{{short description|Millennium-class cruise ship operated by Celebrity Cruises}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}} {{Infobox ship | infobox_caption = ''Celebrity Infinity'' | display_title = ital |section1={{Infobox ship/image | image = Celebrity Infinity moored at Quay in Port of Rhodes 28 August 2024.jpg | image_caption = ''Celebrity Infinity'' in Rhodes, 2024 }}
|section2={{Infobox ship/career | hide_header = | country = Malta | flag = {{shipboxflag|Malta|civil}} | name = *2001–2007: ''Infinity'' *2007–present: ''Celebrity Infinity'' | owner = Royal Caribbean Group | operator = Celebrity Cruises | registry = *2001–2002: Monrovia, {{flag|Liberia}} *2002–2008: Nassau, {{flag|Bahamas|civil}} *2008–present: Valletta, {{flag|Malta|civil}} | route = | ordered = February 1998<ref name="order" /> | builder = *Chantiers de l'Atlantique *St. Nazaire, France<ref name=FoF>{{cite web |url=http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/infinity_2001.htm |title=GTS Infinity (2001) |access-date=February 6, 2012 |last=Asklander |first=Micke |work=Fakta om Fartyg |language=sv}}</ref> | original_cost = | yard_number = S31<ref name="specs" /> | way_number = | laid_down = | launched = 9 June 2000<ref name="csr"/> | completed = | christened = 29 April 2001<ref name="naming"/> | sponsor = Solveig Wilhelmsen<ref name="naming"/><ref name="factsheet"/> | acquired = 25 February 2001<ref name="delivery"/> | maiden_voyage = 3 March 2001<ref name="delay"/> | in_service = 2001–present | out_of_service = | identification = *Call sign: 9HJD9 *{{IMO Number|9189421}} *{{MMSI|249048000}} | fate = | status = | notes = }}
|section3={{Infobox ship/characteristics | hide_header = | header_caption = | class = {{Sclass|Millennium|cruise ship}} | tonnage = *{{GT|90,940}} *{{DWT|11,788}}<ref name=FoF/> | displacement = | length = {{convert|964.6|ft|m|abbr=on}} | beam = {{convert|105.6|ft|m|abbr=on}} | height = | draught = {{convert|26|ft|m|0|abbr=on}} | depth = | decks = 12 | deck_clearance = | ramps = | ice_class = | sail_plan = | power = *Two General Electric gas turbines *50,000{{nbsp}}kW (combined) | propulsion = 2 × 19 MW Rolls-Royce/Alstom ''Mermaid'' azimuth thrusters | speed = {{convert|24|kn}} | capacity = 2,170 | crew = 999 | notes = }} }}
'''GTS ''Celebrity Infinity''''' (formerly '''''Infinity''''') is a {{Sclass|Millennium|cruise ship}} operated by Celebrity Cruises, a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group. She measures {{GT|90940}} and {{convert|294|m|ft|abbr=on}} long, and holds a capacity of 2,170 passengers across 12 decks. After Royal Caribbean signed a letter of intent with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l'Atlantique in February 1998, she was floated out in June 2000 and delivered in February 2001, making her the second ''Millennium''-class ship to join the fleet following ''Celebrity Millennium.''
== Construction == In February 1998, Royal Caribbean signed a letter of intent with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l'Atlantique to build two new ships, with an option for two more, that would make up a new class of ships, dubbed the ''Millennium'' class.<ref name="order">{{Cite news|date=3 February 1998|title=Giant Royal Caribbean Ship Order|work=Cruise Industry News|url=https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/14314-giant-royal-caribbean-ship-order.html}}</ref> Designed to be an evolution from Celebrity's ''Century''-class ships, the two ships were initially planned to measure {{GT|85000}}, have a guest capacity of approximately 1,900, and be delivered in June 2000 and January 2001, respectively.<ref name="order" />
In March 2000, Celebrity announced the second ''Millennium''-class ship would be named ''Infinity.''<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=1 March 2000|title=Celebrity Cruises selects Infinity name|url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Celebrity-Cruises-selects-Infinity-name|website=Travel Weekly}}</ref> On 9 June 2000, she was launched from the shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.<ref name="csr">{{csr|register=MSI|id=9189421|shipname=Infinity|access-date=November 17, 2018}}</ref> On 25 February 2001, Celebrity took delivery of ''Infinity'' in Fort Lauderdale, Florida after she embarked on a transatlantic crossing from Saint-Nazaire.<ref name="delivery">{{Cite web|date=26 February 2001|title=Celebrity Cruises Welcomes New Infinity|url=https://www.marinelink.com/news/celebrity-welcomes318742|website=Marine Link|publisher=Maritime Activity Reports, Inc.}}</ref> Formal naming festivities were held on 29 April 2001 in Los Angeles, where ''Infinity'' was christened by Solveig Wilhelmsen.<ref name="naming">{{Cite web|date=30 April 2001|title=Celebrity Cruises Welcomes New Infinity|url=https://www.marinelink.com/news/celebrity-welcomes305715|website=Marine Link}}</ref><ref name="factsheet">{{Cite web|title=Celebrity Infinity Fact Sheet|url=https://www.celebritycorporatekit.com/content/uploads/2017/08/Infinity_Fact_Sheet.pdf|website=Celebrity Cruises}}</ref>
== Service history == The ship's maiden voyage was originally scheduled for 3 February 2001, a 14-day cruise from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale through the Panama Canal before arriving in San Diego for her inaugural season.<ref name=":1" /> However, the voyage was later postponed by one month to 3 March 2001.<ref name="delay">{{Cite web|date=11 October 2000|title=Celebrity Cruises delays Infinity launch|url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Celebrity-Cruises-delays-Infinity-launch|website=Travel Weekly}}</ref><ref name="delivery" /> Her inaugural season also included cruises to Hawaii<ref>{{Cite web|date=25 June 2001|title=Travel Weekly's Hawaii E-Letter: June 25, 2001|url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Destinations2001-2007/Travel-Weekly-s-Hawaii-E-Letter-June-25-2001|website=Travel Weekly}}</ref> before she headed to Alaska in summer 2001, joining fleet-mate ''Mercury.''<ref>{{Cite web|date=29 November 2000|title=From yachts to megas: Lines sailing in 2001|url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Destinations2001-2007/From-yachts-to-megas-Lines-sailing-in-2001|website=Travel Weekly}}</ref>
Since 2002, she has also cruised to South America,<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 March 2003|title=Travel Weekly's Cruise E-Letter: March 25, 2003|url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Destinations2001-2007/Travel-Weekly-s-Cruise-E-Letter-March-25-2003|website=Travel Weekly}}</ref> Antarctica,<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 May 2008|title=Celebrity Infinity to sail to Antarctica in 2010|url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Celebrity-Infinity-to-sail-to-Antarctica-in-2010|website=Travel Weekly}}</ref> the Caribbean from San Juan, Puerto Rico<ref>{{Cite web|date=27 August 2001|title=Celebrity to blanket Caribbean for peak season|url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Destinations2001-2007/Celebrity-to-blanket-Caribbean-for-peak-season|website=Travel Weekly}}</ref> and Fort Lauderdale,<ref>{{Cite web|date=1 September 2005|title=Celebrity swaps ships on South America, Caribbean itineraries|url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Celebrity-swaps-ships-on-South-America-Caribbean-itineraries|website=Travel Weekly}}</ref> and Europe from Harwich<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tunney|first=Donna|date=23 February 2012|title=Celebrity Infinity headed for England in 2013|url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Celebrity-Infinity-headed-for-England-in-2013|website=Travel Weekly}}</ref> and throughout the Mediterranean.<ref>{{Cite web|date=17 October 2017|title=Celebrity Announces 2019 Europe Programs|url=https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/17960-celebrity-announces-2019-europe-programs.html|website=Cruise Industry News}}</ref>
On 3 June 2016, while docking in Ketchikan, Alaska, the ship crashed into the dock on her port side, causing a {{Convert|10|to|15|ft|adj=on}} scrape along her bow above the waterline and heavily damaged the dock.<ref name=":3">{{cite news|last=Shedlock|first=Jerzy|date=June 3, 2016|title=Video: Cruise ship crashes into Ketchikan dock|work=Alaska Dispatch News|url=http://www.adn.com/alaska-news/2016/06/03/video-cruise-ship-crashes-into-ketchikan-dock/|access-date=June 4, 2016}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Stieghorst|first=Tom|date=6 June 2016|title=Coast Guard investigating Celebrity Infinity dock collision in Ketchikan|url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Coast-Guard-investigating-Celebrity-Infinity-dock-collision-in-Ketchikan|website=Travel Weekly}}</ref> Winds were reportedly gusting to {{Convert|45|mph}} from the ship's starboard side at the time of the accident, which accelerated the ship's approach. There were no reported injuries or pollution caused by the incident.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":0" /> In addition to the damage to the ship, the collision caused $2–3 million in damage to the dock.<ref>{{cite web|last=Walker|first=Jim|date=June 4, 2016|title=Celebrity Infinity Crashes Into Ketchikan Dock|url=http://www.cruiselawnews.com/2016/06/articles/collisions/celebrity-infinity-crashes-into-ketchikan-dock/|access-date=June 4, 2016|work=Cruise Law News}}</ref> The ship was quickly repaired and resumed sailing following the collision.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kalosh|first=Anne|date=4 June 2016|title=Celebrity Infinity repaired and sailing after striking Ketchikan pier|work=Seatrade Cruise News|url=https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/news-headlines/celebrity-infinity-repaired-and-sailing-after-striking-ketchikan-pier}}</ref>
In summer 2020, ''Celebrity Infinity'' was scheduled to sail in the Mediterranean,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/news/news-headlines/celebrity-s-2020-europe-has-apex-edge-new-lisbon-cruises-turkey-return/|title=Celebrity's 2020 Europe has Apex, Edge, new Lisbon cruises, Turkey return|date=November 28, 2018|website=Seatrade Cruise News|access-date=September 12, 2019}}</ref> but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the season.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Simms|first=Richard|date=23 June 2020|title=Royal Caribbean Cancels Cruises Through September 15|url=https://cruiseradio.net/royal-caribbean-cancels-cruises-through-september-15/|website=Cruise Radio}}</ref> Following the cruise line's pause in operations, she is scheduled to resume sailing from Port Everglades on 25 June 2022, sailing weekly Caribbean voyages.<ref>{{Cite news |date=29 January 2022 |title=Celebrity Infinity to Sail in Caribbean for Summer 2022 |work=Cruise Industry News |url=https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/26677-celebrity-infinity-to-sail-in-caribbean-for-summer-2022.html |access-date=16 April 2022}}</ref> Beginning in summer 2023, the ship will be stationed year-round in the Mediterranean, making it the first time Celebrity will have a year-round operation in the region.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zelinski |first=Andrea |date=4 March 2022 |title=Celebrity Cruises to sail year-round in the Mediterranean |url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Celebrity-Cruises-sail-year-round-Mediterranean |access-date=16 April 2022 |website=Travel Weekly}}</ref>
=== COVID-19 pandemic === {{further|COVID-19 pandemic on cruise ships}}On 23 March 2020, two crew members reportedly tested positive for the coronavirus, raising concerns among crew members of their safety while on board.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Celebrity Infinity Crew Members Tests Positive for COVID-19 | Crew Center|url=http://crew-center.com/celebrity-infinity-crew-members-tests-positive-covid-19|website=crew-center.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Kosik|first=Alison|title=Crew member aboard Celebrity Infinity raises concerns over whether cruise ship unnecessarily put crew at risk|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/06/us/crew-member-celebrity-infinity-concerns-coronavirus/index.html|website=CNN}}</ref> On 14 April 2020, nearly two weeks after a crew member died aboard the ship, a class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of over a thousand Celebrity employees over the company's allegedly inadequate response measures to outbreaks aboard its ships.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Maile|first1=Amanda|last2=Kaji|first2=Mina|date=14 April 2020|title=Employees sue Celebrity Cruises over COVID-19 response|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Business/cruise-employees-sue-celebrity-covid-19-response/story?id=70147214|access-date=13 July 2020|website=ABC News}}</ref>
===Post-Covid=== On February 15, 2026, the ship completely lost power during a cruise near Piraeus, Greece. Four tugboats towed the helpless ship into port and its subsequent cruise was canceled.<ref>Mekles, Jessica, "[https://www.foxnews.com/travel/emergency-scare-rocks-major-cruise-ship-company-11-night-voyage-canceled Emergency scare rocks major cruise ship company as another voyage is canceled]", ''Fox News'', 19 February 2026</ref>
== Design and specifications == Along with her sister ships, ''Infinity'' is equipped with a turbo-electric COGAS power plant.<ref name="specs">{{Cite book|last=Cudahy|first=Brian J.|title=The Cruise Ship Phenomenon in North America|publisher=Cornell Maritime Press|year=2001|isbn=0-87033-529-4|location=Centreville, Maryland|pages=150–228}}</ref> The COGAS plant consists of gas and steam turbines, with the latter being driven by steam generated using the heat from the exhaust of the gas turbines.<ref name="specs" /> In this way, some of the otherwise lost energy is reclaimed and the specific fuel consumption of the plant is decreased.<ref name="specs" /> Propulsion is provided by two "Mermaid" azimuth pod-propulsion units from Kamewa and Cegelec (now Alstom).<ref name="specs" /> The ship also has three bow thrusters.<ref name="specs" />
=== Recurring pod-propulsion issues === ''Infinity'' and her sister ships have experienced problems with the pod-propulsion system. Months following her delivery, Celebrity reported ''Infinity'' began experiencing problems with a faulty ball bearing in the ship's starboard propulsion unit; it necessitated an emergency dry dock repair in June 2001 in Victoria, British Columbia, which resulted in cancelled sailings.<ref>{{Cite web|date=7 June 2001|title=Celebrity dry-docks 2 ships due to technical problems|url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Celebrity-dry-docks-2-ships-due-to-technical-problems|website=Travel Weekly}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=8 May 2002|title=Victoria Shipyard Racks Up Cruise Ship Jobs|url=https://www.marinelink.com/news/victoria-shipyard-cruise321024|website=Marine Link}}</ref> In April 2002, more dry dock repairs were made to the ship's propulsion pods, as they were reportedly showing premature wear, preventing her from cruising at maximum speed.<ref>{{Cite web|date=20 March 2002|title=Celebrity cancels Summit, Infinity sailings|url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Celebrity-cancels-Summit-Infinity-sailings|website=Travel Weekly}}</ref> In a third dry dock in February 2003, Celebrity had all ball-bearing units on ''Infinity'' replaced, forcing the cancellation of two sailings.<ref>{{Cite web|date=29 January 2003|title=Celebrity cancels two Infinity sailings|url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Celebrity-cancels-two-Infinity-sailings|website=Travel Weekly}}</ref> A fourth dry dock took place in April 2004 to replace a thrust-bearing propulsion unit.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tobin|first=Rebecca|date=12 March 2004|title=Pod prob forces Celebrity to swap itineraries|url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Pod-prob-forces-Celebrity-to-swap-itineraries|website=Travel Weekly}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web|last=Tobin|first=Rebecca|date=24 March 2004|title=Pod issues force Celebrity to move Infinity to drydock|url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Pod-issues-force-Celebrity-to-move-Infinity-to-drydock|website=Travel Weekly}}</ref> A fifth dry dock was held in March 2005 to replace the ship's starboard thrust bearing unit.<ref>{{Cite web|date=23 March 2005|title=Celebrity pulls Infinity for propulsion fix|url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Celebrity-pulls-Infinity-for-propulsion-fix|website=Travel Weekly}}</ref> A sixth dry dock was performed in September 2006 to repair one of the ship's propulsion pods.<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 August 2006|title=Celebrity's Infinity to miss Alaska voyage for propulsion fix|url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Celebrity-s-Infinity-to-miss-Alaska-voyage-for-propulsion-fix|website=Travel Weekly}}</ref>
Numerous unsuccessful repairs led Royal Caribbean to file a lawsuit against Rolls-Royce and Alstom in August 2003 for $300 million to recover lost revenue and the costs associated with the faulty pods on all four ''Millennium''-class ships.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite news|date=2003-08-07|title=Celebrity Files $300M Suit Against Rolls Royce, Alstom Power Conversion|work=MarineLink|url=https://www.marinelink.com/news/conversion-celebrity306875}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=Stieghorst|first=Tom|date=2013-08-30|title=Celebrity recounts decisions after Millennium breakdown|url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Celebrity-talks-Millennium-decision|website=Travel Weekly}}</ref> Royal Caribbean settled the lawsuit in January 2010.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jainchill|first=Johanna|date=11 January 2010|title=Royal Caribbean and Rolls-Royce reach settlement|url=https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Royal-Caribbean-and-Rolls-Royce-reach-settlement|website=Travel Weekly}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category|IMO 9189421}} *[http://www.celebritycruises.com/explore/ships/detail.do?shipCode=IN Official website]
{{Celebrity Ships}}
Category:2000 ships Category:Maritime incidents in 2016 Category:Ships built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique Infinity