Celebrity Flora

Celebrity Flora is an expedition cruise ship operated by Islas Galápagos Turismo y Vapores C.A., a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group, and exclusively sails along the Galápagos Islands. Built by Shipyard De Hoop of the Netherlands and delivered in 2019, she is the first new expedition ship built for Celebrity Cruises and is the largest vessel by gross tonnage to operate in the region.

History

Planning and construction

On 16 November 2017, Celebrity announced it was building Celebrity Flora, a new 100-passenger vessel designed to be permanently based in the Galápagos, with a tentative debut set for May 2019.[5] In the announcement, it explained the decision to build a vessel for the Galápagos came out of a desire to expand its expedition business and also fill a larger void in the Galápagos market to realize its potential.[5] At the time, Celebrity had been operating three smaller and older ships (

Design and specifications

Celebrity has stated that the design and accommodations on Celebrity Flora are heavily inspired by the design of Celebrity Edge overall, while also having a large emphasis on outdoor space.[5] In accordance with Galápagos' regulations, the ship is flagged in Ecuador and staffed by Ecuadorian crew members, 80 of which work aboard the ship and are housed across 52 cabins.[19] She also has a maximum guest capacity of 100 guests, housed across 50 passenger cabins of various sizes.[20][19] Initial details announced that Celebrity Flora would measure [5] (later specified as ).[3]

Described as the "most energy-efficient ship of its kind in the region,"[21] the ship is built to comply with two-compartment damage stability regulations and Galápagos National Park's regulations.[7] Her bow is designed with a straight stem and an integrated bulb that includes a short bow thruster tunnel; it works to reduce wave resistance when cruising and allows the ship to save energy when stagnant, contributing to a 15% reduction in fuel consumption and emissions when compared to her older expedition fleet-mates.[7][22] Other purpose-built features include a dynamic positioning system that helps her avoid needing to drop anchor in the waters surrounding the islands to protect the seabed, and a zero-speed stabilizer system that is designed to minimize rolling motions when cruising.[5][8] Two engine rooms house the power and propulsion plant, which consists of two Steerprop type 20 CRP rudder propellers of 1.45 MW each and two Veth bow thrusters of 0.4 MW each; all are supplied by four

Celebrity has used Celebrity Flora to develop programs and partnerships with other organizations for its guests and Galápagos residents alike. Celebrity and EarthEcho International partnered to develop sustainability projects, including protecting the Galápagos' plants and wildlife.[16] Additionally, each voyage includes one naturalist per 12 guests onboard and will guide enrichment lectures and other activities.[14]

country	Ecuador
owner	Royal Caribbean Group
operator	*Islas Galapágos Turismo y Vapores C.A.‡R1R‡ (Ecuador-based subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group) ‡R2R‡
registry	Guayaquil, 🇪🇨 Ecuador
builder	Shipyard De Hoop Lobith-Tolkamer, Netherlands
yard number	488‡R3R‡
laid down	15 December 2017
launched	29 January 2019
christened	24 June 2019
sponsor	Yolanda Kakabadse
acquired	13 May 2019
maiden voyage	30 June 2019
in service	2019–present
identification	*
status	In service

History

Planning and construction

Operational career

COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19 pandemic

Design and specifications

References