Celebrity to Launch New, All-Suite Galapagos Ship: The Celebrity Flora

Celebrity Cruises has announced plans for a new cruise ship to sail in the Galapagos Islands: the Celebrity Flora.

The Celebrity Flora will be a newbuild, being constructed in the Netherlands by DeHoop, a cruise line representative tells Travel Agent. The ship will be designed especially for Galapagos Islands itineraries, including a number of features aimed at enhancing energy efficiency, seamless sea-to-shore transportation and anchorless technology that matinains the ship’s position while protecting the sensitive sea floor. The 100-guest, all-suite ship will also have an outward-facing design to give guests 360-degree views of the islands, as well as personal suite attendants, new dining venues, an open-air stargazing platform, and expert-led ecological seminars.

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, Celebrity said. While onboard guests can 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 breathtaking surroundings in the floor-to-ceiling glass-wrapped Observatory.

Darwin’s Cove and the Naturalist Center provide a bounty of information on the destination, wildlife and environmental efforts, while the Discovery Lounge will be home to 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.

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 opt for an in-room dining experience.

Accommodations will be all-suite, with oversized bathrooms, outward-facing layouts and Infinite Verandas. The suites will be built with sustainable, natural and regionally inspired materials, Celebrity said. The two Penthouse Suites will have separate indoor and outdoor living areas, customizable lighting and shades, and a telescope for stargazing or sea lion-peeping. Other suite categories will include Royal Suites, Ultimate Sky Suites with Infinite Veranda, Premium Sky Suites with Infinite Veranda and Sky Suites with Infinite Veranda.

An advanced propulsion system, hull configuration and specifically designed diesel engines will allow for a 15 percent reduction in fuel consumption, Celebrity said. A dynamic positioning system will allow the ship to stay in position without physically anchoring and damaging the sea floor, while zero speed stabilizers will aim to provide smooth sailing throughout.

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 pure, fresh water. Any materials that can be recycled, reused or donated will be as part of a strict waste management system, the cruise line said.

Celebrity Flora will sail from Baltra year-round on alternating seven-night inner and outer loop itineraries, making its first sailing on May 26, 2019. Bookings are now open at www.celebritycruises.com/galapagos/ships/celebrity-flora.

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