Celebrity Cruises is planning to up its Galapagos Islands guest capacity by 65 percent with the acquisition of the award-winning Galapagos Islands tour operator Ocean Adventures and its two ships, the 48-passenger M/V Eclipse and the 16-passenger catamaran M/C Athala II. After the acquisition, Celebrity Cruises, which has operated in the Galapagos with its the 100-passenger Celebrity Xpedition for more than a decade, will obtain 64 additional permits, expanding its luxury ship lineup to provide guests with more intimate vessels to explore this unique region. Not only will Celebrity’s range of ships create more opportunities for regular cruises, group bookings and custom charters, but it will also increase guests’ options of Ecuador packages and itineraries to Celebrity’s expanded list of destinations, including Puerto Villamil, Darwim Bay, Black Turtle Cove, Chinese Hat Islet and the Wall of Tears.
Each itinerary features immersive excursions highlighting the area’s local culture through local hotel stays, encounters with local residents and unique tours. The M/V Eclipse and the M/C Athala II are expected to join Celebrity’s fleet this spring and will sail in January 2017 after some refurbishments. As part of Celebrity’s commitment to the Galapagos Islands, the cruise line participates in conservation efforts to preserve and protect the Galapagos Islands through projects, including a reforestation effort in Galapagos National Park, programs to give residents access to medical care, agricultural development and support for local fishing families. For more information, call (800) 437-3111 or visit celebritycruises.com.
