Emergency scare rocks major cruise ship company as another voyage is canceled

Four tugboats helped the Celebrity Infinity cruise ship, such as the one shown above, arrive safely at the port. (iStock)

The Celebrity Infinity is a mid-size cruise ship operated by Celebrity Cruises.  

The ship can accommodate up to 2,170 passengers.It went through a major renovation in 2015.

The ship with the malfunction was slated for a port call in Piraeus — the main port in Athens — on Feb.15.

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Passengers were on a 13-day voyage that departed Barcelona on Feb.3;it was due to end in Piraeus-Athens on Feb.16. 

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“The 1st Port Department of the Central Port Authority of Piraeus prohibited its departure until a certificate of damage repair was presented by the classification society monitoring it,” the press release from the local coast guard said.

The Celebrity Cruises emergency in Athens was due to a malfunction, according to a statement from authorities.(iStock)

The alert originally said the incident occurred on Feb.14, butthe coast guardlater amended the statement, saying the emergency occurred on Feb.15.

“No lights, no running water, no flushing toilets.”

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“We were very close to porting in Athens, Greece, so the tugs just pushed/pulled us in,” the passenger continued. 

“At first, they made leaving the ship optional, but by noon they were telling everybody they must exit the ship andfind a hotel room.”

“While experts have been working diligently, we need additional assessments and repairs,” the company said in a letter to passengers.(iStock)

“During the previous voyage, the ship experienced a technical issue and while experts have been working diligently, we need additional assessments and repairs,” the company said.

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“After carefully considering all options, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel the Feb.16, 2026, sailing … We sincerely apologize for this unexpected change and [the]disruption this causesto your travel plans,” the letter continued.

“We forget how paralyzed a lack of technology makes us.”

“While we can’t give you back the time you invested in your vacation, we are committed to ensuring you feel fully supported as you adjust your plans,” it concluded.

The letter also detailed credits and refunds passengers would receive. 

Celebrity Cruises told passengers it would be issuing refunds and credits.(iStock)

“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,” ttalkscruising added on Instagram.

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“This was a massive undertaking, and we forget how paralyzed a lack of technology makes us,” the passenger said.

“They strived to make everything as easy as it could be.”