NYC New York-based BG Studio International included a host of environmentally friendly features in Celebrity Flora - specially designed for Galapagos Islands year-round cruising.
Francesca Bucci, BG Studio founder, designed the ship project for Celebrity Cruises. Flora is the first-ever cruise ship custom-built for the Galapagos Islands. Since nothing could be sourced from the protected island chain, the firm's team referenced silhouettes and textures of diverse fauna, colors of endemic flora, and unique volcanic geology.
Bucci said everything was inspired by the Galapagos and her favorite architectural aspect was the interior stairs, designed after studying the spine of the islands' reptiles.
Measuring 10,000 m2 (107,639 ft2), Celebrity Flora has 46 suites, 2 royal suites with separate living areas and private veranda, and 2 penthouse suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, a wrap-around terrace with a jacuzzi, and statuary marble accents. All accommodations were designed to make the most of exterior views, including sea-facing beds that are accompanied by locally-manufactured furniture.
The smallest ship in Celebrity Cruises' fleet, Celebrity Flora was engineered with state-of-the-art technology in order to minimize her footprint as she sails the archipelago. Innovations include a unique hull configuration and advanced propulsion system to reduce fuel consumption by 15%, custom-designed diesel engines which ensure fewer air emissions, as well as anchorless dynamic positioning to preserve seabeds.
To eliminate the need for plastic water bottles onboard, the vessel boasts reverse osmosis water filtration for potable water in all rooms. Air conditioning condensation is collected and then reused towards laundry facilities. Celebrity Flora also employs an advanced wastewater treatment system meeting the standards of major cities.
Eco-friendliness is reflected in the design of all exterior decks, interior public spaces, and 50 cabins.