Celebrity Cruises Appoints First Ever Female Captain in the Galapagos

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Aug 09, 2017, 13:00 ET

MIAMI, Aug. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in cruise industry history a female seafarer will 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.

Captain Nathaly Albán of Celebrity Xploration, the first ever female captain in the Galapagos

Captain Nathaly Albán briefs her crew on Celebrity Xploration in the Galapagos

Captain Nathaly Albán navigates the rich archipelago of the Galapagos on Celebrity Xploration making history for the cruise industry as the first female seafarer in the region

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.

"Empowering strong women and elevating them to deserved leadership roles is a cause that is close to my heart, and one that Celebrity Cruises truly values," said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. "When the opportunity presented itself to promote Nathaly, who radiates passion and love for her job and for Celebrity, to captain, the decision was easy."

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.

"Simply put, Captain Nathaly Albán was the ideal candidate for the job and we believe in celebrating and advancing our brightest talent," said Patrik Dahlgren, SVP of Global Marine Operations, Celebrity Cruises. "Our goal is to attract, develop and retain the best people from many different regions of the world and backgrounds. Our industry has typically been very male dominated - yet we believe in inclusiveness and opening up opportunities for all."

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.

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' 12 ships offer modern luxury vacations visiting all seven continents. Celebrity also presents incredible cruise tour experiences in Alaska and Canada. Celebrity is one of five cruise brands operated by global cruise vacation company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL). For more information, dial 1-800-437-3111, visit www.celebritycruises.com, or call your travel agent.

SOURCE Celebrity Cruises