Cruise passengers on Celebrity Infinity are facing an unplanned extended stay in a Mediterranean port. The cruise ship is currently stuck in the Turkish port of Kuşadası after losing power, reportedly due to a small electrical fire.
The trouble started on July 7th. While the ship was docked, a power outage put the ship into a “total blackout” for several hours. This meant no air conditioning or lights in the cabins, and even food service stopped.
Passengers described the situation, especially with the heat in Turkey. “It was a total blackout for a few hours… No power meant no communications, no power to rooms, no AC, delayed shows, delayed meals,” one passenger posted online.
But another passenger stated that people on board were handling the situation calmly: “A few people I talked to seemed pretty chill. Most are just making the most of it which I applaud. I’m blessed to be able to cruise often, but for some this is a long time coming trip/honeymoon/retirement cruise,” the passenger stated.
Letter from Celebrity
In a letter sent to guests on July 8th, Celebrity Cruises confirmed the ongoing issues.
“In light of the Captain’s recent announcement, we’d like to share an important update to your itinerary,” the letter begins. It explains that the ship is “welcoming specialists onboard to assess our current systems. This is a necessary step to help us resume our voyage safely and smoothly.”
Celebrity Infinity was supposed to leave Kuşadası on July 7th and head for Mykonos, Greece. But that didn’t happen.
The letter states, “we will remain docked in Kusadasi overnight,” and clarifies that “we will no longer be visiting Kavala, Greece.” Celebrity Cruises expressed regret, writing, “We are very sorry for any disappointment and appreciate your continued understanding,” adding that these decisions were made “with the utmost consideration for your safety and comfort, which remain our highest priorities.”
Missed Stops and Compensation
Because of this delay, Celebrity Infinity will now miss its stops in both Mykonos (though a tentative plan to visit later is reportedly in discussion) and Kavala, Greece.
To help make up for the missed ports and inconvenience, Celebrity Cruises is giving passengers refundable onboard credits. The letter details the amounts depending on the cabin category:
- Deluxe Suites: $600 USD
- Aqua Class & Concierge: $400 USD
- Balcony cabins: $300 USD
- Inside & Outside cabins: $200 USD
- Third and Fourth guests: will receive $50 USD per person.
For pre-paid shore excursions booked for Kavala, the letter states, “Our Shore Excursions team will automatically refund any pre-paid Celebrity Cruises shore excursions… to your SeaPass account.”
It also assures guests that “any remaining refundable amounts at the end of our sailing will be reimbursed to your card on file in up to 14 business days from final disembarkation.”
Despite all the setbacks, the cruise ship is still expected to arrive in Athens (Piraeus), Greece, on July 12th, where guests will disembark as planned.
Celebrity Cruises concluded their letter by saying, “We truly appreciate your patience and understanding. While this situation remains fluid, please rest assured that we are committed to keeping you updated and making your experience an exceptional one. Stay tuned for surprise and delights for you to enjoy throughout the rest of your stay onboard.”
Appeared first on: Cruisefever.net
