Celebrity Cruises has confirmed the return of Celebrity Infinity to active service in the Eastern Mediterranean following a period of technical repairs, signaling renewed momentum for Greece and Turkey cruise itineraries in 2026. The ship is scheduled to depart from Piraeus, the main port serving Athens, on February 27, marking the official resumption of operations after an unexpected electrical failure temporarily disrupted its schedule earlier in the month.
The restart of voyages comes after extensive inspections and engineering work designed to ensure the vessel meets operational and safety standards. The confirmation has provided reassurance to travelers and tourism stakeholders across the region, where cruise arrivals remain an essential component of the local economy.
Eastern Mediterranean Itinerary Back on Schedule
The upcoming sailing will follow a 10-night itinerary showcasing some of the most iconic destinations across Greece and Turkey. Scheduled ports include Nafplio, Heraklion, Rhodes Island, Kavala, and Thessaloniki in Greece, along with Kusadasi in Turkey.
These destinations are known for combining historical landmarks with scenic coastal experiences. Travelers can explore ancient archaeological sites, Byzantine heritage, vibrant markets, and Mediterranean culinary traditions, making Eastern Mediterranean routes particularly popular among international cruise passengers.
The return of Celebrity Infinity is expected to help sustain seasonal cruise traffic in the region, which has experienced growing demand as travelers seek culturally rich, multi-destination itineraries across southern Europe.
Technical Incident Prompted Temporary Suspension
The interruption to operations began on February 15, 2026, when the vessel experienced a sudden loss of power while approaching Athens during an earlier voyage. The incident occurred during early morning hours, affecting essential onboard systems including electricity, climate control, internet connectivity, and some guest services.
Although the situation created concern among passengers, emergency response protocols were quickly activated. Greek maritime authorities coordinated assistance, and tugboats helped guide the ship safely into port. No injuries were reported, and passengers were disembarked earlier than planned to ensure comfort while repairs were arranged.
The following scheduled sailing was cancelled to allow engineering teams adequate time to diagnose and resolve the issue.
Electrical Distribution System Identified as Source
Investigations later determined that the outage stemmed from a malfunction within the vessel’s electrical distribution panels. These systems play a critical role in directing power throughout the ship, supporting propulsion, navigation equipment, lighting, air conditioning, and onboard hotel services.
Because electrical distribution networks connect multiple systems, even a localized malfunction can create widespread disruptions. Technical teams conducted comprehensive testing, replacing or repairing components where necessary and verifying system stability before authorities approved the ship’s return to service.
Coordination between port officials, regulatory bodies, and technical specialists ensured compliance with maritime safety procedures throughout the repair process.
A Mature Ship with Ongoing Maintenance Needs
Celebrity Infinity, a Millennium-class vessel launched in 2001, has a long operational history and remains a familiar presence in the cruise line’s fleet. Like many ships of similar age, it has undergone numerous upgrades and maintenance cycles over the years to maintain performance and meet evolving industry standards.
Previous technical incidents, including propulsion and power-related challenges, have prompted additional attention from travelers monitoring the ship’s reliability. However, industry experts note that older vessels often require more frequent maintenance due to the complexity of marine engineering systems and the demands of continuous global operations.
Regular dry dock periods are an essential part of maintaining safety and efficiency. The ship completed a scheduled maintenance period earlier in January 2026, during which inspections and routine upgrades were performed.
Importance for Greece and Turkey Tourism
The resumption of Celebrity Infinity’s itineraries holds particular significance for destinations across Greece and Turkey, where cruise tourism contributes substantially to local economies. Ports such as Athens, Rhodes, and Kusadasi serve as gateways to renowned cultural sites including ancient ruins, historical museums, and UNESCO-recognized landmarks.
Cruise passengers often participate in guided excursions that support local businesses, including tour operators, restaurants, artisans, and transportation providers. As a result, the timely return of ships to service helps maintain steady visitor flows during peak travel seasons.
The Eastern Mediterranean continues to attract global travelers seeking a blend of history, scenic beauty, and accessible port-to-port travel, making reliable cruise operations vital for sustaining tourism growth.
Passenger Assurance and Industry Standards
Celebrity Cruises has emphasized that safety remains the primary consideration when returning a vessel to service. Approval for the February 27 sailing followed thorough inspections and certification procedures designed to confirm that all systems operate as intended.
Modern cruise operations rely on layered safety frameworks involving onboard engineering teams, regulatory authorities, and international maritime standards. These protocols aim to ensure that any technical issue is addressed comprehensively before passengers embark on future voyages.
For travelers preparing to board, the confirmation of the sailing represents a return to normal operations and renewed confidence in the vessel’s readiness.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
The resumption of Celebrity Infinity’s voyages comes at a time when Eastern Mediterranean cruising is experiencing renewed popularity. Travelers increasingly seek itineraries that combine multiple destinations within a single journey, allowing them to explore diverse cultures without the logistical complexity of independent travel.
Greece and Turkey remain among Europe’s most sought-after cruise regions due to their combination of historical significance, natural landscapes, and vibrant coastal cities. With operations restored, Celebrity Infinity is positioned to continue contributing to the region’s tourism recovery and growth throughout the year.
As the ship prepares to sail from Athens once again, the focus shifts from technical challenges to the immersive experiences awaiting guests — from walking through ancient ruins to enjoying sunsets over the Aegean Sea. The successful return of the vessel underscores the resilience of the cruise industry and its ability to adapt while maintaining traveler safety and satisfaction.
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