Celebrity Ascent, the next Edge Series ship to join the Celebrity Cruises fleet, will be co-captained by Greek brothers Dimitrios and Tasos Kafetzis.

Due to launch in December 2023, the captains will be at the helm of Celebrity Ascent on a three-month rotational basis. Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo described the pair as a “maritime dream team”, and reflected on their “emotional response” to the appointment.

The brothers are no strangers to Celebrity Cruises, with Captain Dimitrios dedicating his entire career spanning over three decades to the cruise line. He started as an Apprentice Officer on board the first vessel, Horizon, in 1990 and has played an integral role in the start-up teams aboard many other ships across the fleet.

Captain Tasos grew up watching his older brother forge his career on cruise ships. Deciding to follow in his footsteps, he joined Celebrity Cruises in 1998, most recently serving as captain of Celebrity Edge, the very first Edge Series ship.

Captain Dimitrios Katetzis described the appointment as “momentous” and expressed his joy at being part of Celebrity Cruises history. “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 honoured for my brother and I to take this role, together. I am so proud for my family and proud of my brother,” he 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. I can’t wait to sail away on this incredible ship with our guests onboard and my brother in my heart,” Captain Tasos Kafetzis added.

Celebrity Ascent will display many of the features that have become firm passenger favourites on board Edge Series ships. Among them is the Magic Carpet, a cantilevered platform on the side of the ship that transforms into different venues throughout a cruise. Infinite Veranda staterooms will likewise be on offer, which morph into open-air verandas with the touch of a button.

Interested in sailing on board Celebrity Ascent? Take a look at the collection of cruises by clicking here.

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