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Introduction
A minor electrical fire aboard the *Celebrity Infinity* led to a cascading series of disruptions during its Aegean voyage, ultimately forcing the cancellation of three Greek port calls and prompting an early return to Athens. While no injuries were reported, passengers endured hours without air conditioning or lighting amid a regional heatwave, testing both patience and contingency planning aboard the luxury vessel.
Details of the Incident
On July 7, 2025, a small onboard fire caused a temporary blackout on the *Celebrity Infinity* while docked in Kusadasi, Turkey. The fire, though minor in scale, disabled electrical systems throughout the ship, affecting galley functions, climate control, entertainment, and internal lighting.
The blackout, which lasted several hours, left many passengers sweltering without air conditioning in the summer heat. A shipboard communication issued to cabins on July 9 confirmed that essential repairs were still ongoing and that the cruise would remain in Kusadasi until Friday, July 11, before sailing directly to Athens for disembarkation on Saturday.
Changes to the Itinerary
Due to the delay and need for system repairs, the remainder of the Greek itinerary was cancelled. The affected ports included:
- Mykonos
- Kavala
- Thessaloniki
The only Greek destination visited prior to the fire was Santorini on July 6.
To compensate for the missed stops, Celebrity Cruises arranged complimentary local excursions in Kusadasi, including guided tours beyond the famed ruins of Ephesus. Guests could book these curated experiences through the Celebrity mobile app on a first-come, first-served basis.
Company Response and Guest Compensation
Celebrity Cruises issued a compensation package comprising:
- 50% refundable onboard credit
- 50% future cruise credit (valid for bookings within one year)
Pre-booked shore tours for the cancelled ports were automatically refunded, and any remaining unused onboard credit will be reimbursed after the voyage concludes.
Despite assurances from the cruise line that safety systems have been stabilized, some passengers have raised concerns about the vessel’s reliability. The company, however, insists the *Celebrity Infinity* remains seaworthy and that the original Athens disembarkation on July 12 will proceed as planned.
Facility Details
The *Celebrity Infinity* is a Millennium-class cruise ship operated by Celebrity Cruises. Originally launched in 2001 and refurbished in 2020, the vessel carries over 2,000 passengers and is equipped with numerous high-end amenities. It is particularly popular for Eastern Mediterranean itineraries during summer months.
Following the July 7 electrical incident, safety-critical systems were reportedly stabilized. However, issues such as intermittent air conditioning and lighting problems remain ongoing in guest cabins.
Conclusion
What began as a luxurious Greek island voyage aboard the *Celebrity Infinity* turned into a truncated cruise shadowed by electrical issues and operational uncertainty. As repairs continue and the ship sails for Athens, many guests are left reflecting on a trip defined not by scenic island vistas, but by cabin darkness, revised plans, and the fine print of cruise policies.
Celebrity Cruises now faces the dual task of regaining passenger confidence while ensuring the vessel is fully operational for its next scheduled departure.