Celebrity Cruises has introduced a new ship to be built specifically for the Galapagos Islands.
The premium cruise line revealed plans for the 100-passenger Celebrity Flora Thursday. According to USA Today, the ship will be based in the archipelago year-round beginning in 2019, replacing the 48-passenger Celebrity Xperience and 16-passenger Xploration.
Celebrity Flora's unique design will capitalize on the Galapagos' beauty while helping preserve the destination. For example, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows will provide 360-degree views and anchorless technology will allow the ship to remain stationary without damaging the sea floor.
Other highlights aboard the Celebrity Flora will include a marina able to accommodate up to three Zodiacs at once; an open-air, deck-top lounge featuring cocoon-style loungers and private cabanas; a stargazing platform; a research lab; indoor and outdoor lounges; an observatory; two restaurants and a library.
Guests will be able to access invaluable destination information at Darwin's Cove and the Naturalist Center and visit the Discovery Lounge for Naturalist presentations and excursion details.
The ship's two 1,288-square-foot Penthouse Suites will be the largest in the Galapagos, featuring separate indoor and outdoor living spaces, customizable lighting and a telescope for checking out wildlife or the night sky.
Onboard accommodations will also include Royal Suites, Ultimate Sky Suites with Infinite Veranda, Premium Sky Suites with Infinite Veranda and Sky Suites with Infinite Veranda cabins. The Infinite Veranda is similar to a balcony and utilizes a window wall that can be opened up.
Sustainable elements will include in-room water filtration stations and a strict waste management system. The Celebrity Flora will also convert sea water and air conditioning condensation into fresh water.
What's more, an advanced propulsion system, hull configuration and specially designed diesel engines will allow for a 15 percent reduction in fuel consumption and fewer air emissions.
"Celebrity Flora marks another example of our revolutionary ship design by allowing the destination and its environment to influence every decision we've made," said Celebrity Cruises President and CEO, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo in a statement. "From the luxurious all-suite accommodations to industry-first, eco-friendly innovations, we created a ship that brings a new level of luxury, sustainability and natural exploration to the region."
Ecuador's Minister of Tourism, Enrique Ponce de Leon said the sustainable ship will "mark a very important milestone in the tourism development" of the region.
Last month, Celebrity Cruises announced plans to begin a $400 million fleet-wide renovation. The innovative cruise line also recently transformed its onboard weddings program to include legal same-sex ceremonies and will welcome the highly anticipated Celebrity Edge to its fleet next year.
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