Set sail on an unparalleled journey of opulence and adventure aboard the Hermes Mega Catamaran, the only ultra-luxury cruise gracing the pristine waters of the Galapagos Islands. Launching in April 2025, this one-of-a-kind vessel promises to redefine the essence of luxury cruises in one of the world’s most extraordinary natural sanctuaries. For discerning travelers seeking an exclusive and lavish experience, the Hermes stands as the epitome of ultra-luxury cruising.
Why Choose the Hermes for Your Galapagos Adventure?
The Hermes Mega Catamaran is meticulously designed to offer an experience that transcends traditional luxury. From the moment you step aboard, you are enveloped in an atmosphere of sophistication and elegance. The vessel boasts a nearly 1:1 crew-to-passenger ratio, ensuring personalized service that caters to your every need. With 24/7 butler service, private Jacuzzi tubs, and spacious suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, the Hermes offers an intimate yet grandiose setting for your Galapagos exploration.
The Essence of Ultra-Luxury
The Hermes, the world’s largest commercial catamaran, is set apart by its commitment to providing an ultra-luxurious experience. Every detail, from the sophisticated interior design to the world-class cuisine prepared by top chefs, is crafted to perfection. Guests can unwind in plush lounges, enjoy complimentary signature beverages, and rejuvenate in the full-service spa complete with a Hammam steam room. The Hermes also features a rare 10:1 guest-to-guide ratio, allowing for more personalized and enriching excursions.
Life On Board
Life aboard the Hermes is nothing short of extraordinary. The catamaran offers a seamless blend of comfort and elegance, with amenities that rival those of the finest hotels. Guests can relax on spacious sun decks, take in stunning ocean views from private balconies, and enjoy a variety of social spaces, including a library, lounge, and aperitif bar. The vessel’s design challenges the notion that intimacy and comfort are mutually exclusive, providing a luxurious yet intimate setting for your journey.
Dining Experience and Service
Dining on the Hermes is a culinary delight. The ship’s chefs prepare gourmet meals using the finest ingredients, offering a menu that caters to diverse palates. Whether you prefer al fresco dining on the sun deck or a more formal setting in the dining room, each meal is an exquisite and intimate experience. The personalized service extends to dining, with staff attentive to your preferences and dietary needs, ensuring every meal is a memorable occasion.
A Unique Galapagos Adventure
The Hermes offers itineraries that are as flexible as they are luxurious. With sailings ranging from four to fifteen days, guests can choose an itinerary that fits their schedule and interests. Whether you wish to pair your luxury cruise with a visit to the Ecuadorian highlands, the Amazon, or Machu Picchu, the Hermes provides the flexibility to create a bespoke travel experience. Expertly guided excursions allow you to explore the unique biodiversity of the Galapagos in small, intimate groups, ensuring a more personalized and immersive adventure.
Distinguishing Features
Compared to other luxury cruises in the Galapagos, the Hermes stands out for its exclusivity and high-end amenities. The vessel’s small guest capacity of just 20 ensures an intimate experience, while its extensive range of facilities, including private balconies, walk-in closets, and a full-service spa, provide the ultimate in comfort and luxury. The Hermes also supports Galapagos wildlife conservation through Via Natura’s Reforestation Program “Galapagos Scalesia Sanctuary”, located on Santa Cruz Island, allowing guests to contribute to the preservation of this unique ecosystem.
Luxurious Accommodations
The Hermes features 12 spacious convertible suites, including 10 double suites and 2 single suites, each designed to provide the utmost in luxury and comfort. Every suite is equipped with a private balcony, mini bar, walk-in closet, and personal jacuzzi, ensuring a private retreat of elegance. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of the ocean, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Galapagos.
Personalized Butler Service
One of the standout features of the Hermes is its butler service, providing personalized care and attention to every guest. This exceptional service includes unpacking, allowing guests to start their journey stress-free and fully relaxed. The Hermes’ two butlers are dedicated to catering to every need, from arranging excursions and taking care of laundry to scheduling spa services and helping guests choose from the Hermes’ signature pillow collection for a restful sleep. They also ensure the minibar is well-stocked and attend to every detail of the stay to make it perfect.
Full-Service Spa and Wellness
The Hermes is the first small Galapagos cruise to offer a full-service spa, including a hammam. Guests can indulge in a range of treatments designed to rejuvenate and relax, all while enjoying stunning views of the Galapagos landscapes. For those who wish to stay fit during their journey, weights are available for a workout routine. Guests can enjoy the magnificent views from the library or sun deck, seamlessly combining relaxation with maintaining their fitness routines while on board.
Culinary Excellence
Dining on the Hermes is a culinary adventure in itself. The vessel boasts a signature menu crafted by a renowned Ecuadorian chef, who expertly combines Ecuadorian and international cuisine, leveraging his experience as a Relais & Châteaux menu developer. Guests can engage in interactive cooking demonstrations, learning to prepare delectable local dishes. The three bars on board offer a wide variety of signature and premium beverages, ensuring that every meal is perfectly complemented. Additionally, guests can participate in co*cktail demonstrations to learn the art of crafting exquisite drinks.
Elegant Social Spaces
The Hermes challenges the belief that only large ships can offer a variety of social areas. The catamaran boasts a combination of interior and exterior social spaces, including the boarding lounge, the dining hall, a library, an aperitif lounge, and a spacious panoramic with al-fresco dining and an observation zone. These areas are designed to inspire lively conversations and provide the perfect setting to unwind and connect with fellow travelers.
Unique Itineraries and Excursions
The Hermes offers meticulously crafted itineraries that provide a comprehensive exploration of the Galapagos’ diverse landscapes and wildlife. Guests can choose from their carefully-curated itineraries, each promising an unforgettable adventure through all the Galapagos regions, and adapt them to their needs and interests. Choose from one of their 4 main itineraries and their combinations, for a chance to see the best that this magical place has to offer. Excursions are led by our two expert naturalist guides, ensuring that guests gain a deep understanding of the unique species and ecosystems of the archipelago.
Activities and Enrichment
The Hermes offers a symphony of activities designed to enrich the guest experience. From snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding in crystal-clear waters to land-based excursions exploring the archipelago’s unique species and ecosystems. There is something for everyone. The vessel also provides all necessary equipment, including wetsuits, ensuring that guests can fully enjoy their adventures.
Commitment to Conservation
Choosing the Hermes is not just about experiencing unparalleled luxury; it is also about making a significant contribution to environmental conservation. A portion of the proceeds from each voyage directly supports Via Natura’s Reforestation Program in the Galapagos Islands, in collaboration with the Charles Darwin Research Station. This commitment to sustainability ensures that guests can enjoy their journey while also helping to preserve the natural beauty of the Galapagos for future generations.
Differentiation from Other Luxury Cruises
The Hermes stands out from other luxury cruises in the Galapagos due to its unique combination of exclusivity, personalized service, and state-of-the-art amenities. Unlike larger vessels, the Hermes offers an intimate experience with a limited number of guests, ensuring that each guest receives personalized attention and care. The full-service spa, butler service, and gourmet dining options further elevate the experience, making it the epitome of ultra-luxury cruising.
Exclusive Experiences
Guests aboard the ultra-luxurious Hermes have access to exclusive experiences that are not available on other luxury cruises. The small group sizes and personalized service ensure that each experience is tailored to the guests’ preferences, providing a truly bespoke adventure. These exclusive experiences, combined with the luxurious amenities and exceptional service, make the Hermes Mega Catamaran the epitome of ultra-luxury in the Galapagos.