On December 28, 2024, Celebrity Cruises will bid farewell to two of its vessels as they set sail for the final time under the Celebrity brand before joining the Lindblad Expeditions fleet in January. This move will see the transfer of the 48-passenger Celebrity Xpedition and 16-passenger Celebrity Xploration to Lindblad, where they will undergo extensive, multi-million dollar renovations. Despite this transition, Celebrity Flora, the cruise line’s newest 100-passenger ship, will remain with Celebrity Cruises, continuing to offer unforgettable voyages to the Galapagos Islands.
Strategic Fleet Optimization for Royal Caribbean Group
The sale of these ships is part of Royal Caribbean Group’s broader strategy to focus on modern, purpose-built vessels. A spokesperson from Royal Caribbean Group explained, “As we continue to optimize our fleet, we remain committed to the Galapagos Islands, offering sailings on Celebrity Flora and Silver Origin – two ships we’ve purposely built to sail in the archipelago year-round.” This strategic move represents less than 1% of the total capacity for Royal Caribbean Group, indicating a precise and calculated decision to enhance their offerings with more advanced ships.
Lindblad Expeditions: Expanding and Preserving
Sven-Olof Lindblad, Founder and CEO of Lindblad Expeditions, celebrated the acquisition, expressing enthusiasm for the expansion and the company’s commitment to responsible exploration. He stated, “By sourcing well-appointed vessels and onboarding the most experienced crew and staff who meet our exacting standards of responsible exploration, we’re able to transport guests from around the world to the iconic archipelago and help them understand the importance of protecting and preserving its wonders and wildlife, as a consequence of their personal experience.”
The new additions will double the size of Lindblad’s fleet, joining the 96-guest National Geographic Endeavor II and 48-guest National Geographic Islander II. Combined, these ships will offer over 100 Galapagos departures annually on six different itineraries, ranging from 7- to 16-day voyages. This significant expansion underscores Lindblad’s dedication to providing immersive and educational expeditions.
Continuing a Legacy of Ecotourism
Lindblad Expeditions has a rich history of pioneering ecotourism in the Galapagos. Sven-Olof Lindblad reminisced, “When my father, Lars-Eric Lindblad, led the first international citizen expedition to the Galapagos nearly 60 years ago, I don’t think he ever could have dreamed it would serve as the foundation for ecotourism in the archipelago and would be the catalyst for meaningful, positively impactful connections.” This legacy continues as Lindblad Expeditions commits to greater positive social impact, supporting conservation, education, and the creation of livelihoods in the Galapagos.
Options for Current Bookings on Celebrity Xpedition and Xploration
Guests booked on Celebrity Xpedition or Celebrity Xploration in 2025 have two options. They can choose another sailing aboard the same ship between October 5 and December 14, 2024, with a complimentary transfer to a similar or upgraded cabin. The price will be protected at the original rate or reduced to the current fare, ensuring guests receive the best possible value. Additionally, flights booked through Flights by Celebrity will be automatically adjusted, while those who made their own arrangements can receive reimbursement of up to $400 USD per person for non-refundable, pre-purchased change fees.
Alternatively, guests can move to Celebrity Flora, the first-ever ship built specifically for the Galapagos, at no extra cost. They must select a sailing departing on a similar weekend or within one week of their original departure date, with holiday sailings excluded unless originally booked on a holiday cruise. The original stateroom category price will be protected, excluding taxes, fees, and other non-cruise fare items.
Celebrity Cruises’ Commitment to the Galapagos
The departure of Celebrity Xpedition and Celebrity Xploration will reduce Celebrity’s fleet to 14 vessels. However, the Galapagos remains an important focus for the company, even though the majority of their fleet consists of larger ships designed for mainstream cruising experiences. Celebrity Flora and Silversea’s Silver Origin, both purpose-built for the Galapagos, exemplify Royal Caribbean Group’s dedication to this unique destination.
The Unique Experience of Celebrity Flora
Sailing onboard Celebrity Flora to the Galapagos offers a distinctive experience compared to traditional Celebrity cruises. Guests enjoy numerous inclusions, such as pre-cruise hotel stays, flights, beverages, shore excursions, and menus crafted by Michelin-star chefs. Every stateroom is a suite featuring Celebrity’s outward-facing concept, providing breathtaking views of the Galapagos’ stunning landscapes, ensuring guests don’t miss a moment of the region’s natural beauty.
With these strategic fleet changes and ongoing commitments, both Celebrity Cruises and Lindblad Expeditions are poised to enhance the Galapagos experience for travelers, offering unparalleled exploration and preservation of this remarkable archipelago.
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