Cruise Canceled!

Celebrity Infinity B2B from Athens

February 14-17, 2026 -- Stuck in Athens

Now that we have settled at the AirBnB for the next couple of days before the cruise, we were ready to do a little exploring. Our apartment was not far away from the Acropolis area, and we would walk by there many times during our time in Athens. 

After moving into the apartment, we all took our naps in the comfortable beds, trying to recuperate from jet lag and the walk from Grand Hyatt to the apartment. It was not a long walk, but because of the uneven pavements, it wasn't easy dragging our our luggage along. Fortunately, son was successful  checking-in with the owner, got the key from the lock box, and we were inside the building. Out unit was on the 2nd floor and we were able to use the tiny elevator to get all of us plus our luggage up with no problem, albeit taking several trips. 

Then, it was time for us to get out and get some dinner. Steve, our driver from George's Taxi told us about this place where he and his wife would go for special occasions--Psaras, the old tavern, near the Acropolis. This is a restaurant with a history of over 100 years, we were told, so we were anxious to try it out. Of course we had to stop and take some pictures as we walked passed Acropolis. 

 

The back side of the Acropolis where restaurants and stores gathered.

I believe this is the Holy Church of Saint Nicholas Rangavas which we passed by on our way to Psaras.

Psaras Tavern

We found Psaras up on a little hill. It was kind of confusing because there were several restaurants with tables along the stairs and up the hill. We did not know which way to go until the waiter took us to the rooftop and said they are all the same. We were not planning on eating out on the rooftop in the cold night, but fortunately, they had sheltered area with heat lamps. We were comfortable and cozy, ready for a good meal. Dinner turned out to be wonderful! It was quite an experience, enjoying great food, looking at the Acropolis, with romantic vibe being up there. The place got busier and buzzing as the night went on and it seemed to be a very popular place for local family gatherings.

Sheltered seating on the rooftop.

The waiter preparing a signature lamb dish, which I forgot the name of. Excellent!

We were up there on the rooftop.

Back down at the bottom of the stairs, the sign of the restaurants.

After dinner, we walked back to the apartment where we were getting ready for bed. As I was checking FB pages, I came across a posting by someone who was on the Infinity. A fire broke out on the ship! It turned out that the ship was getting back to Piraeus but the engine stopped and the ships is stuck with no power and plumbing, waiting to be towed back to port. Now, that's not a good sign with our cruise coming up in 2 days!

Day Before Cruise

Needless to say, we were concerned. Throughout the next day, we kept checking FB to see what was happening. Since this would be our last one whole day left in Athens, we wanted to get out and do some sightseeing even though our minds were going every which way, trying to figure out what would happened. None of our email got any news from Celebrity, so we just had to wait.

We started out early to Acropolis again. This time planning on getting inside for a tour of the place that we have not been for a few years. We were early enough to be in the line already there, with about 12 people ahead of us. We were lucky enough that we did not have to pay admission on this day. The line built up quickly and by the time the gate opened, there were about a hundred people behind us. 

Getting in line for an early entry.

Everybody was rushing up, but for us elderly, we had to take it easy so as not to trip and fall.

This is something special if go in early enough! I believe these soldiers were there for the flag raising ceremony before the place was opened.

Marching down after the ceremony.

Roman Forum

Ancient Agora in the background.

Holy Church of the Virgin Mary at Monastiraki square.

We also found one of our favorite spots in Athens for lunch. I vividly remember this place when we were here a few years back. They serve the best souvlaki and kebab that we've tried.

We ordered way too much food but we were totally happy with our meal.

We all agreed that one souvlaki for each of us would have been enough. Not only they were priced reasonably...

...they were absolutely delicious!

Back at the apartment, other than getting updates from the cruise groups, we also took our needed rest in the afternoon. When we were ready for dinner, we just walked a couple of blocks to the Bread Factory and got some items to go. We were surprised at how much Bread Factory have to offer. Other than bread and pastries, they also have some delicious entrees that come with a good price. 

Food from Bread Factory. Those chicken wings were great!

Hubby liked the fish.

and some Greek pastries.

We had a good meal in the comfort of our apartment.

We also got some update from the passengers on Infinity regarding the canceling of our first cruise on this B2B sailing. Until now, none of us have received anything official from Celebrity through email or text message. We needed to move out of the apartment the next morning because our two days there was up. We have also scheduled our driver from George's Taxi to pick us up to the cruise port in the morning. What should we do now?

Letter from Celebrity posted on FB.

Day of the Cruise

The next morning, we got up as planned, had breakfast, cleaned the apartment, checked out of the BnB, took everything down to the street and waited for our ride. Steve showed up promptly and took us to the cruise port. It was quite an unusual ride. Instead of the usual 'cruise day' excitement, we were faced with uncertainty. We had explained to George's Taxi about our situation and told them that we still wanted to go to the port even though it looked like we were not going to be on the ship. They were quite understanding and told us to contact them whenever we need to. 

Leaving our apartment.

As we approached the pier, we could see the ship right there. We were greeted by the port agents who were all out in the parking lot waiting to explain to the passengers who would be coming by. There were quite a few passengers who did not receive any notification just like us, and showed up, hoping to get on board. There were very disappointed people, and we saw passenger crying as the news was told. A family from Singapore had to figure out what to do next. We were given a sheet of paper about the situation and were told to contact Celebrity. None of the port agents was able to give us any information so we waited inside the 'tent' hoping to get some kind of response from Celebrity. Knowing we won't be boarding the ship, son quickly followed the instruction and got ourselves rooms for the two nights from the list of hotels Celebrity gave us before they were all snatched up. At least we have a place to go for two nights.

The empty cruise terminal. Taxis dropping off unaware passengers at port.

Paper given to us when we arrived at port.

After we contacted Celebrity, this was what we got as a response. Nothing that would give clear directions of what would happen. We also called the customer service number showed on the paper but apparently the person answering was in Mexico and did not know anything more than we already knew.

Seeing that we would not get anything from anyone, we decided to contact George's Taxi for them to pick us up and take us to Intercontinental, the hotel we picked from the list.

Crew leaving the ship that lost power and plumbing.

Steve came back with his van and took us to the Intercontinental, which is not far from Grand Hyatt where we stayed a couple of nights ago. By now, it was late afternoon and after a day of waiting, we were all tired.

As we settled in at Intercontinental for the 2 nights provided by Celebrity (we had to pay first and then get reimbursement afterward with receipt) we discussed our plan of what we should do from now on. We all agreed that we should stay put in Athens for the 11 days and wait to see if the second cruise would go on as schedule. If we leave and go home now, it would mean that we 'canceled' our second cruise on our own and we would lose everything. We would also have to change our flights which may cost more than Celebrity will compensate. 

Fortunately, the AirBnB that we were in for the last two days was available throughout the next 11 days. At least we have a place to go after these two days staying at Intercontinental. In the mean time, because of the uncertainty, we were not in any mood to go sightseeing. Knowing we will have 11 days in town we would have plenty of time to explore.

Questions my brother sent to Celebrity, hoping for some answers.

Intercontinental provided an excellent breakfast buffet while we were there.

Grill House Vassilis

We did not want to wander off too far, and son found a small restaurant near the hotel that has good rating and we ended up having dinner there both nights. This was an excellent find and it was said that President Obama visited this place when he was in Athens. It's called Grill House Vassilis, serving traditional Greek cuisine.

When we got there the first evening, it was early and the place was quiet. It has a warm atmosphere inside with friendly service throughout. We all enjoyed our dinner there and the cost was very reasonable. I have no problem recommending this place to anyone who are in Athens for a taste of Greek just a couple of blocks from the hotel.

Don't remember the exact name of this dish, but I think it's something like garlic chicken, our favorite dish.

Owner

We came back on the second night and this time it was packed. It was Chinese New Year for us and this will be our special celebration dinner. Again, we had a wonderful dinner with all the special food.

This time we got complimentary bread with our meal.

We were very impressed with our server. We thought this young man maybe the owner's son but he said he just worked there. He took care of the whole place with a wonderful attitude. what a nice, hard-working young man!

He insisted that we should have a picture together.

Back to the hotel after dinnr.

After two nights at Intercontinental, we were ready to check-out and move to the apartment again for the next 11 days. Again, we just walked from the hotel to the apartment like last time since we figured that none of the taxis would want to take us for such short distance. 

Inside Intercontinental

Waiting for the right time to move to the apartment.

For video of our days, please click here.

"For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him." Matthew 25:29