Tourist cruises return to sail in Galapagos

After more than a year in which the vessels that operate under the Celebrity Cruises brand suspended their operations globally due to the pandemic, a progressive return to operations is announced.

The cruise has all the biosecurity measures.

Starting this July 4, tourists will once again be able to navigate the world famous Galapagos Islands aboard one of the most environmentally friendly ships.

In 2020, this vessel was included in the list of “The Best New Cruises and Itineraries in the World” by the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler magazine.

 In order to take care of the health of its crew, guests and the community, strict biosecurity protocols have been implemented throughout the process from the arrival of the guests to Ecuador until the day of their return.

In the case of guests, those over 16 years of age must have their full dose of the vaccine, administered at least 14 days before their arrival in Ecuador. As of August 1, 2021, all guests over the age of 12 must be fully vaccinated.

The use of masks during shore excursions will be mandatory, as well as respect for social distancing.

For this return to operations, adjustments have been made to the boat. For example, PCR analysis machines, disinfection stations at various points, as well as signage were placed to improve the flow of people.

 “Over the course of this year we have strengthened our biosecurity protocols, made adjustments to the boats and implemented new measures to take care of the health of the team, as well as the guests and the community where we operate,” said Fausto Arcos, Principal of Celebrity Cruises in Ecuador.

Knowing the moment that the country is going through and particularly the Galapagos community, since the beginning of the health emergency, Celebrity Cruises, through its operators in Galapagos, has maintained an active collaboration with local authorities and the island population through the donation of supplies and medical equipment, among which are PCR tests and rapid tests, oxygen tanks, personal protective equipment, isolation chambers for the transfer of patients by air. Free humanitarian flights were also arranged so that the Galapagos population can travel to the continent.