Just read this Xpedition Sailings to Resume July 12

[Merriem]

Latest Cruise News - CruisePage.com

http://www.cruiseserver.net/travelpage/news/c_news.asp

The ship is expected to return to service for its July 12, 2013 sailing date. ... Because of this, Celebrity Xpedition's license that is necessary to enter the Galapagos National Park has been temporarily suspended for 45 days by the local authority. ....

 

Just read the above this morning. This is the first time I have seen a return to service date.

 

Celebrity, please take care of your customers. You have our money!

[ghstudio]

That statement is for the Grandeur of the Seas...It has nothing at all to do with the Xpedition.

[WestLakeGirl]

Keep reading. The Expedition story is there.

[Merriem]

That statement is for the Grandeur of the Seas...It has nothing at all to do with the Xpedition.

 

It appears that the date is for the Grandeur..........sorry about that.

[cruisestitch]

Here's the news story, but there isn't anything here that hasn't already been announced:

 

Contraband Lobster Tails Lead To Cancellation Of Celebrity Xpedition Cruise

 

Celebrity Cruises announced this week that the Galapagos National Park has cited Celebrity Xpedition for transportation and storage of 12 kilograms of frozen lobster tails in the Galapagos while out of season. Because of this, Celebrity Xpedition’s license that is necessary to enter the Galapagos National Park has been temporarily suspended for 45 days by the local authority. As a consequence, Celebrity said that it would have to cancel the scheduled June 9 sailing of Celebrity Xpedition.

Celebrity claims that the lobsters "were purchased legally during the season from local fishermen certified by the Park, and that no purchases of lobsters were made out of season." Galapagos National Park officials apparently confirmed this but a new regulation requires that all lobsters be consumed within five days of the end of season. Celebrity claims that they were unaware of the new regulation when they were originally cited on March 11th and it appears that the regulation was not published until April 22nd. Celebrity said that it is appealing the $2,000 fine and suspension.

 

In a statement, Celebrity Cruises said that "it is truly sorry for this unexpected impact on our guests’ vacation. We understand their excitement and anticipation for exploring the Galapagos onboard Celebrity Xpedition. 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."

 

The statement also said that while the cruise line was working to have their license to sail in the Galapagos restored sooner, the situation is still fluid. The cruise line will be contacting guests booked on the June 16 sailing to provide them with the most updated information.

[Merriem]

Here's the news story, but there isn't anything here that hasn't already been announced:

 

Contraband Lobster Tails Lead To Cancellation Of Celebrity Xpedition Cruise

 

Celebrity Cruises announced this week that the Galapagos National Park has cited Celebrity Xpedition for transportation and storage of 12 kilograms of frozen lobster tails in the Galapagos while out of season. Because of this, Celebrity Xpedition’s license that is necessary to enter the Galapagos National Park has been temporarily suspended for 45 days by the local authority. As a consequence, Celebrity said that it would have to cancel the scheduled June 9 sailing of Celebrity Xpedition.

Celebrity claims that the lobsters "were purchased legally during the season from local fishermen certified by the Park, and that no purchases of lobsters were made out of season." Galapagos National Park officials apparently confirmed this but a new regulation requires that all lobsters be consumed within five days of the end of season. Celebrity claims that they were unaware of the new regulation when they were originally cited on March 11th and it appears that the regulation was not published until April 22nd. Celebrity said that it is appealing the $2,000 fine and suspension.

 

In a statement, Celebrity Cruises said that "it is truly sorry for this unexpected impact on our guests’ vacation. We understand their excitement and anticipation for exploring the Galapagos onboard Celebrity Xpedition. 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."

 

The statement also said that while the cruise line was working to have their license to sail in the Galapagos restored sooner, the situation is still fluid. The cruise line will be contacting guests booked on the June 16 sailing to provide them with the most updated information.

 

Yes, I have read their statement many times. Apparently the ship is tied up at one of the ports. I did read that.