This is my favorite of the large, luxury cruise ships working the Galápagos. The entire ship was refitted and updated in 1998. Almost every cabin has an ocean view -- many with large picture windows, and a couple with balconies. The common areas are inviting, and the 90-passenger maximum is just small enough that it's easy to interact with other guests and not feel overwhelmed by the masses. Well-done buffet meals are served for breakfast and lunch, while dinners are more formal, with a limited selection of nightly a la carte items. The guides are all well-trained and very pleasant. The main deck area features a large, open-air bar and a popular, well-heated Jacuzzi. There's even free Internet access from a common computer in the small library, which has a good selection of natural history and fiction.