TIRUN, the exclusive India representative of Celebrity Cruises, recently announced the launch of the latest addition to Celebrity Cruises’ fleet, Celebrity Flora. A masterful exponent of stunning ship design, Celebrity Flora is a dedicated cruise ship for the Galapagos Islands, a deeply enigmatic archipelago of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean. The ship is an elevated and inspired approach to marine exploration, meticulously designed expressly for the awe-inspiring Galapagos. As the exclusive India representative of the brand, Indian travellers can book a cruise trip on the ship through TIRUN and enjoy an unparalleled cruise experience to a destination that is considered to still have the primitive spirit of Earth alive, in a ship that is the embodiment of cutting-edge technologies in the world of cruising.
The 100-guest Celebrity Flora offers seamless sea-to-shore transportation, and includes anchorless technology that maintains the ship’s position while protecting the sensitive sea floor. Innovative outward-facing design gives guests 360-degree views of the islands, while personal suite attendants, new dining venues, an open-air stargazing platform, and expert-lead ecological seminars are some of the numerous features that distinguish the modern luxury vacation experience.
“Celebrity Flora marks another example of our revolutionary ship design by allowing the destination and its environment to influence every decision we’ve made. 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. Guests will feel as though they’re boarding a high-end yacht for a week of unparalleled adventures, and they are!,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO, Celebrity Cruises.
Commenting on the launch, Varun Chadha, CEO, TIRUN said, “Celebrity Flora is one of the most energy-efficient ships in its class, with a 15 per cent reduction of fuel consumption and equivalently fewer air emissions. Celebrity Flora provides retreat to the travellers bringing the outside in, through Celebrity’s signature outward-facing layouts and heralded Infinite Verandas. Added to it is the lure of the destination itself. Giant tortoises, Komodo dragons, sea turtles, iguanas and flamingos are just a taster of the species that can be found on the 19 volcanic islands that make up the Galapagos, along with the pristine beauty of the beaches and the landscape. With the destination being a significant incentive, a cruise aboard Celebrity Flora promises a memory of a lifetime that Indian cruise enthusiasts and adventure seekers can hardly afford to miss.”
The Marina is the primary point of access to the ship and can accommodate up to three Zodiacs at once, reducing transport time to and from land and allowing more time for guests to explore the practically untouched islands. While onboard, guests can unwind in the Sunset Lounge, find solace in The Vista, an open-air hideaway with 360-degree views, cocoon-style loungers and private cabanas, and enjoy the breathtaking surrounds in the floor-to-ceiling glass-wrapped Observatory.
Darwin’s Cove and the Naturalist Center provide a bounty of information on the destination, wildlife and environmental efforts, while the Discovery Lounge will be home to Naturalist presentations and excursion information. Guests can participate in a guided astronomy tour or enjoy star-lit skies on their own from the Stargazing Platform.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily in the Seaside Restaurant. The Ocean Grill offers a casual dining space, panoramic views and Dinner Under the Stars, or guests can choose from an indulgent inroom dining experience.
Celebrity Flora transports travelers in all-suite accommodations featuring oversized bathrooms perfect for post-adventure refreshing. These modern retreats bring the outside in through Celebrity’s signature outward-facing layouts and heralded Infinite Verandas, and come complete with sustainable, natural, regionally inspired materials. Personal suite attendants cater to guests’ every need.
Celebrity Flora’s two Penthouse Suites are the largest in the Galapagos with separate indoor and outdoor living areas, customisable lighting and shades, and a telescope for stargazing or sea lion peeping. Guests can also find relaxation in Royal Suites, Ultimate Sky Suites with Infinite Veranda, Premium Sky Suites with Infinite Veranda and Sky Suites with Infinite Veranda.
Celebrity Flora is one of the most energy-efficient ships in its class, with a 15 per cent reduction of fuel consumption and equivalently fewer air emissions, thanks to the introduction of an advanced propulsion system, hull configuration and specially designed diesel engines. Two more firsts in the Galapagos, Celebrity Flora’s dynamic positioning system allows the ship to stay in position without physically anchoring and damaging the sea floor, with zero speed stabilizers promising smooth sailing throughout.
Celebrity will reduce the need for plastics onboard by introducing in-room water filtration stations and by converting sea water and air conditioning condensation into pure, fresh water. Any materials that can be recycled, reused or donated will be as part of a strict waste management system.
“I think this is a clear example of an intelligent investment, not only because the boat design was thought with the characteristics of the Galapagos, but because it is based on the best technology available to protect a Natural Heritage of Humanity,” said Walter Bustos, director of Galapagos National Park. “This proposal is a mix of experiences and education so that each visitor returns to their country with a different mindset, more committed to the conservation of the environment, which is one of the objectives of the Galapagos National Park ”
Celebrity Flora will sail from Baltra year-round, making her first sailing on May 26, 2019.