The M/V Galapagos Explorer II has announced the addition of new balcony suites. Scheduled for dry dock renovation for the entire month of September, the Galapagos Explorer II plans to add private balconies to all of the deluxe cabins on the Erickson deck of the ship. 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. The ship currently has not raised prices in 2007 / 2008 for the addition of the balconies.

Now that subtropical waters have arrived, some crucial changesl have occurred: water temperature, amount of food in the ocean, dried-up vegetation, strong winds, decrease in visibility, and an on going strengthening of the currents surrounding the islands. This means species that are land-dependant, in terms of food and nesting will modify their habits in order to survive but, more important, sea-dependant species are in need of starting their mating season…and that implies big changes in behaviour. Without any doubt, weather is the ultimate driving force of insular change. ,
At this time of year, we have already seen the first arrivals of waved albatrosses. These amazing seabirds return to Espanola in the Galapagos Islands every year to mate after roaming the broad Pacific Ocean for the remainder of the year. Blue-footed boobies have started their courtship rituals, fishes swim vigorously everywhere, penguins are very active, iguanas and turtles started to hatch, pelicans are collecting nesting material, etc. The islands are very attractive, lots of noise, and this when the real animal show is out there (April, May and June). Some hot season conditions, however, still remain, and some days will stay sunny, moderately hot, and water at subtropical levels (average of 23ºC/74ºF)). The progressive arrival of cooler waters also makes cetaceans change their migrating patterns, and end up moving from south to north (they also move along the western coast of South America). Migratory birds also escape the southern winter and will stay at tropical latitudes in search of food.
What to expect from the transition months (April, May And June):

The Hotel Sumaq is scheduled to begin operations this summer in Aguas Caliente near Machu Picchu in Peru. This new hotel will offer 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 four stars (in a five star rating system).

Completely refurbised in the luxury class, the Yacht M/Y Grace will offer seven night cruises in the Galapagos Islands beginning in the Summer of 2008. This finely appponted 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 familiies and small groups.