Sound's like an amazing trip travelinman. I've not cruised to Galapagos, however I've been on the Hutrigruten line. Cruised up the coast of Norway and loved it. From what I experienced (not sure if it applies to all of their ships). I received a more intimate, personal experience. They had quite a lot of discussion based events on the local area and I was able to get off at every port that they stopped at if I wished, even if it was for a 20 minute stop through the middle of the night.