Unexpected Changes on Celebrity Infinity Cruise
A recent incident on the Celebrity Infinity cruise ship has led to significant changes in its itinerary. A small electrical fire caused a power outage, resulting in the cancellation of planned visits to Mykonos, Kavala, and Thessaloniki. Instead, the ship will remain docked in Kusadasi, Turkey, until Friday before heading back to Athens.
Altered Itinerary and Extended Stay in Kusadasi
The cruise was already in Kusadasi on Monday, 7th July, when the fire occurred. Initially, there was hope for a quick fix. However, the situation required more extensive repairs and investigations. As a result, the decision was made to skip the remaining Greek island stops. The ship will now set sail for Athens on Friday, with debarkation as originally planned on Saturday.
Compensation for Affected Guests
To compensate for the disrupted itinerary, Celebrity Cruises is offering generous refunds. Guests will receive a refundable onboard credit worth 50% of their cruise fare. Any unused credit will be returned to the original payment method. Additionally, a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equal to 50% of the fare paid will be issued. This can be used on any Celebrity Cruises sailing within the next 12 months.
Cancelled Shore Excursions and New Opportunities
Shore excursions for Mykonos and Thessaloniki have been automatically cancelled and fully refunded. While the ship remains in Turkey, Celebrity Cruises is offering complimentary curated tours. These tours, available on a first-come, first-served basis, will explore beyond Kusadasi and Ephesus. Guests can book these tours through the Celebrity Cruises app.
Comfort Concerns and Ship’s Seaworthiness
Despite the extended stay, the cruise line has not cancelled the voyage entirely. The ship is set to return to Athens as scheduled, indicating it remains operational and seaworthy. However, some comfort issues persist, such as air conditioning problems, power outages in certain staterooms, and meal service delays. While these do not affect safety, they can impact the overall cruise experience. Some guests have expressed concerns about the ship’s return to Athens, but the cruise line assures that the schedule will be maintained.
In conclusion, while the fire incident has altered the cruise experience, Celebrity Cruises is making efforts to ensure guest satisfaction through compensation and alternative activities.
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