Is a small vessel better than a large vessel in one of the world’s most cherished wildlife destinations? Nope.

When it comes to cruising the Galapagos Islands, one size does not necessarily fit all. While at first blush, a small, single-guided ship may seem the most appealing way to go, larger, multiple-guided ships actually offer distinct advantages for travelers to witness myriad natural wonders across one of the world’s cherished wildlife destinations. Just ask the travel experts at Metropolitan Touring.

Whatever the ship or itinerary, guests of Metropolitan Touring can expect flawless, 5-star hotel-style service at sea and unequaled access in the company of experienced guides on land.

Currently, some 69 cruise ships are licensed to tour the Galapagos Islands, each sailing a route drawn up by the Galapagos Islands National Park Service to provide access to up to 145 terrestrial and marine landing sites.

How do Metropolitan Touring’s multiple-guided ships stand out? Consider:

• Some three-quarters of cruise ships in the Galapagos are sized for 16 guests, which generally explore the islands as a group. With multiple guides as part of each Metropolitan Touring cruise, guests can look forward to visiting the islands in smaller-sized groups: just 11-12 guests per guide on average. With the potential for further divisions based on interest (birding, for instance), language (English, Spanish, German, to name a few), and activity level (easy-going to strenuous), group sizes often run even smaller.

• It used to be that only single-guided ships could access certain Galapagos Islands. This is no longer the case. Now, all vessels follow the same 15-day route without repeating stops, so it falls upon cruise operators to pick and choose destinations. With 48 years of experience cruising the Galapagos, Metropolitan Touring offers itineraries for guests to see the most “Galapagos BIG 15” must-see species – from blue-footed boobies to Galapagos giant tortoises – along the way.

• Whatever the destination, nothing beats a smooth cruise. Here, the larger vessels of Metropolitan Touring offer a distinct advantage, with more tonnage resulting in fewer disturbances at sea. Similarly, cabins on Metropolitan Touring vessels are located above the main deck, far from the noise and vibrations of the generator, engines, and props. The same cannot be said for smaller vessels.

• With high crew-to-guest ratios, Metropolitan Touring vessels assure superior onboard service and a better Galapagos Islands experience. Beyond knowledgeable guides, guests can count on an Expedition Leader to organize each day’s small group outings by language, interest, and abilities; an Onboard Photographer to provide useful tips for simple but rewarding digital photography; and a medical doctor for peace of mind and medical assistance as necessary at sea and in remote island locations. The company’s ship captains and their mates are beyond compare in the Galapagos, while an onboard Hotel Manager assures that rooms are maintained, and food and beverages are served flawlessly according to guest preferences.

Choose wisely.