Frozen lobster caused a cruise to be canceled this week. Due to strict environmental regulations on the Galapagos Islands, the 98-passenger Celebrity Xpedition was forced to cancel at least one cruise after it lost its permit.
According to a statement from Celebrity Cruises, the cruise line was cited by the Galapagos National Park "for transportation and storage of 12 kilograms of frozen lobster tails in the Galapagos." Park authorities discovered the frozen seafood during a routine inspection of the ship, USA Today reports.
The cruise line had its operating permit revoked, forcing them to cancel the June 2 sailing of Celebrity Xpedition. However the cruise line may have to cancel even more sailings if it does not get its permit back soon.
"While we anticipate that our license to sail in the Galapagos will be restored shortly, the situation is still fluid. We will be contacting guests booked on the June 9 to provide them with the most updated information," Celebrity said.
An online source said that Celebrity's permit for the Galapagos park was initially revoked for 45 days and the cruise line was hit with a $2,000 fine. The cruise line claims that they acquired the lobster through legal means.
"It was purchased in the Galapagos from authorized sellers during the lobster season. We have all the paperwork to prove that. The issue was that we were in possession of frozen lobster tails out of season," spokeswoman Cynthia Martinez told USA TODAY.
According to the Celebrity Xpedition website, they serve "fresh fish caught by local Galapagos fishermen" in Darwin's Restaurant.
Those who were supposed to sail on the June 2 trip will be given a full refund and 50 percent off a future cruise. Customers will also be reimbursed for air costs.
The cruise line offered an apology to guests according to USA Today.
"Celebrity Cruises is truly sorry for this unexpected impact on our guests' vacation. We understand their excitement and anticipation for exploring the Galapagos Islands onboard Celebrity Xpedition," the line said. "Celebrity Cruises is committed to complying with the rules and regulations of the Galapagos, which are put in place to protect and safeguard this unique and pristine environment."
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
