Greece and Turkey Voyages Back on Track as Celebrity Infinity Set to Sail from Athens After Electrical Repairs

Published on February 25, 2026

Image generated with Ai

Operations aboard Celebrity Infinity are set to resume in the waters of Greece and Turkey, marking a carefully managed return after recent technical setbacks. The 90,940-gross ton vessel, operated by Celebrity Cruises, has been cleared to proceed with its February 27, 2026 departure from Piraeus-Athens. This confirmation has been shared with the up to 2,170 guests booked on the 10-night Eastern Mediterranean voyage, bringing reassurance after an unexpected interruption earlier in the month.

The disruption had drawn attention across Greece’s coastal regions when a sudden loss of power occurred while the ship was approaching Athens. Although concern was initially raised among travelers and maritime observers, swift coordination with Greek authorities ensured that the vessel was brought safely into port. Following technical inspections and repairs, normal service has now been restored.

With the upcoming itinerary featuring ports across Greece and Turkey, confidence is being placed in the extensive technical checks that were carried out. The return of the ship is being viewed as a significant step forward for regional cruise operations in the Eastern Mediterranean.

February 27 Sailing Confirmed from Piraeus-Athens

Guests scheduled to embark on February 27, 2026 have been formally notified that their cruise will proceed as planned. Preparations for embarkation in Piraeus, the primary port serving Athens, have been finalized after repairs were completed and systems were thoroughly tested.

The 10-night itinerary is set to highlight several iconic destinations across Greece and Turkey. Ports of call include Nafplio, Heraklion, Rhodes Island, Kavala, and Thessaloniki in Greece, along with Kusadasi in Turkey. These stops are expected to showcase a blend of ancient heritage, coastal landscapes, and vibrant local culture that define the Eastern Mediterranean experience.

The voyage is anticipated to restore momentum to the ship’s seasonal deployment in the region, where Greece and Turkey continue to rank among Europe’s most sought-after cruise destinations.

What Led to the Sudden Power Loss

The technical difficulties that prompted the temporary suspension of operations occurred at approximately 3 a.m. on February 15, 2026. While approaching Athens along the Greek coastline, the vessel experienced a complete loss of power.

Essential onboard systems were affected. Electricity, air conditioning, Wi-Fi connectivity, and even toilet operations were rendered inoperable during the outage. The situation, while unsettling for those onboard, was managed without reported injuries. Because the ship was already navigating near the Greek mainland, assistance was rapidly coordinated.

Tug boats were dispatched and the vessel was safely guided into port. Disembarkation was conducted one day earlier than scheduled to ensure passenger comfort and safety. Reimbursements were issued for last-minute hotel accommodations, meals ashore, and transportation expenses.

The subsequent February 16 sailing was cancelled to allow engineers the necessary time to assess and resolve the malfunction. While the interruption was disappointing for affected travelers, priority was placed on safety and technical integrity.

Electrical Distribution Panels Identified as the Cause

Although Celebrity Cruises did not initially disclose the precise source of the malfunction, clarification was later provided through a translated statement issued by the Hellenic Coast Guard.

According to the statement, the loss of control had been attributed to a malfunction in the electrical distribution panels. These panels function as central hubs for managing and distributing power throughout the vessel. Through these systems, electricity is safely routed to propulsion, lighting, navigation equipment, climate control, and hotel services.

A failure within such a system is considered significant because it can disrupt multiple interconnected operations simultaneously. In this case, the outage affected both essential and guest-facing services. Technical teams were therefore tasked with comprehensive diagnostics, repairs, and safety verification before approval for resumed service was granted.

Close coordination between the Port Authorities of Piraeus and Keratsini and maritime response units ensured that regulatory procedures were followed during the incident response.

A History of Technical Challenges

While the ship’s return to service has been confirmed, some travelers have expressed caution due to the vessel’s operational history. Since its launch in 2001, Celebrity Infinity has experienced several incidents involving propulsion or power-related systems.

The most recent comparable event occurred in July 2025, when a small onboard fire resulted in a blackout. During that incident, the ship remained docked in Kusadasi, Turkey for several days while repairs were carried out.

Reports of propulsion or power issues have also surfaced in 2025, 2018, 2012, 2010, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001. Despite these challenges, the vessel has continued to operate within the fleet as part of the Millennium-class series.

It has been emphasized that older ships often require ongoing technical attention due to the complexity of marine engineering systems. At 25 years of age, the ship is considered mature within industry standards, yet it remains actively maintained.

Recent Dry Dock and Maintenance Efforts

In early January 2026, from January 2 through January 11, the ship underwent a scheduled dry dock period. During this time, routine technical work, maintenance procedures, and certification inspections were completed.

Dry dock sessions are standard practice across the cruise industry, particularly for vessels operating in international waters such as those of Greece and Turkey. Mechanical systems, hull integrity, safety equipment, and onboard facilities are typically reviewed during these intervals.

The timing of the February outage, occurring shortly after the January maintenance period, prompted additional scrutiny. However, following further inspections and verification procedures, the vessel has now been cleared for passenger service.

Safety Assurance and Regional Cruise Confidence

It has been consistently stated that safety remains the foremost priority for Celebrity Cruises, a brand owned by Royal Caribbean. Clearance for the February 27 sailing would not have been granted without compliance with maritime safety regulations and internal engineering standards.

The Eastern Mediterranean cruise market, particularly in Greece and Turkey, has experienced steady growth in recent years. Ports such as Athens, Rhodes, Heraklion, and Kusadasi serve as vital gateways to historical landmarks and cultural attractions. Maintaining operational reliability in these regions is therefore considered essential for both cruise lines and local tourism economies.

The swift resolution of the technical issue has allowed itineraries to remain largely intact for the remainder of the deployment. With systems restored and inspections completed, attention is now being directed toward delivering a seamless onboard experience.

Looking Ahead to Smooth Sailing

The February 27 departure from Piraeus-Athens is expected to symbolize a renewed chapter for Celebrity Infinity in Greece and Turkey. Travelers preparing to embark are being reassured that all necessary corrective measures have been taken.

While technical incidents at sea can never be entirely eliminated, structured response protocols and coordinated maritime support have demonstrated their effectiveness during this event. The vessel’s return to service reflects the layered safety framework that governs international cruise operations.

As guests prepare to explore the coastlines of Greece and the heritage sites of Turkey, focus is being placed on the immersive travel experiences that define Eastern Mediterranean cruising. With restored systems and regulatory clearance secured, the upcoming voyage is poised to proceed under strengthened operational confidence.