Ocean Adventures

Celebrity Cruises to Increase Galapagos Sailings with Purchase of Two Ships- Mar. 14, 2016

Celebrity Cruises to Increase Galapagos Sailings with Purchase of Two Ships

Cruise News – Mar. 14, 2016

Celebrity Cruises has announced the planned acquisition of award-winning Galápagos Islands tour operator Ocean Adventures and its two ships, the 48-guest ship M/V Eclipse and the 16-guest catamaran M/C Athala II. The move expands Celebrity’s guest capacity in the Galápagos by 65 percent.

Ocean Adventures’ 64 permits will grow the Galápagos fleet capacity for Celebrity, which has operated the 100-guest Celebrity Xpedition for more than a decade. The expanded lineup means travelers looking to experience the Galápagos Islands will be able to choose a ship whose size and intimacy suits their preference.

“[Our guests] tell us the experience is ‘once in a lifetime,’ ‘awe-inspiring,’ even ‘life-changing,’” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “That’s why we’ve made Celebrity Xpedition such a special experience, and why we are thrilled to expand our Galápagos program with these two intimate ships. We want to make more lifetime memories.”

The range of ship sizes — 100, 48, or 16 guests — creates more opportunities for regular cruises, group bookings, and custom charters. They also make possible distinctive itineraries that feature an expanded list of destinations for Celebrity such as Puerto Villamil, Darwin Bay, Black Turtle Cove, Chinese Hat Islet, and Wall of Tears.

Guests can choose from a number of immersive explorations of the local culture, including local hotel stays, encounters with local residents, and unique tours. The fleet expansion also allows Celebrity’s guests to take advantage of new packages that celebrate sites in Ecuador — such as the Andes Mountains — and Peru, for popular Machu Picchu and Amazon packages. 

The two vessels will join the Celebrity fleet in spring 2016, pending the closing of the acquisition deal. Until a January 2017 drydock, the ships will continue to offer the Ocean Adventures experience; after the refresh, the ships will sail as part of Celebrity’s fleet. All existing Ocean Adventures’ bookings and reservation commitments will remain unchanged, both before and after the drydock.

In addition, as part of its commitment to the Galápagos Islands, Celebrity rigorously follows guidelines set by local authorities to protect the assets of the Ecuadorian archipelago including its flora, fauna, and wildlife.

“The most extraordinary part of a Galápagos journey is truly the destination, which is one of the most important environmental places in the world,” said Lutoff-Perlo. “It is our obligation to protect this sensitive and beautiful place, and to educate our guests about its amazing qualities. Permits to sail these waters are carefully rationed, and we are committed to doing our part to protect these islands for future generations.”

As party of Celebrity’s commitment to conservation and preservation work, past and current projects include a reforestation effort in Galápagos National Park, programs to give residents access to medical care, agricultural development, and support for local fishing families.


 


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