Celebrity Cruises unveils new ship for Galapagos Islands

Celebrity Cruises has unveiled its newest cruise ship, Celebrity Flora, designed specifically to travel around the Galapagos Islands.

The 100-guest energy-efficient vessel features anchorless technology to protect the delicate sea floor and the wildlife that inhabits it.

Featuring an outward-facing window design, Celebrity Flora brings guests closer to this typically remote destination. Educational, research-based programming gives travellers an opportunity to continue learning about the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands.

“Celebrity Flora marks another example of our revolutionary ship design by allowing the destination and its environment to influence every decision we’ve made,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “From the luxurious all-suite accommodations to industry-first, eco-friendly innovations, we created a ship that brings a new level of luxury, sustainability and natural exploration to the region. Guests will feel as though they’re boarding a high-end yacht for a week of unparalleled adventures, and they are!”

“We are very pleased with the announcement of Celebrity Cruises’ decision to build a cruise vessel with cutting-edge technology, designed specifically to operate around our wonderful islands,” said Enrique Ponce de León, Ecuador's minister of tourism. “Celebrity Flora will undoubtedly mark a very important milestone in the tourism development of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, offering high quality and sustainable tourism.”

Darwin's Cove and the Naturalist Centre provide information on the destination, wildlife and environmental efforts, while the Discovery Lounge will feature Naturalist presentations and excursion information. Guests can participate in guided astronomy tours or enjoy star-lit skies the Stargazing Platform.

Celebrity Flora’s interiors, designed entirely by BG Studios, feature all-suite accommodations with oversized bathrooms and are made from sustainable, natural, regionally inspired materials.

The two Penthouse Suites are the largest in the Galapagos with separate indoor and outdoor living areas, customisable lighting and shades, and a telescope for stargazing or observing wildlife.

The ship will use 15% less fuel and equivalently fewer air emissions due to an advanced propulsion system, hull configuration and specially designed diesel engines.

Celebrity will reduce the need for plastics onboard by introducing in-room water filtration stations and by converting sea water and air conditioning condensation into fresh water.

“I think this is a clear example of an intelligent investment, not only because the boat design was thought with the characteristics of the Galapagos, but because it is based on the best technology available to protect a Natural Heritage of Humanity,” said Walter Bustos, director of Galapagos National Park. “This proposal is a mix of experiences and education so that each visitor returns to their country with a different mindset, more committed to the conservation of the environment, which is one of the objectives of the Galapagos National Park.”