In an industry first, Greek brothers Dimitrios and Tasos Kafetzis have been named co-captains of Celebrity Ascent, the company’s fourth ship in its Edge Series, debuting winter 2023.
“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,” said Celebrity's president and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo.
Captain Dimitrios has dedicated his entire maritime career, spanning more than three decades, to Celebrity Cruises, having started as an Apprentice Officer onboard Celebrity’s very first vessel, the Horizon, in 1990. Now, he is named the take-out captain of the new ship. Captain Dimitrios has sailed aboard every different class of ship in Celebrity’s fleet, and was also part of the start up teams for Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Silhouette and Celebrity Apex, the latter of which he was also the take out Captain.
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Captain Tasos joined Celebrity Cruises in 1998, and over his more than 20-year career with the brand, has been involved in the opening of Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Reflection. Most recently, he has served as captain of Celebrity Edge, the first of Celebrity’s Edge Series, which launched in 2018.
The brothers will alternate their time on Celebrity Ascent in a three-months on-and-off rotation.
“Today is a momentous day,” said Captain Dimitrios Katetzis. “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,” said Captain Tasos Kafetzis.
Features of the new Celebrity Ascent include outward-facing Resort Deck with cabanas; infinity-edge plunge pools and two-story Martini-shaped hot tubs and an elevated running track; Infinite Veranda staterooms that transform into open-air verandas; two-story Edge Villa staterooms with direct access to the exclusive suite-only The Retreat Sun Deck; the Magic Carpet - a cantilevered bar that sits on the edge of the cruise ship 13 stories above sea level; a Sunset Bar and more than 30 food and beverage options, including the Le Petit Chef Dinner Experience (currently growing in NYC and LA but only available at sea on Celebrity Cruises) and the Eden Restaurant.
