The Ultimate Galapagos Bucket List Experience: Aboard Celebrity Flora

Itinerary options to fit your travel style

Celebrity Flora offers flexible and immersive itinerary options tailored to different travel preferences. Guests can choose between two distinct 7-night Galapagos cruises: the Inner Loop, featuring islands like Santiago, Rábida, Isabela, and North Seymour, known for red and green sand beaches, volcanic landscapes, and wildlife such as blue- and red-footed boobies and Galapagos penguins; or the Outer Loop, which includes Floreana, Fernandina, and Daphne, offering more remote terrain, wildlife such as the waved albatross, and better chances to spot larger marine animals.

For a deeper experience, travelers can extend their journey with 10-, 13-, or 16-night options that include guided stays in Quito and even Machu Picchu. Every package is seamlessly arranged by Celebrity, covering inter-country flights, transfers, and park fees—so guests can fully enjoy the adventure.

When to visit: Understanding Galapagos seasons

Unlike typical seasonal destinations, the Galapagos operates on two primary seasons: wet (December to May) and dry (June to November). The wet season brings warmer temperatures, calmer seas, and vibrant scenery, making it ideal for snorkeling and spotting animals like sea lions, marine iguanas, and even penguins. The dry season, while cooler and less green, is known for increased marine activity, including sightings of whales and other large sea creatures. Both seasons offer incredible wildlife experiences—your choice comes down to what kind of environment and animal encounters you’re most excited to experience.

The perfect gateway to the Galapagos

The journey begins in Ecuador’s vibrant capital of Quito for those who choose the land extension. Upon landing at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, Celebrity Cruises takes care of every detail—from airport pickup to hotel check-in at the JW Marriott. Over two nights and a full day, guests enjoy guided walking tours through Quito’s colonial center, lunch at a historic monastery, and a visit to the Intiñan Museum right on the Equator. The prelude to the Galapagos is rounded out with a private group dinner, making it an easy—and highly recommended—start to your Galapagos adventure.

On board the Celebrity Flora: An intimate, immersive, and unforgettable experience

The Celebrity Flora feels more like a luxury yacht than a cruise ship. With six public decks, the Flora has plenty of space to relax when you’re not exploring the islands. The ship has two onboard restaurants, each offering plenty of options for every kind of diner. Lounge by the small pool on Deck 4, take in ocean views from the jacuzzi on Deck 7, or head up to the open-air observation deck on Deck 8 for stargazing and sunset watching. Inside, you’ll find a cozy library stocked with books and games, a Discovery Lounge where guests gather for daily briefings and cocktails, and a small spa and fitness center for those wanting a bit of wellness while away. The ship also offers complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi—so even in one of the world’s most remote destinations, you can stay connected when you want to.

A suite view

The suites on the Celebrity Flora are spacious, stylish, and designed with every detail in mind. With only 50 suites total, all located on Decks 5 and 6, the ship maintains a quiet, exclusive atmosphere. On Deck 5, suites come with private balconies, while Deck 6 features Infinite Verandas—floor-to-ceiling windows that blur the line between your room and the horizon.

Every suite is stocked with thoughtful extras: reusable water bottles, backpacks, binoculars, ponchos, cozy robes and slippers, and reef-safe sunscreen and bath products from Kuno. Each room also includes a filtered water station. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a sweet touch—chocolate truffles and sparkling wine. Complimentary laundry service is available twice during the cruise and a dedicated suite attendant ensures everything stays tidy and personal, from evening turndown chocolates to special touches for celebrations (for our anniversary, we were surprised with Patas Azules socks, a popular Galapagos brand known for clothing featuring cute designs of animals endemic to the islands)

Dining highlights

The ship has two main restaurants: Seaside Restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and Ocean Grill, which serves lunch daily and dinner Mondays to Fridays by reservation.

Breakfast and lunch at Seaside are buffet-style with a wide variety of options—pastries, egg dishes, fruits, cheeses, and themed lunches that change daily. Dinner is sit-down with attentive service, offering both nightly specials and favorite signature dishes. There’s no formal dress code, assigned seating, or fixed dining times—guests can come and go comfortably.

Ocean Grill, located on Deck 7, serves more casual fare for lunch like burgers, sandwiches, and quesadillas, while dinner has a steakhouse-style menu and views of the vast ocean.

Room service, which features a more limited menu, is available from 6 am to 11 pm. The Discovery Lounge doubles as a coffee spot in the morning and a full-service bar later in the day.

Daily excursions

The excursions while on the Flora are truly the heart of the trip. Every outing is led by certified Galapagos naturalists, who all grew up on the islands and know them inside and out. They’re incredibly knowledgeable, super friendly, and always happy to answer questions or share interesting facts about what you're seeing.

Each day includes two excursions: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. You’ll get to choose between a few different activity options based on your interest and comfort level—ranging from relaxed tender (what they call zodiacs) rides to more intense hikes. Everyone gets to do what they want, and groups stay small (usually 8–14 people), so it always feels personal.

Excursions include hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, and coastal rides on the tenders, and the ship provides everything you need—snorkeling gear, wetsuits, even walking sticks.

On our Inner Loop trip at the beginning of April (wet season), we saw so much wildlife: sea lions, land and marine iguanas, flamingos, blue- and red-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, golden rays, turtles, and so many fish.

After each excursion, the staff welcomes you back on board with a light bite and juices. Every evening, the naturalists host a casual briefing in the Discovery Lounge to walk you through the next day’s excursion options. There are snacks, drinks, and even a cocktail of the day served while you plan tomorrow’s adventure.

Personalized service at its finest

The service on the Celebrity Flora was truly exceptional—some of the best I’ve ever experienced. With a nearly 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio, the staff are always attentive, warm, and genuinely caring without ever feeling stuffy. They quickly learn your name and preferences; for example, after just a couple of mornings, the team at the Discovery Lounge knew exactly how I liked my espresso. Everyone is always smiling and checking in to make sure you are comfortable and have everything you need.

The Galapagos is a once-in-a-lifetime destination—and sailing aboard the Celebrity Flora makes it all the more unforgettable. This is luxury expedition travel at its finest, where every detail is carefully curated and every moment feels effortless. All that’s left is for you to soak in the adventure of a lifetime.

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