Silversea adds charter flights, enhanced Quito shorex offering in Galapagos

Silversea Cruises has announced a series of logistical, itinerary, and shore excursion improvements for its Galápagos programme, aimed at simplifying access to the remote archipelago and enhancing the pre- and post-cruise travel experience.

Starting July 5th, 2025, guests sailing aboard Silver Origin will benefit from direct charter flights between Quito and San Cristóbal Island, reducing total travel time and eliminating the traditional layover in Guayaquil. 

The flights are exclusively to Silversea guests and include private check-in, blocked middle seats, and upgraded in-flight services such as enhanced meals and beverages.

The charter flights form part of a broader travel package that includes hotel stays and guided tours in Quito, offering travellers the opportunity to explore Ecuador’s capital before or after their Galápagos expedition.

“At the core of everything we do is a commitment to continual evolution, shaping the most enriching experiences for our guests,” said Bert Hernandez, President of Silversea. “This enhanced guest journey to the Galápagos reflects this dedication – streamlining every touchpoint to make visiting this bucket list destination more accessible and seamless than ever.”

“We always put the guest at the centre of everything we do, creating opportunities for deeper connections to the destination and this is one more way we’re leveraging our deep expedition and destination expertise to further elevate the Silversea experience,” he added.

Once in the Galápagos, guests sail aboard Silver Origin, the cruise line’s purpose-built expedition vessel accommodating up to 100 passengers across 50 all-suite cabins, each with butler service. 

Silver Origin operates year-round voyages of between 7 and 14 nights, designed to offer in-depth engagement with the Galápagos ecosystem.

On board, guests are guided by a team of Silversea expedition leaders and Certified Naturalist Guides, all officially accredited by the Galápagos National Park. The line’s high crew-to-guest ratio and expedition-focused staffing model aim to provide a more detailed and personal understanding of the islands’ biodiversity and conservation efforts.

Silversea’s latest changes are part of its wider strategy to reduce friction in expedition cruising, particularly to remote destinations with complex logistics. In a release the cruise line said it continues to refine its approach to destination immersion, using its in-house expertise to integrate luxury service with environmental education and access.