Celebrity Press Release 3/14/16 (Celebrity to Buy Ocean Adventures)

Hi Everyone -

Thought this would be of interest : http://royalcarribbean.investorroom.com/2016-03-14-More-Room-for-Blue-footed-Boobies-on-Your-Bucket-List

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More Room for Blue-footed Boobies on Your Bucket List

Celebrity Cruises to buy Ocean Adventures, increasing its Galápagos Islands capacity 65 percent

Two new ships mean more options; sustainability commitment is strong

MIAMI, March 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrity Cruises announced the planned acquisition of award-winning Galápagos Islands tour operator Ocean Adventures and its two ships, the 48-guest ship M/V Eclipse and the 16-guest catamaran M/C Athala II. The move expands Celebrity's guest capacity in the Galápagos by 65 percent.

Ocean Adventures' 64 permits will grow the Galápagos fleet capacity for Celebrity, which has operated the 100-guest Celebrity Xpedition for more than a decade.

The expanded lineup means modern luxury travelers looking to experience the Galápagos Islands will be able to choose a ship whose size and intimacy suits their personal preference.

"Our guests use the most amazing words to describe their journeys to the Galapágos Islands, said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President & CEO, Celebrity Cruises. "They tell us the experience is 'once in a lifetime,' 'awe-inspiring,' even 'life-changing.' That's why we've made Celebrity Xpedition such a special experience, and why we are thrilled to expand our Galápagos program with these two intimate ships. We want to make more lifetime memories."

New choices, greater intimacy – and more destinations

The unique range of ship sizes creates more opportunities for regular cruises, group bookings and custom charters. The ships' smaller sizes – 100, 48 or 16 guests – will also present an exceptionally intimate modern luxury experience.

"Our unique Galapagos fleet will offer an up-close look at the region's breathtaking natural beauty, paired with Celebrity's highly intuitive service and award-winning cuisine," Lutoff-Perlo said.

The new ships also make possible distinctive itineraries that feature an expanded list of destinations for Celebrity – like Puerto Villamil, Darwin Bay, Black Turtle Cove, Chinese Hat Islet, and Wall of Tears.

Guests can choose from a number of immersive explorations of the local culture, including local hotel stays, encounters with local residents, and unique tours. The fleet expansion also allows Celebrity's guests to take advantage of new packages that celebrate the most breathtaking spots in Ecuador – such as the Andes Mountains – and Peru, where Machu Picchu and Amazon packages are enduringly popular.

The two vessels will join the Celebrity Cruises fleet in the spring of 2016, pending the closing of the acquisition deal. Until a January 2017 drydock, the ships will continue to offer the Ocean Adventures experience; after the refresh, the ships will sail as part of Celebrity Cruises' fleet, and guests will enjoy Celebrity's signature modern luxury elements. All existing Ocean Adventures' bookings and reservation commitments will remain unchanged, both before and after the drydock.

Ben Dod, President of Ocean Adventures, said, "After 16 years of building Ocean Adventures into the one of the leading operators in the Galapagos Islands, we are proud to have caught the attention of a world-class cruise company like Celebrity and proud to be part of their ambitious plans to expand in the region. The MV Eclipse and MC Athala II are the best vessels in their class and we are delighted that both ships will continue to deliver an unequalled level of service and experience to guests."

Protection and preservation

As part of its commitment to the Galápagos Islands, Celebrity rigorously follows guidelines set by local authorities to protect the assets of the Ecuadorian archipelago, including the robust kaleidoscope of flora and fauna found there, like giant tortoises, prehistoric iguanas and blue-footed boobies.

"The most extraordinary part of a Galápagos journey is truly the destination, which is one of the most important environmental places in the world," Lutoff-Perlo said. "It is our obligation to protect this sensitive and beautiful place, and to educate our guests about its amazing qualities. Permits to sail these waters are carefully rationed, and we are committed to doing our part to protect these islands for future generations."

As part of RCL's global commitment to help ensure the long-term health of the oceans and the destinations its ships visit, Celebrity has had a longtime commitment to conservation work to help preserve and protect the natural and cultural resources in the Galápagos Islands. Past and current projects include a reforestation effort in Galápagos National Park, programs to give residents access to medical care, agricultural development, and support for local fishing families.

The acquisition of Ocean Adventures is subject to customary closing conditions.

About Celebrity Cruises:

Celebrity Cruises' iconic "X" is the mark of modern luxury, with its cool, contemporary design and warm spaces; dining experiences where the design of the venues is as important as the cuisine; and the amazing service that only Celebrity can provide, all created to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers' precious time. Celebrity Cruises' 10 ships offer modern luxury vacations visiting all seven continents. Celebrity also presents immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska and Canada. Celebrity is one of six cruise brands operated by global cruise vacation company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE, OSE: RCL). For more information, dial 1-800-437-3111, visit http://www.celebritycruises.com, or call your travel agent.

SOURCE Celebrity Cruises

BTW, I hope someone at Celebrity considers changing the name of at least 1 of the 2 ships :)

An exciting expansion of Celebrity for sure...and an excellent match. I hope that they continue to expand in smaller ships with the ability to visit new ports as well as being able to dock closer to cities like London, Ho Chi Minh City, etc.

It's an unexpected but positive move IMHO.

A bold move for the cruise ship charter business which has been growing strongly. Companies that want to charter for retreats have been chartering small ships as opposed to mega yachts.

BTW, I hope someone at Celebrity considers changing the name of at least 1 of the 2 ships :)

Eclipse Junior?:D:D

How about Xcelsior? Xotic? Xaminer? Xtraordinary?

Very exciting...on our bucket list for sure!!!:cool::D:D

There were a couple of published reports on this yesterday - Celebrity is in the final stages of a deal to purchase Ocean Adventures, a Galapagos-based outfit that has a 48-person vessel and a 16-person catamaran. Celebrity will take them over and refurbish them in early 2017. I don't much care for the current Ocean Adventure itineraries but hopefully Celebrity will find some interesting and different ways to use this new capacity.

Host Andy posted the full details a few days ago ;).

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2328704

Host Andy posted the full details a few days ago ;).

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2328704

Thanks! I had expected there to be some mention here, had looked back through the threads, but not far enough.

Has anyone heard any further information about the acquisition of Ocean Adventures by Celebrity Cruises? I am in the early planning stages for a Galapagos cruise in 2017 onboard Xpedition, but I am very interested in the two smaller ships, should the acquisition be complete.

I know this will appeal to some, but I'd prefer a BIGGER ship, not even smaller ones. I want more stability in the ocean and more entertainment options while cruising the Galapagos. It's a dream of my DH to go there.

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I know this will appeal to some, but I'd prefer a BIGGER ship, not even smaller ones. I want more stability in the ocean and more entertainment options while cruising the Galapagos. It's a dream of my DH to go there.

96 passengers is the max allowed by Educadorian law.

96 passengers is the max allowed by Educadorian law.

Oh really?? Interesting; thank you for sharing. I had thought (but was obviously wrong) that an occasional big ship had visited the Galapagos on some longer cruises.

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Oh really?? Interesting; thank you for sharing. I had thought (but was obviously wrong) that an occasional big ship had visited the Galapagos on some longer cruises.

I don't think ships are ever allowed to visit the Galapagos, at least not anymore. There is a major quarantine-like procedure when a ship wants to enter those waters -- Celebrity had to do that when Xpedition came back from drydock. Ecuador is taking the fragile ecology of the Galapagos very seriously. I think you need a license to have a ship there at all, which is why Celebrity had to buy this existing company (to get their licenses). And I got a brochure in the mail today from Lindblad describing new, tougher, environmental regulations on the Galapagos to limit fishing.