The M/V Legend is a 100-passenger first-class Galápagos cruise ship. It’s one of the largest ships in the Galápagos and is significantly larger than the other yachts I normally recommend (but still far from a monster cruise liner.)

I mostly recommend the Legend for families because of the many social areas, a wide range of cabin options, and a great range of kid and family-friendly activities, including glass bottom boats for non-snorkelers.

But what I like most about the Legend is that you can book one of the great value standard or standard plus cabins but enjoy the same first class service on board.

A ship this size has loads of different social areas, including a kids' playroom, large outdoor areas with a swimming pool and two hot tubs, a small gym and a souvenir shop. Excursions and landings are organised in small groups of 16 travellers per guide, with groups organised by nationality and language. There are English and Spanish speaking naturalist guides on board, plus French and German-speaking guides if there’s sufficient demand.

The Legend is one of few Galapagos cruises that accepts babies on board and always has a physician on board.