At the luxury end you're paying top dollar for lots of space, excellent facilities, top-notch service, and the best guides. Two of my top recommended luxury class yachts are the M/V La Pinta and the M/Y Infinity.

The Infinity is a typical Galápagos luxury class motor yacht with all the usual bells and whistles in this category: spacious decks including a sun deck with a jacuzzi and hot tub, and large comfortable cabins with luxury amenities.

There are two bonuses that make me recommend the Infinity over other luxury yachts. Firstly, it has space for 20 passengers and if there are more than 16 passengers on board, you’ll be divided into two groups each with your own guide which gives you a much more intimate and close experience.

Secondly, the Infinity offers a seven night itinerary B which is one of the most diverse itineraries available, including visits to both the younger western islands and some completely different older islands in the east. Not many itineraries combine both in one cruise.

Another option to consider is the luxury class motor yacht, La Pinta. With a capacity for up to 48 guests La Pinta is significantly larger than most Galápagos cruise ships and generally more stable in rough seas.

It's an all-suite ship with 24 beautiful cabins featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and luxury amenities. The many social areas include a fitness room and a large sun deck with a jacuzzi tub.

There is also a small infirmary with an on-board physician. The ship offers alternative activities like glass-bottom boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. They have a special kids programme for 7-12 year olds.

Your other option at the very top end is one of the many luxury class Galapagos catamarans.

Lots of luxury catamarans have joined the market in recent years, and to be honest I find it hard to recommend one above the others because they’re all truly magnificent ships offering unparalleled experiences.

Three of the best are the M/C Hermes, M/C Sirius and M/C Petrel. They all offer luxury amenities, spacious decks with large cabins and social areas, outstanding guides, superb service and food.

Of course, these cruises also come with the price tag of any luxury tour. The official "rack" rate for a 7-night cruise on these luxury catamarans is about $11,000 per person. If you want to cruise the Galapagos Islands on a luxury catamaran, contact a travel agent and check if there are any special deals first. It is also important to check the specific itinerary of the cruise for your travel date. If you’re spending this much on a luxury cruise, make sure that you also get the best of the islands according to your interests.