the senior rates you'd receive with other companies. Being based in Ecuador our buying power allows us to secure the best rates available for airfares, cruises, hotels, and sightseeing. And because we sell directly to you, there's no middleman to increase the cost. We pass our savings on to you.
[top]
How can I earn FREE TRAVEL with Galapagos Islands Cruises?
It begins with your enthusiasm for travel. Simply gather 15 paying travelers to join you on the same
Galapagos Islands Cruises departure, and as the 16th passenger, you travel FREE. If you bring 8-9 friends, then you'll receive 50% off your group's average ticketed price for yourself. To learn more about becoming a Group Leader,
[top]
Do I receive a benefit if I refer new travelers to Galapagos Islands Cruises?
Yes. When you refer friends, you become a Vacation Ambassador and begin earning $100 or more in travel credit with
Latin Trails the parent company of
Galapagos Islands Cruises for each new traveler you introduce to us -- and beginning with 2005 reservations, your friends can receive an instant $50 per person off their first reservation!
Latin Trails - offers travel programs in South and Central America
[top]
Does Galapagos Islands Cruises do anything to make solo travel more affordable?
We understand the added expense that comes with traveling solo. That's why
Galapagos Islands Cruises single supplements are priced at our cost. Plus, on all
Galapagos Islands Cruises vacations, you can participate in our Roommate Matching Service.
[top]
How close to a departure date can Galapagos Islands Cruises take reservations?
Many tours sell out each year. The farther in advance that you book, the more likely it is that your preferred tour will be open. Late bookings are welcome if the space is still available.
We can take bookings up to 8 days prior to departure. At that time, we're required to finalize our passenger information with the airlines and hotels, and we release all unused space back to the vendors. All bookings are by request and are confirmed on a case-by-case basis. Please and our Adventure Specialists for more details.
[top]
How long has Galapagos Islands Cruises been in business?
Galapagos Islands Cruises is part of World Trails LLC dba Latin Trails. We have been leading fully escorted and independent tours to Latin America under the same family ownership and management since 1982.
Galapagos Islands Cruises understands and truly cares about your great expectations.
[top]
Do you have family trips?
Families are always welcome on any of our tours, but we do not have any programs specifically for or limited to families. Families can make specific requests for connecting, adjacent, triple or quad rooms, when available. Children should be at least 7 years old to join a
Galapagos Islands Cruises departure. For younger children we can offer hotel stays combined with day tours based at an Island hotel.
[top]
What forms of payment do you accept?
Galapagos Islands Cruises accepts payment (in U.S. funds only) via wire transfer to our bank account, cashiers check, check mailed to our bank or via credit card through paypal.
[top]
What forms of payment do you accept?
Galapagos Islands Cruises accepts payment (in U.S. funds only) via wire transfer to our bank account, cashiers check, check mailed to our bank or via credit card through paypal.
[top]
What industry associations and consumer protection plans does Galapagos Islands Cruises belong to?
Galapagos Islands Cruises as a part of
Latin Trails is a proud member of
Crosssphere(the glogal association for packaged travel) in the U.S. and LATA
Latin American Travel Association in the U.K
[top]
Home · Galapagos Islands · Anahi Catamaran · Galapagos yachts · Cruise ships · Hotels · Diving · Travel planner · Ecuador 
