Royal Caribbean Group is considering selling two older ships that are currently operating in the Galapagos Islands, as CEO Jason Liberty mentioned during his visit to Portugal for the christening of Silversea Cruises’ new luxury ship, the Silver Ray. Despite this potential sale, the company aims to expand its presence in the region.
With the sale of the Celebrity Xpedition and Celebrity Xploration to Lindblad Expeditions, Royal Caribbean Group will have two modern ships serving the Galapagos: Silver Origin and Celebrity Flora. These newer vessels, with the Flora’s inaugural cruise in 2019 and the Origin’s in 2021, are designed to accommodate up to 100 guests, the maximum allowed in the Galapagos.
The older ships, Xpedition and Xploration, built in 2001 and 2007 respectively, were not aligned with the Celebrity brand experience, despite being part of Celebrity Cruises’ fleet. On the other hand, the Flora and the Origin were purpose-built for Celebrity and Silversea, offering a seamless brand experience for guests. These ships have gained popularity due to the unique and high-demand destination they sail to.
CEO Jason Liberty expressed high satisfaction levels with their Galapagos cruises, referring to them as “exceptionally high.” He praised the experience of cruising in the Galapagos, highlighting the incredible memories and stories guests take away from the trip. Liberty described the Flora and Origin as “floating jewels” that provide access to amazing locations, emphasizing the unique and special nature of the Galapagos as a protected space.
According to Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group offers the best cruise product in the Galapagos, setting itself apart from other operators in the region. He mentioned that the company’s ships are in high demand and consistently full, indicating the success of their operations in the area. Liberty emphasized the superior quality and experience provided by Royal Caribbean Group’s Galapagos cruises compared to other offerings available.
Royal Caribbean Group’s interest in selling older ships and expanding its fleet in the Galapagos demonstrates the company’s commitment to offering top-notch cruise experiences in this unique destination. With a focus on guest satisfaction, brand alignment, and quality service, Royal Caribbean Group aims to maintain its position as a leader in Galapagos cruising.
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