Silver Galapagos

The 1990-built (as "Galapagos Explorer II") cruise ship Silver Galapagos was previously owned by Silversea and operated by the company's "Silversea Expeditions" division.

In 2021, the vessel was sold and renamed "MANTRA", and in 2025 she was renamed "OKU ANNE".

Like all Galapagos-based cruise vessels, Silver Galapagos (IMO number 8708660) was Ecuador-flagged (MMSI 735057575) and registered in Guayaquil. After 2021, the ship (renamed MANTRA) was reflagged to the Bahamas (MMSI 311000960) and is now registered in Nassau.

History - construction and ownership

Silversea Cruises is a Monaco-based privately owned cruise company and a leading luxury travel brand. It was established in 1994 as a joint venture between V-Ships Monaco (fka Vlasov Group) and the Lefebvre family of Rome Italy. In 2018, RCCL-Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd acquired two-thirds of the company. Silversea operates a fleet of smaller boutique cruise vessels with passenger capacity ranging between 100 and 700 guests. The company’s business model focuses on yacht-like vessels in the ultra-luxury all-suite cruise segment.

The 100-passenger ship Silver Galapagos previously sailed as "Galapagos Explorer II" for Renaissance Cruises (founded in 1989, defunct since 2001). The vessel joined Silversea's fleet in Q3 2013 following an interior redesign and refurbishment.

In June 2012, Silversea announced that it had acquired the vessel from Canodros S.A., a tour operator specializing in Galapagos cruises. The acquisition marked Silversea’s entry into offering voyages in the Galapagos Islands, the Pacific archipelago off Ecuador’s coast known for its unique wildlife.

On September 28, 2013, the fully refurbished ship Silver Galapagos began its inaugural sailing for Silversea.

Decks and Cabins

Silver Galapagos staterooms (50 total, all suites in 5 categories) range in size from 210 to 290 ft2 (20-27 m2). All cabins feature ocean views, and 24 have private step-out balconies—a rarity for a Galapagos-based cruise ship.

Every passenger stateroom includes standard amenities such as a bar setup and refrigerator (stocked according to guest preferences), down duvets, a marble bathroom with local bath amenities, slippers and spa robes, and on-demand music and movies.

Silver Galapagos suites feature rainforest walk-in showers, LED mirrors, modern vanities, HDTVs, wood flooring, and custom-made mattresses covered with Pratesi linens.

The vessel has 6 decks, five of which are passenger-accessible and include cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The Restaurant offers contemporary international cuisine with attentive service and elegant surroundings. Menus feature regional specialties inspired by the cruise destination. The Grill is a popular outdoor dining venue. A 24-hour tea and coffee station is also available.

Follows the complete list of Silver Galapagos restaurants and food bars.

• "The Restaurant" MDR (open-seating)
• The Grill (outdoor dining venue)

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Wi-Fi access is available throughout the ship (additional fee applied). The upgraded service also provides live television broadcasts and streaming movies. The fitness center includes a massage room, solarium, and beauty salon. Silver Galapagos features a main restaurant, main lounge, piano and outdoor bars, a library with Internet access, two outdoor whirlpools, and an observation deck. As with other luxury cruise lines, fares include complimentary beverages, butler service, and all gratuities.

The Naturalist Room is designed for eco-tourists interested in research programs. Passengers can work together with Silversea guides who monitor the biological and physical processes of the Galapagos Islands. Daily briefings, natural history presentations, and cultural lectures are also offered.

Silver Galapagos regularly offered demonstrations of the latest marine technologies, including visits to the engine room. Nearly every day, Silversea also organized Marine Reserve activities exploring the spectacular surrounding waters. Swimming ability and a certain degree of preparation are required for snorkeling, which is guided by trained staff. Snorkeling gear is provided onboard.

Additional amenities include a Medical Center/Infirmary, complimentary 24-hour Room Service, Butler Service, Internet/WiFi access, and a Library.

Follows the complete list of Silver Galapagos lounges, clubs, and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• The Main Lounge / Explorer Lounge (featuring informative lectures and briefings, with a sophisticated AV system and a small iMac photography station where guests can download and edit their photos)
• Piano Bar
• The Library (with audio listening stations and on-demand movies)
• Expedition Boutique (offering premium products including logo items, jewelry, perfumes, and souvenirs)
• The Spa at Silversea (offering spa therapies including body wraps, massages, and facials, plus sauna and steam rooms)
• Beauty Salon (providing hairstyling, manicures, and pedicures)
• Fitness Centre (equipped with treadmill, stationary bike, weight machine, and elliptical trainer)
• Jacuzzi; Snorkeling Area; Sun Deck

Itineraries

Silver Galapagos' itinerary program featured year-round cruises around the Galapagos Islands. This unique archipelago in South America offers clear skies throughout the year, making it an excellent destination for stargazing. The ship’s professional crew provided nightly astronomy-themed lectures on the top deck, along with visual aids to enhance observations.

Silver Galapagos operated the same Galapagos Islands itinerary later served by fleetmate Silver Origin (2020). The 7-day itinerary (Saturday to Saturday) sailed between the homeport islands of Baltra and San Cristobal.

The modified north-central cruise tour itinerary departs Baltra for San Cristobal and includes a newly added circumnavigation of Isla Daphne Grande (Daphne Major). The voyage explores Darwin Bay and El Barranco (on Genovesa Island), Galapaguera Cerro Colorado and Punta Pitt (San Cristobal Island), Gardner Bay and Punta Suarez (Espanola Island), El Eden, Fausto Llerena Breeding Center and Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island), as well as Seymour Norte, Rabida and Plaza Sur.

Departing from San Cristobal for Baltra, the enhanced western cruise tour itinerary includes new destinations such as Cerro Dragon and Playa Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island), as well as a circumnavigation of Roca Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock / San Cristobal). The itinerary also includes Punta Vicente Roca, Caleta Tagus and Elizabeth Bay (Isabela Island), Post Office Bay, Islote Champion and Punta Cormorant (Floreana Island), Los Gemelos, Fausto Llerena Breeding Center and Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island), Bartolome, Playa Espumilla and Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island).

Silver Galapagos circumnavigates Kicker Rock and Daphne Major—both highly rated for exotic birdwatching. Flamingos can be seen at Las Bachas Beach. Wildlife sightings may also include land and marine iguanas, giant tortoises, blue- and red-footed boobies, sea lions, penguins, and finches.

All Silversea Galapagos shore tours and expeditions are complimentary and guided by an experienced team. On board, passengers enjoy premium butler service, gourmet cuisine, complimentary wines and spirits, and free Wi-Fi throughout the ship.

Silversea's "flight and cruise" package deals (through the company's "Silver Sky" program) include the luxury cruise fare, discounted round-trip airfare (Economy Class), and airport-pier-airport transfers.

Silversea's "hotel and cruise" package, "Silver Shore Simply Hotel", offers overnight stays in 5-star luxury hotels with optional transfers and upgrades. The upgraded cruise and hotel package ("Silver Shore Grande Hotel") includes 1-3 nights in landmark hotels or boutique properties and private transfers (airport-hotel and hotel-pier).