Metropolitan Touring

Already familiar with Metropolitan Touring? Head to the bottom of this page for sales tools, marketing assets and direct access to the Metropolitan Touring sales team.

Watch below for a succinct introduction to Metropolitan Touring...

Q&A: Marco Larrea, commercial regional manager travel agencies

We asked Marco Larrea to share expert insight into recognising when a client is right for Metropolitan Touring, understanding the product and what makes it unique, plus his own tips for closing a Metropolitan Touring sale.

Finding the right client

Who is a typical Metropolitan Touring guest?

Metropolitan Touring guests are affluent, experience-driven travellers, typically aged 45–70, including professionals, retirees, couples, multigenerational families and high-net-worth individuals from North America, Europe and Latin America.

They value expert-led, immersive travel rather than mass tourism, and are deeply interested in nature, wildlife, conservation and learning. While they enjoy comfort and refined service, they are not looking for flashy luxury — they are looking for authentic, well-executed expeditions where everything simply works.

These guests trust professional travel advisors and appreciate curated, seamless journeys, knowing that Metropolitan Touring can quite literally make it happen – from dream to reality.

What budget does this typical Metropolitan Touring guest have?

Most Metropolitan Touring guests invest USD $6,000-$12,000+ per person, excluding international airfare. Pricing depends on vessel, cabin category and whether pre- or post-cruise programs in Quito, Guayaquil or Mashpi Lodge are added.

This is a premium expedition product offering exceptional value: robust operations, expert staffing, purpose-built vessels and ethical, sustainable practices. It’s not entry-level, nor ultra-luxury yacht charter – it’s the smartest choice for travellers who want quality, comfort and depth without compromise.

What will make or break this client’s expedition cruise holiday?

Make:

• Unmatched naturalist expertise: Metropolitan Touring is among the few operators in Galapagos that guarantee a minimum of three certified Naturalist Guides onboard, led by a dedicated Expedition Leader.
• Operational excellence: Tried-and-tested crews, many of whom have worked together for years, ensure smooth navigation, safety and service.
• Immediate access to adventure: Four dinghies always ready means no queues, no delays and maximum time ashore.
• Seamless logistics: Flights, transfers, hotels and extensions are carefully orchestrated so nothing is left to chance.
• Purpose-built comfort: Ships designed over 75 years of experience deliver stability, smart layouts and flexible cabin configurations for families and groups.
• Credible sustainability: Carbon-neutral operations, plastic-free policies and meaningful conservation partnerships.

Break:

• Misrepresenting the product as 'ultra-luxury' instead of a premium expedition.
• Underestimating physical activity levels (wet landings, walks, snorkelling).
• Booking too late – Galapagos has restricted permits, and top cabins sell out far in advance.
• Overlooking tight connections or park regulations instead of letting Metropolitan Touring handle logistics.Getting to know the product

How many expedition ships does Metropolitan Touring have?

Metropolitan Touring owns and operates three expedition vessels in the Galapagos, ensuring full control over quality, safety, and sustainability:

• Santa Cruz II – 90 guests | 50 cabins
• Yacht La Pinta – 48 guests | 24 cabins
  Flagship boutique experience with exceptional comfort and crew-to-guest ratio.
• Yacht Isabela II – 40 guests | 20 cabins
  Classic, intimate expedition feel.

Ownership means no third-party compromises – it’s a 100% Metropolitan Touring experience.

When do Metropolitan Touring ships visit their various destinations?

Metropolitan Touring sails year-round on fixed, National Park-approved itineraries ranging from 4 to 7 nights, rotating every 15 days. Routes cover western, northern and eastern Galapagos, and no ship repeats visitor sites within the same week, ensuring exclusivity and variety.

What excursions and experiences does Metropolitan Touring offer in these destinations?

In the Galapagos:

• Two guided excursions daily
• Snorkelling, kayaking, panga rides, glass-bottom boat
• Wildlife observation and photography
• Nature walks led by expert Naturalist Guides
• Onboard briefings, lectures and stargazing

Optional add-on at Mashpi Lodge:

• Cloud forest hikes and wildlife encounters
• Canopy gondola and Sky Bike
• Hummingbird garden and research lab access
• Scientist-led experiences

What’s onboard a Metropolitan Touring expedition ship to keep guests entertained when they’re not exploring their destinations?

Onboard life focuses on enrichment, discovery and relaxation:

• Daily naturalist briefings and multimedia talks
• Open-bridge policy with ship officers
• Observation decks, lounges, library and boutique
• Fitness area and hot tubs
• High-quality dining and warm, personalised service

No casinos or loud entertainment – this is expedition cruising done right.

Does Metropolitan Touring provide any Citizen Science opportunities onboard its expedition ships or in its expedition destinations?

Yes. This is a key selling point for eco-conscious travellers:

• Collaboration with the Charles Darwin Foundation
• Guest participation in wildlife monitoring
• Use of platforms like iNaturalist and eBird
• Mashpi Lodge’s onsite research lab and scientist interaction

What is the dining like onboard?

Cuisine combines Ecuadorian flavours with international techniques, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Onboard, your clients can expect:

• Buffet and plated meals
• Indoor and alfresco dining
• Special dietary needs accommodated

All meals are included in the cruise fare.

Do you have a minimum age limit for guests?

Yes. The minimum age is 6 years. The product is family-friendly but best suited to older children and teens. Interconnected cabins and flexible bedding make it ideal for families and multigenerational travel.

Is there anything else travel agents should know about the Metropolitan Touring expedition cruise product?

The key B2B points for trade partners are:

• All-inclusive pricing: This includes accommodation, meals, excursions, guides and onboard activities. Airfare and park fees are separate.
• Stable commissions and strong support from sales reps.
• Flexible FIT and group booking options.
• Sustainable operations: Carbon-neutral, water treatment, zero single-use plastics.
• Multilingual naturalist guides (English/Spanish; French/German upon request).
• We are ideal for honeymooners, multigenerational families, educational groups and conservation-minded luxury travellers
• We have high satisfaction and repeat/referral rates among top-tier travel advisors.

Gleaning top selling tips

What are the unique selling points of a Metropolitan Touring sailing that agents can use to entice their customers to book?

1. A pioneer with 75+ years of experience: Metropolitan Touring was the first company to operate expedition cruises in Galapagos and remains a trusted leader with unmatched local knowledge.

2. We own and operate our fleet: From crew to vessels to logistics – we control every detail. That’s why we can confidently say: We Make It Happen.

3. Operational Excellence You Can Prove:

• Minimum of three Naturalist Guides guaranteed
• Expedition Leader empowered to adapt itineraries
• Four dinghies ready at all times
• 24/7 Naval Officer on duty for safety

4. Designed to deliver comfort and stability: Purpose-built ships with dining rooms at sea level reduce motion, while flexible cabins make them perfect for couples, families and groups.

5. Access unlocked: Shallow draught vessels anchor closer to landing sites, saving time and maximising exploration – while flexible scheduling allows nature to dictate the day.

6. Ideal for Seamless Add-On Itineraries: Galapagos cruises combine effortlessly with Quito, Cuenca, Guayaquil or Mashpi Lodge – all managed through one trusted DMC.

What’s the ideal time to book for the most competitive prices and/or best availability?

Agents should encourage their clients to book in advance, as early booking almost always means better cabin choice and peace of mind.

For peak dates, holidays and groups, 9–18 months in advance is suggested, whereas shoulder seasons offers better pricing and availability.

What marketing tools does Metropolitan Touring have available to agents who are promoting its expedition cruises?

Metropolitan Touring provides robust trade marketing support via:

• Customisable brochures and itineraries
• B2B asset library (photos, videos, maps)
• Social media content packs
• Co-branded email templates
• Webinars, training and virtual ship tours
• Fam trips (subject to availability)

Partners should request access to the trade portal or contact the sales team for the latest campaigns and offers.

What support do you offer agents wanting to learn more about Metropolitan Touring’s expedition cruises?

Metropolitan Touring invests in trade education and support through:

• Live and recorded webinars
• Online training modules
• One-on-one sales consultations or FAM trip briefings
• FAM trips (subject to availability)
• A dedicated B2B sales team for North America, LATAM, Europe, etc.
• Participation in trade shows and in-destination site visits
• Newsletters with updates on promotions, itinerary changes and tips 

Agents are encouraged to build direct relationships with their regional sales managers for insider knowledge and co-marketing opportunities.

Do you have a final message for agents?

Metropolitan Touring is a product you can sell with confidence. It’s reliable, ethical, expertly run and designed to exceed expectations – for clients who want Galapagos done right. 

From first inquiry to final farewell, we make it happen.

This page has been produced in partnership with Metropolitan Touring.