At the appointed time, check in and board the luxury vessel at San Cristobal, one of the oldest islands in the Galapagos archipelago and its easternmost isla. 

Like many of the islands in the Galapagos, San Cristobal is formed by dormant volcanoes. Although only the second-most populated island after Santa Cruz, San Cristobal is home to the capital city of the Galapagos Islands – Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, which sits on the southwestern tip of the island.

Today, expedition cruisers will stop at two visitor sites in Genovesa, one of the northernmost islands of the archipelago. Genovesa is also known as Bird Island, so it's unsurprising to enjoy the company of what seems to be an infinite number of land and seabirds.

At the plateau above the mostly natural Prince Philip's Steps, you'll find the short-eared owl, one of the Galapagos’ top predators, hunting storm petrels. Look hard, as these owls are extremely well camouflaged!

You'll also have the opportunity to snorkel in Darwin Bay, a collapsed ancient volcanic crater now flooded by sea.

Sea lions nurse pups and frigatebirds nest on the rocky plateau of North Seymour Island, but the most iconic resident here is the Galapagos land iguanas that snack on the prickly pear cactus. Snorkeling is also an excellent way to explore the waters around the island and Mosquera Island just to the south.

Over at Sullivan Bay, relish the sight of brilliant red Sally Lightfoot crabs scuttling along the volcanic shores blackened by lava flows from 1897.

Welcome to Fernandina, the westernmost of the islands and the "youngest" at less than a million years old. It's also one of the most volcanically active; the lava fields on land may just impress you as much as the iguanas. Excitingly, Fernandina's complex system of red, white and black mangroves is a treat for marine lovers, offering opportunities to spot many species of fish including juveniles’ sharks and green sea turtles. 

More other-worldly landscapes await on the south coast of Isabela Island. Hiking here is a highlight – not only do you get to trod upon corrugated lava that have been there for millennia, but you'll also enjoy views of two imposing active volcanoes in the distance.

This island is home to a reptile that exists nowhere else in the world: the Santa Fe Land Iguana. You'll also see some fo the tallest and widest prickly pear cactus in the archipelago. Soak in the splendid views from the cliff, get out on or in the water kayaking or snorkeling, and congratulate yourself for making the journey.

The turquoise waters and white sandy beach of Gardner Bay are to die for, making it one of the most pleasant stops for a dose of Vitamin D. Endemic species to check out include a subspecies of colourful marine iguanas and the Hood Mockingbird, or Espanola Mockingbird.

Later in the day, in a different Espanola site, catch plenty of bird action, along with frolicking sea lions and gentle iguanas. Chances are, you'll also greet the Waved Albatross, the largest seabird to nest in the Galapagos, typically between April and December.

Back at San Cristobal, pay a visit to the David Rodriguez Breeding Centre, a tortoise reserve and breeding and education facility. At the centre, walking through the trails, you'll be able to admire the tortoises in different stages of growth, from hatchlings to 120 days old when they're reintegrated back to the wild.

Continuing on to Cerro Brujo, a tuff cone eroded over time by the elements, admire the Kicker Rock from the top of the hill and spend some time in the company of coastal birds at the lagoon that locals used to extract salt from.

Depart the Galapagos Islands today. The luxury expedition in this special part of the world may be over, but the memories last a lifetime!

Room options on the Silver Origin range from the entry-level Classic Veranda Suite (30sqm on deck 5, lower of two suite decks) to the premium Owner's Suite (160sqm) on the upper deck (deck 6), which comes with a living room and balcony. Pictured is the Medallion Suite (33sqm, deck 6).

All suite guests enjoy the services of a butler.

View Silver Origin deck plan