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7 NIGHT GALAPAGOS SOUTHERN LOOP CRUISE

28th Dec 2024 | 7 nights | Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Xpedition

Great for everyone, most inclusive cruise line at sea
Award-winning premium cruise line
Onboard spaces by world-class designers
International cuisine from Michelin-starred chefs
Isla Plaza Sur
Isla Santa Fé
Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristóbal
Post Office Bay, Floreana
Punta Cormorant, Floreana
Bahía Elizabeth, Isabela
Punta Moreno, Isabela
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz
Bahía Gardner, Española
Punta Suarez, Isla Española
Great for everyone, most inclusive cruise line at sea
Award-winning premium cruise line
Onboard spaces by world-class designers
International cuisine from Michelin-starred chefs
Day
Date
 
Arrival
Departure
 
1
28th Dec 2024 Saturday
Isla Baltra
00:00
15:00
1
28th Dec 2024 Saturday
Isla Seymour Norte
15:30
18:00
2
29th Dec 2024 Sunday
Isla Plaza Sur
07:00
11:30
2
29th Dec 2024 Sunday
Isla Santa Fé
15:00
18:00
3
30th Dec 2024 Monday
Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal
07:00
11:30
3
30th Dec 2024 Monday
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristóbal
15:00
18:00
4
31st Dec 2024 Tuesday
Post Office Bay, Floreana
07:00
11:30
4
31st Dec 2024 Tuesday
Punta Cormorant, Floreana
15:00
18:00
5
1st Jan 2025 Wednesday
Bahía Elizabeth, Isabela
07:00
11:30
5
1st Jan 2025 Wednesday
Punta Moreno, Isabela
15:00
18:00
6
2nd Jan 2025 Thursday
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz
07:00
18:00
7
3rd Jan 2025 Friday
Bahía Gardner, Española
07:00
11:30
7
3rd Jan 2025 Friday
Punta Suarez, Isla Española
15:00
18:00
8
4th Jan 2025 Saturday
Isla Baltra
08:00
00:00

Celebrity Cruises' owner Royal Caribbean acquired Sun Bay 1, a small luxury vessel, built in 2001, and launched it in June 2004. In an innovative move, Celebrity's Xpedition sub-brand created a new strata of up-market, premium-priced cruises and shore excursions offering travellers unusual cruise experiences in exotic destinations.

The start-up of the venture marked the arrival of the first mainstream cruise company to operate around the Galapagos Islands year-round. This option opened up Galapagos cruises, formerly the province of backpacking (or high-end) "adventure travellers." In essence, Xpedition combines the exotica of this type of adventure on a small vessel with some of the amenities and features -- high level of service and cuisine, for instance -- that Celebrity is known for.

And indeed, the joy of the Galapagos operation is that it combines Celebrity stylishness with local, "small ship" ambience. Crewmembers -- almost entirely Ecuadorian from the captain down -- are sunny, charming and tirelessly obliging. Destination-oriented features are incorporated into the onboard experience, such as a performance of Ecuadorian folklore preceded by a highly personalized slide show featuring pictures of passengers meeting wildlife during the course of the trip (guests are presented as a complementary CD to take home).

Better still, all drinks (except for certain premium brands) and tips are included in the price, so the atmosphere is more relaxed and sociable than that on the big Celebrity ships, where passengers are more reluctant to mingle because of potential embarrassment over who buys drinks for whom!

On a ship with such an outdoors-based itinerary, casual is obviously the order of the day, but guests seemed to enjoy changing out of their daytime swimmers and shorts and dressing fairly smartly for dinner.

Select films are available on in-cabin televisions, and there is a decent supply of books and board games for passenger use.

Apart from daytime lectures on wildlife, early-evening tour briefings and the last-night folklore show, formal entertainment was minimal, most guests being happy enough to enjoy a few drinks and dinner, then head off for an early night in preparation for the next day's tours.

On the top deck (Deck 6), there is a comfortable sunbathing area with cushioned sunbeds, showers, toilets and a whirlpool hot tub. There is also a small indoor gym with large windows overlooking the deck. It contains steppers, stationary cycles, weights and a massage table. There is a separate (mixed sex) sauna area with a shower.

There is a small beauty parlour adjacent to the ship's shop on deck four (not open on the inaugural cruise as the beauty therapist had not yet arrived).

Apart from the Darwin Restaurant, the only indoor public room is the large, elegant Discovery Lounge on Deck 4, which has a curved bar with indoor/outdoor seating to the rear, a small dance floor, a piano and comfortable turquoise seating.

Every evening, the ship's chief naturalist and cruise director holds briefings here on the following day's activities, using very well prepared audio-visual material. On the last night of the cruise, the lounge hosts a performance of Ecuadorian music, singing and folklore dancing.

At other times, it is a quiet retreat for reading or playing board games. Books and games are available in the library area, at the other end from the bar. Though limited to a few bookcases, this contains some useful reference books as well as a reasonable variety of the usual novels and thrillers.

Just outside the lounge is the ship's purser's office, and opposite this is a small shop stocked with essentials like toothpaste and sun cream as well as scarves, hats and some logo goods (mainly sweatshirts and t-shirts).
All indoor areas of the ship are non-smoking, but smokers are amply catered for in the outdoor bar areas on decks four and five.

The ship's main Darwin Dining Room on Deck 3 is long and fairly narrow with large six-to-eight-seat tables, semi-couchette seating and crisp cream and navy décor. Buffets are offered at breakfast (when eggs and omelettes can be cooked to order), offering everything from muesli for the health conscious to light-as-air croissants for the hedonistic. Lunchtime fare includes a range of salads, freshly baked bread, roast chicken and excellent grilled fish.

In the evening, traditional Celebrity five-course dinners are served, though on the inaugural cruise, problems with supplies and the quality of available meat made standards variable. As a result, tasty cream soups, crisp salads and delicious asparagus risottos made some mealtimes a treat; others were marred by tough, inferior cuts of beef from local suppliers -- prompting Celebrity to arrange shipments of meat products from the U.S. on future sailings.

On this style of cruise, though, formal dining is something of an irrelevance; with two tours offered a day and so much to do and see ashore a simpler, shorter evening meal, or an alternative deck barbecue, may prove to be a better option.

The last-night barbecue served on Decks 4 and 5 was beautifully served and proved very popular; tables were prettily set with snowy tablecloths and fine china; there was a good selection of salads, baked potatoes and barbecued ribs, chops, fish and chicken pieces; the wine service was prompt and attentive and -- best of all -- we got to dine beneath the starry Galapagos sky.

The Beagle Grill, an alternative eatery, is open daily for burger and hot dog lunches, with freshly cooked pizza and crisp salads; a decent spread of puddings is available at the Darwin buffet one deck down.

In the early evening, fresh fruit and cold juices are served to guests returning from afternoon trips ashore, and savoury nibbles are provided in the Discovery Lounge and the outdoor bar on Deck 5, but some guests -- ravenous after snorkelling excursions -- remarked that they'd like to see more substantial snacks available at this time.

Room service is prompt and reliable. In theory, you can have dishes from the main restaurant delivered to your cabin in the evenings, but we found a simple toasted sandwich with a side order of crisp fresh fries fit the bill perfectly well and freed up the evening for relaxation.

And staff were very obliging about bringing a staggering order of fresh-baked cookies and ice cream with coffee half an hour after the main course!

Cabins -- all outside -- range from premium port-holed oceanview staterooms (with picture windows), and Xpedition suites (with verandas). At the top of the price range is the Penthouse Suite, which is two Xpedition suites combined to offer one double and one single bedroom, and two balconies.

All are prettily presented in cream and blue or peach, with honey wood trims and cream and brass lamps, and have a small dressing table/desk area and small sofa. Interactive 20- inch TVs, direct-dial telephones with voicemail, hairdryers, safes and bathrobes are provided at all accommodation levels.

Bathrooms are small and narrow, but showers are reasonably roomy and there is adequate storage space for a fairly casual wardrobe. Balconies are also narrow but come equipped with teak-topped tables and sit-up chairs.

Deck 3 - Plaza Deck
Deck 4 - Vista Deck
Deck 5 - Panorama Deck
Deck 6 - Sunrise Deck

Best for...

Modern types who prefer a whimsical approach to onboard dining, drinking, décor and entertainment

Not the best for...

Anyone scared off by being trendy; boisterous families; cruisers who want dining variety without paying extra

Who goes on Celebrity Cruises cruise ships?

Celebrity draws a broad range of travellers, most attracted by the cuisine, unusual entertainment and creative itineraries. Passenger ages typically average in the 50s, with family groups more visible in the summer and during school vacations. The longer and more exotic cruises usually host an older demographic, and the passenger mix varies with the port of embarkation but most are from North America, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand.


Do I have to dress up on a Celebrity Cruises cruise?

Yes and no. The norm on most Celebrity sailings is smart-casual, but in the Galapagos, attire is casual. Despite the daytime casual vibe, you won't find T-shirts, swimsuits, robes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps or swimwear in the main restaurant or specialty restaurants at any time. Formal nights (held once on cruises six nights or shorter, twice on longer itineraries) have been replaced by Evening Chic, where anything from cocktail attire to formal wear is appropriate. The dress code also extends to the theatre on those evenings.


Is everything included on Celebrity Cruises cruises?

No. The cruise fare for a Celebrity cruise covers dining in several complimentary venues, including the Main Dining Room, Oceanview Café buffet restaurant, Spa Café, Mast Grill (on most ships) and Seaside Grill. Room service is also complimentary, except for the period between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Passengers staying at certain suite levels have additional complimentary dining privileges, and those staying in AquaClass rooms can dine in the Blu restaurant without charge. Water, basic coffee and tea, and certain juices are provided free of charge, but unless you're booked in certain suite categories, you'll have to pay extra for soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. The extensive entertainment from Broadway-style theatre to circus shows, comedy, magic, dance and live music is all available without charge. The kids' program is also free, though you'll pay extra for babysitting. Shore excursions are not covered by cruise fares, nor are gratuities, spa and salon services and some fitness classes. There is also a fee for Wi-Fi and laundry services.


What are Celebrity Cruises's most popular activities?

On ships with the Lawn Club, hanging out on the grass, whether playing bocce or just relaxing and reading, is one of the most popular activities for Celebrity cruisers. Other popular things to do on these ships is lounge in the adults-only Solarium, hit the Canyon Ranch Spa or participate in wine tasting. Some ships also offer hot glassmaking demonstrations and classes; sign up early for the classes because they fill up fast. On ships without a Lawn Club, relaxing by the pool or in the Solarium is popular, as are the once- or twice-per-cruise Rooftop film and dinner events. At night, Celebrity showcases everything from Vegas-style production shows to comedians and cabaret, drawing a crowd each time. The ships have a robust program for kids, a lot of it centred on edutainment. Many of the activities are offered courtesy of partners like Anturus, Lonely Planet, Xbox, Fat Brain Toys and Budsies.


  • A stay in one of the spacious staterooms,
  • Delicious gourmet meals at the restaurants
  • A slate of activities and entertainment shows

Celebrity Cruises in the Galapagos

Celebrity Cruises in the Galapagos from £5,656

A Destination. An Adventure. An Experience of a Lifetime.

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the enchanting islands lost in time. In the Galapagos, intrepid explorers will encounter ancient tortoises, whimsical birds, and an array of astounding creatures amidst surreal landscapes, all for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Follow in Darwin's footsteps for seven glorious days, guided by certified naturalists who offer insightful shore excursions - two per day - with like-minded fellow travellers. At day's end, retreat to one of three exceptional vessels: the luxurious Celebrity Flora, a sea-bound resort boasting a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Rating; the beloved Celebrity Xpedition accommodating 48 guests; or the intimate Celebrity Xploration for 16 guests. Indulge in stunning accommodations, delectable cuisine, limitless Wi-Fi, and impeccable service. Moreover, with Celebrity Cruises' 17-year legacy of award-winning Galapagos cruises, they'll extend your horizons with all-inclusive South American packages spanning 10-16 nights. Uncover the wonders of Quito, Machu Picchu, Lima, and Cuzco with air transfers, five-star lodging, and guided tours.

Prepare for an extraordinary, life-altering experience.

Wildlife Calendar

Click each month to find out more...

January
  • Land birds start nesting, generally after the first rain
  • On Hood (Española) Island adult marine iguanas become brightly coloured (green & red + black)
  • The green sea turtles arrive to beaches in the Galapagos for egg laying period
  • Land iguanas begin reproductive cycles on Isabela Island
  • Both, water and air temperatures rise and stay warm until June
  • Ideal time for snorkelling
February
  • On Floreana Island greater flamingos start nesting
  • Bahama pintail ducks (Black-tailed pintail) start their breeding season
  • Nazca (masked) boobies on Hood are at the end of their nesting season
  • Marine iguanas nest on Santa Cruz Island
  • Nesting season of the Galapagos dove reaches its peak
March
  • Marine iguanas nest on Fernandina
  • 21st March, the beginning of the summer equinox signals the arrival of the waved albatross to Española
  • Even the western islands have warm waters where snorkelling is excellent. Penguins still active in the water, next to tropical fish! (How bizarre!)
  • Marine life is very active
April
  • Massive arrival of waved albatrosses to Española. Amazing courtship starts
  • End of hatching season of the giant tortoises
  • Eggs of green sea turtles begin to hatch
  • Eggs of land iguanas hatch on Isabela
  • Good visibility in the water for snorkelers
May
  • North Seymour's blue-footed boobies begin their courtship
  • Sea turtles are still hatching on Gardner Bay, Punta Cormorant, and Puerto Egas
  • Most of marine iguanas' eggs hatch from nests on Santa Cruz
  • Palo santo trees begin to shed their foliage
  • Waved albatross on Española start laying their eggs
  • Ban-rumped storm petrels begin their first nesting period
June
  • Beginning of the garúa season
  • Giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island migrate from the highlands to the lowlands in search of suitable nesting places
  • Beginning of the nesting season of giant tortoises
  • Many red pouches by males of Magnificent Frigatebirds on North Seymour
  • Southern migrants have started their journey towards the north. Galapagos is a rest stop for such birds. Some species of cetaceans also follow this pattern of migration
  • Some groups of Humpback whales that migrate up to equatorial latitudes along the coast of Ecuador, can reach the Galapagos too
July
  • Sea bird communities are very active (breeding), specially the Blue footed boobies on Española
  • Flightless cormorants perform beautiful courtship rituals and nesting activities on Fernandina
  • Along the shores of Puerto Egas (Santiago Island) you could find American oystercatchers nesting
  • Lava lizards initiate mating rituals until November
  • Whales & dolphins are more likely to be observed, especially off the western coast of Isabela
  • Great month to see the four stages of nesting in Blue footed boobies: eggs, chicks, juveniles & subadults
August
  • Galapagos hawks court on Española and Santiago
  • Nazca (masked) boobies and Swallow-tailed gulls nest on Genovesa Island
  • Migrant shore birds start to arrive, and stay on the islands until March
  • Giant tortoises return to the highlands of Santa Cruz
  • Pupping season (births) of sea lions has started. Western and central islands are common places for such sightings
September
  • Galapagos Penguins show remarkable activity on Bartolome
  • Since May swimmers and snorkelers can be delighted at Bartolome with penguins active at the surface or torpedo-like while underwater
  • Sea lions are very active. Females have reached estrus stage, and so harem-gathering males are constantly barking and fighting. Shore fighting is heavy. Western and central islands are the most active ones in terms of sea lions' activities
  • Most species of sea birds remain quite active at their nesting sites
October
  • Lava herons start nesting until March
  • The Galapagos Fur Seals (subspecies of Sea lions) begin their mating period
  • Blue footed boobies raise chicks all over Española and Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela)
  • Giant tortoises are still laying eggs
  • Sunrises in the west can be quite beautiful after the garúa covers only certain locations of the western volcanoes
November
  • Pupping of sea lions continue
  • Sea lions are sexually active on the eastern part of the archipelago
  • Breeding season for the brown noddies
  • Some species of jellyfish can be seen around the islands
  • Band-rumped storm petrels begin their second nesting period
  • Sea lion pups (specially at Champion Islet) play aqua-aerobics next to snorkelers. Most pups here are curious enough to nibble at fins of snorkelers. The average age of most pups is 3-4 months
December
  • Hatching of giant tortoise's eggs begins and lasts until April
  • Green sea turtles display their mating behaviour
  • The first young waved albatrosses fledge
Prices based on:

Xpedition Suite
Xpedition Suite

  • Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with veranda
  • Sitting area with convertible full-size sofa bed (except 602)
  • Spacious bedroom with private veranda
  • Locally sourced, organic bath amenities and premium bathrobes, linens & slippers
  • Champagne / Sparkling Wine set-up
  • Stock Mini-bar with favourite soft drinks and beers
  • Complimentary back pack
  • Sunglasses and reading glasses for use while onboard
  • Complimentary rain ponchos and marine binoculars
  • Personal Suite Attendant
  • Unpacking assistance
  • Room service with full in-suite dinner option
  • Delivery of afternoon in-suite daily delectable
  • Makeup and turndown services with locally sourced turndown chocolates
  • Stateroom: 205 sq. ft. Balcony: 50 sq. ft

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