Celebrity Cruises Introduces Immersive Luxury Vacations with the Launch of "Celebrity Explorations"

MIAMI, Aug. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing the growing trend toward extended vacations and answering the demand from guests, Celebrity Cruises today unveiled "Celebrity Explorations" – unique vacations that pair ocean cruises with deep, immersive destination experiences on land.

Celebrity's well-traveled destination experts have uncovered the most authentic experiences in each destination and cultivated relationships with local experts to deliver more than 20 different one-of-a-kind Celebrity Explorations, with more to be revealed this year. Vacationers can combine an ocean cruise with several days of extensive and fully-guided tours, exhilarating excursions and indulgent hotels – minus the stress of planning.

Guests can now pair an exciting safari in Africa's greatest wildlife reserves with a cruise to the Iberian Peninsula or journey down the Amazon River on a luxury custom-built riverboat with floor-to-ceiling picture windows before setting sail on a modern, luxurious Celebrity ship for a thrilling Antarctic cruise. Additional Celebrity Explorations that offer memorable insight into the sights, flavors, culture and history of destinations include vacations that combine the vibrancy of Sydney, Australia with unforgettable cruises in the South Pacific.

"As a modern luxury vacation company, we are in the business of providing outstanding vacation experiences and have been doing so for nearly 25 years," said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. "With the introduction of Celebrity Explorations, we are giving our guests more of what they value and expect from Celebrity – authentic, immersive and upscale vacation experiences that combine luxury hotels, guided tours by our destination concierges and the best in local dining with a unique selection of ocean cruises and more. Our new style of travel pairs two exceptional vacations in one – and both have been perfectly planned down to the very last detail to create one exhilarating vacation."

Highlights from the collection of Celebrity Explorations, ranging from 11 to 22 nights, include:

• Sydney & the South Pacific – Guests can indulge in the Land Down Under with three nights in a luxury hotel in Sydney, Australia, combined with exciting tours that take in the must-see highlights of the city - including the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach, plus a magical dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour. Vacationers can then choose from an array of destination-rich Celebrity cruises sailing through the South Pacific aboard Celebrity Solstice.  
  *Available for select sailings departing Jan. 18 – March 22, 2015 and Oct. 21, 2015 – April 1, 2016
• Africa & the Iberian Peninsula – A five-night adventure in Africa begins with five-star hotel in Nairobi, Kenya before heading to an upscale lodge in Lake Nakuru National Park and a luxurious tented camp in the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Guests can enjoy three fully escorted expeditions before joining Celebrity Eclipse in Southampton, England to soak up the glorious Iberian sun while sailing for 11 to 14 nights through the Canary Islands.   
  *Available for sailings departing Aug. 30 - Oct. 21, 2015.
• Amazon & the Antarctic, Argentina or Chile – On this customizable 21- to 22-night exploration, vacationers take in the sights and sounds of South America while relaxing in upscale accommodations in Lima, Peru, combined with Buenos Aires, Argentina or Santiago, Chile. Guests then will experience four incredible days of untouched scenery and wildlife while sailing down the Amazon River in a luxurious riverboat chartered exclusively for Celebrity. From here, travelers will embark on a 14- or 15-night modern luxury cruise aboard Celebrity Infinity, visiting inspiring destinations that include Antarctica, Argentina and Chile. 
  *Available for select itineraries departing Dec. 20, 2015 - Feb. 28, 2016.

To access the full breadth of details about Celebrity Explorations, visit celebritycruises.com/vacationpackages, dial 1-888-305-9153 or contact a travel agent.

About Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises' iconic "X" is the mark of modern luxury, with its cool, contemporary design and warm spaces; dining experiences where the design of the venues is as important as the cuisine; and the amazing service that only Celebrity can provide, all created to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers' precious time. Celebrity Cruises' 11 ships offer modern luxury vacations visiting all seven continents and present immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska and Canada. Celebrity is one of six cruise brands operated by global cruise vacation company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE, OSE: RCL). For more information, dial 1-800-437-3111, visit www.celebritycruises.com, or call your travel agent. 

SOURCE Celebrity Cruises