Celebrity Flora to Cruise Galapagos
The natural beauty of the Galapagos islands, the diversity and uniqueness of the species that it harbours have earned this archipelago the reputation of being a living laboratory of evolutionary processes still in progress.
Its remote location has allowed for the development of a large number of flora and fauna that do not exist anywhere else in the world, making it a very unique place of global importance for the common heritage of humanity.
This fragile environment is under threat from an influx of tourists on board ships that are forever getting larger.
Celebrity Cruises have announced the building of a new ship waters and have designed her with the fragility of destination in mind. Designed specifically to operate around the islands, the new small boutique cruise ship marks an important milestone in the tourism development of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, with its aim of offering high quality and sustainable tourism.”
Celebrity Flora will brings a new level of luxury, sustainability and natural exploration to the region. The company intends that passengers will feel as though they’re boarding a superyacht for a week of unparalleled adventures.
One of the most energy-efficient ship of its size in the diverse archipelago, the 100-guest Celebrity Flora will offer seamless sea-to-shore transportation, and includes a dynamic positioning system that allows the ship to stay in position without physically anchoring or damaging the sea bed and coral reefs, with zero speed stabilisers promising smooth passage when stopped and underway.
Environmental Stewardship and Innovation:
Celebrity Flora will be one of the most energy-efficient ships in its class, with a 15 per cent reduction of fuel consumption and equivalently fewer air emissions, thanks to the introduction of an advanced propulsion system, hull configuration and specially designed diesel engines.
Celebrity Cruises will reduce the need for plastics on-board by introducing in-room water filtration stations and by converting sea water and air conditioning condensation into pure, fresh water. Any materials that can be recycled, reused or donated will be as part of a strict waste management system.
Outward-facing window design gives guests 360-degree views of the islands, while personal suite attendants, new dining venues, an open-air stargazing platform, and expert-lead ecological seminars will round out the holiday experience.
Educational, research-based programming gives travellers an opportunity to continue learning about the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands.
The Marina is the primary point of access to the ship and can accommodate up to three Zodiacs at once, reducing transport time to and from land and allowing more time for guests to explore the practically untouched islands. While on-board guests will unwind in the Sunset Lounge, find solace in The Vista, an open-air hideaway with 360-degree views, cocoon-style loungers and private cabanas, and enjoy the breath-taking surrounds in the floor-to-ceiling glass-wrapped Observatory.
Darwin’s Cove and the Naturalist Centre provide a bounty of information on the destination, wildlife and environmental efforts, while the Discovery Lounge and will be home to expert naturalist presentations and excursion information.
Guests can participate in a guided astronomy tour or enjoy star-lit skies on their own from the Stargazing Platform and even, if they wish to, sleep on deck under the stars in what Celebrity call Galapagos Glamping.
On each cruise Four star-struck guests per night will be able to book the upper deck to experience and participate in this one-night-only adventure.
The reservations include two luxuriously inviting cabanas, one fitted with a double bed for sleeping, and the other for enjoying an alfresco meal.
Galapagos Glamping was created to break down the walls and bring guests closer than ever to this stunning destination. To help guests fully appreciate the breathtaking views this experience offers, the on board naturalist will also be available to highlight the stars and constellations visible from this region of the world directly from the cabana seats.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily in the Seaside Restaurant. The Ocean Grill offers a casual dining space, panoramic views and Dinner Under the Stars, or guests can choose from an indulgent in-room dining experience.
Celebrity Flora transports travellers in all-suite accommodations featuring oversized bathrooms perfect for post-adventure refreshing. These modern retreats bring the outside in through Celebrity Cruises’ signature outward-facing layouts and heralded Infinite Verandas, and come complete with sustainable, natural, regionally inspired materials. Personal suite attendants cater to guests’ every need.
Celebrity Flora’s two Penthouse Suites are the largest in the Galapagos with separate indoor and outdoor living areas, customisable lighting and blinds, and a telescope for stargazing or sea lion-peeping. Guests can also find relaxation in Royal Suites, Ultimate Sky Suites with Infinite Veranda, Premium Sky Suites with Infinite Veranda and Sky Suites with Infinite Veranda.
Celebrity Flora will sail from Baltra year-round offering two 7 night itineraries, making her first sailing on 26 May 2019.
Each of these itineraries can be complimented with 10, 11 or 15 night packages including pre and post cruise tours in Quito, the capital of Ecuador and to Machu Picchu in Peru.