Brothers and now co-captains, Dimitrios and Anastasios Kafetzis have proudly taken the helm of Celebrity Ascent, the newest ship to join Celebrity Cruises Edge Series. Here, we get under the skin of what it’s like to captain this exciting new ship, alongside family.
Hi Dimitrios and Anastasios - congratulations on your recent appointment! What was it that made you want to embark on a career at sea?
Dimitrios: My father was a ship supplier and whenever there was a cruise ship to supply in Piraeus, he would take me with him to have lunch at the buffet. For me, it was a magical world on a cruise ship, with swimming pools, jacuzzis and endless buffet food islands. It seemed like Disneyland! And since then, I have wanted to work in the cruise industry - what better company to do so than Celebrity Cruises?
Anastasios: The reason I pursued a career is because of my brother, Dimitrios. We have a very special bond and I look up to him. Every time he came back from a contract, I used to view his photos and listen to his stories and all this made me want to do the same job! I’ve been with Celebrity Cruises for 26 years.
As with any career, there are times when it isn’t plain sailing. What are some of the toughest jobs you have to do as a Captain?
Dimitrios: One of the toughest jobs is to protect life at sea using all means necessary. I have participated in many rescue operations, medical evacuations and man-overboard incidents.
Anastasios: Keeping everyone safe is the most demanding task we have. Luckily, it’s not a one-person job but, nevertheless, a Captain has the ultimate responsibility for every single life onboard.
We have no doubt you’ve visited many incredible destinations around the world. Do you have a favourite?
Dimitrios: I have two favourite destinations; Honolulu, Hawaii and Vancouver, Canada.
Anastasios: The more I travel the more I fall in love with our planet. There are so many beautiful destinations, but if I had to choose my absolute favourite it would be Santorini in Greece, where the scenery of the caldera and the volcano are hard to beat, and Sydney, Australia, where the views of the early arrival between the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge with the sun rising is breathtaking.
You have been sharing the helm of Celebrity Ascent since she launched in December 2023, how does a co-captain’s role work?
Dimitrios: Every ship has two captains with a work schedule of three months on duty and three months off. Tasos and I have spent time with Celebrity Ascent from months before she first sailed. We spent two months in France at the shipyard, followed by the crossing, inaugural sailings and the maiden voyage. Tasos is taking time off and will return in February, at which time I will have my three months off.
Anastasios: Being a co-captain has been a unique experience and I think we did well. It’s always fun working alongside my brother as we really enjoy each other’s company.
What are Celebrity Ascent’s most revolutionary features?
Dimitrios: There are two things about Celebrity Ascent that are exceptional. The bridge boasts a revolutionary and ergonomic set-up. Also, all Edge Series ships are equipped with a parabolic bow which combines a razor-sharp bow that ends up on a non-projecting bulbus bow, which as a result, adds 20% fuel efficiency.
Anastasios: Celebrity Ascent is the first ship in the world with a future bridge layout, which is very modern and includes 50-inch radar screens. The fuel efficiency of this class is really impressive as our Edge Series ships are 20% more fuel efficient than our previous class. Reasons include the parabolic bow, the hull design and the ALS system (Automated Lubrication System) creating small bubbles around the hull making it easier to slide through the water.
Do you have a favourite restaurant you could recommend?
Dimitrios: Well, I recommend all of them! But if I have to choose one, it would be Fine Cut Steakhouse on Deck 5.
Anastasios: I love all the restaurants onboard Celebrity Ascent, but if I had to choose it would be Fine Cut Steakhouse (I can’t resist the tomahawk dry aged steak) and I love Eden Restaurant on Deck 4. The crab cake is a dish you need to try.
