Superstar Cruises simply bought two of its cruise ships crusing to the Galapagos.
On December 28, 2024, two ships will set sail for the ultimate time below the Superstar model earlier than being transferred to the Lindblad fleet in January. The 2 ships bought symbolize lower than 1% of the entire capability for Royal Caribbean Group.
Superstar Flora, the cruise line’s latest, 100-passenger Xpedition ship, will stay within the fleet and proceed to supply sailings to this distinctive archipelago; nonetheless, the 48-passenger Superstar Xpedition and 16-passenger Superstar Xploration are set to endure in depth multi-million greenback renovations earlier than becoming a member of Lindblad Expeditions-Nationwide Geographic and doubling the scale of their fleet.
A Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson indicated the promoting of the ships is about specializing in newer purpose-built vessels, “As we proceed to optimize our fleet, we stay dedicated to the Galapagos Islands, providing sailings on Superstar Flora and Silver Origin – two ships we’ve purposely constructed to sail within the archipelago year-round.”
Sven-Olof Lindblad, Founder and CEO of Lindblad Expeditions celebrated the acquisition, “We acknowledge and recognize the immense privilege our Firm has to function and develop our expedition cruise choices within the Galápagos Islands.”
Learn extra: Superstar Cruises information
“By sourcing well-appointed vessels and onboarding probably the most skilled crew and workers who meet our exacting requirements of accountable exploration, we’re capable of transport company from all over the world to the enduring archipelago and assist them perceive the significance of defending and preserving its wonders and wildlife, as a consequence of their private expertise.”
Bookings will open later this month when the names of the brand new ships are revealed. The sale worth was not disclosed.
The 2 ships will be part of the 96-guest Nationwide Geographic Endeavor II and 48-guest Nationwide Geographic Island II
Mixed, each ships provide greater than 100 Galapagos departures yearly on six totally different itineraries starting from 7- to 16-day voyages. The corporate can be recognized for its international expedition journeys to distant locations, together with the Arctic, Antarctica, Australia’s Kimberley area, and Alaska’s Walker Cove.
“When my father, Lars-Eric Lindblad, led the primary worldwide citizen expedition to the Galápagos practically 60 years in the past, I do not suppose he ever might have dreamed it could function the inspiration for ecotourism within the archipelago and could be the catalyst for significant, positively impactful connections,” Lindblad continued.
“We look ahead to not solely bringing extra Lindblad Expeditions-Nationwide Geographic company to the islands with the expansion of our fleet, but additionally to having a higher optimistic social impression supporting conservation, schooling and the creation of livelihoods.”
Company booked on Superstar Xpedition or Superstar Xploration in 2025 got two selections
First, they’ll choose one other crusing aboard the identical ship between October 5 and December 14, 2024. They will obtain a complimentary switch to a price-protected related or upgraded cabin.
Ought to they decide to stay of their authentic cabin class, company can relaxation assured figuring out the worth will both be protected on the authentic fee or decreased to the present fare, whichever is decrease.
Those that booked their flights with Flights by Superstar could have their airfare mechanically adjusted. Company who made their very own journey preparations will likely be reimbursed as much as $400 USD per particular person for non-refundable, pre-purchased change charges.
The second choice permits passengers to maneuver to Superstar Flora, the cruise line’s first-ever ship constructed particularly for the Galapagos, at no further value.
Company should select a crusing departing on a like weekend or one week earlier than or after their authentic departure date. Vacation sailings are excluded until initially booked on a Superstar Xpedition or Xploration vacation cruise.
Furthermore, the unique stateroom class worth is protected on the authentic fee or decreased to the present fare, whichever is decrease, excluding taxes, charges, and different non-cruise fare gadgets.
Flights by Superstar will mechanically handle rebooking flights, whereas those that made their very own preparations are eligible for reimbursement of as much as $400 USD per particular person for non-refundable, pre-purchased change charges.
Superstar Flora will stay Superstar’s sole ship within the Galapagos
The departure of Superstar Xpedition and Superstar Xploration will cut back the scale of the Superstar’s fleet to 14. The Galapagos is not the corporate’s primary focus, nonetheless, with the vast majority of their fleet encompassing bigger ships that match throughout the mainstream cruising expertise.
Their vessels, which vary in measurement from 91,000 to 140,600 gross registered tons (GRT), are designed to cater to hundreds of passengers, providing a wide range of onboard facilities and eating and leisure choices. Coming in at simply 5,739 GRT with a most capability of 100, Superstar Flora is the exception.
Along with Superstar Flora, Silversea, Royal Caribbean Group’s luxurious cruise line, operates a ship year-round within the Galapagos. Silver Origin, like Superstar Flora, was purpose-built for the area. Although Superstar’s Galapagos presence is diminishing, the corporate remains to be dedicated to the Galapagos.
Learn extra: Superstar Cruises ships by age from latest to oldest
Crusing onboard Superstar Flora to the Galapagos differs from conventional Superstar cruises. There’s a lot extra included in your fare, from pre-cruise lodge stays to flights, drinks, shore excursions, and menus designed by Michelin-star cooks.
Furthermore, each stateroom onboard is a set that options Superstar’s outward-facing idea. In contrast to customary cruises to The Bahamas and Europe, the most cost effective cabins embrace breathtaking views of the Galapagos, guaranteeing you do not miss a second of the area’s gorgeous landscapes.