Celebrity Cruises Launches New Ship Designed for Galapagos

i By April 23, 2019 No Comments

Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Cruises’ new 100-passenger ship purpose-built for the Galapagos Islands, will make her first sailing from Baltra Island, Ecuador on May 26, 2019.

“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!”

“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 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.”

(Top of page) Bird’s-eye view of Celebrity Flora. (Gallery) 1. The Marina (rendering) is the primary point of access to the ship  2. The Vista: Open-air hideaway with jacuzzi, cocoon-style loungers and private cabanas. 3. Glamping in the Galapagos: Guests can opt to spend a night under the stars. 4. Flora Sky Suite with Traditional Verandah. 5. Premier Sky Suite with Infinite Verandah. 6. Bedroom, Flora Penthouse Two. 7. Indoor living area, Flora Penthouse One. All images courtesy of Celebrity Cruises.

Celebrity Flora is one of the most energy-efficient ships in its class. Thanks to the introduction of an advanced propulsion system, hull configuration and specially-designed diesel engines, she uses 15 per cent less fuel and equivalently fewer air emissions. A dynamic positioning system allows the ship to stay in position without dropping anchor and damaging the sea floor, while zero speed stabilizers guarantee smooth sailing.

Additional sustainability initiatives include in-room water filtration systems; a system that converts seawater and air conditioning condensation into fresh water; and a strict waste management program.

Life on OnBoard

The all-suite ship has 50 staterooms: two Penthouse Suites; two Royal Suites; one Ultimate Sky Suite with Infinite Veranda; seven Premium Sky Suites with Infinite Veranda; 16 Sky Suites with Infinite Veranda; and 22 Sky Suites with Traditional Veranda. Amenities and services, for all suites, include a personal suite attendant; full in-suite breakfast, lunch and dinner service; and unlimited WiFi access.

All of the suites have oversized bathrooms and outward-facing layouts so guests can enjoy the beauty of the Galapagos at all times. The two Penthouse Suites have separate indoor and outdoor living areas, customizable lighting and shades, and a telescope for stargazing or sea lion watching.

In addition to in-room dining, guests can enjoy meals in the ship’s two restaurants. The upscale casual Seaside Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. It features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views. The Ocean Grill is an outdoor casual dining space.

The ship also has a number of unique public spaces, including:

  • Discovery Lounge: The venue where the ship’s Naturalists brief guests on activities, excursions, flora and fauna, and more.
  • The Vista: An open-air hideaway with jacuzzi, cocoon-style loungers and private cabanas.
  • Observatory: Home to the ship’s library, this space is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows.
  • Darwin’s Cove: Guest relations area on Deck 3.
  • Stargazing Deck: Located on Deck 8, this space offers unobstructed views of the islands by day and the stars at night.
  • Sunset Lounge: Intimate outdoor area with eco-conscious furniture, including chaise lounges and tables, and a plunge pool.
  • The Marina: Located on Deck 3, this is the primary point of access to the ship.