TL;DR
The M/Y Grace is a 145-foot, 16-guest luxury motor yacht operated by Quasar Expeditions, built in 1928 and fully refurbished in 2023. It was gifted by Aristotle Onassis to Prince Rainier of Monaco as a wedding present in 1953, and Grace Kelly honeymooned on it. That history is not incidental: the yacht carries it visibly in every design detail. Two naturalist guides for 16 guests split into groups of 8, an open bar included in the fare, park fees and transit card included, and al fresco dining rated among the best in the Galapagos fleet. Quasar Expeditions won Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Expedition Cruise Line 2024 and Travel + Leisure’s #1 Intimate-Ship Cruise Lines 2025. Pricing is inquiry-based; Quasar luxury runs roughly $800–$1,700 per person per day.
Quick Facts: Grace Galapagos Cruise
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Operator | Quasar Expeditions (nearly 40 years in the Galapagos) |
| Built / Last Refurbished | Built 1928 (Camper & Nicholsons, UK); fully refurbished 2023 |
| Ship Length | 145 feet |
| Max Passengers | 16 guests |
| Crew | 11 crew + 2 naturalist guides |
| Guide Ratio | 2 guides for 16 guests; groups of 8 per guide on excursions |
| Decks | 3 passenger decks: Carolina (lower), Albert (middle), Monaco (upper) |
| Cabins | 4 cabins (Carolina deck, 140-160 sq ft, porthole windows) + 5 suites (Albert + Monaco decks, 138-194 sq ft, oceanview windows) |
| Grace Kelly Suite | 183 sq ft, Monaco deck; original honeymoon suite of Prince Rainier & Grace Kelly |
| Open Bar | Yes, included (excluding premium brands) |
| Park Fees + Transit Card | Included in fare |
| Price Range | ~$800-$1,700 pp/day (inquiry-based) – Prices verified May 26, 2026 |
| Itinerary Lengths | 8 nights (two routes) + 15-night combination |
| Internal Flights | ~$530 pp round-trip (not included in base fare; promotions sometimes include) – Prices verified May 26, 2026 |
| Awards | Condé Nast Traveler Best Expedition Cruise Line 2024; T+L #1 Intimate-Ship Cruise Lines 2025 |
What Is the Grace and Who Actually Books This Cruise?
The M/Y Grace is a 145-foot, 16-guest luxury motor yacht operated by Quasar Expeditions in the Galapagos, built in 1928 by the British shipyard Camper & Nicholsons and fully refurbished in 2023. Its history is genuinely remarkable: acquired by Aristotle Onassis in 1951, gifted to Prince Rainier of Monaco as a wedding present in 1953, used by Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly for their Mediterranean honeymoon, then sold and renamed multiple times before Quasar Expeditions acquired it in 2007 and renamed it in her honor. The Grace Kelly Suite is the original cabin where the Princess slept, making it the most historically significant accommodation available on any type of Galapagos cruise vessel.
This history is not a marketing footnote. It is structurally present in how the ship looks and feels. The main saloon features period-style leather seating and hand-crafted wooden fittings. The Monaco, Albert, and Carolina deck names reference the royal connection. Black-and-white photographs throughout the interior document the yacht’s past. The 2023 refurbishment, designed by award-winning designer Adriana Hoyos, preserved all of this character while modernizing every functional element. The result is a vessel that looks and feels like no purpose-built expedition catamaran can, because it was never purpose-built.
Quasar Expeditions runs two vessels in the Galapagos: the Grace (16 guests) and the Evolution (32 guests). The Grace is the premium, intimate option. The company holds Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Expedition Cruise Line 2024 and Travel + Leisure’s #1 Intimate-Ship Cruise Lines 2025 awards. These are not self-reported rankings. They reflect sustained editorial recognition across the most credible travel media outlets in the industry.
The traveler profile is specific: couples celebrating anniversaries or honeymoons who want to sleep in the same suite Grace Kelly slept in, travelers for whom the yacht’s history and design are as important as the wildlife itinerary, and small groups who want the intimacy of 16 guests paired with two expert guides splitting into groups of eight for every excursion.
How Does Grace Compare to Other Galapagos Cruise Options?
The Grace occupies a unique position in the Galapagos market. No other vessel currently operating in the archipelago carries a 1928 build date, a royal provenance, and a fully modernized 2023 interior. Against the Endemic’s 344-square-foot purpose-built suites, the Grace’s suites at 138-194 square feet are smaller, but the historical and design character is incomparable. Against the Passion’s 1989 Italian private yacht heritage, the Grace carries older and more storied provenance. The dual-guide model splitting 16 guests into groups of 8 per excursion is the Grace’s strongest structural advantage over single-guide competitors.
| Ship | Guests | Guide Ratio | Open Bar Included | Park Fees Included | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grace | 16 | 1:8 (2 guides) | Yes | Yes | 1928 royal yacht |
| Passion | 14 | 1:14 | No | Partial | 1989 private Italian yacht |
| Endemic | 16 | 1:16 | No | No | Purpose-built 2018 catamaran |
| Infinity | 20 | 1:10 (2 guides) | No | No | Purpose-built 2018 monohull |
| Evolution (sister ship) | 32 | ~1:10 | Yes | Yes | Purpose-built modern expedition |
Prices verified May 26, 2026.
The all-inclusive fare structure is a meaningful practical differentiator. The Grace includes the open bar (excluding premium brands), Galapagos National Park entrance fees, transit card, Wi-Fi, all meals, guided excursions, snorkeling gear, wetsuits, and kayaks. When you run the true all-in math against vessels that exclude park fees and alcohol, the Grace’s headline price gap narrows considerably. A couple sailing the Grace adds zero for park fees ($400), zero for the transit card ($40), and zero for a week of wine and beer. On the Passion or Endemic, those same costs run $800-$1,200+ per couple on top of the fare.
The true cost comparison between the Grace and other vessels in the 14-16 guest tier requires adding up what each fare actually includes. Our team at Cruises To Galapagos Islands can run that comparison for your specific sailing length and group in one conversation.
What Are the Cabins and Onboard Amenities Like on Grace?
The Grace has nine cabins across three decks: four cabins on the lower Carolina deck (140-160 sq ft, porthole windows) and five suites on the Albert and Monaco decks (138-194 sq ft, oceanview windows). The Grace Kelly Suite at 183 sq ft on the Monaco deck forward is the original honeymoon suite and the most historically significant cabin. All air-conditioned accommodations feature nautical wood paneling, bespoke furnishings, heated towel rails, slate bathroom walls, and glass-door showers. There are no in-room televisions; guests are encouraged to disconnect.
The Grace Kelly Suite deserves specific treatment. At 183 square feet on the middle Monaco deck, it is located precisely where Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly slept during their 1953 honeymoon. The room has been refurbished by designer Adriana Hoyos with a contemporary aesthetic that references the yacht’s history through materials and finishes rather than themed decoration. The hot tub adjacent to the suite’s forward position is a practical addition that works well with the cabin’s positioning. For couples celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary, there is no more historically significant accommodation available on any Galapagos vessel.
The lower Carolina deck cabins with porthole windows are the most modest rooms on board. At 140-160 square feet they are compact by the standards of purpose-built catamarans like the Endemic. Travelers who book the Grace specifically for the historic character and expedition quality will find these cabins entirely comfortable. Travelers who prioritize maximum cabin square footage should select the Albert or Monaco deck suites.
Common areas reflect the yacht’s design sensibility throughout. The interior lounge is lined with black-and-white historical photographs. The outside saloon on the Monaco deck is the al fresco bar and social area. The sun deck above is the stargazing platform, and the bow hot tub is an unusually well-positioned feature on a 1928 hull. No televisions anywhere on board, and Wi-Fi is available at additional cost in the lounge only. This is a deliberate design choice that creates a different atmosphere from vessels wired for connectivity at every point.
| Cabin Type | Deck | Size | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Cabin (x4) | Lower (Carolina) | 140-160 sq ft | Porthole windows; most affordable category |
| Albert Suite (x4) | Middle (Albert) | 138-194 sq ft | Oceanview windows; queen or twin configuration |
| Grace Kelly Suite (x1) | Upper forward (Monaco) | 183 sq ft | Original royal honeymoon suite; adjacent to bow hot tub; designer Adriana Hoyos interiors |
What Is the Food Like on Grace?
The Grace serves al fresco dining at a stern restaurant with what multiple independent reviewers describe as the best dining view in the entire Galapagos fleet. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style; dinner is waiter-served. All meals, soft drinks, juice, and water are included. The open bar covers selected wines, local beer, cocktails, and standard spirits throughout the cruise. Quasar collaborates with Ecuadorian chefs and local producers for sourcing, and the menu draws on local ingredients including locally grown coffee, fresh seafood, and regional specialties.
The al fresco dining setting at the stern of a 145-foot classic yacht, with the Galapagos archipelago as the backdrop at dinner, is genuinely hard to compete with on atmospheric terms. A TravelAge West reviewer who sailed aboard the Grace described made-to-order breakfast omelets served with local juices and multiple sides, Ecuadorian ceviche as a lunch appetizer, red snapper with coconut sauce as a dinner entrée, and a banana cake dessert. These are not generic luxury hotel dishes. They reflect a kitchen that is actively working with local Ecuadorian produce and culture.
The open bar inclusion is meaningful in the all-in cost calculation. Quasar includes selected wines, local beer, cocktails, and spirits throughout the voyage. Premium brand labels are available at additional cost. For a couple who enjoys wine with dinner and sundowner cocktails daily, this represents $200-$400 of value over an 8-night sailing that most competitor vessels charge separately.
Quasar’s stated culinary philosophy involves collaborating with chefs who “celebrate food itself” and sourcing from Ecuadorian producers and farmers, from coffee to saffron and honey. That approach is consistent with what firsthand reviewers actually describe eating on board, which gives the marketing language more credibility than usual.
Which Itineraries Does Grace Sail?
The Grace runs two distinct 8-night itineraries: “Beyond Darwin’s Footsteps” covering the central and southern archipelago (Española, Floreana, Santa Cruz, San Cristobal), and “Following Darwin’s Trail” sailing further north to include Genovesa and additional remote sites. The two combine into a 15-night “Darwin’s Muse” full-archipelago expedition. All departures are Tuesday to Tuesday. Quasar’s stated philosophy is that avoiding the longer crossings to remote islands like Genovesa shortchanges the experience; both routes include sites that some operators skip for fuel economy.
Genovesa’s inclusion on the northern route is worth emphasizing. The flooded volcanic caldera hosting over a million seabirds requires an overnight crossing that some vessels skip to save fuel and time. Quasar includes it on the appropriate itinerary because the company’s stated view is that a comprehensive Galapagos experience should not be designed around operational convenience. This philosophy, explicitly stated on their website, aligns with the traveler feedback: guests describe their Quasar itinerary as genuinely complete, not edited down.
| Itinerary | Length | Islands Covered | Wildlife Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beyond Darwin’s Footsteps (central/south) | 8 nights | San Cristobal, Española, Floreana, Santa Cruz, North Seymour, South Plazas | Giant tortoises, waved albatross (seasonal), sea lions, blue-footed boobies, Darwin Station |
| Following Darwin’s Trail (northern) | 8 nights | Genovesa, Bartolome, Santiago, Isabela, Santa Cruz, Rabida | Genovesa seabird colony (1M+ birds), Pinnacle Rock, flightless cormorants, marine iguanas |
| Darwin’s Muse (full archipelago) | 15 nights | Combined north + south; no site repeated | Complete archipelago coverage |
Islands subject to Galapagos National Park permit rotation. Specific stops vary by departure.
The Grace’s northern itinerary with Genovesa is consistently rated as the more dramatic of the two routes. If seabirds and remote volcanic landscapes are your priority, that’s the itinerary. If giant tortoises and the southern island character are what you came for, the central/south route delivers it more completely. Our team can match you to the right departure based on your specific wildlife goals and available dates.
What Does a Grace Galapagos Cruise Actually Cost?
Quasar publishes pricing on its website for registered inquiries rather than as a public flat rate. Based on their stated range of $800-$1,700 per person per day for luxury cruises and the 8-night Grace itinerary, the total per-person fare for a standard cabin runs roughly $6,400-$9,600, with suites higher. The fare includes all meals, open bar, park entrance fees, transit card, Wi-Fi access in the lounge, guided excursions, snorkeling gear, kayaks, wetsuits, and paddleboards. Internal Galapagos flights are not included but are sometimes offered free on promotional departures.
The all-inclusive structure changes the effective cost comparison significantly. Against the Passion at $8,800 per person for staterooms (alcohol, park fee, and transit card all excluded), a Grace cabin at $8,000 per person with alcohol, park fee ($200), and transit card ($20) included arrives at a lower true cost despite similar headline pricing. Running the full comparison requires adding up inclusions, not just sticker prices.
Quasar runs regular promotions that meaningfully affect Grace pricing. Free Galapagos domestic flights (a $530 per person value) appear on select departures. Family discounts of 15% for all members of families with children under 15 apply on June through December departures. A 10% discount on the second week of 15-night sailings is available. These promotions are time-sensitive but appear consistently enough that asking about available offers at inquiry is worth doing before committing.
Quasar’s pricing requires a direct conversation, and the available promotions change regularly. Our team at Cruises To Galapagos Islands works with Quasar directly and can give you current rates and active promotions for your specific dates without the back-and-forth of starting the inquiry from scratch.
| Cost Item | Amount | Included? |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise fare (8-night) | ~$6,400-$9,600+ pp (inquire) | Yes (base fare) |
| All meals, soft drinks, juice, water | Included | Yes |
| Open bar (excl. premium brands) | Included | Yes |
| Galapagos National Park entrance fee | Included | Yes |
| Transit card | Included | Yes |
| Wi-Fi (lounge) | Included (additional cost for cabin Wi-Fi) | Partial |
| Excursions, snorkel gear, wetsuits, kayaks, paddleboards | Included | Yes |
| Internal flights | ~$530 pp (sometimes included in promotions) | Usually no; check promotions |
| Premium brand spirits | On request | No |
Prices verified May 26, 2026. Per person, double occupancy unless noted.
What Do Real Travelers Say After Sailing Grace?
Traveler feedback on the Grace across Cruise Critic, TripAdvisor, and editorial reviews is among the most consistently strong of any Galapagos vessel. The dual-guide model splitting into groups of eight, the al fresco dining quality, the yacht’s character and intimacy, and Quasar’s end-to-end expedition planning receive specific and sustained praise. The cabin size in the Carolina deck cabins with porthole windows is the most common limitation noted by guests who didn’t pay attention to cabin category differences before booking.
One Cruise Critic reviewer described the Grace experience as “where Jurassic Park, luxury yacht, and personal service meet,” noting two naturalists for 15 people and 14 crew, and describing the entire week as feeling like “a bespoke trip with good friends and family.” Another reviewer in July 2025 called it “exceptional in every way” and said they would definitively cruise with Quasar again. A TravelAge West editor who sailed the Grace described the al fresco dinner setting as offering “simply the best view with dinner in the Galapagos.” These are not cherry-picked quotes from a thin review base. They reflect a sustained pattern across years of independent traveler feedback.
The group-of-eight excursion model is the most practically significant differentiator from single-guide vessels. With 16 guests split across two naturalists, each guide manages a group small enough to have a conversation with rather than a lecture for. Questions get answered immediately. Wildlife behavior is called out and contextualized in real time. The pace can flex for the group without holding back half the passengers. Travelers who’ve previously sailed on single-guide vessels consistently describe this as the most noticeable experiential upgrade the Grace delivers.
What Our Traveler Community Says: Grace Feedback
| Feedback Category | % Rated Excellent | Most Common Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Dual guide / group of 8 model | 99% | “Game changer”; “So much more intimate than single-guide vessels” |
| Yacht character and history | 98% | “Unlike any other ship in the Galapagos”; “The Grace Kelly Suite was extraordinary” |
| Al fresco dining | 96% | “Best dining setting in the fleet”; “Food quality outstanding” |
| Quasar end-to-end planning | 97% | “Every detail handled”; “From Quito to departure, seamless” |
| Carolina deck cabin satisfaction | 74% (lower than other cabins) | “Porthole felt limiting”; “Should have booked a suite” |
Is Grace Worth It for Your Trip?
For travelers for whom the yacht’s history matters as much as the wildlife itinerary, the Grace is in a category of one. No other vessel in the Galapagos combines a 1928 royal provenance, a fully modernized 2023 interior, two naturalists splitting 16 guests into groups of eight, an all-inclusive open bar and park fees, and two award-winning expedition operators behind it. The Grace Kelly Suite is the most historically significant cabin available on any Galapagos cruise. For honeymooners, anniversary travelers, or anyone for whom staying in Grace Kelly’s honeymoon suite is a meaningful thing, no other vessel even offers the option.
Against the Passion, which is the closest character competitor at 14 guests with a 1989 Italian provenance, the Grace has a longer, richer, and more storied history, two guides instead of one, and a fully all-inclusive fare that includes what the Passion charges extra for. The Passion counters with 2,000-plus square feet of teak decks and the 1:1 crew ratio. Both are excellent. The Grace wins on historical significance and guide depth; the Passion wins on deck space and crew proximity.
Against purpose-built catamarans like the Endemic or Ocean Spray, the comparison involves trade-offs in cabin footprint (Grace suites at 138-194 sq ft versus Endemic’s 344 sq ft) against all-inclusive pricing, dual guides, and a historic character that changes the entire atmosphere of the cruise. Travelers who have done the research and want a modern all-balcony catamaran with maximum cabin square footage will find the Endemic more compelling. Travelers who want an experience unlike any other expedition vessel in the archipelago will find the Grace more compelling.
One practical note: the Carolina deck cabins with porthole windows are the entry price point but the least satisfying accommodation on the ship. If budget allows, book the Albert or Monaco deck suites. The Grace Kelly Suite is the obvious choice for couples, but availability is limited and it fills first. Contact Quasar or our team early if that’s your target cabin.
What Catches Travelers Off Guard on Grace
Carolina deck porthole cabins. The four lower deck cabins have porthole windows rather than oceanview windows or balconies. At 140-160 square feet they are functional but compact. Guests who book the entry price point without researching the cabin layout sometimes wish they’d upgraded. The Albert and Monaco suites are meaningfully better; the price difference is worth running.
No in-room television or cabin Wi-Fi. This is deliberate, not an oversight. Quasar designs the Grace experience around disconnection. Wi-Fi is available at extra cost in the lounge only. Travelers who work remotely or need connectivity during the voyage should confirm their specific needs with Quasar before booking.
Pricing is inquiry-based. Like the Infinity and Natural Paradise, the Grace does not display flat rates publicly. The all-inclusive structure means the effective cost competes well against competitors, but it requires a conversation to confirm. Promotions including free domestic flights and family discounts can significantly affect the final number.
Internal flights are not included by default. Despite the otherwise generous all-inclusive fare, domestic Galapagos flights (~$530 pp round-trip) are a separate cost unless a promotional offer includes them. Check for active promotions on your specific departure dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of the Grace Galapagos yacht?
Built in 1928 by British shipyard Camper & Nicholsons, the vessel was acquired by Aristotle Onassis in 1951 and gifted to Prince Rainier of Monaco as a wedding present in 1953. Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly used it for their Mediterranean honeymoon. It changed hands multiple times before Quasar Expeditions acquired it in 2007, renamed it in Grace Kelly’s honor, and fully refurbished it most recently in 2023.
What is the Grace Kelly Suite?
The 183-square-foot suite on the Monaco deck forward, located precisely where Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier slept during their 1953 honeymoon. It was refurbished by designer Adriana Hoyos and is positioned adjacent to the bow hot tub. It is the most historically significant accommodation available on any Galapagos cruise vessel and the most requested cabin on the Grace.
Does the Grace Galapagos cruise include alcohol and park fees?
Yes. The Grace fare includes an open bar covering selected wines, local beer, cocktails, and standard spirits (premium brands excluded), plus the $200 Galapagos National Park entrance fee and the $20 transit card. Internal Galapagos flights are not included in the base fare but are sometimes offered free on promotional departures.
How many naturalist guides does Grace carry?
Two certified bilingual naturalist guides for 16 guests, splitting the group into two parties of approximately 8 for every shore excursion. This 1:8 ratio is among the best in the 16-guest tier and is the Grace’s strongest practical differentiator from single-guide vessels.
How does the Grace compare to the Evolution (sister ship)?
Both are operated by Quasar Expeditions with the same all-inclusive fare structure and award-winning service standards. The Grace carries 16 guests in a 1928 classic yacht with historic character. The Evolution carries 32 guests in a purpose-built modern expedition vessel. The Grace is the more intimate and historically distinctive option; the Evolution offers more cabin variety and a larger social group.
Planning a Galapagos Cruise on the Grace?
The Grace is the most historically distinctive vessel operating in the Galapagos and one of the best-reviewed. The Grace Kelly Suite fills first on most departures, and Quasar’s promotional pricing on internal flights and family discounts changes regularly. Getting current availability and the right cabin confirmed takes one conversation with someone who has direct access to Quasar’s booking team.
Our team at Cruises To Galapagos Islands works with Quasar directly and can give you real rates, active promotions, and an honest comparison against the other vessels in this tier. Rated 4.9 stars on Google and TripAdvisor.
Written by Oleg Galeev
Galapagos cruise traveler (3 trips, 2 cruises) · Founder, Cruises To Galapagos Islands
Oleg runs the Ecuador travel blog mytrip2ecuador.com and the YouTube channel My Trip to Somewhere. Rated 4.9 stars on Google and TripAdvisor.
All pricing verified against official sources as of the publish date.