The M/V Galapagos Explorer II has announced the addition of new balcony suites. The Galapagos Explorer II has altered the Deluxe Suites to add private balconies to all of the cabins on the Erickson deck of the shipas well as some of the Premium Suites. Currently there are four Renaissance Balcony Suites onboard, and the addition of the new Deluxe Balcony Suites will bring the number of balcony suites to sixteen. Over the years, the balcony suites have been extremely popular with passengers, giving access to the outside sea air without the necessity of leaving the privacy of your own cabin. Very few ships in the Galapagos Islands, have private balconies. Currently the Galapagos Explorer II has fifty cabins, and of those, sixteen will have private balconies. Deluxe Balcony cabins will be available for use on the ship in October of 2007.

In the Galapagos Islands, January and February are the transition months and the beginning of the warm season, leading up to the hottest months in April and May. Some days are overcast while the cooler days are giving way to warm and sunny days ahead. Often the clouds will disspate by aftenoon and sunny weather will prevail. However, the temperatures are very comfortable with air temperature in the mid 70's (fahrenheit) as well as water temperatures too. Very comfortable temperatures, considering the fact that the Galapagos Islands cross the Equator. Islands in the west such as Fernandina and Isabela tend to be cooler. This is great weather for snorkeling, however wetsuits are recommended to protect against the midday sun. It may rain occasionally in the afternoons for short periods, but there is a determined weather pattern of sunny mornings during this season. The ocean is generally calm due to the absence of the south east trade winds. These weather conditions make this month unique, where you will find the opportunity to watch many land species at their best.
Because of the presence of fresh water from the rain, Galapagos landfall turns "Green". Plants and leaves will appear in zones where it was supposed to be dry and desolated . It is important to mention that land species such as: lizards, land iguanas, finches, tortoises, mockingbirds reproduce at this time of the year since there is an increase in the availability of food sources like insects, flowers and seeds.

On the islands, Blue Footed Boobies and Nazca Boobies can be seen on Espanola Island. On North Seymour Island, the magnificent Frigate Birds with their red plummage are courting. Recent visitors on North Seymour report seeing the courting dance of the Blue Footed Boobies as well. Visitors are spotting Blue Footed Boobies on almost all the islands- a sure sign that the seas are full of fresh fish. The warmest months of the year in the Galapagos Islands are considered to be December through June. On Espanola and elsewhere, the Marine Iguana males are sporting their mating colors and protecting their territores in advance of the mating season. Bring plenty of sun screen for the hotel tropical sun and a wind breaker for the late afternoon.

The Hotel Sumaq has been operating since 2008 in Aguas Caliente near Machu Picchu in Peru. This new hotel offers 60 rooms and will include wireless internet, cable TV and also heating. In addition the hotel will offer a business center and spa treatments. For the very busy Aguas Caliente ; Machu Picchu corridor, this hotel will be a welcome addition. The hotel is listed as five stars (in a five star rating system). Staff members from Stanford Travel Systems recently visited the Sumaq as well as many of our recent passengers, and report that this hotel is now one of the best hotels in the area. Gourmet chiefs and finely appointed rooms and private bathrooms. Be sure and request a room with a view of the river. Some of the rooms have spectacular views of the river flowng through Aguas Caliente town.

Completely refurbished in the luxury class, the Yacht M/Y Grace will offer seven night cruises in the Galapagos Islands beginning in the Summer of 2009. This finely appointed yacht was formerly owned by the royal family and the Princess Grace of Monaco. This yacht is 145 feet long and 23 feet wide, and carries a total of sixteen passengers in five standard twin cabins and four standard double staterooms. This yacht will bring back to life an era of luxury yachts that once sailed the Mediterranean Sea and set a standard for luxury and elegance in the world of the mid twentieth century.
All cabins will feature private bathroom with ample amenities, cabins with individual climate controls, safe boxes, telephones, and plenty of storage space. The ship will feature inside dining and al fresco dining areas, a sun deck, library, bar -salon, and jacuzzi. Considering that this yachts will accommodate sixteen passengers, the M/Y Grace will make an ideal yacht for charter to families and small groups.