Lindblad Expeditions boosts Galápagos fleet with two Celebrity ships

The company will be acquiring 100% of the outstanding ownership interests of Torcatt Enterprises Limitada, the Ecuadorian holding company for the two ships, for $17m.

Prior to setting sail with Lindblad-National Geographic following the expected closing of the transaction in January 2025, the ships will undergo multimillion-dollar revitalizations early next year in Panama.

Doubling the fleet

For years, Lindblad has operated two ships in the region, 96-passsenger National Geographic Endeavour II and 48-passenger former mega-yacht turned expedition vessel National Geographic Islander II.

More than 100 departures of six itineraries are available year-round.  The addition of the two Celebrity ships will double the size of Lindblad's Galápagos fleet.

'By sourcing well-appointed vessels and onboarding the most experienced crew and staff who meet our exacting standards of responsible exploration, we’re able to transport guests from around the world to the iconic archipelago and help them understand the importance of protecting and preserving its wonders and wildlife, as a consequence of their personal experience,'  said Sven-Olof Lindblad, founder and CEO of Lindblad Expeditions.

'When my father Lars-Eric Lindblad led the first international citizen expedition to the Galápagos nearly 60 years ago, I don’t think he ever could have dreamed it would serve as the foundation for ecotourism in the archipelago and would be the catalyst for meaningful, positively impactful connections,' he continued.

'We look forward to not only bringing more Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic guests to the islands with the growth of our fleet, but also to having a greater positive social impact supporting conservation, education and the creation of livelihoods.'

New names TBA

Later this month, bookings will open for sale to the general public and the names of the two ships will be revealed.

Celebrity Xpedition and features two dining venues and 24 outward-facing cabins, including 13 balcony suites. Celebrity Xploration is an eight-cabin catamaran ideal for family vacations, affinity groups and private charters.