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Discovery World Cruises Makes Maiden Call in Galapagos
mv Discovery Cruise Information Center Photo
Discovery World Cruises has successfully completed its maiden visit to the Galápagos Islands. The line’s mv Discovery anchored off San Cristóbal, Ecuador, on April 28, and sailed this Tuesday, May 2, for Panama. Under a special license for ship operators, the ship’s capacity was limited to 500 passengers. During Discovery’s five-day stay in the Galápagos, two groups of primarily American and British passengers had the opportunity to participate in a range of excursions that explored the natural wonders and incredible wildlife made famous by Charles Darwin. "Most tours to the Galápagos offer a seven-night immersion," said Mark Flager, vice president of sales, marketing and passenger services for Discovery, "Our program let guests explore the enchanted islands as part of a longer, more varied cruisetour vacation." The line’s inaugural cruise to the Galápagos sailed from Papeete, Tahiti, and included visits to Easter Island, Chile and Peru. A second voyage from the Galápagos sailed via the Panama Canal to Nassau, with calls at ports in Costa Rica and Beliz. Discovery is set to return to the Galápagos in January and April 2007, and January 2008, on voyages that include Latin America, Antarctica and the South Pacific destinations. Prior to marketing its Galápagos itineraries the line embarked on a rigorous approval process that involved an environmental audit and permitting, approval from the Ecuadorian Navy, extensive operational adjustments and monitoring by a host of local officials. Furthermore, before Discovery sailed from Manta, on the Ecuadorian mainland, to the protected waters surrounding the Galápagos, divers inspected the ship’s hull to ensure it was free of species that could harm the delicate ecosystem. Representatives of the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Ministry of Agriculture combed the ship for insects and animals, going as far as removing mosquitoes from outdoor floodlights. Officials from the Ministry of the Environment took water samples from around the ship, tested gray water and checked the fuel to ensure Discovery had switched from heavy marine oil to cleaner-burning diesel. Passengers and crew were briefed about ‘do’s and don’ts’ and the appropriate conduct while ashore from Galápagos National Park rangers, who also presented lectures on the history and nature of the islands. While Discovery was in the Galápagos, renowned zoologist Dr. Peter Carey was on hand to help manage expeditions ashore. In a regulated process leading up to Discovery’s visit, local fishermen converted their boats for tour operations, installing new safety equipment and participating in a series of mandatory briefings. Excursions took passengers to seven sites of interest near San Cristóbal, ranging from a sanctuary for giant tortoises to rookeries for blue-footed boobies. Additional tours were available to other nearby islands. A detailed audit, conducted by an independent firm and paid for by Discovery World Cruises, will be undertaken to assess the environmental impact and analyze the social and economic effects of Discovery’s maiden call. The finished report will go to the Ministry of the Environment to help in guiding future ship operations. The mid-size mv Discovery is capable to sail the world’s seven seas in comfort, but small enough to reach exotic and out-of-the-way ports typically restricted to most larger vessels. In 2006 the ship will visit 130 ports on all seven continents, including such intriguing destinations as South America, Antarctica, Iceland, New Zealand, Europe and Scandinavia. For additional information on Discovery World Cruises, please visit their website at DiscoveryWorldCruises.com
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