Your Guide to Galapagos With Celebrity Cruises

Planning a Galapagos cruise can feel overwhelming. Which route should you choose? What's included? How do you even get there?

Celebrity Cruises offers a way to explore the Galapagos like never before. We're breaking it all down so you can focus on the exciting part (seeing giant tortoises and swimming with sea lions).

Exploring Galapagos Aboard Celebrity Flora

Celebrity Flora is the only ship in Celebrity's fleet that sails the Galapagos, and there's a good reason for that. This purpose-built expedition vessel was specifically designed for the delicate ecosystems of the archipelago.

With a capacity of just 100 guests (compared to Celebrity's typical ocean liners that carry thousands), the Flora can navigate the protected waters while minimizing environmental impact. The ship features a dynamic positioning system that eliminates the need for anchors that could damage the seafloor, plus an advanced water treatment system that exceeds Galapagos National Park requirements. It's not just a smaller ship—it's a floating research station built to explore one of the world's most precious natural treasures without leaving a trace.

Fun fact: Celebrity Flora is the first ship in the Galapagos to offer overnight "glamping" on its top deck. Enjoy dinner & wine, while a private naturalist guides you through constellations from both hemispheres (a sight only possible at the equator).

The Big Question: Inner Loop or Outer Loop?

Because the Galapagos National Park regulates every ship's path, the Celebrity Flora alternates between two distinct 7-night routes. While both offer sea lions, iguanas, and giant tortoises, each has its own "superstar" wildlife and landscapes.

Outer Loop (Southern/Western Islands)

The Outer Loop itineraries are best for bird-watchers and human history buffs. They focus on the archipelago's older, southernmost islands. This is your route if you want to see the legendary Waved Albatross (April-December only).

Outer Loop Highlights

• Española Island: The world's only nesting site for the Waved Albatross, plus colonies of Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies.
• Floreana Island: Visit Post Office Bay and participate in a 200-year-old tradition—leaving a postcard in a barrel for another traveler to hand-deliver.
• Isabela & Fernandina: The best spots for Flightless Cormorants and massive Marine Iguana colonies.
• Signature Landmark: The famous Blowhole on Española.

Inner Loop (Northern/Central Islands)

The Inner Loop itineraries are best for geology lovers and dramatic landscapes. These routes take you to the volcanic heart of the archipelago with younger, more dramatic terrain.

Inner Loop Highlights

• Bartolomé Island: Home to the iconic Pinnacle Rock—the most photographed view in the Galapagos.
• Genovesa (Tower) Island: Known as "Bird Island," this is the only place guaranteed for Red-footed Boobies and thousands of inflated-throat Great Frigates.
• Santiago Island: Walk across Sullivan Bay's "frozen" 19th-century lava flow that looks like another planet.
• Signature Feature: Dramatic volcanic cones and red sand beaches.

Still can't figure out which route is best for you? Our dedicated cruise consultants are here to help you with any of your questions.

Why the 10-Day Package is Your Best Bet

Here's the reality: You can't fly directly to the Galapagos. You must first fly into mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil). If you book the 7-day cruise-only option, you're responsible for arranging your own flights, accommodations, and transfers—which means navigating a foreign country, dealing with potential delays, and arriving at the ship already exhausted.

The 10-Day All-Inclusive Package is the smartest way to travel because it ensures you arrive refreshed and ready to explore. Celebrity takes care of everything: your hotel stay, private charter flights, luggage transfers, and even a guided tour of Quito's Equator monument. It turns a complicated expedition into a seamless luxury vacation.

Prefer to book the cruise only? Our Cruise Experts can still help you coordinate flights, accommodations, and ground transportation in Ecuador, so you get expert guidance without committing to the full package.

What's Included

• Private charter flight: Flights between Quito, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands on all Packages 10 Nights or greater.
• Shore Excursions: Twice-daily Galapagos National Park certified Naturalist guided excursions, including equipment (and even park fees).
• Unlimited Wifi: Always stay connected, no matter where you are.
• Drinks: Enjoy your favorite beverages throughout your voyage with unlimited drinks.
• Meals: All meals on board are locally sourced.
• Zero logistics stress: Celebrity handles all luggage transfers and terminal coordination.
• The hand-off: Your bags go from hotel to ship suite without you lifting a finger.

The Galapagos isn't like the Caribbean, so you can't just Uber to the pier. The 10-day package eliminates every travel headache and lets you arrive relaxed and ready for adventure.

Meet Your Expert Guides

The Celebrity Flora carries a team of certified Naturalists for just 100 guests—a remarkable ratio that's the best in the islands. These aren't casual tour guides; they're specialists in marine biology, geology, and ornithology certified by the Galapagos National Park.

Every evening in the Discovery Lounge, you'll gather for cocktails as the naturalists recap the day and explain the "why" behind tomorrow's animal behaviors. It transforms your trip from simple sightseeing into true understanding.

Pro Tip: Try the cookies in the Discovery Lounge before heading out on morning excursions!

Smart Packing for the Galapagos

Celebrity provides most equipment, so pack light and strategically.

Must-Bring Items

• Amphibious shoes: Essential for "wet landings" when you step from the zodiac into shallow water.
• Neutral colors (khaki, tan, grey): Bright colors can attract wasps.
• Neck gaiter or buff: Better sun protection than constant sunscreen reapplication.
• Polarized sunglasses: See sea turtles and sharks clearly instead of just shadows.
• 10-15L dry bag: Keep electronics and camera dry during zodiac rides.

Leave at Home

• Plastic water bottles (banned—Celebrity provides reusable bottles)
• Formal wear (even Captain's dinner is "island chic")
• Heavy hiking boots (trail runners work better on hot volcanic rock)

Our cruise consultants reach out before your trip to ensure you have everything you need and leave everything you don't.

Suite Selection Tip

The Flora is an all-suite ship, meaning every cabin offers more space and luxury than a standard cruise room. The most popular choice is the Infinite Veranda Suite, which features a unique design where the balcony railing lowers electronically to merge your indoor and outdoor space into one open-air room.

However, if you prefer a traditional balcony (one where you step outside through a door onto a separate outdoor space with a permanent railing), the Sky Suites on Deck 5 are your best option. They offer the classic balcony experience many travelers prefer for morning coffee or wildlife watching.

Ready to Explore the Galapagos?

The Galapagos is a once-in-a-lifetime destination, and Celebrity Flora offers one of the most luxurious ways to experience it. Whether you choose the bird-rich Outer Loop or the volcanic drama of the Inner Loop, you'll return home with memories that last forever.

Our Cruise Experts specialize in Galapagos itineraries and can help you choose the perfect route, suite, and package for your travel style.

Call us at 1-800-377-9383 or visit cruiseweb.com to start planning your Galapagos adventure today.