Cruise Holiday Disruption: Celebrity Constellation’s Unexpected Power Loss
On Saturday, 2nd August 2025, passengers aboard the Celebrity Constellation faced an unexpected challenge. The cruise ship experienced a major technical failure, leaving it powerless and adrift off southern Italy’s coast. This incident occurred during an 11-night voyage from Ravenna to Rome, which set sail on 28th July.
Itinerary Interrupted
The cruise had already visited ports in Croatia and Montenegro. It was supposed to enjoy a sea day before reaching Messina, Sicily, on Sunday morning. However, the ship drifted at a mere 1–2 knots, far below its cruising speed. This slow pace threatened the planned schedule.
Two Hours Without Power
Passengers reported a complete power outage. There were no lights, air conditioning, or functioning toilets. Dinner consisted of only cold food. One passenger remarked on the heat, highlighting the discomfort inside the ship. The lack of ventilation made conditions unbearable.
Some compared the situation to the infamous “poop cruise” incident with Carnival Triumph in 2013. Fortunately, power was restored after two hours, and no severe sanitation issues arose. Unverified reports on Reddit mentioned that guests received a free drink and 24 hours of complimentary WiFi as compensation.
Back on Course
Once power returned, the ship accelerated and reached Messina on 3rd August 2025. The incident was a brief hiccup in an otherwise smooth journey. Passengers could continue enjoying their cruise holiday without further disruptions.
Summer of Technical Troubles for Celebrity Cruises
This wasn’t the first technical issue for Celebrity Cruises this summer. Just weeks earlier, Celebrity Beyond, the line’s flagship, faced a propulsion system failure. This occurred on 13th July 2025 during a Caribbean cruise, delaying its return to Miami.
The ship was diverted to Freeport, Bahamas, for emergency repairs. Although it resumed service on 27th July, it now sails at a reduced speed. This has led to itinerary changes for several cruises between August and October 2025.
Adjustments and Precautions
Celebrity Beyond’s adjustments include earlier departures and altered port calls. Despite these changes, the number of destinations remains largely the same. No onboard service issues have been reported, ensuring passengers still enjoy their cruise experience.
For UK cruise holidaygoers, these incidents highlight the importance of staying informed. While technical issues can occur, cruise lines often handle them efficiently. Passengers can still look forward to memorable experiences on their cruise holidays.
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