The Celebrity Infinity cruise ship experienced a significant power loss off the coast of Piraeus, Greece, early on Sunday, February 15. The incident led to a complete disruption of onboard services and the subsequent cancellation of its next scheduled voyage.
Key Takeaways
- Celebrity Infinity lost all power near Piraeus, Greece, on February 15.
- The malfunction affected electrical distribution panels.
- Passengers reported no air conditioning, lights, or running water.
- Four tugboats assisted the ship to port in Athens.
- The next 11-night Greek Isles and Turkey cruise was canceled.
Emergency at Sea Near Piraeus
The incident began around 3:00 a.m. local time on Sunday, February 15. The Celebrity Infinity, a mid-size vessel capable of carrying up to 2,170 passengers, suddenly lost electrical power. This left the ship adrift near the port of Piraeus, the main gateway to Athens.
Passengers onboard described a chaotic scene. One passenger shared details on social media, reporting that the ship lost all power. This affected essential services such as air conditioning, lighting, and running water. Toilets were also non-functional, and hot water and coffee were unavailable.
Quick Facts
- Ship Name: Celebrity Infinity
- Operator: Celebrity Cruises
- Capacity: Up to 2,170 passengers
- Incident Date: February 15
- Location: Off the coast of Piraeus, Greece
Coast Guard Responds to Distress Call
The Hellenic Coast Guard’s Joint Search and Rescue Coordination Center was alerted to the situation. They confirmed the loss of control due to a malfunction in the ship's electrical distribution panels. This information was shared with the Port Authorities of Piraeus and Keratsini.
Four tugboats were immediately dispatched to assist the Celebrity Infinity. These vessels worked together to guide the disabled cruise ship safely into the port of Piraeus. The operation ensured the safety of all passengers and crew onboard.
"It’s been an interesting 24 hours. About 2:40 a.m. the night before last, I woke to a sound that sounded like an electrical transformer blowing. Sure enough, the ship lost power," recounted one passenger on an Instagram account. "By noon they were telling everybody they must exit the ship and find a hotel room."
Impact on Passengers and Future Sailings
The power outage caused significant discomfort for those onboard. Without air conditioning, rooms became very stuffy. The lack of running water and flushing toilets created unsanitary conditions. Passengers were eventually asked to disembark the ship and find hotel accommodations in Athens.
The immediate consequence of the malfunction was the cancellation of the Celebrity Infinity's next scheduled voyage. This was an 11-night trip to the Greek Isles and Turkey, set to depart from Piraeus on February 16, 2026. This decision left many travelers with disrupted plans.
Emergency Codes on Cruise Ships
During the incident, passengers reported hearing "Bravo, Bravo, Bravo" over the ship's announcements. This is a common emergency code, also known as "Code Bravo." It signals a fire or another serious emergency onboard a cruise ship, indicating a critical situation requiring immediate attention.
Company Issues Apology and Compensation
Celebrity Cruises issued a letter to passengers booked on the canceled voyage. The company explained that despite diligent work by experts, additional assessments and repairs were necessary. This made the upcoming sailing impossible.
The letter expressed sincere apologies for the unexpected change and the disruption it caused to travel plans. Celebrity Cruises also outlined the compensation measures for affected passengers. These included refunds and future cruise credits.
- Full Refund: For the canceled voyage.
- Future Cruise Credit: Offered to passengers for future travel.
- Travel Support: Assistance for adjusting travel arrangements.
Investigation and Repair Work
The Port Authority of Piraeus has prohibited the ship's departure until a certificate of damage repair is presented. This certificate must come from the classification society that monitors the vessel. This ensures that all necessary repairs are completed and the ship is safe for future operations.
The incident highlights the importance of robust electrical systems on modern cruise ships. A malfunction in these critical panels can quickly render a large vessel inoperable, impacting thousands of travelers and requiring significant emergency response.
Crew members received praise for their handling of the situation. Passengers noted their grace and efficiency, even when technology failed. They had to manually record every person exiting the ship, demonstrating their adaptability under pressure.
"Kudos to all the crew of the Celebrity Infinity! They handled this whole mess with grace. They were having to write down, by hand, every person as they exited the ship," a passenger posted. "This was a massive undertaking, and we forget how paralyzed a lack of technology makes us."
The Celebrity Infinity underwent a major renovation in 2015. Such incidents, while rare, underscore the complex operational challenges faced by large cruise lines. The company continues to work on the necessary repairs to bring the ship back into service.
