Special Family Trip Departures Still Available For 2009 – Schedule Set for 2010 Season
MIAMI, July 8, 2009 – High school graduation, says one travel company, should be more than parties and cards stuffed with cash. Ecoventura, the leader in responsible small ship tourism in the Galapagos, tested their theory that such a significant life event should entail much more.They invited 10 teens and 10 parents to join a June graduation cruise aboard the M/Y Eric that departed Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on the Island of San Cristobal on June 7, returning to port eight days later.
“I wanted to put together an epic trip for my 18-year-old graduate that she and I would cherish the rest of our lives,” states Mike Thomsen, a guest from Iowa. “This trip more than fulfilled those dreams!”
Over the week the yacht crossed the Equator four times visiting the islands of Genovesa, Fernandina, Isabela, Santiago, Santa Cruz, Espanola and San Cristobal. Planned activities included snorkeling with penguins and sea lions, naturalist guided wildlife hikes, nature photography, lava tube exploration, star gazing, and a night out on the town of Puerto Ayora, the largest settlement in Galapagos.
Unplanned events included all-night, moonlight card games, diving like pirates off the upper deck to storm a nearby ship at anchor and a graduation party with dancing and live musical entertainment courtesy of the captain, crew and guides.
“Based on the success and glowing guest feedback we received from teens and adults alike, this is something were going to orchestrate and promote in 2010 and for years to come,” said Doris Welsh, Ecoventura’s Director of Sales and Marketing. “What better way to celebrate the end of 12+ years of schooling than to relax and unwind in such an exotic environment with family and new found friends.”
In light of this successful foray, Ecoventura has scheduled 2010 “Graduation Celebration” teen/parent cruises for May 30-June 6, June 6-13, and June 13-20. Per person, all-inclusive rates start at $3,150 plus air and National Park Entrance Fee.
The company also offers special family departures throughout the year geared toward teens and children as young as seven offering discounts of 25% for children 7-11 and 15% for teens age 12 up to 17. In addition to wildlife viewing, snorkeling, kayaking and hiking, on these trips kids can visit the bridge and learn about navigational charts and tie nautical knots with the Captain. There are family-centered events such as drawing contests, ice cream socials and a special King Neptune costume party and talent show.
Remaining 8 Day/7 Night Family trips for 2009 depart July 26, Aug 2, Aug 9, Aug 16, Aug 23, Nov 22, Dec 20, and Dec 27. For 2010 the departure dates are Jan 3, Feb 14, Mar 14, Mar 21, Mar 28, Apr 4, Apr 11, Jun 13, Jun 20, Jun 27, Jul 4, Jul 11, Jul 18, Jul 25, Aug 1, Aug 8, Aug 15, Aug 22, Nov 21, Dec 19, and Dec 26.
About Ecoventura: ATTA member Ecoventura is a family-owned company based in Guayaquil, Ecuador, with sales offices in Quito and Miami. In operation since 1990, the cruise company transports 4,000+ passengers annually aboard a fleet of three expedition vessels; identical, superior first-class 20-passenger motor yachts with 10 double cabins. The company also operates the Sky Dancer, a 16-passenger dedicated dive live-aboard offering 7-night weekly itineraries visiting the northern islands of Wolf and Darwin. All of its vessels have been purposefully retrofitted to meet or exceed the highest possible environmental standards.
To reserve a cabin or private charter, or to receive a copy of Ecoventura’s 2009-2010 catalog please call toll-free 1.800.644.7972, or e-mail [email protected]. To access current rates, schedules and itineraries you can log onto www.ecoventura.com/.