Celebrity Cruises Galapagos expedition is shrinking their fleet and Lindblad Expedition is growing in a recently announced deal that will shake up who is the largest operator in the Galapagos islands.
The 48-guest Celebrity Xpedition and the 16-guest Celebrity Xploration will sail for Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic. Starting in 2025. Following the closing of the transaction in January 2025, the ships will undergo multi-million-dollar revitalizations. Once complete, the ships will embody the spirit of adventure and extreme comfort, both synonymous with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, and will celebrate the Company’s deep connection to the islands, Ecuador, and its people. Both ships will also get new names in the process.
The 2001 built Celebrity Xpedition features two dining venues and 24 outward-facing cabins, including 13 balcony suites with room for 48 guests. The Xpedition was originally the MS Sun Bay. Lindblad will be the third owner.
The new 2007-built Celebrity Xploration has eight cabins for just 16 guests. This is a small catamaran with 1 dining venue. Lindblad proposes the ship will be a great option for family vacations traveling as a group, affinity groups, or private charters.
Once these two ships are transferred to Lindblad National Geographic, Celebrity will be left with just 1 ship in the Galapagos. The newer 100 person Celebrity Flora. This ship is sister ship to the SilverSea Origin. Both boasting 50 staterooms and state of the art amenities.
Lindblad currently operates two ships in the Galapagos: the 96-guest National Geographic Endeavour II and 48-guest National Geographic Islander II. The ships offer six itineraries and 100-plus departures year-round. These two ships will continue to sail under the Lindblad National Geographic name.
The permits for landing sites will also be transferred to Lindblad and Lindblad will be able to host 208 guests across the 4 ships in 2025.
Lars-Eric Lindblad, led the first international citizen expedition to the Galápagos nearly 60 years ago. Now Lindblad is the largest operator of ships in the Galapagos. With a dedication to the people, preserving the culture, wildlife, and land; I cannot think of a better operator to experience the Galapagos with.
Bottom line
Celebrity Cruises is reducing their Galapagos Island fleet of ships and Lindblad will be expanding in 2025. If you’ve been considering a trip to the Galapagos, consider booking via Scott & Thomas Travel. I specialize in expedition travel and would love to help your family plan your trip. With access to the best deals, options and itinerary. I’m here to help. Email me today to secure your booking on Lindblad’s newest ships or one of the many other operators in the Galapagos such as Hurtigruten HX expeditions or others. There’s deal to be had, with some operators offering up to 25% off!
