Cruise & Ferry Review - Spring/Summer 2021

6 2 INTERV IEW Exploring the Galapagos Islands Ecuador-based expedition cruise operator Metropolitan Touring has an enviable reputation among Galapagos adventurers. Jon Ingleton asks CEO Paulina Burbano de Lara why F ounded in 1953, Metropolitan Touring excels in delivering unique explorations of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. While the company may be a relatively small player in the global cruise industry, thousands of satisfied guests can attest to the company’s first-class pedigree. “Our long experience in the Galapagos has enabled us to design and perfect the ideal way to explore the archipelago – we know what type of ship to employ, which itineraries and activities work best, and what pre- or post-cruise options guests might choose to add on,” says Paulina Burbano de Lara, CEO of Metropolitan Touring. “Encounters with nature are our number one priority and wildlife experiences are at the core of everything we create as part of our Galapagos expedition cruises, no matter which ship guests are sailing on. Consequently, our onboard expedition manager plays a key role on each ship.” Like every travel and tourism operator in the region, Metropolitan Touring acts as a guardian of the Galapagos and its wildlife. “The Galapagos has long been regarded as one of the world’s greatest natural sanctuaries, and we have always aimed to play a positive role in long-term sustainability,” says Burbano de Lara. “We are a carbon-neutral company. Guests who travel with us contribute directly to the protection of the biodiverse forests of the Chocó region of Ecuador, a Unesco biosphere reserve since 2018.” The company owns three specialist expedition ships: La Pinta, Isabela II and Santa Cruz II. “Our onboard space-to- guest ratio is excellent, and we always operate with small groups of guests who have similar interests, physical abilities and languages,” says Burbano de Lara. “Our ships are operated by Ecuadorian naval officers, which is not a requisite for all boats in the Galapagos, and sailings are overseen by our maritime operations department. Due to the size of our ships and the number of guides onboard, we’re able to offer all the expedition activities permitted by the Galapagos National Park, such as kayaking, glass-bottom boat trips, paddleboarding and snorkelling.” Partnerships are an essential component of the company’s modus Metropolitan Touring's small cruise ships provide guests with a comfortable expedition cruise experience