Adventure cruise line Lindblad Expeditions recently announced the addition of two purpose-built Galapagos expedition vessels to its Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet. This expansion comes nearly 60 years after the company led the first international citizen expedition to the Galapagos Islands.
The two ships, previously the Celebrity Xpedition and Celebrity Xploration from Celebrity Cruises, will begin operations under the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic brand in January 2025.
“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,” said Sven-Olof Lindblad, founder and CEO of Lindblad Expeditions.
The first of the new ships will accommodate 48 guests and feature two restaurants and 24 outside cabins, including 13 balcony suites. The second vessel, a more intimate 16-passenger catamaran, will offer eight cabins, making it ideal for family vacations, affinity groups and private charters.
Bookings for these vessels will open later this month, and their new names will also be revealed at that time.
Rakan Zahawi, executive director of the Charles Darwin Foundation, praised Lindblad Expeditions for its long-standing contributions to sustainable tourism in the Galapagos.
“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,” Zahawi said. “We are grateful for their continued commitment to protecting, promoting and preserving our home, while showcasing its beauty to responsible travelers.”
Lindblad Expeditions has a rich history in the Galapagos, currently operating two ships in the region: the 96-guest National Geographic Endeavour II, and the 48-guest National Geographic Islander II. With the addition of the new 48-guest and 16-guest vessels, the company's fleet in the Galapagos will double in size, offering a greater capacity for immersive itineraries on over 100 year-round departures.
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic. It was reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
