Celebrity Cruises unveils another revolution in ship design, announcing Celebrity Flora, designed expressly for the Galapagos Islands, launching May 2019.
One of the most energy-efficient ships of its size sailing the Galapagos[1], the 100-guest Celebrity Flora will offer seamless sea-to-shore transportation, and includes anchorless technology – maintaining the ship’s position while protecting the sensitive sea floor. Innovative outward-facing design gives guests 360-degree views of the islands, while an open-air stargazing platform, personal suite attendants, new dining venues, and expert-lead ecological seminars will round out the modern luxury vacation experience.
“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!”
“We are very pleased with the announcement of Celebrity Cruises decision to build a cruise vessel with cutting-edge technology, designed specifically to operate around our wonderful islands,” said Enrique Ponce de León, Ecuador’s Minister of Tourism. “Celebrity Flora will undoubtedly mark a very important milestone in the tourism development of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, offering high quality and sustainable tourism.”
Designed with the Destination in Mind:
Natural beauty, along with the diversity and uniqueness of its species earned the Galapagos Islands the reputation as a living laboratory of evolution still in progress.
Featuring Celebrity’s signature outward-facing design, Celebrity Flora virtually erases boundaries and brings this typically remote destination closer to guests. Educational, research-based programming gives travellers an opportunity to continue learning about the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands.
The Marina is the primary point of access to the ship and can accommodate up to three Zodiac boats at once, reducing transport time to and from land. Onboard guests, can unwind in the Sunset Lounge, find solace in The Vista, an open-air hideaway with 360-degree views, cocoon-style loungers and private cabanas, and enjoy the surrounds in the floor-to-ceiling glass-wrapped Observatory.
Darwin’s Cove and the Naturalist Center provide in-depth information on the destination, wildlife and environmental efforts, while the Discovery Lounge will be home to Naturalist presentations and excursion information. Guests can participate in a guided astronomy tour or enjoy star-lit skies on their own from the Stargazing Platform.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily in the Seaside Restaurant. The Ocean Grill offers a casual dining space, panoramic views and Dinner Under the Stars, or guests can opt for an in-room dining experience.
Sophisticated Accommodations, Attentive Service:
Celebrity Flora features all-suite accommodations with oversized bathrooms. These modern retreats bring the outside in through Celebrity’s signature outward-facing layouts and Infinite Verandas, and come complete with sustainable, natural and regionally-inspired materials. Personal suite attendants cater to guests’ every need.
Celebrity Flora’s two Penthouse Suites are the largest in the Galapagos with separate indoor and outdoor living areas, customizable lighting and shades, and a telescope for stargazing or sea lion-peeping. Guests can also find relaxation in Royal Suites, Ultimate Sky Suites with Infinite Veranda, Premium Sky Suites with Infinite Veranda and Sky Suites with Infinite Veranda.
Environmental Stewardship and Innovation:
Celebrity Flora is one of the most energy-efficient ships in its class. An advanced propulsion system, hull configuration and specially designed diesel engines result in a 15 percent reduction of fuel consumption and equivalently fewer air emissions[2]. Two more firsts in the Galapagos, Celebrity Flora’s positioning system allows the ship to stay in position without physically anchoring and damaging the sea floor, while zero speed stabilizers promising smooth sailing throughout.
Celebrity will reduce the need for plastics onboard by introducing in-room water filtration stations and by converting sea water and air conditioning condensation into pure, fresh water. Any materials that can be recycled, reused or donated will be as part of a strict waste management system.
“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 available 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.”
Experience the Evolution of Travel in the Galapagos:
Celebrity Flora will sail from Baltra year-round, making her first sailing on 26 May 2019.
Bookings are now open at www.celebritycruises.com/galapagos/ships/celebrity-flora or through a travel agent, for the ship’s alternating seven-night inner and outer loop itineraries.
SOURCE: Celebrity Cruises