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The New & Intimate Grace Yacht
EXCLUSIVE FOR ONLY 16 GUESTS

Adventurer, meet Grace: the classiest yacht in the Galapagos Islands, meticulously restored to offer the bucket-list wildlife safari you’re seeking.

A gift to Grace Kelly for her honeymoon, the award-winning Grace Yacht has undergone a complete renovation, bringing a refined yet adventurous spirit to every voyage. With features ideally suited to Galapagos, the 16-Guest Grace is the ultimate home away from home for discerning travelers like you. From couples to families to honeymooners and private charters, the agile yacht provides an insider view of Darwin’s enchanting islands and incredible wildlife.

Step aboard the new Grace for the journey of a lifetime, and discover the beauty, wonder, and elegance that has made her a favorite of travelers for decades.

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#1 Intimate-ship Ocean Cruise Line
Exploring Darwin’s Paradise: An Intimate Adventure
FORGET WHAT YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT CRUISING
Welcome Aboard the Royal Yacht
Grace Yacht Stateroom
STATEROOMS &
BATHROOMS
VIEW IMAGES & DETAILS
Grace Yacht Cabin Photos
ONBOARD LIVING
& SOCIAL AREAS
VIEW IMAGES & DETAILS
Grace Yacht - Galapagos Experience
THE GRACE
EXPERIENCE
VIEW IMAGES & DETAILS
Deck Plan, Staterooms
Information & Safety
Features

Indulge in the glamor of Princess Grace Kelly and experience the Galapagos like never before. On a yacht crafted by the legendary Camper & Nicholsons, you’re sure to sail in style. Will you be the envy of other passengers in the famous Grace Kelly Suite?

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Capacity: 16 Guests
Crew Capacity: 11
Guest to Guide Ratio: 8 to 1
Number of Staterooms & Suites: 9
Cruise Director: 1
Length: 44 (145 ft)
Beam: 7m (22.1 ft)
Last Renovation: 2023

View Deck Plan   |   View Suites & Stateroom Sizes

A side rendering of the Grace Yacht

CONTACT A SPECIALIST

The Grace Yacht: Where Luxury Meets History
FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ROYALTY

Meet Grace, the timeless beauty that has captured the hearts of travelers since the 1950s. Grace is the epitome of youth and glamor, having lived a gallant life that includes serving as a submarine chaser during World War II and sophisticated host to Aristotle Onassis, John Issa, and Sir Winston Churchill.

Don't be fooled by her age—the completely renovated Grace is as young and chic as the princess who honeymooned aboard. Her elegance and refinement are unmatched, and her parties are legendary. Come experience the magic for yourself, as Grace takes you on a journey through the wonders of the Galapagos.

Motor Yacht Monica
1928 - 1932
M/Y MONICA

Once known as Monica and later as Rion, the M/Y Grace has a fascinating history. Commissioned by Argentinean Santiago Soulas, she originally weighed 298 tons and was 147 feet long with a 23-foot beam and a 12-foot draft.

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Rion Yacht
1938 - 1939
RION & THE BEGINNING OF THE WAR

Once enjoyed by Sir George Tilley in the late 1930s, she was conscripted by the British for the war effort in 1939. Stripped of her furnishings and paneling, she was used by the Royal Navy for coastal patrols during the War Years.

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Royal Navy Rion Dunkirk Yacht
1939 - 1940
THE ROYAL NAVY & THE BATTLE OF DUNKIRK

Grace played an important role during WWII as she patrolled the calm waters off the Isle of Wight. Later, she was dispatched to the beaches of Dunkirk for the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force during Operation Dynamo.

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Rion Yacht
1940
THE FINEST HOUR

In a daring night operation, Rion and two other ships captured a German E-boat off the Isle of Wight. After engaging in a firefight, Rion delivered the final blow, securing the enemy vessel and escorting it to Portsmouth Harbour naval base.

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Rion and World War II
1941 - 1945
THE END OF THE WAR

Her heroics continued as she hunted a submarine on the night of March 23, 1941, making multiple depth charge runs. Refitted as a floating annex to the Royal Navy Hospital, she served until the end of the war, earning a new name, HMS Noir.

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Camper & Nicholsons Restored Yacht
1945 - 1951
RESTORATION AFTER THE WAR

After being decommissioned in 1945, she was restored to her luxurious beginnings by her original builders, Camper & Nicholsons. She was then returned to Sir George Tilley on September 16, 1947, remaining with him until his death in 1951.

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Aristotle Onassis
1951 - 1955
ARISTOTLE ONASSIS & WINSTON CHURCHILL

HMS Noir became the glamorous Arion under Aristotle Onassis' charter firm, hosting a stream of A-list celebrities and even welcoming Sir Winston Churchill aboard during her three-year reign as the queen of the seas.

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Luxury Yacht Arion
1956
A WEDDING GIFT TO GRACE KELLY & PRINCE RAINIER OF MONACO

Aristotle Onassis gave a royal gift to Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly: the luxurious yacht Arion. The prince spent weeks refurbishing the vessel, which would later welcome the Hollywood star to her new home in Monaco.

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Royal Honeymoon 1956
1956
THE ROYAL HONEYMOON

After the wedding, the royal couple began their honeymoon with a short stay in Mallorca, Spain, followed by a cruise aboard the yacht—which they christened Deo Juvente II—along the coasts of Corsica and Sardinia.

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Monaco Daska Yacht
1958 - 1960
MONACO & DASKA

After being gifted to Monaco's royal couple, the yacht changed hands and was renamed Daska before becoming a popular charter in the Bahamas under Crest Shipping in the 1960s. She’s no stranger to crystalline waters.

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Angela Yacht
1975 - 1982
ANGELA

Newly-named Angela continued her journey under the ownership of Valef Yachts in the Caribbean. After a heroic evacuation effort in the Lebanese Civil War and a stunning refurbishment, she remained a beloved luxury charter until 1982.

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Motor Yacht Zein
1982 - 2007
DASKA RETURNS & ZEIN IS BORN

With a new identity as the M/Y Zein, named after one of John Issa’s daughters, she cruised along the East Coast. Zein remained a sought-after vessel, catching the attention of buyers such as Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft.

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Officially M/Y Grace in 2007
2007 - TODAY
GRACE IN GALAPAGOS

The M/Y Zein became the M/Y Grace in 2007, as Quasar Expeditions took her back to her most elegant times. With a complete refit and recent renovation, she continues to make headlines as the most elegant ship to cruise the Galapagos Islands.

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Choose from Three Immersive Itineraries
STRIKE THE PERFECT BALANCE OF ACTIVITY AND LEISURE

Which itinerary is right for me?
Grace Galapagos cruise itinerary map

From US$ 10,550 per person


Light or Moderate Activity Level Baltra Island, Galapagos Islands

view itinerary in brief

REQUEST A DETAILED ITINERARY

Grace Darwin Trail itinerary map

From US$ 10,550 per person


Light or Moderate Activity Level Baltra Island / Puerto Ayora Port, Galapagos Islands

view itinerary in brief

REQUEST A DETAILED ITINERARY

From US$ 20,045 per person


Light or Moderate Activity Level Baltra Island / Puerto Ayora Port, Galapagos Islands

view itinerary in brief

REQUEST A DETAILED ITINERARY

CONTACT A SPECIALIST

Preview Your Adventure
ACCESS DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARIES AHEAD OF TIME

Sign up to receive the Grace’s PDF itineraries straight to your inbox. Preview the hidden gems of Galapagos and immersive activities that make other worldly travelers and adventurous families say, “I’m already planning my trip back!”

Day by Day Itinerary aboard Grace Galapagos Cruise

Hear What Past Guests Are Saying
About The Grace Yacht

JOIN THE RANKS OF TRAVELERS WHO EXPERIENCE THE REAL GALAPAGOS
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39 YEARS OF FAMILY-OWNED EXPERIENCE
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VOTED #1 BY TRAVEL+LEISURE
RATED EXCELLENT ON CRUISE CRITIC
Based on 264 reviews
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Verified Customer
Sanford
Oakland, US
Grace Galapagos Yacht
Beautiful clean gorgeous yacht one of my best cruises ever
Reply:
Dear Sanford, Thank you for the kind words! We’re so glad the yacht and your experience stood out as one of your best cruises ever and hope to welcome you back on another Quasar adventure soon! Warmly, Diane Schicke Customer Success Hero
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26 days ago
Verified Customer
Kara
Gilbert, US
Grace Galapagos Yacht
An intimate and elegant experience perfect for the luxury adventure to a magical place
Reply:
Dear Kara, Thank you for capturing the spirit of Grace so perfectly. We're happy you found the experience both elegant and adventurous—just the kind of journey we hope to create. All the best, Diane Schicke Customer Success Hero
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2 months ago
Verified Customer
Laurie
Houston, US
Grace Galapagos Yacht
Wonderful, wonderful crew that really made the trip special. Service, service, service! The daily agenda was perfect and the guides were so knowledgeable and helpful. And the ability to eat outside every day was the icing on the cake.
Reply:
Thank you for the kind words, Laurie! We're so glad the crew and guides helped make your trip unforgettable—and yes, dining outside in Galápagos' perfect weather is hard to beat. It means a lot to hear how much you enjoyed the service and daily excursions. Warm regards, Karen Matthews Customer Success Hero
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2 months ago
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Sip, Savor, and Soak Up Your Time in Galapagos
ENJOY AN EXCEPTIONAL FOOD AND WINE SCENE ON BOARD
The food was to die for both in Quito and on the ship as Ecuador has an immense bounty of fruits, vegs, meats and seafood all produced locally.
Linda Guild
The food on board the Grace was fantastic with a feast served at every meal. Sitting in the beautiful outdoor dining room was a great time to get to know the other guests.
Marilyn, United States
The food was top notch.
Jonathan, Czechia
We recently sailed aboard "Grace" with our 6 children on a private charter for 8 days. If I could give the experience more than 5 stars, I would do it in a heartbeat.
Jonathan, Czechia
The food was healthy, traditional, tasty, using local fruits and veggies. We had a different, beautiful dessert after lunch and dinner, daily.
Laurie, United States
The food was delicious and the menus were varied. I highly recommend it.
Nick, United States
The food was absolutely fantastic and the entire boat crew was beyond incredible. I have never been more taken care of and spoiled in my life.
Betsy, United States
Our food was personalized and always fresh, with meal options that far exceeded both my wife and my all too often opposite food preferences.
Clinton, United States
The food was to die for both in Quito and on the ship as Ecuador has an immense bounty of fruits, vegs, meats and seafood all produced locally.
Linda Guild
Elegant Galapagos Dining Experience
PLEASE
YOUR PALATE

Unforgettable meals are included in your authentic Galapagos experiences. Three meals a day are carefully prepared by master chefs who cater to every craving and dietary need. Plus, appetizers and snacks to rival your 5 o’clock favorites.

SAMPLE DINING MENU
Wine Tasting in the Galapagos
TOAST TO PRICELESS
MEMORIES

Our wine selection? A cut above. Reminisce about your adventurous days and take in the sunset from the yacht lounge. Mingle with other like-minded travelers for an even more memorable adventure—don’t be surprised if they become friends for life.

WINE & SPIRITS MENU
Sustainably Sourced Galapagos Cuisine
BE CATERED TO
BY CELEBRATED CHEFS

Quasar partners with chefs and service aficionados who are not only celebrated in the food industry, but who celebrate food itself. Taste their culinary passion and years of worldly experience in the subtle details of every memorable meal.

DINING EXPERIENCE GUIDE
Top Chef Galapagos Cruise Dining
ENJOY ELEVATED
CULTURAL CUISINE

Local culture is the soul of our menus and culinary experiences. Our chefs collaborate with Ecuadorian producers and farmers to deliver unparalleled, nourishing meals. From coffee beans to saffron and honey, we seek out the best of Galapagos and beyond.

READ MORE

Real People. Insider Knowledge.

MEET PAUL, DIANE, AND KAREN! YOUR DEDICATED EXPEDITION DESIGNERS, READY TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR GALAPAGOS CRUISE.
The booking process was organized and well managed by Diane and Paul - whose years of experience were evident every step of the way. They fielded my many questions, gave thoughtful advice, set up our land tours in mainland Ecuador and were extremely respo
ALLYSON SOUTH
Exceptional, courteous and professional staff take care of you from the time you sign up to the time you get back home.
Tanya, United States
It was a seamless experience from booking to travel. And, the itinerary was packed with activities to keep you moving and in awe of nature every day!
Barbara, United States
The Quasar Expedition team from our time of booking to our departure were extremely professional
Irene, Australia
Everything is well-planned and they pay full attention to details. From the moment you land in Ecuador until you leave, they will take care of you.
Paula, Colombia
Many thanks to Dianne and Paul Schicke at Quasar Expeditions, who in addition to booking the Grace Yacht for our Galapagos adventure, also took care of booking all our Quito hotels and tours including our trip to the Amazon following our time in the Galap
Eric, Canada
Everything from the honest insight provided by Diane and Paul during the booking process, to the ease with which practical matters were addressed (from hotel bookings to transportation, and guide recommendations in Ecuador), all went smoothly.
Diana, Canada
The booking process was organized and well managed by Diane and Paul - whose years of experience were evident every step of the way. They fielded my many questions, gave thoughtful advice, set up our land tours in mainland Ecuador and were extremely respo
ALLYSON SOUTH
Galapagos Travel Experts
  • ENGLISH & SPANISH
    SPEAKING
    (U.S.A. BASED)
  • FRIENDLY TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS
    WITH LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
  • COMPLIMENTARY PLANNING
    CALLS AROUND YOUR SCHEDULE

Our Galapagos Expedition Designers have been in your shoes before. They know what it takes to plan the perfect Galapagos cruise. With a complimentary call, we'll answer your every question, suggest or arrange trip add-ons, and recommend the best bucket-list itinerary. Don’t sweat the details—that’s our job.

BOOK A CALL WITH THEM

The Simple Quasar Booking Plan
  1. STEP 1

    Get in touch for a complimentary consultation

    • Book a Call or Fill Out a Short Form
    • We will book you in for a complimentary consultation
    • This consultation can be as short or as long as needed
    • We are available Monday - Friday from 9AM - 8PM EST
  2. STEP 2

    Work with a specialist to plan your perfect trip

    • During your consultation will go through any questions you have
    • We will discuss our Galapagos Itineraries in detail
    • We will guide past common mistakes made by most travelers
  3. STEP 3

    Enjoy the trip of a lifetime

    • Our dedicated team will be with you every step of the way
    • We will make sure all your special requirements are taken care of
    • You'll return home having experienced the most fulfilling adventure of your life
Awards & Press
Accolades
  • Travel+Leisure World's Best Awards 7 Years in a Row
  • AFAR Travelers Choice Awards 2018
  • Condé Nast Readers Choice Award 2024
  • USA Today Reader's Choice Awards 2024

Quasar As Seen On:

See More of the World While You're At It

SEAMLESS ECUADOR AND PERU SIDE-TRIPS DELIVER MORE VALUE
1 to 6 day
Mainland Ecuador and Peru Tour Options
Explore the Andean Highlands
& The Amazon Basin
Tours for all interests
and activity levels

EXPLORE TRIP EXTENSIONS