Galápagos with Celebrity Cruises

I’ve had the joy of sailing the Galápagos with Celebrity Cruises not just once, but twice—and I’m already thinking about going again. This truly is one of the most extraordinary trips you can take. We sailed aboard the Celebrity Flora, the first ship purpose-built for exploring the Galápagos and a Forbes Travel Guide four-star resort at sea. With just 100 guests onboard and personalized service at every turn, it feels intimate, relaxed, and luxurious from the moment you step onboard.

Our group had three rooms: the Ultimate Sky Suite with Infinite Veranda (my room, with a bath that looked straight out to sea!), a Premium Sky Suite, and the Royal Suite. All three offered spacious layouts, thoughtful touches, and stunning views of the islands as they passed by.

Each evening at cocktail hour—hosted in the Discovery Lounge—the naturalist guides would preview the next day’s activities, which always included three options, ranging from adventurous to relaxed. You could snorkel, kayak, go for a hike, take a beach walk, or hop on a Zodiac for a boat ride around the shorelines—all depending on what suited your pace and interest. It made the trip perfect for all ages and abilities. For families, especially multigenerational ones, this flexibility makes it easy for everyone to enjoy their own version of adventure while still sharing the experience.

Each evening, we gathered in the Discovery Lounge for a relaxed cocktail hour and an engaging talk from the naturalists, who walked us through the options for the next day’s adventures. They always offered something for every pace and interest.

Days started with morning excursions, often hiking among marine iguanas or spotting sea lions lounging on the beaches. The Galápagos wildlife is beyond magical: we saw penguins darting through the water, blue-footed boobies nesting up close, sea turtles drifting by while we snorkeled, and even a few reef sharks hiding under the rocks. After returning from morning excursions, we were welcomed back to the ship with cool drinks, warm towels, and a spread of little snacks like baby sandwiches and juice. Lunches were relaxed and delicious, followed by a bit of downtime—sometimes spent sunning on the top deck or taking a scenic bath with a view of the sea.

The Galápagos marine iguanas are everywhere! They are piled on the rocks like sunbathing dragons, sneezing out salt, and blending perfectly into the volcanic landscape until they suddenly start to move.

A Galápagos flamingo pecked at the sand for food while, just behind it, a playful sea lion splashed and rolled along the beach. Two iconic species sharing the shoreline in the most magical way.

Floreana, the first capital of the Galápagos, is rich in history and wildlife—flamingos, pintail ducks, sea turtles, and green-hued sand. These were my snorkel buddies today, swimming all around me in the crystal-clear water.

Afternoon excursions brought even more surprises—like kayaking past flamingos or hiking lava flows in Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island. We visited the famous Post Office Barrel, still in use today, where travelers leave postcards to be carried onward by other guests. When visiting the inhabited islands, there were unique opportunities to learn about the culture and conservation work underway, such as touring the Charles Darwin Research Station and the National Park Service tortoise-breeding center. Every day felt like a blend of hands-on learning, nature immersion, and quiet luxury.

At Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, we climbed a well-built wooden staircase that led us up to the otherworldly black lava fields—an incredible landscape of twisted rock formations that looked like they had just cooled from a recent eruption.

The Galápagos giant tortoise can live over 100 years and, once nearly extinct, is now making a slow comeback thanks to conservation efforts.

Evenings were special, too. You could dine indoors or outdoors with ever-changing menus, and the open-air deck dining added an unforgettable atmosphere to every meal. The food throughout the trip was fantastic—fresh, beautifully presented, and tailored to the active schedule of the day. And of course, happy hour in the Discovery Lounge was not just a chance to relax, but also to connect with fellow travelers and get excited about the next adventure.

Getting on and off the ship was incredibly smooth and well organized. The crew guided us onto a small boat using a secure staircase and didn’t let go until we were safely aboard. They always made sure we felt steady and confident every step of the way.

If you’ve got even a spark of curiosity or a love for nature, this trip is for you. It’s ideal for families, couples, solo travelers, and especially multigenerational groups. The ship offers comfort and flexibility, while the destination offers something awe-inspiring at every turn. I can’t recommend this experience enough—and I’d go back in a heartbeat.

Do you see yourself here?

There is no need to pack extra gear—everything is provided for you. Your room comes stocked with sunscreen, SPF lip balm, a backpack, and a reusable water bottle. Wet suits, masks, snorkels, and flippers are all waiting at the back of the boat, cleaned and ready for your next adventure.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Galápagos Islands page.