The Origin, Theory & Evolve are three sister ships with identical characteristics. They are classy, modern and intimate luxury yachts sailing the Galapagos. Each ship offers two 8-day itineraries circling the archipelago.
The 20-guest MV Origin, MV Theory and MV Evolve identical sister yachts, are three of the newest Galapagos yachts to explore the Islands. The Origin began sailing in 2016, the Theory launched in 2019 and the Evolve made her debut in January 2023. The names Origin & Theory were chosen for their link to Darwin’s prolific work, while the name Evolve plays on this theme. The yachts all run two 8-day itineraries, a southern/central route and a western/northern route.
Choose to book the interchangeable Origin, Theory or Evolve for a classy, modern and intimate vessel that offers a luxurious Galapagos experience with highly trained staff and guides, artful cuisine and seamless operations. In 2019, Origin became the second ship in the world to join the prestigious Relais & Châteaux association, followed shortly by her sister ships, per their showcase of the unique history and rich cultural heritage of the Galapagos, as well as their commitment to preserving the environment. Also supporting this honor is superb cuisine, an expression of culinary arts that blends the culture and terroir of the Galapagos.
Our Galapagos luxury cruise clients love the VIP package upgrades available on this ship, plus the two-room Premium Suites that provide more than 300 square feet of space. Plus select interconnecting cabins and special family-themed departures make these sister ships ideal options for Galapagos family cruises.
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AdventureSmith Explorations has been aboard the Origin firsthand. Read our dedicated Origin, Theory & Evolve review for a detailed description of the small ships. Or consult this page further for a detailed description of Origin, Theory and Evolve, including ship specs, deck plan, cabin images, photo gallery and a link to the trip they sail. We can help compare these small cruise ships with other Galapagos ships and upscale yachts offering Galapagos luxury cruises and private Galapagos yacht charters.
MV Origin, MV Theory and MV Evolve consume approximately 30% less fossil fuel compared to similar yachts in the archipelago. Their curved bows were designed to cut through the waves for smoother sailing, increased fuel efficiency and less drag. Water-saving measures include reusable bottles, a specially designed water treatment plan, ecological toilets, bio-degradable soaps and shampoo, and the invitation for guests to reuse linens.
Two expert naturalist guides; a concierge; a well-trained, experienced crew and a high-level captain cater to guests’ needs. Aboard the ships, find spacious social areas, including a dining room, bar, lounge area with comfortable seating and TV with pre-loaded movies, cozy library, boutique and a fitness center with cardio and weight equipment and yoga mats. An elegant dining room features marble table tops, with configurations from two to 10 guests for private or group dining.
Outside areas include a large sun deck with chaise lounges, day beds, tables, chairs and hammocks, outdoor shower, wet bar, BBQ and al fresco dining; two aft decks, the lower with a cushioned couch and eight-person Jacuzzi and the upper with tables and chairs; and a forward deck with cushioned bench seating directly in front of the Bridge. WiFi is available throughout the ships.
Guests enjoy a range of included activities aboard Origin, Theory and Evolve, including snorkeling, kayaking (one single and five double kayaks on board each vessel), hiking, stand-up paddleboarding (each yacht carries two boards) and viewing underwater life from the glass-bottom excursion boat. Daytime excursions are enhanced by nightly briefings and occasional lectures.
A luxury bonus for these ships is the ability to book a Private Moments VIP package, giving you a private naturalist guide for the duration of your cruise; private transfers to and from the airport to the dock; and a private sunset Zodiac ride or sundeck breakfast (depending on the weather). Contact us for rates on this upgrade package.
Gourmet-style menus including Ecuadorian and Peruvian specialties, sourced from local and sustainable producers, are creatively prepared by culinary-school trained chefs who will also give a cooking demonstration (ceviche). Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style while dinner is an elegant, four-course, plated affair (dinner menus circulated and orders taken during lunch) consisting of an appetizer, soup, main course and dessert. Specialty diets can be accommodated with advance notice, and menu modifications are accommodated on-the-fly as well.
Buffet breakfast and lunches always offer a hot and cold bar full of choices, with eggs cooked to order as an additional option at breakfast. A few lunches are served on a shaded sun deck. Snacks and hors d’oeuvres are served after every excursion, with a 24-hour snack, coffee and tea bar also available. House wines and beers are poured complimentary during dinner, and there is a generous open bar policy (red and white wines, local beers and a variety of spirits excluding super premium brands).
Origin, Theory and Evolve each feature 10 deluxe double staterooms approximately 145 square feet. All cabins are located on the Beagle Deck with large panoramic windows and private bathroom. Each stateroom has two twin beds that can be converted to one king bed. Cabin amenities include individual climate control; multiple hooks; full-length mirror; nightstand; ample sectional closet and drawers; sitting area; TV with pre-loaded movies; universal docking station; modern décor; fine linens and towels; memory foam and soft pillows; safe deposit box; lighted vanity mirror; pod-based espresso and coffee maker, and tea kettle en suite.
Private bathrooms include ocean view showers with modern rainfall and adjustable swing-arm shower heads, and clothes drying line; dual-flush toilet; hair dryer; plush towels; waffle bathrobes and slippers; bio-degradable soaps and shampoo. Cabins are cleaned twice daily and a light laundry service (added cost) is available. Cabins 1&3 and 2&4 have interconnecting doors and are great for families.
The two-room Premium Suites have upgrades that may include upgraded flight seating, premium beverages, free laundry service and a welcome gift of customized Panama hats or bathrobes. Ask us about current available upgrades upon booking.
Cabins #3-6 can accommodate triples in a third pull-down berth cabin (third berth intended for a child or small adult). Only two triple cabins may be booked per cruise. VIP Package including select upgrades available (Theory & Evolve), contact us for pricing and details.
Each double cabin stateroom has two twin beds that can be converted to one king bed. VIP Package including select upgrades available (Theory & Evolve), contact us for pricing and details.
Select double cabins may be configured for single occupancy and booked upon availability at a special single rate. VIP Package including select upgrades available (Theory & Evolve), contact us for pricing and details.
Interconnecting cabins #1 & 3 and #2 & 4 may be configured as a two-bedroom premium luxury suite for double occupancy, including select upgrades, and booked upon availability at a special rate. The adjoining room features a sofa, access to a second bathroom and closet, and Relais and Chateux cabin amenities.
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What’s it like to sail aboard the identical sister yachts Origin, Theory & Evolve? Our experts have traveled aboard these ships and can lend our insights plus compare and contrast to other Galapagos yachts. These ships will have similar amenities, guides, meals and other services. Contact us to compare them all.
This detailed review of what it’s like aboard the 20-guest Origin in the Galapagos Islands showcases not only the guides, yacht, wildlife and itinerary but also how it feels to be among a community of like-minded passengers.
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