Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2017 (Berlitz Cruise Guide) (2016)
Celebrity Xpedition
★★★+
Berlitz’s Ratings
Ship: 334 out of 500
Accommodation: 140 out of 200
Food: 272 out of 400
Service: 290 out of 400
Entertainment: 62 out of 100
Cruise: 252 out of 400
Overall Score: 1350 out of 2000
Celebrity Xpedition Statistics
Size: Boutique Ship
Tonnage: 2,842
Lifestyle: Premium
Cruise Line: Celebrity Cruises
Former Names: Sun Bay
IMO Number: 9228368
Builder: Cassens-Werft (Germany)
Original Cost: DM 35 million
Entered Service: Jun 2001/Jun 2004
Registry: The Bahamas
Length (ft/m): 290.3/88.5
Beam (ft/m): 45.9/14.0
Draft (ft/m): 11.4/3.5
Propulsion/Propellers: diesel (3,000kW)/2
Passenger Decks: 4
Total Crew: 64
Passengers (lower beds): 90
Passenger Space Ratio (lower beds): 31.5
Passenger/Crew Ratio (lower beds): 1.4
Cabins (total): 45
Size Range (sq ft/m): 156.0-460.0/14.5-42.7
Cabins (for one person): 0
Cabins (with private balcony): 8
Cabins (wheelchair accessible): 0
Wheelchair accessibility: None
Cabin Current: 220 volts
Elevators: 0
Casino (gaming tables): No
Slot Machines: No
Swimming Pools: No
Hot Tubs (on deck): 1
Self-Service Launderette: No
Dedicated Cinema/Seats: No
Library: Yes
Onboard currency: US$
A comfortable ship for exploring the Galápagos Islands
Overview. This was the first specialist boutique ship for Celebrity Cruises and is like a small private club, providing ecotourism of the best kind. It will suit mature adults who want an intimate and casual cruise experience, to see the Galápagos Islands.
The Ship. Celebrity Xpedition has a surprisingly good amount of open deck space -much of it with teakwood decking, as well as teak sunloungers and patio furniture. Although there is no swimming pool, there is a whirlpool tub. Stabilizers were installed in 2004.
All accommodation is located forward half, with public rooms aft. The ambience is unhurried, yet subtly elegant. Except for the dining room, which can double as a conference room, there is only one public room: the main lounge, complete with bar, dance floor, and bandstand.
Shore excursions by Zodiac inflatable boats are in small groups led by Ecuadorian guides. On your return, waiters greet you with refreshing drinks and towels. Included in the fare: excursions, gratuities to shipboard staff, beverages including house wine, Champagne, liquor, beer, and soda.
Accommodation. There are four price categories in two cabin types: nine Suites measuring 247 sq ft (23 sq m); 34 Comfort Cabins, 172 sq ft (16 sq m); and three Comfort Cabins, 156 sq ft (14.5 sq m). All suites and cabins have twin beds (four comfort cabins have a double bed), TV, sofa, drinks table, vanity desk with hairdryer, minibar/refrigerator, and personal safe. Bathrooms all have a good-size shower enclosure (there are no tubs) with soap/shampoo dispenser, black granite washbasin, and white marble-clad walls.
The largest accommodation is in nine suites, each with a private balcony. One suite is located forward, with forward-facing views, and has a sloping ceiling with character. Balcony partitions are almost private; the balcony deck is teak covered. Two of the suites can be joined together. One bedroom has two pull-down Murphy beds.
Dining. The Darwin Dining Room operates on an open-seating basis. A self-serve buffet offers salads, cold cuts, and cheeses. House wines and beer are included in the fare; a few better wines can be bought. The cuisine depends on local suppliers; fish seafood and fruits are good, but vegetables are inconsistent. The casual, self-serve Seagull Buffet is just behind the main lounge, with teak tables and chairs.
Entertainment. Dinner and after-dinner conversation with fellow passengers is the main entertainment.
Spa/Fitness. There is a small fitness room, and adjacent unisex sauna located inside on the uppermost deck, while a small beauty salon is located on the lowest deck.