Lindblad Expeditions Christens Two New Ships in Galápagos
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic celebrated the christening of its two newest ships in the Galápagos Islands with a fleet-wide gathering in Academy Bay, off Santa Cruz Island. The event brought together four of the company’s vessels—National Geographic Delfina, National Geographic Gemini, National Geographic Islander II, and National Geographic Endeavour II—for a rare moment of unity in the archipelago.
The formal christening ceremony for National Geographic Delfina and National Geographic Gemini took place the following day, honoring both the ships and the multigenerational Galápagos community. Shipboard team members and their children participated in the bottle-breaking tradition alongside Lindblad Expeditions executives, local officials, and longtime residents.
“Having the multigenerational community join our team members and their families to help name National Geographic Gemini and National Geographic Delfina is far more than a ceremonial moment—it’s a celebration of our deep and lasting connection to this extraordinary place and its people,” said Natalya Leahy, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.
The two new vessels officially joined the Galápagos fleet earlier in 2024 after Lindblad acquired them—formerly the Celebrity Xpedition and Celebrity Xploration—from Celebrity Cruises. National Geographic Delfina accommodates 16 guests, while National Geographic Gemini welcomes 48, both offering immersive expedition experiences with expert guides and naturalists.
Lindblad Expeditions has a long legacy in the Galápagos, having launched the first non-scientific international civilian expedition to the region in 1967. The addition of Delfina and Gemini reinforces the company’s continued commitment to conservation and community in the islands.
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