Celebrity Flora & Luxury Exploration in the Galapagos

Celebrity Flora was designed exclusively for the Galapagos Islands and thoughtful consideration went into every detail of the ship. Flora currently sails on two different itineraries—the outer loop and the inner loop. Both itineraries allow you the chance to see sea lions, marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, and giant tortoises. On the inner loop, you can see red-footed boobies, while the outer loop includes seeing the waved albatross.

Baby sea lion and its mom on North Seymour

Every room onboard is a suite with either a balcony or an infinite veranda. If you’d like more room to spread out, the ship also has two Royal Suites and two Penthouse Suites. Once onboard Flora, most everything is included—WiFi, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, gratuities, excursions, and even two bags of laundry. The only items not included are spa services and purchases in the ship’s small boutique.

Giant tortoise at the Charles Darwin Research Station

It is worth booking the pre-cruise option in Quito with Celebrity. You’ll get a full-day sightseeing tour in a small group, seeing historical sites as well as the Equator Museum. Standing with one foot in the northern hemisphere and one foot in the southern hemisphere was a highlight of our trip! The pre-cruise option includes your hotel, most of your meals, and a private chartered flight from Quito to the Galapagos. I would also consider the post-cruise add-on to Machu Picchu. We heard such great things from those who did the add-on and wish we had done the same.

Sea lion sleeping on a bench in San Cristobal

The service onboard is exceptional. Within one day, it seemed like every staff member knew our names and was constantly asking if we needed anything. One day before our afternoon excursions, we asked if we could have a bottle of wine and a snack waiting for us in our room upon our return. Even though pizza isn’t listed on any menu, they made us a pizza, and it was in our room, along with a bottle of wine, when we came back onboard!

Marine iguana and Sally Lightfoot crabs at Playa las Bachas

Lava fields in Santiago

This is an active vacation. You should be prepared with sturdy shoes, a hat, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirts, and water shoes for wet landings. Celebrity does provide reef-safe sunscreen in the cabins and don’t hesitate to ask for more if you need it. Even though it is active, the level of activity is up to you and how you feel each day. There are multiple options for excursions at each stop, from hiking to snorkeling to kayaking, allowing you to see and experience the Galapagos in different ways.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.