Lindblad will call new Galápagos ships National Geographic Gemini, Delfina

The 48-passenger National Geographic Gemini is currently sailing as Celebrity Xpedition, while the 16-passenger National Geographic Delfina is Celebrity Xploration, a catamaran.

Inaugural voyage dates announced

Following renovations in early 2025, the ships are scheduled for inaugural voyages on Feb. 14 and March 14, respectively.

They will increase Lindblad's Galápagos inventory by 45%, adding capacity for 3,000 travelers a year, according to CEO Sven Lindblad. This is 'critical for bringing in new guests' to the brand since the Galápagos are 'iconic' and a 'more aspirational destination than any other island group in the world,' he said.

About one-third of Galápagos capacity

Lindblad's total capacity there will go up to some 206 berths, out of about only 600 berths as a whole in the Galápagos, Lindblad said.

Interim CFO L. Dyson Dryden noted there are just nine ships in the archipelago with capacity for more than 40 passengers.

The Galápagos Islands are a closed market with capacity restrictions, and operators must be Ecuadorian-owned.

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

Meeting with Ecuador's president

Galápagos bookings stabilized following unrest on the Ecuadorian mainland early this year, according to Sven Lindblad. He just returned from 10 days in the country, including meeting with President Daniel Noboa.

'I was very impressed with his vision for the country and his commitment to the imperative of security,' Lindblad told analysts during the company's second quarter earnings call Thursday.