From Celebrity to Lindblad Expeditions / National Geographic: Galapagos Cruise Evolution
In a surprising move, Celebrity Cruises announced last month that they sold their 48-guest Celebrity Xpedition and 16-guest Celebrity Xploration catamaran to Lindblad Expeditions. The handover will occur in January 2025, with Lindblad retaining the current staff.
Celebrity Cruises' acquisition of Xpedition and Xploration years ago enabled their entry into the Galapagos. However, these older vessels didn't match Celebrity's premium brand, prompting them to build the luxury 100-guest Celebrity Flora in 2019.
This recent sale to Lindblad now enables Lindblad to grow its fleet and obtain sought-after Galapagos licenses and itineraries.
(left) National Geographic Gemini. Photo credit: Lindblad Expeditions
(right) National Geographic Delfina catamaran. Photo credit: Daniel Romagosa
After their scheduled multimillion-dollar refurbishments, the former Xploration will relaunch in February as the National Geographic Delfina and the former Xpedition will be reintroduced in March as the National Geographic Gemini. They will join Lindblad’s 48-guest National Geographic Islander II and 96-guest National Geographic Endeavor II in the Galapagos, a region in which Lindblad has spent nearly 60 years as an expedition leader.
With these acquisitions, Lindblad not only gained additional ships but also secured the coveted licenses and specific itineraries that come with them.
Traditional vs. Expedition Cruising in the Galapagos
Both traditional cruises with Celebrity and expedition cruises with Lindblad offer unique experiences.
In many parts of the world, there’s a significant contrast between the traditional cruise ships and expedition vessels navigating those waters. Traditional cruises prioritize onboard amenities and a robust link to port destinations. In contrast, expedition ships prioritize immersive educational experiences and environmental stewardship over lavish entertainment, multiple dining venues, and extensive lounge options typically found on traditional cruises.
In the Galapagos, the line between traditional and expedition cruises blurs because even "conventional" ships here were purpose-built. All vessels, including those sailing under Celebrity Cruises and Lindblad Expeditions, must follow strict regulations, usually voluntary for expeditions elsewhere. Both types offer immersive experiences focused on wildlife, plants, history, and hands-on education. Yet differences remain to be noted.
Glamping is a unique experience available on Celebrity Flora.
Celebrity Cruises:
Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Flora caters to seasoned cruisers seeking luxury and pampering amidst the Galapagos Islands' natural wonders. This 100-guest ship, the largest allowed in the region, is purpose-built for the best sailing in the area and for the best safety of the islands and surrounding waters and reefs.
She offers intimate, upscale experiences despite its size and features spacious suites with balconies, premium amenities, and personal attendants, Flora stands out with two restaurants and is the only ship in the world to offer an out-on-deck glamping option for a night. Its naturalist-guided programs enrich the exploration of the islands' wildlife and history.
Recognized as a "mega-yacht," Flora holds a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Rating, cementing its status as a pinnacle of luxury cruising melded seamlessly with authentic Galapagos expedition adventures.
Guests explore by standup paddleboard and kayak, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.
Photo Credits: Kyle Furey
Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic:
In 2004, Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic forged a partnership, combining Lindblad's expertise in expedition cruising with National Geographic's leadership in education and photography in the fields of wildlife, environment, culture, history, and science. Renowned National Geographic photographers not only photograph your entire trip but also teach photography to interested guests. Travelers can benefit from participating in exclusive National Geographic programs and get bragging rights for having been on one of their expeditions.
Lindblad's expedition ships are renowned for comfort, offering good food and staterooms, including suites on select vessels. With over 60 years of expedition cruising, Lindblad Expeditions has earned a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, immersive experiences. Ships like Delfina, Gemini, Islander II, and Endeavor II accommodate 16, 48 and 96 guests respectively, fostering a close-knit community atmosphere where "everybody knows your name," echoing the sentiment of "Cheers."
A highlight of Lindblad's offerings in the Galapagos is its National Geographic Global Explorers program for kids aged 18 and under. This engaging, hands-on educational program allows children to explore science, develop observation skills, and record wildlife sightings in their own field notebooks. All while enjoying water sports, the possibility of earning a Zodiac "driver's license," and experiences tailored to their interests.
Choosing the Right Cruise
I don’t believe there’s a bad choice; just that one may better fit your interests and vacation lifestyle.
Sometimes clients ask me what I would do. As with most of my answers, it depends on the stage of my life, what I want out of that trip, and who I’m traveling with.
If I was traveling alone or if my husband was still alive and we were traveling together, it would be Celebrity Flora. When I think back on raising our sons in a very animal-oriented environment, I would choose National Geographic Islander II or National Geographic Gemini for the kids’ programs.
Group Travel in the Galapagos
Groups can be done on ships of any size as is proven when we have ships accommodating thousands of people for charters. My agency has handled groups of up to 500. But we’re talking about the Galapagos.
I see groups easily being handled on all five of these ships with the two lines, depending on the group makeup. These could be groups of four cabins up to full ship charters.
But what’s really nice about those 48-guest ships and the 16-guest catamaran, Delfina, is their ability to be used exclusively for groups. Keep in mind that Delfina has just eight cabins. If your group is four cabins, you are half the ship. If you are eight cabins, you effectively have sole use of the ship as if you had your private, but planned program.
What types of groups would I expect to contact us for a Galapagos Cruise?
Extended family groups
Zoo and Aquarium groups wanting to run a membership immersion program
Conservation groups
University alumni associations
Corporate and incentive programs.
As you can see, there are terrific options from which to choose. We excel in working with our clients and group leaders to put together trips that best fit your interests and needs.
As a Galapagos cruise and cruise group specialist, I’m well established to help you plan that perfect trip, whether it’s your vacation, your family and friends group, or to make your organization shine when your corporate group’s needs are well taken care of.
Happy Traveling!
-Connie
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