Celebrity Cruises’ first ship dedicated exclusively to the Galapagos, Celebrity Flora, is celebrating its fifth anniversary this month.
The 100-passenger vessel, built at De Hoop shipyard in the Netherlands, was delivered to the company on May 13, 2019.
Celebrity Flora set off on its maiden voyage to the Galapagos Islands on June 30, 2019, after crossing the Atlantic Ocean empty.
The ship had been christened a few days earlier, on June 24, in a ceremony held on the island of Baltra. Yolanda Kakabadze, former president of the World Wildlife Fund, was chosen as Celebrity Flora’s godmother.
According to Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Flora was custom built for expeditions to the Galapagos Islands.
According to the company, the ship’s interiors will be inspired by the Ecuadorian archipelago, with a variety of natural materials and luxurious amenities including cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients by Michelin-starred chefs.
Celebrity Flora also features the latest environmental technology to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, Celebrity says.
The 5,000-ton ship, which replaces the Celebrity Experience, now operates year-round in the Galapagos Islands.
The one-week itinerary starts from Baltra and visits a variety of islands, including Española, Floreana, Isabela, Santa Cruz, San Salvador, Rabida and Fernandina.
With multiple ports of call per day, itineraries include sailing to Gardner Bay, Bahia Post Office, Punta Vicente Roca, South Plaza and more.
Celebrity says the voyage will offer a once-in-a-lifetime adventure as guests follow in Darwin’s footsteps with the help of a certified naturalist guide.
The Galapagos Islands itinerary also includes daily briefings, unlimited Wi-Fi, an unlimited drinks package, and all meals on board, plus two land tours per day.
In addition to Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Exploration and Celebrity Expeditions also sail to the Galapagos Islands year-round.