This expedition ship from Celebrity is the former Sun Bay I, built in Germany in 2001. She began Galapagos cruises in June 2004. The 296-ft, 2,329-ton ship, registered in Ecuador, takes 94 passengers in considerable comfort and style on 10-day cruise tours, including a 7-day cruise and hotel nights in Quito. So far, this is parent company Royal Caribbean's only venture into the soft adventure market. As some sea time is exposed to the open Pacific Ocean, the ship was later fitted with stabilizers that alleviate some rolling when under way.
Purpose built as the Sun Bay along with a similar sister, these small, well-built and well-designed ships are ideal for soft adventure exploration, and they were initially chartered by a variety of upscale operators. In 2004, the first Sun Bay joined the Celebrity brand, in name only, as her function is so very different from the rest of this fleet. At one time, the former Renaissance ships, now under the Azamara brand, were to have joined this subsidiary, but the match did not make sense.
The ship draws ecotourism followers who want to see the sea, land and bird life in the Galapagos Islands. All ages are attracted, including some children, as these active cruises are ideal for young inquiring minds. All tips are included, as are drinks and wines.
Cruises are 7 nights in length and based in Baltra, where passengers board at a dock. Otherwise, the calls at seven different islands involve anchoring. With a team of naturalists trained in the Galapagos, passengers go ashore twice a day in inflatable Zodiacs to explore in small groups and to walk amongst the wildlife that has little fear of human intrusion. Some activities are also water-based tours by Zodiac and swimming and snorkeling. Talks onboard prepare everyone for what they will encounter ashore and in the water. There are pre- and post-cruise options to stay extra nights in Quito, Ecuador's attractive capital, and to add Cusco and Macchu Picchu in neighboring Peru.
Since it is a very small four-deck ship, there are a limited range of public spaces but nonetheless they are generous for the limited passenger list. Cabins are positioned forward and the public spaces aft. The Discovery Lounge hosts the naturalists' enrichment program and an Ecuadorian culture show (on the last night), and provides quiet relaxation when not ashore. A sit-up bar provides drinks, and there is a pianist.
On the top deck, the Blue Finch Bar is a second watering hole. Meals are served in the Darwin Restaurant at tables for six to eight. Breakfast offers buffet items and a menu. Lunch is a buffet, and dinner is a wait-served meal with many of the ingredients coming from outside Ecuador to maintain the standards this high-end expedition cruise achieves. The outdoor Beagle Grill, located aft of the Discovery Lounge, serves buffet style with freshly prepared hot and cold items. Usually an evening barbecue takes here one night under the stars.
The beauty salon shares adjacent space with a small shop. The spa includes massage treatment, some exercise equipment, a sauna, and a hot tub out on deck. Teakwood deck space is generous, and furnished with attractive wooden deck chairs.
All 47 cabins are outside and convertible between single and double beds, and nine larger units have private balconies. The smallest are 156 sq ft, and the nine suites measure 247 sq ft. Amenities shared by all are interactive TVs, minibar or refrigerator, direct-dial phones with voice mail, safe, robes, hair dryers and room service (used most often by those who have taken two ventures ashore in one day). Wooden deck chairs are on the cabin balconies.
Celebrity Xpedition is right up there in standards with the best of them, offering a high-quality nature cruise on a well-designed little ship.
