Celebrity Apex was delivered a year ago, but it’s been idled ever since because of the pandemic lockdown. Now Celebrity Cruises will inaugurate the ship that’s a sister to Celebrity Edge on a return to Europe with cruises from Athens beginning June 19.
Seven-night cruises round-trip from Piraeus are scheduled through September, with calls at Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini in Greece; Limassol, Cyprus, and Haifa and Jerusalem. All crew and adult passengers will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, and those under 18 must present negative PCR test results.
Celebrity’s return to the Aegean is significant because of the company’s roots. Founded in Greece in 1988 by the Chandris shipping family, the line eventually became part of the Royal Caribbean Group.
The announcement of Apex came on the heels of another Celebrity comeback announcement. Celebrity will be starting summer cruises of the Millennium from St. Maarten in June.
