Ask any Galapagos guide, and they’ll tell you the best way to see the islands is to spend several days on board one of the live-aboard cruises. These cruises go to far-flung islands like Española and Genovesa, which are not accessible from the main towns. 
But once you start looking for a Galápagos cruise, you’ll find a dizzying array of options in different categories and price ranges. Obviously, most travelers want to save money where they can.
which brings us to the big question: is it worth it to pay more for an upgrade from a budget-class Galápagos ship to one in a higher category ?
First Class Galapagos Cruiser vs. Budget Galapagos Cruiser
Costs
Needless to say, this is a big question for most travelers. The price tag is usually the most important factor of all! A typical first-class cruise costs about $3,200/person for an 8 day/7 night trip. A budget Galápagos cruiser is considerably cheaper, averaging around $1,900/person for the same length trip. To do some quick math, a couple would save a total of $2,600 or so on their trip by going with the cheaper ship. Other expenses, such as airfare, tips and souvenirs would be about the same on either ship. Some first class and luxury class vessel packages, however, include free flights to the Galapagos. Edge: Budget Ship
Itinerary
The itinerary of the ship is one very important factor that many visitors fail to consider. Do you want to see a Waved Albatross? Then pick a ship that goes to Española Island. Do you want to see Penguins? Pick a ship headed to western Galápagos. That being said, there isn’t really much difference between itineraries of all the ships: schedules are partly set by the park service and most of the ships visit the same sites, so the question of first-class vs. budget ship is largely moot. Edge: Even
Facilities
This is where the first-class ships really shine. The differences in facilities and accommodations on a budget and a first-class ship are enormous. Budget ship staterooms are generally below the deck, on or under the waterline. They are cramped, poorly-designed and uncomfortable. They are often close to the engine room, which means that they are noisy and often smell badly of diesel. Most budget ships have bunk beds in the cabin which can be a challenge for many passengers. Many of the older ships are poorly laid-out, which means narrow or awkward social areas like bars and restaurants. Air conditioning regularly does not work or is noisy, if they have it at all. Snorkeling gear may be worn out.
The first-class ships are another story entirely. Staterooms are generally located on or above the main deck, airy and comfortable. Many have small balconies or at least large windows for scenic views. They still can be small, as there is limited space on a ship, but the design and layout are vastly superior. The whole ship is air conditioned with new machines that make very little noise. Social areas are classy and comfortable. Snorkeling gear is new and well-maintained. Edge: First-Class Ship
Service:
On the first-class ships, service is a priority. First-class ships hire the best captains, crew and guides and ask their guests to fill out comment cards at the end of their cruises in order to improve their service. The ship is kept neat and in perfect working order. Representatives are usually with the guests from beginning to end: an airport pick-up in Quito to drop-off and check-in for the Galápagos flight, and assistance upon returning to the mainland of Ecuador after the tour. Guides are first-rate, with good language skills and lots of experience. Food is outstanding and memorable, with options for vegetarians and other special-needs diners.
On the budget ships…not so much. They don’t care about return business, so service is often overlooked. Visitors are left to their own devices for getting to Galápagos, although they do meet them at the airport in Baltra or San Cristóbal. Guides may speak only a bit of English and are often new, without much experience. The ships are generally kept more or less clean, but engine maintenance is sometimes a problem. Food is acceptable but not great. Edge: First-class ship
Overall Recommendation:
No one can argue that saving money is important, especially when first-class ships cost significantly more than budget vessels. When service, facilities and reliability are factored in, however, it probably makes more sense to upgrade if you can. After all, what’s the point of an expensive visit to the Galápagos if you’re uncomfortable and miserable the whole time you’re on board the ship? The extra money pays for itself in little things like a good night’s sleep, a snorkeling mask that doesn’t leak and a guide who actually speaks your language and can answer all of your questions correctly …with a smile!
If you are still unsure as to which style of cruise you are interested in, you can find out more about the different boats plying the Galapagos waters by clicking here, Galapagos Cruises.
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