What became of the M/Y Zein?

[TravelingNinja]

If you ever wondered what became of the M/Y Zein, once operating in Jamaica, it is now renovated and working the tiny islands of the Galapagos under Quasar Expeditions as the M/Y Grace.

 

The 147-ft yacht was given as a wedding gift to the Princess Grace and Prince Rainer of Monaco in 1956 by Aristotle Onassis. The then Deo Juvante II was captured in many newsreels as cameras and reporters followed Grace Kelly on her final voyage from the United States to her new home and royal future. The movie start was ferried from the USS Constitution to the Deo Juvante, whisked into Monaco’s harbor, and greeted with flowers and cheers as she arrived for what was dubbed at the time as “the wedding of the century.”The couple left the day after the ceremony to cruise the coasts of Corsica and Sardinia on a lengthy honeymoon.

 

The Deo Juvante was sold in 1958 and was held by a series of owners, most recently named the M/Y Zein, until Quasar Expeditions purchased her in 2006. After an extensive renovation, Quasar Expeditions renamed the yacht the M/Y Grace in honor of her late owner and as a representation of her elegance, beauty, and style. Quasar Expeditions has issued her into service plying the small islands and coves in the Galapagos Islands. Her current itinerary includes 7 night/8 day cruises from San Cristobal that include the Charles Darwin Research Station, Genovesa, Fernandina, Isabela, Kicker Rock, Prince Phillip’s Steps, Tagus Cove, and Pinnacle Rock. The itineraries are ideal for active travelers who enjoy luxurious and comfortably surroundings while enjoying hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, close-up encounters with wildlife, individual attention, and fine, romantic dining.

 

The Grace continues to treat her guests like royalty with a Jacuzzi, eight spacious staterooms with private bathrooms, sundeck, bar, TV and video, and stereo systems. Furnished with a class and style befitting a princess that is rare within the Galapagos Islands cruise industry, the Grace is a unique vacation experience.

 

With one crew member for every two guests, everyone gets the royal treatment. Quasar Expeditions specializes in tailoring individual adventures created around each guest’s interests. In addition, the Grace maintains high standards of cleanliness to protect the fragile eco-system of the Galapagos Islands with specially installed systems to reduce emissions and manage wastes.

 

Grace’s royal history and accommodations easily lend themselves to romantic vacations, anniversary cruises, honeymoon trips, and shipboard weddings as well as memorable vacation cruises.

 

For more information, rates, pictures, and videos, visit the M/Y Grace page on the Quasar Expeditions site.