Lindblad Expeditions to Acquire Two Galápagos Expedition Vessels from Celebrity Cruises

Lindblad Expeditions has announced that it will acquire Celebrity Xpedition and Celebrity Xploration from Celebrity Cruises. The two purpose-built Galápagos expedition vessels will now become a part of 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.”

Lindblad 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.”

The first of the two new ships, formerly Celebrity Xpedition, is a 48-guest vessel with two unique dining venues. It offers 24 outward-facing cabins, including 13 balcony suites. 

The second vessel, formerly Celebrity Xploration, is a 16-guest, eight-cabin catamaran. 

The acquisition of these vessels by Lindblad Expeditions will take place in January 2025. Following, the ships will undergo multi-million-dollar revitalizations. 

Lindblad Expeditions is a leader and pioneer of modern expedition cruising in the Galápagos since leading the first-ever non-scientific international civilian expedition to the region in 1967. The company currently operates two ships in the region - National Geographic Endeavour II and National Geographic Islander II.  The addition of the 48-guest and 16-guest ships will double the size of the Lindblad’s Galápagos fleet. The names of the two Lindblad Expeditions ships will be revealed as well as booking details later from the cruise line. 

Celebrity Cruises has announced that all sailings scheduled to take place onboard the vessels between January - December 2025 are now canceled. The two vessels will sail under the Celebrity Cruises name through December 28, 2024. The cruise line continues to operate Galapagos Island cruises on Celebrity Flora year-round. 

Latest Update: July 1, 2024

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