Celebrity Cruises is making cruise business historical past with the appointment of two brothers as co-captains of Celebrity Ascent, the road’s latest Edge Series-class ship that may debut in late 2023. The Greek brothers are veteran Celebrity officers with greater than 50 years of service to the cruise line between them.
‘Star-Powered Siblings’ on the Helm
Like ships that cross within the evening, co-captains Dimitrios Kafetzis and Tasos Kafetzis will serve three-month rotating assignments on Celebrity Ascent. Their appointments mark the second time Celebrity Cruises has charted new territory on the bridge: The line in 2015 selected Kate McCue as captain of Celebrity Edge, making her the business’s first feminine cruise ship captain.
Captain Dimitrios has been with Celebrity Cruises since 1990, his brother since 1998. The two will share the helm of the three,260-guest ship, which is underneath development on the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.
Celebrity Cruises CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo mentioned, “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. Seeing their emotional reaction to this appointment and understanding what it means to share this pinnacle of their career together was something I didn’t expect and will never forget.”
Lutoff-Perlo added: “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.”
The Pinnacle of Maritime Careers
Captain Dimitrios has spent his total maritime profession at Celebrity Cruises, beginning as an Apprentice Officer onboard Celebrity Horizon in 1990. He graduated from the Merchant Maritime Academy of Syros-Athens. According to the cruise line, he was on the start-up groups for Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Silhouette and Celebrity Apex, and served as captain of Celebrity Apex.
Captain Dimitrios mentioned, “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.”
Captain Tasos joined Celebrity after graduating from the Merchant Marine College, and was concerned within the launches of Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Reflection. He most lately was captain of Celebrity Edge.
Captain Tasos commented, “Together, my brother and I share a love of the ocean, and a love for this company and our guests. To share a special moment together like this is something I could have only dreamed of.”
Construction Continues After Float Out
Celebrity Ascent, the fourth within the line’s Edge Series, reached a significant development milestone on January 21 when it was floated out of the shipyard. Work on the 140,600 gross ton vessel continues at her mooring location, previous to sea trials later this yr.
Celebrity Ascent is scheduled to debut on December 3 in Fort Lauderdale following her repositioning from France. Her maiden voyage from Florida shall be a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise, calling at St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Puerto Plata. Alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises will comply with the inaugural voyage.
Celebrity Ascent will function the identical facilities and experiences as earlier Edge Series ships, together with two-story villa staterooms, two-story martini-shaped sizzling tubs, and the Magic Carpet, a cantilevered bar that sits on the sting of the ship, amongst different improvements. The ship can have 30-plus eating places and bars, infinity plunge swimming pools and personal cabanas.