A number of expedition cruise lines operate cruises in the Galapagos, but in the last month one alone is now set to literally become one of the largest players in the market. Lindblad Expeditions, a recognized global leader in adventure travel and a pioneer of modern expedition cruising, has added two purpose-built Galápagos expedition vessels to join the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet. Celebrity Xpedition will be renamed National Geographic Gemini Both of those ships—formerly known as Celebrity Xpedition and Celebrity Xploration—are being purchased from Celebrity Cruises and rnamed National Geographic Gemini and National Geographic Delfina. That will leave Celebrity with just one vessel, Celebrity Flora, in the Galapagos as Celebrity focuses on the bigger ship premium cruise market. Our guess is that it won’t be long before Celebrity Flora is sold as well, possibly to Lindblad or another expedition cruise operator. Celebrity will continue to operate Xpedition and Xploration until December 2024 when they will be transferred over to Lindblad. Bookings will be open for both new Lindblad ships later this month for departures starting in February 2025. "We recognize and appreciate the immense privilege our company has to operate and grow our expedition cruise offerings in the Galápagos Islands," said Sven-Olof Lindblad, founder and CEO of Lindblad Expeditions. "By sourcing well-appointed vessels and onboarding the most experienced crew and staff who meet our exacting standards of responsible exploration, 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, as a consequence of their personal experience." “When my father, Lars-Eric Lindblad, led the first international citizen expedition to the Galápagos nearly 60 years ago, I don't think he ever could have dreamed it would serve as the foundation for ecotourism in the archipelago and would be the catalyst for meaningful, positively impactful connections,” Sven Lindblad said. “We look forward to not only bringing more Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic guests to the islands with the growth of our fleet, but also to having a greater positive social impact supporting conservation, education and the creation of livelihoods." Celebrity Xploration will be renamed National Geographic Delfina. Following the closing of the transaction in January 2025, the two ships will undergo multi-million-dollar revitalizations. Once complete, the two vessels will embody the spirit of adventure and extreme comfort, both synonymous with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, and will celebrate the company's deep connection to the Galapagos and its people. "For decades, Lindblad Expeditions has set the standards for sustainable tourism in Galápagos and been an extraordinary friend and supporter to the Charles Darwin Foundation and the greater conservation community in the islands," said Rakan Zahawi, executive director of the Charles Darwin Foundation. "Together with community leaders, farmers, scientists and researchers, as well as Ecuadorians from Galápagos and the continent, Lindblad Expeditions has helped to uplift local communities and safeguard the archipelago's precious species and habitats. We are grateful for their continued commitment to protecting, promoting, and preserving our home, while showcasing its beauty to responsible travelers." Lindblad Expeditions has been a global leader and pioneer of modern expedition cruising in the Galápagos since leading the first-ever non-scientific international civilian expedition to the region in 1967. For years, the company has operated two ships in the region, the state-of-the-art 96-guest National Geographic Endeavour II and the 48-guest former mega-yacht turned expedition vessel National Geographic Islander II. It offers six immersive itineraries across more than 100 departures year-round. The addition of the newly of the 48-guest Gemini and 16-guest Delfina will double the size of Lindblad’s Galápagos fleet. Setting sail February 14, 2025, Delfina is a luxury catamaran designed for cruising the Galápagos Islands in style and comfort. The elegant vessel accommodates just 16 guests in eight spacious, air-conditioned staterooms adorned with polished wood décor and featuring either a private balcony (Category 5) or direct access to an expansive outer deck (Category 4). The ship, the smallest in Lindblad Expeditions' growing fleet, is named in honor of company founder Sven-Olof Lindblad's youngest daughter Delfina. On board, the open-air Observation Deck offers guests sweeping 360-degree views of the islands, with a cozy shaded area for relaxation, a Whirlpool Hot Tub, and lounge chairs to kick-up their feet and take in their surroundings or stargaze. On the wrap-around Upper Deck, guests can dine al fresco at the Outdoor Café and enjoy spectacular island views from the bow as they watch for dolphins, whales, and other dazzling endemic marine life. The Dining Room, Bar, and Lounge with library are also found on the Main Deck. National Geographic Delfina will sail year-round in the archipelago, offering two new itineraries: the 10-day Galápagos by Catamaran: An Intimate Voyage—which allows guests to experience the Galápagos aboard the stylish and stable catamaran with just 16 fellow guests—and the 16-day Galápagos by Catamaran + Machu Picchu and Peru's Land of the Inca—which combines the wilds of the Galápagos and the wonders of Peru in one grand expedition. On National Geographic Delfina, guests will explore Galápagos in good company, with two veteran Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic expedition staff, an Expedition Leader and National Geographic certified photo instructor, both licensed naturalists. Staff are certified as field educators to offer the National Geographic Global Explorers program for kids and teens as well. The intimate vessel will still be equipped with state-of-the-art tools for exploration for guests, including Zodiacs, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and complete snorkeling gear. At just 16 guests, National Geographic Delfina is perfect for family vacations, affinity groups, private charters, and couples looking for a more personal escape. Bookings for National Geographic Delfina's inaugural season are now available online at www.expeditions.com and via travel advisor. Meanwhile, the National Geographic Gemini was purpose built to explore remote areas with ease and in extreme comfort. The 48-guest vessel features 27 well-appointed, outward-facing accommodations, offering guests the choice of larger suites, cabins with private balconies, and a mix of solo, double, and triple-occupancy options. The Upper Deck on National Geographic Gemini features a Whirlpool Hot Tub, and windowed Fitness Center and Spa, ideal for unwinding after an eventful, adventure-filled day. An Outdoor Café on the Lounge Deck beckons guests to bask in the sun and dine al fresco, with another glass-wrapped restaurant on the Marina Deck available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The sun-soaked Lounge is ideal for presentations and informal gatherings, with a large bar and well-stocked library adjacent to the ship's reception area. Carrying a fleet of quick-to-deploy Mark VI Zodiacs, a glass-bottom boat, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and complete snorkeling gear, National Geographic Gemini is well-equipped for exploring the Galápagos Islands and marine reserve. Guests on board National Geographic Gemini can choose between two iconic year-round itineraries: the 10-day Exploring Galápagos: One Week Sailing the Islands—where they will travel by zodiac to beautiful beaches, kayak or stand-up paddleboard along volcanic shores, explore wildlife on land or under the sea—and the 16-day Exploring Galápagos + Machu Picchu and Peru's Land of the Inca—which also includes a several-day extension exploring the culture and history of Peru and the legendary ruins of Machu Picchu. Bookings for both itineraries on board National Geographic Gemini are now available both online at www.expeditions.com and via travel advisor. To commemorate the ship's inaugural season, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic will be offering guests who book select departures on board National Geographic Gemini a 25 percent Wild Adventures Savings, plus an additional $1,000 off per child. From the food and beverage program crafted in partnership with Ecuadorian chefs to highlight the four regions of Ecuador with locally sourced and regionally farmed high-quality ingredients, to artwork and decor created by local artists and artisans, future National Geographic Delfina and National Geographic Gemini guests will be immersed in the beauty and wonder of Ecuador both on and off the ships. To learn more about Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic's offerings in the Galápagos, visit www.expeditions.com/destinations/galapagos. Information about Lindblad Expeditions' growing fleet of 17—soon to be 19—owned, leased and chartered expedition vessels can be found at www.expeditions.com/about/fleet.    

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