Photo: E bailey — Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Celebrity Xpedition was a small expedition ship built in 2001 by Cassens Schiffswerft at Emden, Germany, at a cost of about US$35 million, and she served as one of Celebrity Cruises' Galapagos vessels from 2004 to 2025. Compact and purpose-suited to the archipelago, her shallow draft allowed her to reach anchorages and landing sites that far larger ships could never approach, making her an ideal platform for the intimate, naturalist-led cruising the Galapagos demands.
Carrying fewer than 100 guests, Xpedition offered small-ship expedition travel with the amenities and service standards of a premium line. She operated under the tight regulatory framework of the Galapagos National Park, with certified naturalist guides leading shore excursions, snorkeling, and Zodiac outings among the islands' celebrated wildlife. For two decades she was a steady presence in Celebrity's Ecuadorian operations, registered in Ecuador and homeported at Baltra Island.
Her Celebrity career came to a close as the line renewed its Galapagos fleet. In 2024 Celebrity sold the ship to Lindblad Expeditions, the veteran expedition operator known for its long partnership with the National Geographic Society.
Renamed National Geographic Gemini, the vessel began sailing for her new owner in January 2025 and no longer operates for Celebrity Cruises. The transfer paired her with Lindblad's naturalist-led, National Geographic-branded programming, a natural home for a purpose-built expedition ship. She continues her expedition work under the Lindblad banner, extending the service life of a ship well proven across more than two decades in the demanding, tightly regulated conditions of small-ship Galapagos travel.
Onboard Highlights
Signature attractions, dining, bars and entertainment aboard Celebrity Xpedition.
Top attractions
- Naturalist-Guided Zodiac Excursions
Twice-daily guided landings across the Galapagos Islands. - Snorkeling Program
Guided snorkeling with complimentary wetsuits. - Guided Island Hikes
Naturalist-led hikes ashore among the islands' wildlife. - Sun Deck & Hot Tub
An open sun deck with chaise lounges and a hot tub. - Naturalist Lecture Lounge
A windowed lounge for daily naturalist lectures.
Specialty dining
- Darwin's Restaurant
The main restaurant with floor-to-ceiling Galapagos views. - Beagle Grill
Al fresco stern grill for casual lunches and Dinner Under the Stars.
Bars and lounges
- Blue Finch Bar
The ship's Promenade bar and gathering spot.
Entertainment
- Naturalist Expedition Briefings
Evening briefings and wildlife talks in the observation lounge.
Specifications
| Status | In service |
|---|---|
| Entered service | 2004 |
| Cruise line | Celebrity Cruises |
| Class | Galapagos class |
| Gross tonnage | 2,842 GT |
| Guests (double occupancy) | 48 |
| Guests (maximum) | 118 |
| Crew | 48 |
| Est. annual guests | ≈ 5,000 / year (estimated) |
| Length | 88 m (289 ft) |
| Beam | 14 m (46 ft) moulded |
| Decks | 6 |
| Staterooms | 49 |
| Shipyard | Cassens-Werft (Emden, Germany) |
| Build cost | ≈ US$35 million |
| Flag | Ecuador |
| Port of registry | Ecuador |
| IMO number | 9228368 |
| Home port | Baltra Island, Galapagos |
| Region | Galapagos Islands |
About the Galapagos class class
Small expedition vessels purpose-built for the Galápagos Islands, including the all-suite Celebrity Flora.
Ownership & loyalty
Part of Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL).
Sister brands: Royal Caribbean International, Silversea Cruises, TUI Cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.
Loyalty status match - members keep an equivalent tier across the group's brands:
- Crown & Anchor Society (Royal Caribbean International) ↔ Captain's Club (Celebrity Cruises)
One-for-one tier status match across Royal Caribbean Group brands: Gold <-> Classic, Platinum/Emerald <-> Select, Diamond <-> Elite, Diamond Plus <-> Elite Plus, Pinnacle Club <-> Zenith. - Crown & Anchor Society (Royal Caribbean International) ↔ Venetian Society (Silversea Cruises)
One-for-one status match with Silversea Venetian Society: Gold <-> 1 day, Platinum/Emerald <-> 100 days, Diamond <-> 250 days, Diamond Plus <-> 350 days, Pinnacle Club <-> 500 days.
References
Descriptions on Cruise Ship Wiki are original write-ups paraphrased from public sources; facts are compiled from the references below and cross-checked. How we source our information.
- Photograph by E bailey (CC0), via Wikimedia Commons - Primary ship photograph