The 98 passenger Celebrity Xpedition

Ship Facts
Occupancy: 98
Tonnage: 2,842
Length: 296 ft
Beam: 49 ft
Draught: 25 ft
Cruisespeed: 15 kts
Inaugural Date: Jan 01, 2001

The Vessel
Cruise Division has an exclusive charter on Celebrity Xpedition, the only luxury ship granted special permission by the Ecuadorian government to tour the strictly protected, eco-sensitive Galapagos Archipelago. Xpedition is the ultimate in casual elegance. With a mere 45 staterooms and a length of 296 feet, she is spacious and comfortable.

The elegant staterooms have either an oceanview porthole, window, or a balcony, and all are appointed with fine wood, leather, marble, etched glass, and fine linens. The duvets are to die for, and there is more wardrobe space than many larger ships. A television, refrigerator, satellite-accessible telephones, and Egyptian-cotton towels complete the splendor. Power is 220V, so bring a converter to keep the camera batteries charged.

Xpedition's public spaces, both indoors and out, allow plenty of room to relax after sightseeing and hiking. Sip cocktails in the Discovery Lounge, with its classic nautical theme and comfortable banquettes, sound system, and dance floor. This lounge opens directly to the aft open deck, where you can watch the Pacific sunset. Try the refreshing local draft beer called simply "Pilsener," fine local wines, or a traditional mixed cocktail. Remember that all well drinks, beer, wine, and soft drinks are complimentary (as are all the onboard gratuities, Galapagos park entrance fees, and all shore excursions). The bridge is always open for you to tour, and the onboard naturalists give briefings every day on the islands you will be hiking the next day. These are very informative, and the naturalists are quite enthusiastic, since to them the Galapagos is the ultimate assignment.

Darwin's Restaurant is a relaxed, casual-dining experience surrounded by washed woods, deep-blue upholstery, and subtle lighting. Large windows offer sweeping views. Most meals are open seating: you pick when and with whom you dine, with no strict times or seating charts. The chef prepares all dishes à la minute, and the presentation rivals a Parisian restaurant. Variations on any menu item are available to suit your individual taste or dietary needs. Fine local wines are selected by the chef and sommelier (and poured generously) to complement each dish. Breakfast is served buffet-style with a station for prepared-to-order omelets, eggs, and a special breakfast selection chosen by the chef. Lunch is served in the same style. For those who want lunch al fresco, there is a daily barbeque and lunch buffet at the Beagle Grill on the aft deck.

If the hiking has not worked your muscles enough, feel free to workout in the small gym on the top deck. Or enjoy ultimate relaxation with a massage or sauna. The gym, massage area, and sauna are open early and close late. Also, on the top deck, there is an oversized Jacuzzi and plenty of lounge chairs for good old-fashioned sun- or moon-bathing. At night, try stargazing from the warmth of the Jacuzzi. It is an awesome experience, and the waiters will keep bringing you drinks long past any reasonable bedtime. You will never find the Jacuzzi closed: It is yours to use anytime you choose. Of course, the ship is outfitted with a business center (if you absolutely have to check e-mail), a library, gift shop, and salon. A licensed and accredited doctor is also on call.

Xpedition has a top cruising speed of 17 knots (about 20 miles per hour) and is equipped with state-of-the-art stabilizers and navigational and propulsion systems. She is designed to be the most advanced, eco-friendly vessel of all time, and every onboard source of waste is processed, filtered, and cleansed in the ship, so only clear, completely potable water is released into the sea. The remaining solid waste is recycled or processed into fertilizers. The sensitive ecosystem of the Galapagos is disturbed only by the wake of this extraordinary vessel.