MIAMI, March 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrity Cruises
announced the planned acquisition of award-winning Galápagos
Islands tour operator Ocean Adventures and its two ships, the
48-guest ship M/V Eclipse and the 16-guest catamaran M/C
Athala II. The move expands Celebrity's guest capacity in the
Galápagos by 65 percent.
Ocean Adventures' 64 permits will grow the Galápagos fleet
capacity for Celebrity, which has operated the 100-guest
Celebrity Xpedition for more than a decade.
The expanded lineup means modern luxury travelers looking to
experience the Galápagos Islands will be able to choose a ship
whose size and intimacy suits their personal preference.
"Our guests use the most amazing words to describe their
journeys to the Galapágos Islands, said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President & CEO,
Celebrity Cruises. "They tell us the experience is 'once in a
lifetime,' 'awe-inspiring,' even 'life-changing.' That's why
we've made Celebrity Xpedition such a special experience,
and why we are thrilled to expand our Galápagos program with these
two intimate ships. We want to make more lifetime memories."
New choices, greater intimacy – and more
destinations
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 exceptionally intimate modern luxury
experience.
"Our unique Galapagos fleet will offer an up-close look at the
region's breathtaking natural beauty, paired with Celebrity's
highly intuitive service and award-winning cuisine," Lutoff-Perlo
said.
The new ships also make possible distinctive itineraries that
feature an expanded list of destinations for Celebrity – 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's 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's signature modern luxury elements.
All existing Ocean Adventures' bookings and reservation commitments
will remain unchanged, both before and after the drydock.
Ben Dod, President of Ocean Adventures, said, "After 16 years of
building Ocean Adventures into the one of the leading operators in
the Galapagos Islands, we are proud to have caught the attention of
a world-class cruise company like Celebrity and proud to be part of
their ambitious plans to expand in the region. The MV Eclipse and
MC Athala II are the best vessels in their class and we are
delighted that both ships will continue to deliver an unequalled
level of service and experience to guests."
Protection and preservation
As part of its commitment
to the Galápagos Islands, Celebrity rigorously follows guidelines
set by local authorities to protect the assets of the Ecuadorian
archipelago, including the robust kaleidoscope of flora and fauna
found there, like giant tortoises, prehistoric iguanas and
blue-footed boobies.
"The most extraordinary part of a Galápagos journey is truly the
destination, which is one of the most important environmental
places in the world," Lutoff-Perlo said. "It is our obligation to
protect this sensitive and beautiful place, and to educate our
guests about its amazing qualities. Permits to sail these waters
are carefully rationed, and we are committed to doing our part to
protect these islands for future generations."
As part of RCL's global commitment to help ensure the long-term
health of the oceans and the destinations its ships visit,
Celebrity has had a longtime commitment to conservation work to
help preserve and protect the natural and cultural resources in the
Galápagos Islands. Past and current projects include a
reforestation effort in Galápagos National Park, programs to give
residents access to medical care, agricultural development, and
support for local fishing families.
The acquisition of Ocean Adventures is subject to customary
closing conditions.
About Celebrity Cruises:
Celebrity Cruises' iconic "X"
is the mark of modern luxury, with its cool, contemporary design
and warm spaces; dining experiences where the design of the venues
is as important as the cuisine; and the amazing service that only
Celebrity can provide, all created to provide an unmatchable
experience for vacationers' precious time. Celebrity Cruises' 10
ships offer modern luxury vacations visiting all seven continents.
Celebrity also presents immersive cruisetour experiences in
Alaska and Canada. Celebrity is one of six cruise brands
operated by global cruise vacation company Royal Caribbean Cruises
Ltd. (NYSE, OSE: RCL). For more information, dial 1-800-437-3111,
visit www.celebritycruises.com, or call your travel agent.
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SOURCE Celebrity Cruises