Lindblad Expeditions Acquires Two Ships from Celebrity Cruises to Enhance Galápagos Offerings

Lindblad Expeditions has announced the expansion of its fleet with the acquisition of two ships from Celebrity Cruises, slated to serve travelers in the Galápagos Islands. The ships, currently known as Celebrity Xpedition and Celebrity Xploration, will undergo renaming and refurbishing before they rejoin the fleet for cruises set to commence early next year.

Celebrity Xpedition, capable of hosting up to 48 guests in 24 outward-facing cabins, and the smaller Celebrity Xploration, which accommodates 16 guests in eight cabins, are expected to enhance Lindblad’s capacity to offer personalized and immersive experiences in the Galápagos. Particularly, the Celebrity Xploration is seen as ideal for private charters, affinity groups, or family buyouts.

Sven-Oloz Lindblad, founder and CEO of Lindblad Expeditions, emphasized the commitment to responsible exploration, stating, “By sourcing well-appointed vessels and onboarding the most experienced crew and staff who meet our exacting standards, 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.”

The acquisition is poised to be finalized in January, further solidifying Lindblad’s presence in the Galápagos, a region where they have been a pioneering operator since 1967. Lindblad currently operates two ships in the area—the 96-guest National Geographic Endeavour II and the 48-guest National Geographic Islander II—offering six unique itineraries with more than 100 year-round departures.

Following the transaction, Celebrity Cruises will continue to operate in the Galápagos with the 100-guest Celebrity Flora, launched in 2019. Additionally, Celebrity’s sister brand, Silversea Cruises, maintains a presence in the region with the 100-guest Silver Origin, ensuring a continued commitment to exploring the Galápagos Islands.

This strategic move by Lindblad Expeditions marks a significant investment in enhancing and diversifying its offerings in one of the world’s most treasured natural destinations, promising an even richer experience for future guests.