Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo introduced right this moment that Greek brothers Dimitrios and Tasos Kafetzis have been named co-captains of Celebrity Ascent, which is about to debut later this yr.
“Captain Dimitrios and Captain Tasos are our star-powered siblings, a maritime dream team. They have given so much to the Celebrity family over the years that we are like a second family,” stated Lutoff-Perlo. “Seeing their emotional response to this appointment and understanding what it means to share this pinnacle of their profession collectively was one thing I didn’t anticipate and can always remember.
“This ship represents a monumental milestone for our brand, taking our innovative outward-facing design further than ever, and creating a whole new class of relaxed luxury resorts at sea. I am so proud to leave her in the hands of these expert mariners,” she stated.
Captain Dimitrios has devoted his total maritime profession, spanning greater than three a long time, to Celebrity Cruises, having began as an Apprentice Officer onboard Celebrity’s very first vessel, the Horizon, in 1990. Born in Piraeus, port of Athens, Greece, Captain Dimitrios graduated from the Merchant Maritime Academy of Syros-Athens on the prime of his class, and has held his Master’s license since 2001. He has sailed aboard each totally different class of ship in Celebrity’s fleet, and was additionally a part of the beginning up groups for Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Silhouette and Celebrity Apex, the latter of which he was additionally the take out Captain.
Captain Tasos grew up watching his older brother Dimitrios making a profession on cruise ships. After additionally graduating from the Merchant Marine College, he joined Celebrity Cruises in 1998, and over his greater than 20-year profession with the model, has been concerned within the opening of Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Reflection.
Most just lately, he has served as captain of Celebrity Edge, the corporate stated.
The brothers will alternate their time on Celebrity Ascent in a three-months on-and-off rotation.
“Today is a momentous day,” stated Captain Dimitrios Katetzis. “I am proud that after a more than 30- year career working exclusively with Celebrity Cruises, I can play a part in their history by captaining this fourth in the series – yet, one of a kind – Edge Series ship. Nearly 35 years after Celebrity Cruises was founded in Greece, they will have not one, but two Greek captains taking the helm of their newest vessel in 2023 and I am honored for my brother and I to take this role, together. I am so proud for my family and proud of my brother. We look forward to welcoming everyone on board Celebrity Ascent this winter.”
“Receiving this distinction with my brother and as part of the Celebrity Cruises family is an incredible honor for me and an emotional one, too,” stated Captain Tasos Kafetzis. Together, my brother and I share a love of the ocean, and a love for this firm and our visitors. To share a particular second collectively like that is one thing I may have solely dreamed of. I can’t wait to sail away on this unbelievable ship with our visitors onboard and my brother in my coronary heart.”