Dear Friends and Guests:
Our planet has dramatically changed since COVID-19. Galapagos will be no exception and that is why Via Natura will be introducing new biosecurity and safety protocols aboard the Monserrat. On top of enhanced cleaning protocols, guests onboard the Monserrat will notice changes on how we carry out our meal service, our lectures onboard and our Naturalist guidance while on the islands to enable for social distancing amongst guests.
WHY BOOK MONSERRAT OVER OTHER CRUISES IN THE GALAPAGOS
Our Galapagos cruise is privileged to have one of the best crew to passenger ratios in the islands. More importantly, our excursions to the islands are performed with 1 Naturalist guide for every 10 passengers as opposed to the majority of small yachts/catamarans in the Galapagos that only carry 1 Naturalist guide for every 16 guests. This enables us to provide greater social distancing while exploring the Galapagos islands, which is critical while the planet coexists with COVID-19.
NEW BIOSECURITY AND OPERATIONAL PROTOCOLS ABOARD MONSERRAT
Guests onboard Monserrat will be able to notice a number of additions to our cleaning regimen designed to set an even higher standard of cleanliness to the yacht. Specific areas of focus include:
GUEST CONTACT
All our staff members will use face masks, gloves while at work. In addition, all guests will be taken their temperature when arriving onboard as well as every morning for the length of their cruise. All guests will be provided a face mask and will be mandatory to use them onboard while circulating on public areas of the Yacht.
To help alleviate the risk of transmission, Monserrat Yacht will be using signage in public areas to remind guests to maintain social distancing protocols and removing or re-arranging furniture to allow more space for distancing in the social areas. We are also installing more hand sanitizing stations at the entrances to its hotel and social areas.
EXCURSIONS WHILE ON THE ISLANDS
While on the island excursions, our Naturalists will request your collaboration in having the recommended social distancing while on the trail walks and while listening to him/her.
MEAL SERVICE
Monserrat’s food safety program includes enhanced sanitation guidelines for our employees that includes hygiene and disinfecting practices. All of our meals onboard will be served to the table, suspending buffet style service.
Onboard Monserrat, all food handlers will be retrained on safe food preparation and service practices. Safety for our guests is our priority.
SURFACE AREAS & GUEST ROOMS
COVID-19 has raised awareness about the importance of high-touch surface cleanliness. In public spaces, the Yacht has added to its already rigorous cleaning protocols, requiring that surfaces are thoroughly treated with high-grade disinfectants and that this cleaning is done with increased frequency. We will also be adding sufficient hand sanitizer dispensers all over the Monserrat’s public areas.
In guest rooms, the Monserrat has likewise added to its already rigorous protocols, requiring that all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned with strong disinfectants.
OUR NEW FLEXIBLE BOOKING AND CANCELLATION POLICIES UPDATED FOR COVID-19
We are conscious that you want to able to book your Galapagos holiday with flexibility while COVID-19 is in the back of your mind. Therefore, Monserrat Galapagos Cruises has established new flexible booking & cancellation policies
