The premium cruise company, owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., has acquired Ocean Adventures, while maintaining its strong commitment to sustainability in the area.
Celebrity Cruises, the premium cruise line of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., announces the acquisition of renowned tour operator Ocean Adventures and its two ships: the MV Eclipse, with a capacity for 48 guests, and the MC Athala II catamaran, with a capacity for 16 guests. This acquisition increases Celebrity Cruises' capacity in the Galapagos Islands by 65%.
Ocean Adventures' 64 berths expand Celebrity's fleet in the Galapagos, where the company has been operating the Celebrity Xpedition, with a capacity for 100 guests, for over a decade.
“Our guests use the most amazing words to describe their trips to the Galapagos Islands,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. “They tell us it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, breathtaking, even life-changing. That’s why we’ve invested in the wonderful Celebrity Xpedition experience, and we’re thrilled to expand our Galapagos program with these two ships, which will allow for a more personalized experience and create memories that will last a lifetime for our guests.”.
The features of these types of ships will facilitate regular cruises, group bookings, and customized itineraries. Smaller ships (100, 48, or 16 feet) will also allow for an exceptionally intimate, modern luxury experience.
“Our unique Galapagos fleet will offer an up-close look at the region’s stunning natural beauty, along with Celebrity’s highly personalized service and renowned cuisine,” Lutoff-Perlo continued.
The new ships will make it possible to take new routes that expand the list of Celebrity Cruises destinations, such as Puerto Villamil, Darwin Bay, the Black Turtle Cove, the Chinese Hat Islet and the Wall of Tears.
The two ships will join the Celebrity Cruises fleet in spring 2016 following the completion of the transaction. They will continue operating with Ocean Adventures until January 2017, and after their refurbishment, they will sail as part of the Celebrity Cruises fleet, with passengers enjoying the modern luxury features characteristic of the Celebrity brand. Reservations made to date with Ocean Adventures will remain unchanged, both before and after the refurbishment.
Ben Dod, President of Ocean Adventures, stated, “After 16 years as one of the leading operators in the Galapagos Islands, we are proud to have attracted the attention of a global cruise company like Celebrity Cruises and to be part of their expansion plans in the area. The MV Eclipse and the MC Athala II are best-in-class, and we are delighted that both ships continue to maintain their unparalleled level of service.”
Protection and Preservation
As part of its commitment to the Galapagos Islands, Celebrity will rigorously follow the guidelines of local authorities to protect the ecosystem of the Ecuadorian archipelago, including its rich variety of flora and fauna, such as giant tortoises, prehistoric iguanas, and blue-footed boobies.
