If you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience, you should consider booking a Galapagos cruise with Celebrity Cruises. The Galapagos Islands are a group of volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean, about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. They are home to some of the most diverse and endemic wildlife in the world, such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and penguins. The islands are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biosphere reserve, which means they are protected and preserved for future generations.
Celebrity Cruises is one of the leading cruise lines that offer Galapagos cruises, with over 15 years of experience and expertise in the region. They have a fleet of four luxury ships that are specially designed and equipped for the Galapagos environment, offering unparalleled comfort, service, and amenities. They also have a team of certified naturalists and guides who will accompany you on every excursion and share their knowledge and passion for the islands. With Celebrity Cruises, you can enjoy a personalized and immersive Galapagos experience that will exceed your expectations.
In this blog post, we will show you how to plan your dream Galapagos cruise with Celebrity Cruises, from choosing the right ship and itinerary, to preparing for your trip, to making the most of your time on the islands.
Choosing the Right Ship and Itinerary
Celebrity Cruises has four ships that sail to the Galapagos: Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Xpedition, Celebrity Xploration, and Celebrity Xperience. Each ship has its own features and advantages, and offers different itineraries and destinations. Here is a brief overview of each ship and what they have to offer:
Celebrity Flora
Is the newest and most innovative ship in the fleet, launched in 2019. It is the first ship in the industry to be built specifically for the Galapagos, with cutting-edge technology and sustainability features. And, it can accommodate up to 100 guests in spacious and elegant suites, with floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, and personal attendants. It also has a state-of-the-art observatory, a discovery lounge, a marina, and a glamping experience on the top deck. Celebrity Flora offers two 7-night itineraries that cover the northern or southern loop of the islands, with daily excursions and activities.
Celebrity Xpedition
Is the flagship of the fleet, and the most popular choice for Galapagos cruises. It can accommodate up to 100 guests in comfortable and cozy cabins, with ocean views, balconies, and room service. It also has a panoramic lounge, a library, a fitness center, a spa, and a hot tub. Celebrity Xpedition offers three itineraries that range from 7 to 15 nights, and visit the most iconic and diverse islands of the archipelago, such as Isabela, Fernandina, Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, and Espanola. You can expect to see amazing wildlife, such as sea lions, flamingos, albatrosses, and Darwin’s finches, as well as stunning landscapes, such as volcanoes, lava fields, and beaches.
Celebrity Xploration
Is a small and intimate ship that can accommodate up to 16 guests in eight spacious and luxurious cabins, with ocean views, balconies, and room service. It also has a sun deck, a jacuzzi, a bar, and a dining room. Celebrity Xploration offers a 7-night itinerary that visits the central and northern islands of the Galapagos, such as Santa Fe, Genovesa, Santiago, and Bartolome. You can enjoy a more exclusive and personalized Galapagos experience, with more flexibility and privacy.
Celebrity Xperience
Is a mid-sized ship that can accommodate up to 48 guests in 24 comfortable and elegant cabins, with ocean views, balconies, and room service. It also has a sun deck, a jacuzzi, a bar, and a dining room. Celebrity Xperience offers a 7-night itinerary that visits the southern and western islands of the Galapagos, such as Floreana, Isabela, Fernandina, and Santa Cruz. You can experience a more diverse and adventurous Galapagos cruise, with more opportunities to see wildlife and scenery.
To choose the best ship and itinerary for your Galapagos cruise, you should consider several factors, such as the length of your trip, the number of islands you want to visit, the type of accommodation and amenities you prefer, and the level of adventure and activity you are looking for. You should also check the availability and prices of the different options, and book well in advance, as the Galapagos cruises are very popular and sell out quickly. You can also consult with a travel agent or a Celebrity Cruises representative, who can help you find the best deal and package for your needs.
Preparing for Your Trip
To travel to the Galapagos Islands, you need to have a valid passport, a round-trip ticket, and a tourist visa. The tourist visa can be obtained on arrival at the airport in Ecuador, and costs $20 USD. You also need to pay a Galapagos National Park entrance fee of $100 USD, and a transit control card fee of $20 USD. These fees are not included in your cruise fare, and must be paid in cash. You also need to have a yellow fever vaccination certificate, and a travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses and evacuation.
For your Galapagos cruise, you are allowed to bring one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person, with a maximum weight of 44 lbs (20 kg) each. You should pack light and smart, and bring only the essentials. Also, you should use soft-sided luggage, as hard-sided luggage is not allowed on the ships. You should bring comfortable and casual clothing, such as shorts, t-shirts, jeans, and sweaters, as well as a swimsuit, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
You should also bring a waterproof jacket, a pair of hiking shoes, and a pair of water shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking and wet landings on the islands. Also, you should bring a camera, binoculars, a flashlight, and a reusable water bottle.
Making the Most of Your Time on the Islands
On your Galapagos cruise, you can enjoy a variety of activities and excursions that will allow you to explore and experience the islands in different ways. You can choose from shore excursions, naturalist guided excursions, onboard excursions, and adventure excursions. Shore excursions are the most common and popular, and involve visiting the islands by zodiac boats, and walking, hiking, or snorkeling on the shore. Naturalist guided excursions are led by expert guides, who will explain the history, geology, ecology, and conservation of the islands, and point out the wildlife and flora that you will encounter.
Adventure excursions are for the more adventurous and active travelers, and include kayaking, paddle boarding, scuba diving, and fishing. You can also customize your itinerary and schedule, and join or skip any activity or excursion as you wish.
To make the most of your time on the islands, you should follow some simple tips and advice, such as:
Be flexible and open-minded, and embrace the unexpected and the unpredictable. The Galapagos Islands are a dynamic and evolving place, and you never know what you will see or experience next. Be ready to adapt and adjust to the changing weather, conditions, and wildlife behavior, and enjoy the surprises and discoveries that await you.
Be respectful and responsible, and follow the rules and regulations of the Galapagos National Park. The Galapagos Islands are a fragile and precious ecosystem, and you have a duty to protect and preserve it for the future. Do not touch, feed, or disturb the wildlife, do not litter or pollute, do not take anything from the islands, and do not leave anything behind. Stay on the marked trails, and follow the instructions and guidance of your guides and crew.
Be curious and adventurous, and try new things and challenge yourself. The Galapagos Islands are a playground and a classroom, and you have a unique opportunity to learn and grow as a traveler and as a person. Do not be afraid to ask questions, to participate, to experiment, and to have fun.
Conclusion
As you can see, planning your dream Galapagos cruise with Celebrity Cruises is not only possible, but also easy and enjoyable. You just need to choose the right ship and itinerary, prepare for your trip, and make the most of your time on the islands. With Celebrity Cruises, you will have a personalized and immersive Galapagos experience that will exceed your expectations.
