TRUCKEE, Calif. – With the May 2025 launch of the 20-guest Hermes mega-catamaran, expedition sailing in the Galapagos Islands just got more luxurious. To evaluate this new offering, AdventureSmith Explorations, a global leader in small-ship expedition cruising, sent one of its travel experts aboard the new ultra-luxury ship for its third sailing. What follows is Lis Larson’s Hermes ship review highlighting what discerning travelers want to know, including what sets this brand-new catamaran apart.
A Next-Level Catamaran Experience
The 164-foot Hermes catamaran undoubtedly shines with its oversized, well-appointed cabins. These 377-square-foot suites are consistently large ship-wide, making it a great choice for full-boat Galapagos charters as well as solo travelers who want luxe dedicated single suites (237 square feet).
Beyond size, it’s the 24/7 butler service and unmatched butler-to-guest ratio that sets the service experience apart from other small ship Galapagos luxury cruises. “One butler for every five cabins beats anything else out there,” said Larson, AdventureSmith’s on-board travel expert. “With a single call to the butler’s cell phone, you can get nearly anything you need.”
The fine dining experience aboard Hermes is another distinguishing feature. Dinner is a delectable four-course affair that lasts more than two hours and includes unique Ecuadorian wine pairings and a nightly amuse-bouche. But Larson’s favorite meals were served al fresco on the Panoramic Deck and featured grilled meats and lobster. An in-room private balcony breakfast that included eggs benedict and foamy lattes also proved both relaxing and decadent.
Luxurious Onboard Amenities
The en-suite bathrooms steal the show in each cabin with a glass-walled shower that changes to a frosted privacy screen with the flick of a switch, well-lit mirrors and a huge Jacuzzi next to a massive picture window that overlooks the ocean. Custom cabinetry in the bath and the walk-in closet are incomparable to other catamarans in the Islands. In each suite, Ecuadorian craftsmanship is evident in the handmade oak wood paneling lining the walls. Finer touches included unpacking service from the butler, dedicated shelving for shoes and jewelry, and LED strip lighting that illuminated the space automatically when you pulled the closet doors open.
Hermes is equipped with other elegant social lounges, plus a spa with Hammam steam room and generous bow seating and Sun Deck with forward-facing Jacuzzi. Guests will also find WiFi (speedy throughout sailing) and laundry services available.
Booking Considerations
When booking a Galapagos cruise, outside of the size of the ship, travelers should also consider the number of naturalist guides aboard as it relates to guest count, service, route, and their personal style preferences. Some of AdventureSmith’s noteworthy call-outs as it relates to the Hermes mega-catamaran:
- Trips range from 4- to 15-days, starting at $6,195 per person. AdventureSmith recommends at least 7- and 8-day sails to fully embrace Galapagos Islands diversity and have ample time to take advantage of this luxurious ship. (I.e. 4-day routes only have two full days on the ship, and 5-day routes only three full days.)
- Complimentary domestic Galapagos flights are being offered through July 31 to travelers who book a July through October 2025 departure (some restrictions apply).
- Talk one-on-one with an AdventureSmith expert who knows the full range of Galapagos luxury cruise options for a personalized recommendation tailored to each traveler’s needs.
Learn more about Hermes Galapagos cruises.
Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is a global leader in small ship, adventure cruise vacations. Pioneering sustainable travel practices, AdventureSmith founder Todd Smith has been recognized among Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Top Travel Specialists for 12 consecutive years. The company has also been awarded a Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Award, recognized as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure, named among Outside’s Best Places to Work in 2024, and is Sunset Magazine’s “Best Transportation and Tours” 2024 Travel Award winner. Learn more and book an expedition at adventuresmithexplorations.com or by calling 866-575-2875.
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