Celebrity Cruises Cancels Celebrity Infinity Sailing Due to Technical Issue

On February 16, 2026, Celebrity Cruises cancelled a scheduled sailing of the Celebrity Infinity at short notice due to a technical issue identified during its previous voyage. The cancellation affected an 11-night Eastern Mediterranean cruise departing from the Port of Piraeus, leaving passengers scrambling to adjust their travel plans just hours before embarkation.

What Led to the Cruise Cancellation?

According to the cruise line, the ship experienced a technical malfunction that required further inspection and repairs. Despite ongoing efforts by onboard engineers and technical teams, the issue could not be resolved in time to ensure a safe and smooth voyage.

Celebrity Cruises released a statement explaining that while experts had been working diligently to address the problem, additional time was necessary to complete assessments and repairs. The company emphasized that passenger safety and operational reliability were the top priorities behind the decision to cancel the February 16 sailing.

Passengers scheduled to board the 2,170-guest vessel were notified in the late afternoon of February 15, giving them less than 24 hours’ notice.

Passenger Compensation and Refund Policy

To mitigate the disruption, Celebrity Cruises announced a comprehensive compensation package for affected guests. Travelers will receive a full refund of the cruise fare, which will be returned to their original form of payment. In addition, the cruise line is offering a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) worth 100% of the cruise fare, valid for any Celebrity Cruises sailing within the next year.

The company also addressed travel logistics for stranded passengers:

• Guests who booked flights through Flights by Celebrity were contacted with alternative return options.
• Those who arranged independent travel will be reimbursed up to $200* per guest for domestic flight change fees and up to $400* per guest for international flights.
• The cruise line will cover up to two nights of hotel accommodation, capped at $300* per night.
• A $100* per guest for daily credit for up to two days will be provided to help cover incidental expenses such as meals and transportation.

These measures aim to reduce the financial burden and inconvenience caused by unexpected cancellations.

Planned Eastern Mediterranean Itinerary

The cancelled voyage was set to offer a round-trip journey from Athens, visiting several iconic destinations across Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus. The itinerary included:

• Nafplio, Greece
• Rhodes, Greece
• Katakolon, Greece
• Heraklion (Crete), Greece
• Limassol, Cyprus
• Kusadasi, Turkey
• Antalya, Turkey

This route is popular among travelers seeking a blend of ancient history, coastal scenery, and Mediterranean culture, making the cancellation particularly disappointing for passengers who had planned long-awaited vacations.

Recent Drydock and Maintenance Work

The Celebrity Infinity had recently undergone a two-week drydock refurbishment in France in early January 2026. The maintenance period included routine technical upgrades, statutory inspections, and general ship enhancements intended to prepare the vessel for its spring and summer Mediterranean season.

Despite these upgrades, the latest technical issue highlights the complexities of maintaining large cruise ships and the challenges that can arise even after scheduled maintenance.

Previous Technical Incident in 2025

This is not the first time the Celebrity Infinity has faced technical difficulties. In 2025, the vessel experienced an electrical fire that caused a power failure while docked at a Turkish port. The incident left the ship stranded for four days and required extensive repairs before it could resume operations.

While no injuries were reported in either incident, repeated technical issues can impact traveler confidence and operational schedules. Cruise lines typically conduct thorough investigations to prevent recurrence and maintain safety standards.

Impact on Travelers and the Cruise Industry

Last-minute cruise cancellations can cause significant disruption, especially for international travelers coordinating flights, hotels, and excursions. However, industry experts note that proactive compensation policies and transparent communication are essential to maintaining customer trust.

Celebrity Cruises’ response offering refunds, future cruise credits, and travel reimbursements align with industry best practices for handling unexpected operational issues.

What Passengers Should Do Next

Affected guests are encouraged to monitor email communications from Celebrity Cruises and contact customer support for assistance with rebooking, refunds, or reimbursement claims. Travelers holding Future Cruise Credits may consider rebooking early to secure preferred itineraries and cabin categories.