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Celebrity Xpedition refloated in the Galápagos (updated)

Nov. 8 update: A tugboat is scheduled to arrive Nov. 12, and experts and divers are on site assessing how to safely tow the vessel to a yard. The company has made no decision on the next cruise.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

November 6, 2019

1 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

After running aground Tuesday night in the Galápagos, Celebrity Xpedition is afloat and ‘safely at anchor,’ Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. said.

Passengers are heading home

All 46 passengers and 58 crew are safe, the company said, with the passengers having transferred to Celebrity Flora. Flora is underway to Baltra, where hotel accommodations and return flights home are being provided.

‘We are grateful no injuries were reported from last night’s incident, and we appreciate those responders who stepped in to provide support to guests and crew,’ Royal Caribbean said.

Refunds and future cruise credits

Passengers will receive 100% refunds and full cruise credits for a future Celebrity vacation.

Ship's condition is being assessed

‘We’ve seen no signs of environmental impact and continue to monitor the situation closely,’ Royal Caribbean said. ‘As we assess the condition of Xpedition and implement contingency plans, we will keep our guests informed regarding any cancellations or revised itineraries.’

About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

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