In a cruise industry first, Celebrity Cruises has named a female captain to navigate the rich archipelago of the Galapagos as captain. A native of Ecuador, Nathaly Albán will command the ultra-exclusive Celebrity Xploration; as captain of the recently revitalized catamaran.
With a total of 12 years experience sailing throughout the Galapagos, Captain Albán has worked on several ships in the region, first joining the Celebrity family in 2006 as third officer onboard the 100-guest Celebrity Xpedition.
Continuing the brand’s dedication to advancing the role of women in leadership, Albán’s appointment follows that of Celebrity Summit’s own Captain Kate McCue.
Albán was only one of six women in her graduating class at La Escuela de la Marina Mercante Nacional in Ecuador. Prior to graduating, she held a variety of roles in the maritime industry, most notably serving in the FLOPEC Tanker Fleet of the Ecuadorian Navy. Following her graduation, Albán worked on several ships in the region, including Celebrity Xpedition.
When asked how it feels to be named captain of Celebrity Xploration, Albán responded: “It is a great honor and privilege – I’m overwhelmed with positive emotion. I told my family many times that I would be wearing white one day and be the first woman to serve as a captain on a ship in the Galapagos, now it’s happening and I’m committed to delivering the very best experience for all guests onboard.”
Albán will begin her new role on Celebrity Xploration in August of 2017.
Discerning travelers now have even more options in the region, with the recent addition of two distinct new ships, Celebrity Xploration and Celebrity Xperience, which began sailing in March 2017, following a multi-million dollar refresh per vessel for signature modern luxury enhancements. Guests can continue to sail onboard Celebrity’s state-of-the-art Celebrity Xpedition as well. Together, the three ships offer six unique itineraries to 15 islands with more than 30 ports of call, and multiple packages to choose from.
To book your next getaway to the Galapagos Islands, or to learn more about the wildlife-rich region, visit the new Galapagos website www.celebritycruises.com/galapagos.
Celebrity Cruises operates a fleet of 12 cruise ships that visit more than 300 destinations on over 160 cruise itineraries each year.