Celebrity Cruises unveils Flora

Celebrity Cruises has introduced the design for its newest ship, Celebrity Flora, with 2019 bookings now open. The 100-guest ship will sail from Baltra year-round, with her first sailing scheduled to take place on May 26, 2019.

Described by the company as an ‘elevated and inspired approach to marine exploration,’ the ship was designed specifically for the Galapagos Islands, with features including anchorless technology to maintain the ship’s position while protecting the sea floor.

Guests will have 360-degree views of the islands, with personal suite attendants, new dining venues, an open-air stargazing platform, and ecological seminars led by experts also included.

“Celebrity Flora marks another example of our revolutionary ship design by allowing the destination and its environment to influence every decision we’ve made,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO, Celebrity Cruises.

“From the luxurious all-suite accommodation to industry-first, eco-friendly innovations, we created a ship that brings a new level of luxury, sustainability and natural exploration to the region. Guests will feel as though they’re boarding a high-end yacht for a week of unparalleled adventures, and they are!”

Onboard areas for guests include the Vista (an open-air section with 360-degree views, cocoon-style loungers and private cabanas), the floor-to-ceiling glass-wrapped Observatory, and a Sunset Lounge. Information on the destination, wildlife and environmental efforts in the Galapagos is available at Darwin’s Cove and the Naturalist Centre, with guided astronomy tours offered on the Stargazing Platform.

The Seaside Restaurant offers daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, with panoramic views, a casual dining space and Dinner Under the Stars available in the Ocean Grill.

The ship will also feature two Penthouse Suites with separate indoor and outdoor living areas, customizable lighting and shades, and a telescope for stargazing or sea lion-peeping; its other offerings include Royal Suites, Ultimate Sky Suites with Infinite Veranda, Premium Sky Suites with Infinite Veranda, and Sky Suites with Infinite Veranda.

The ship reinforces Celebrity’s commitment to environmental stewardship, with fuel consumption reduced by 15 per cent and fewer air emissions as a result of an advanced propulsion system, hull configuration and specially-designed diesel engines.

In-room water filtration stations reduce the need for plastics onboard, with sea water and air conditioning condensation to be converted into pure, fresh water; any materials that can be recycled reused or donated, meanwhile, will be as part of a strict waste management system.