Lindblad Expeditions Holdings has acquired two small ships from Celebrity Cruises and plans to refurbish them and sail in the Galapagos next year.
Celebrity Xpedition, with 48 guests, and Celebrity Xploration, with 16 guests, will sail with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic. The ship's new name is expected to be announced later this month.
Lindblad said the ship will undergo a multi-million dollar renovation once the deal closes in January 2025 and will open for bookings to the general public in the coming weeks.
Built in 2001, Xpedition features 24 exterior-facing cabins, including two dining rooms and 13 balcony suites. Built in 2007, the Xploration has eight cabins. Lindblad suggests the vessel would be ideal for family vacations, social groups and private charters.
Lindblad currently operates two ships in the Galapagos: the 96-passenger National Geographic Endeavor II and the 48-passenger National Geographic Islander II. The ship offers six itineraries and more than 100 departures throughout the year.