Lindblad Expeditions, the renowned adventure and expedition cruise line, has acquired two purpose-built Galápagos expedition vessels. The 48-guest Celebrity Xpedition and the 16-guest Celebrity Xploration will join the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet.
“We recognize and appreciate the immense privilege our Company has to operate and grow our expedition cruise offerings in the Galápagos Islands,” said Sven-Olof Lindblad, Founder and CEO of Lindblad Expeditions. “By sourcing well-appointed vessels and onboarding the most experienced crew and staff who meet our exacting standards of responsible exploration, we’re able to transport guests from around the world to the iconic archipelago and help them understand the importance of protecting and preserving its wonders and wildlife, as a consequence of their personal experience.”
He continued: “When my father, Lars-Eric Lindblad, led the first international citizen expedition to the Galápagos nearly 60 years ago, I don’t think he ever could have dreamed it would serve as the foundation for ecotourism in the archipelago and would be the catalyst for meaningful, positively impactful connections. We look forward to not only bringing more Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic guests to the islands with the growth of our fleet, but also to having a greater positive social impact supporting conservation, education and the creation of livelihoods.”
This acquisition will leave Celebrity Cruises with just one ship in the Galapagos, the 100-guest Celebrity Flora.
Celebrity Xploration and Celebrity Xpedition will set sail from Baltra for their final time as part of the Celebrity Cruises fleet on December 28, 2024.
Baltra Island is the starting point for cruises to the Galapagos, an island chain roughly 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, known for its unique wildlife observed by Charles Darwin.
Lindblad Expeditions plans to renovate both ships before integrating them into its fleet. The Celebrity Xpedition, in service since 2001, features two restaurants and and 24 outward-facing cabins, including 13 balcony suites. The Celebrity Xploration, launched in 2007, is a 16-guest, eight-cabin catamaran perfect for family vacations, affinity groups, and private charters.. Both ships will be renamed, and bookings are expected to open under the Lindblad Expedition brand in a few weeks.
Currently, Lindblad operates the 96-guest National Geographic Endeavour II and the 48-guest National Geographic Islander II year-round in the Galapagos.