Celebrity Xperience

The 1998-built Celebrity Xperience cruise ship entered the Celebrity Cruises Galapagos fleet in March 2017. The boat features indoor and outdoor dining areas, a library, 2 bars, a Sundeck with Jacuzzi. The vessel belongs to company's small-sized "expedition fleet" - with fleetmates Celebrity Xpedition (2001), Celebrity Xploration (2007) and Celebrity Flora (2019).

In December 2020, Celebrity's parent company (RCG-Royal Caribbean Group) sold the Galapagos-based boat Celebrity Xperience to the Panamian company Emerald Blue Cruises. The 19-years-old vessel (IMO 8112902) was named "Celebrity Xperience" (January 2016 through March 2020), "MS Xperience" (April through November 2020) and "Emerald Dream" (since December 2020). Following the acquisition from Emerald Blue Cruises, the boat was reflagged from Ecuador to Panama (MMSI number 735057561).

History - construction and ownership

Celebrity Cruises was founded in 1988 as Chandris Line (Greece-based company with cruise shipping operations between 1974-1996). In 1997, RCI-Royal Caribbean International merged with "Celebrity Cruises Ltd" to become "Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd" (RCCL/now RCG-Royal Caribbean Group). The "Χ" on ship funnels is the Greek letter chi (standing for "Chandris").

The 48-passenger Galapagos ship Celebrity Xperience is a luxury expedition yacht. In spring 2016, following the acquisition of the tour operator Ocean Adventures and its two ships - the 48-passenger yacht Xperience (formerly Eclipse) and the 16-passenger catamaran Xploration ((formerly Athala II), Celebrity Cruises increased Galapagos Islands passenger capacity by 65%. Both vessels continued to sail on Ocean Adventures itineraries up until January 2017 dry-dock. The Xperience ship is an adventurous alternative to line’s larger vessels and offers personal attention which is afforded by the smaller size. Ship’s capacity of just 48 passengers and active itineraries attract younger and better educated demographic.

Since 2021, the boat is owned and operated by EMERALD BLUE CRUISES SA (Panama). The new travel brand/company was founded on October 22, 2020, under Company Number 155698196. The company's management includes Pedro Ortega Jones (President) and Ioanis Karnakis Kosmas (Director).

Cruise itinerary program

Celebrity Xperience itinerary program is based on year-round, round-trip 7-13-day luxury cruises throughout the Galapagos region. In addition, Celebrity also offers new Xperiential Galapagos packages, interactions with locals, multi-night hotel stays, and expanded list of destinations, including Darwin Bay, Puerto Villamil, Black Turtle Cove, Wall of Tears and Chinese Hat Islet.

Next map of Galapagos Islands cruise ship itineraries shows the park's two main routes (inner loop and outer loop) and the archipelago's all-island stops (ports/landing sites).

Decks and Cabins

Celebrity Xperience staterooms (24 total) are all outside/oceanview and fully air-conditioned. All amenities offer an intimate atmosphere and all the gear you will need, such as wetsuits, snorkeling equipment, and binoculars, included to help guests fully experience the most amazing archipelago in the world.

The boat has 5 decks, of which 4 are passenger-accessible and 2 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Celebrity Xperience cruise ship offers excellent service and food, intimate setting for exotic voyages, together with many of the larger ships’ amenities. Celebrity Xperience cruise fares include beer, liquor, soft drinks, house wine, and all gratuities and shore excursions. The dining options feature a main dining room with an elegant yet casual ambiance. Guests can also enjoy an Early Riser continental breakfast and lunch under the open air shade canopy including specialty drinks and music, or on special nights, consider Dinner Under the Stars. 

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The Lounge Bar, located on the WeatherDeck, is where passengers get daily briefings, lectures, movies, entertainment, and full bar service. The Reception area is a gathering place before dinner time or prior to going ashore. It houses the Guest Relations area and a Boutique. Located on the Boat Deck, the library features a variety of books, table games, and video games. The outdoor relaxation area offers a shade canopy, lounge chairs, and a hot tub. There are also two exercise bikes.