Celebrity Cruises has announced the planned acquisition of Galápagos Islands tour operator Ocean Adventures and its two ships, the 48-guest ship Eclipse and the 16-guest catamaran Athala II. The move expands Celebrity Cruises’ guest capacity in the Galápagos by 65 per cent.
Ocean Adventures’ 64 permits will grow the Galápagos fleet capacity for Celebrity Cruises, which has operated the 100-guest Celebrity Xpedition for more than a decade.
The expanded lineup means travellers looking to experience the Galápagos Islands will be able to choose a ship whose size and intimacy suits their personal preference.
The unique range of ship sizes creates more opportunities for regular cruises, group bookings and custom charters. The ships’ smaller sizes – 100, 48 or 16 guests – will also present an intimate modern luxury experience.
The new ships also make possible distinctive itineraries that feature an expanded list of destinations for Celebrity Cruises – like Puerto Villamil, Darwin Bay, Black Turtle Cove, Chinese Hat Islet, and Wall of Tears.
Guests can choose from a number of immersive explorations of the local culture, including local hotel stays, encounters with local residents, and unique tours.
The fleet expansion also allows Celebrity Cruises’ guests to take advantage of new packages that celebrate the most breathtaking spots in Ecuador – such as the Andes Mountains – and Peru, where Machu Picchu and Amazon packages are enduringly popular.
The two vessels will join the Celebrity Cruises fleet in the spring of 2016, pending the closing of the acquisition deal. Until a January 2017 drydock, the ships will continue to offer the Ocean Adventures experience; after the refresh, the ships will sail as part of Celebrity Cruises’ fleet, and guests will enjoy Celebrity Cruises’ signature modern luxury elements.
