In a cruise industry first, Celebrity Cruises has named two brothers co-captains of Celebrity Ascent.
Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo made the announcement that Greek brothers, Dimitrios and Tasso Kafetzis, would be co-captaining their newest ship to debut in December.
“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. Seeing their emotional reaction to this appointment and understanding what it means to share this pinnacle of their career together was something I didn’t expect and will never forget.”
“This ship represents a monumental milestone for our brand, taking our innovative outward-facing design further than ever, and creating a whole new class of relaxed luxury resorts at sea. I am so proud to leave her in the hands of these expert mariners,” she added.
Between them, Captains Dimitrios and Tasos have more than 50 years of experience. They joined Celebrity Cruises in 1990 and 1998 respectively. The brothers will alternate their time in a 3-month rotation aboard Celebrity Ascent.
Captain Dimitrios has dedicated his entire maritime career to Celebrity Cruises where he started in 1990 as an Apprentice Officer on the Celebrity Horizon. He has sailed aboard every class of ship in Celebrity’s fleet and has been on the start-up team for multiple Celebrity cruise ships including Celebrity Apex for which he was also the take out captain.
Captain Dimitrios had this to say, “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.”
Captains Tasks joined Celebrity Cruises in 1998 and has been involved in the opening of multiple cruise ships. Most recently he was the captain of Celebrity Edge.
Captain Tasos said, “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.”
This is the second time Celebrity Cruises has made history on the bridge. In 2015, they named Kate McCue captain of Celebrity Edge making her the industry’s first female cruise ship captain.