Celebrity Cruises officially christened its Celebrity Flora, a new all-suite megayacht (passenger capacity 100) which is the first of its kind to have been purposely built to operate in the Galapagos Islands close to Ecuador.
Celebrity Flora, that is now the most eco-efficient vessel in the Galapagos, was christened during a ceremony at her new homeport on Baltra Island. The environmental advocate and former World Wildlife Fund International president, Yolanda Kakabadse, served as the godmother. Kakabadse gave a short speech prior to cutting a hand-crafted ribbon made from the green banana core and crafted via a collective of local female artisans popular as Manos Magicas. Two local school children sang the Ecuadorian national anthem.
Celebrity Flora is scheduled to embark on her maiden voyage from Baltra on June 30 and will continue to sail alternating 7-night inner and outer loop itineraries from the port year-round. Celebrity Cruises will also offer 10-, 11- and 16-night packages, that include either pre- or post-cruise expeditions.