A: You’re responsible for traveling with the correct, valid documents.

• International cruises: Every guest on your reservation—including children—must have a passport valid for at least six (6) months after your trip ends.
• U.S. domestic cruises: We strongly recommend that every guest travel with a passport meeting the same 6-month validity rule, even if other ID may be accepted.

Non-U.S. citizens: Requirements vary. Please check with your embassy or consulate for entry, transit, and re-entry rules for every country on your itinerary, and obtain any required visas in advance.

A: Think Southern California weather: warm, dry summers and mild, cooler winters. Sea breezes moderate extremes, but evenings can feel breezy. Pack layers and comfortable shoes.

Pro tip: Put a change of clothes, toiletries, and all essential meds in your carry-on.

Packing Checklist

• Casual wear: pants/jeans, shorts, T-shirts, collared shirts or blouses
• Light layer: lightweight sweater or jacket
• Evening outfit: 1–2 semi-formal looks (cruise length depending)
• Swim gear: bathing suit + cover-up/wrap
• Rain protection: compact umbrella or light raincoat
• Footwear: comfortable walking shoes or rubber-soled sandals
• Sun gear: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Toiletries: in a sealed, clear bag inside luggage
• Mini first-aid: bandages, pain reliever, hand sanitizer, etc.
• Medications: in original containers (carry-on)
• Hair tools: (see next FAQ for ship voltage/plug info)
• Day bag: small backpack/tote for port days (camera, water, essentials)

••Travel documents: passport + photocopy kept separately

A: You can bring most everyday devices. Staterooms typically have both 110V (U.S.) and 220V (European) outlets, so phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, and e-readers are easy to charge.

Phones, Laptops, Cameras

• Chargers for small digital devices usually plug in without issue.
• Outlets are limited—pack a non-surge multi-port USB charger or small non-surge power strip. (Surge-protected strips are often not allowed.)

Hair Dryers & Styling Tools

• A hair dryer is provided in every stateroom.
• If you bring your own hair tools, choose compact, dual-voltage models (110–240V).

Staying in Hotels Before/After the Cruise (Overseas)

Mediterranean hotels commonly use Type C or Type F sockets and 220–240V power.

• Adapters (plug shape only): Bring a Type C adapter (works in Type F, too). A universal adapter is handy if you travel often.
• Dual-Voltage Appliances: Many chargers and some hair tools are dual voltage—check the label for “110–240V.” If there’s a manual switch, set it correctly before use.
• Converters (voltage change): Needed only for non–dual-voltage U.S. devices. Converters are bulkier and cost more; when possible, use dual-voltage gear instead.

Tip: Pack electronics and essential meds in your carry-on.

A: Yes—most guests use phones for photos, messages, maps, and calls. To avoid surprise charges and keep things simple, follow these tips.

Before You Go

• Call your carrier. Ask about international roaming in Europe and any cruise/ship plans (maritime roaming is different and often pricier). Confirm rates for calls, texts, and data.
• Add a plan or eSIM. Consider an international day pass or regional eSIM for port days.
• Know the costs. Ship networks use satellite; charges are typically higher than on land.

On the Ship

• Avoid accidental roaming. Unless you’ve bought a ship plan, keep your phone in Airplane Mode and use the ship’s Wi-Fi (purchase a package if you need internet).
• Charge nightly. Outlets are limited; bring a non-surge multi-port USB charger.
• Save battery. Dim screen, close unused apps, and disable background refresh.

In Port

• Turn Airplane Mode off only if your international plan is active; otherwise keep it on and use Wi-Fi.
• Maps & tickets offline. Download maps, boarding passes, and tickets ahead of time.

Time Settings

• To avoid random time shifts, set your phone’s time zone manually to the ship’s printed schedule—or double-check times daily if you prefer “Automatic.”

Smart Smartphone Moves

• Data controls: Turn off Data Roaming when you don’t need it; switch email and app updates to manual.
• Notifications: Disable nonessential push alerts (sports, stocks, weather) to save data and battery.
• Messaging: Use Wi-Fi calling or apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, or Messenger over Wi-Fi.

If You Don’t Bring a Mobile

• You can place calls from hotel or ship phones, but confirm rates first.

••Consider prepaid calling cards or stick to Wi-Fi messaging apps when available.

1. 1. Athens Airport (ATH) ➜ Athens hotel (for the pre-extension)
   2. Athens hotel ➜ Cruise ship (Piraeus) on embarkation day
   3. Cruise ship (Piraeus) ➜ Athens Airport (ATH) on disembarkation day

How to book each leg (simple options):

A. Book with Celebrity (embark/disembark days only: Airport ⇄ Ship)

• Log in to Manage My Booking / Cruise Planner and add Transfers (look near the bottom of the page). If you don’t see them, call Celebrity. (Shared coach and private transfers are offered on embark/debark days.) (Cruise Critic Community)
• Call (U.S./Canada): 1-888-751-7804 (Existing Reservations). Site help: 1-800-722-5941. (Celebrity Cruises)
• Tip: Have your flight numbers and times ready. Prices typically start around $50 per person each way and can vary by sailing—your Cruise Planner will show the live price. (Use Phone if you prefer an agent.) (Celebrity Cruises)

B. Book private car/taxi (all three legs, including hotel legs):

• Welcome Pickups (Athens) – book online; 24/7 support; publishes a local phone: +30 211 176 8284. Great for Airport ⇄ Hotel and Hotel ⇄ Piraeus Port. (Welcome Pickups)
• Official Airport Taxi – 24/7 from Exit 3, Arrivals at ATH with flat fares to the city center and back. Just follow signs for Taxis. (Athens Internation Airport)
• More vetted providers are listed by the City of Athens (apps, limo, and car services with phone numbers). (This is Athens)

What to send when you book

• Names (as on passports)
• Cruise reservation #
• Flight details (airline, flight #, arrival/departure times)
• Hotel name & address (Athens)
• Mobile number the driver/line can text

Quick links & contacts

• Celebrity Transfers/Reservations: 1-888-751-7804 • Contact page (for more numbers). (Celebrity Cruises)
• Manage My Booking (Transfers in Cruise Planner): celebritycruises.com → Manage. (Transfers often appear near the bottom of the page.) (Cruise Critic Community)
• Welcome Pickups (Athens): welcomepickups.com/athens • +30 211 176 8284. (Welcome Pickups)
• Athens Airport Transport Info: aia.gr → Transportation (taxis, ride-hail, buses, metro). (Athens Internation Airport)

Summary:

• Use Celebrity to book Airport ⇄ Ship on embark/debark days (via Cruise Planner or call).
• Use Welcome Pickups / official taxis for Airport ⇄ Hotel and Hotel ⇄ Ship.
• Book all three legs to keep the trip seamless.

A: Two of your tours are already taken care of:

• Kuşadası (Ephesus) – Included and guided by Pastor Will
• Thessaloniki – Included and guided by Pastor Will

No action needed for these—your spots are pre-booked and prepaid.

For any additional excursions at other ports on Celebrity Infinity:

1. After you book your cruise, visit Celebrity’s website and log in with your reservation number (on your invoice).
2. Browse and book excursions—capacity is limited, so book early (typically available starting ~6 months before sailing and up to a few days prior).
3. You can also request excursions onboard, but availability may be limited. Waitlisted online requests are processed before onboard sign-ups.

If you’d like recommendations or help booking, just ask—we’re happy to assist.

A: Keep it simple and fee-smart.

Before you go

• Bring only 1–2 primary cards (Visa/Mastercard preferred).
• Notify your bank(s) of travel dates/regions; store card emergency numbers separately.
• Choose a card with no foreign transaction fees if possible.

Using cards & cash

• Cards are widely accepted; use credit for purchases (better protection) and debit mainly for ATMs.
• ATMs usually offer the best exchange rate—decline “dynamic currency conversion” and charge in local currency.
• Carry a little small-bill cash for markets, taxis, and small vendors.

Currencies you’ll see

• Euro (€): Used across much of Europe; U.S. dollars aren’t widely accepted. Get some euros from your bank or an ATM on arrival.
• Turkey (₺ Turkish lira): Lira is standard. Tourist areas often take cards and sometimes U.S. cash, but lira (or card) is most reliable.

Quick tips

• Keep a backup card in a separate spot.
• Use a money belt or RFID wallet in crowds.

••Check rates/fees in your banking app; consider locking your card when not in use.

A: Cruises make it easy to reward great service while you explore multiple destinations without packing/unpacking or hunting for restaurants.

• Automatic daily gratuities: Most lines add about $16–$25 per guest, per day (varies by cabin category) to cover dining and stateroom services.
• Other service charges: Expect an additional 18–20% on beverages and spa/salon purchases.

Adjusting or removing gratuities:
If you prefer to tip differently—especially for services you didn’t use (e.g., bars if you don’t order drinks)—visit Guest Services on board. You can increase, reduce, or remove automatic gratuities and direct tips where you feel they’re earned.

Common off-ship guidelines

• Porters at the pier: about $1–$2 per bag when you hand off luggage.
• Taxis/rideshares: rounding up or ~10–15% is appreciated.
• Restaurants ashore: ~15–20% for table service.

Bottom line: automatic tips are there for convenience, but you control how you tip—just stop by Guest Services to customize it.

A: You’re already set for some of the region’s greatest highlights—plus you can add more at other ports.

Already Included on Your Trip

Kuşadası (Ephesus) — Included, guided by Pastor Will

• Ancient City of Ephesus: Marble Street, Library of Celsus, Great Theatre
• Terrace Houses (mosaics & frescoes)
• Basilica of St. John and the Temple of Artemis (remains)
• (Time permitting: traditional House of Mary)*

Thessaloniki — Included, private tour with Pastor Will

• Roman Forum (Agora), Arch of Galerius & Rotunda
• Agios Dimitrios (church & crypt), White Tower promenade
• Ano Poli (Upper Town) city walls & Vlatadon Monastery viewpoints

Optional Pre-Extension: Athens (2 nights near the Parthenon)

• Acropolis & Parthenon, Acropolis Museum
• Areopagus (Mars Hill), Ancient Agora
• Temple of Olympian Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium
• Plaka & Anafiotika old-town lanes

What You Can See at Other Ports

Santorini

• Cliffside villages Oia & Fira, caldera views & sunset spots
• Akrotiri Bronze Age ruins, Red/Black Beach photo stops
• Cable car, caldera boat rides, or the Fira–Oia scenic hike

Rhodes

• Walled Medieval Old Town (UNESCO), Street of the Knights
• Palace of the Grand Master & Archaeological Museum
• Day trip to Lindos Acropolis and its whitewashed village

Mykonos

• Little Venice & iconic windmills
• Ferry to sacred Delos archaeological site (birthplace of Apollo)
• Beaches like Ornos or Platis Gialos; Ano Mera & Panagia Tourliani Monastery

Option 1 — Use an American Airlines AAdvantage® credit card bonus (our favorite money-saver):
Apply for an AAdvantage® credit card, meet the initial spend, and redeem the welcome miles for roundtrip flights to Athens (ATH). Laura and I have done this ourselves and it can save thousands in airfare.

• Current public offer (example): Earn 80,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases on select Citi® / AAdvantage® cards. As of today, the Platinum Select® offer shows 80,000 miles after $3,500 spend in 4 months(offers change—check the card page for the latest). (American Airlines Credit Cards)
• Where to apply: American Airlines credit card site (compare cards & apply). (American Airlines Credit Cards)
• How it works, step-by-step:
  1. Apply and get approved. 2) Put normal expenses on the card to hit the required spend. 3) Miles post to your AAdvantage account after you meet the terms. 4) Redeem miles for flights to/from ATH (taxes/fees still apply on award tickets). (American Airlines)
     Tip: Be flexible on dates and routings (partners like British Airways, Iberia, Finnair, etc., often appear in award searches). Book early for best availability.

Option 2 — Book cash tickets directly online (fast & simple):
Use your favorite site—Expedia, Priceline, the airline’s website, or Google Flights—and book roundtrip Fresno/your home airport → ATH (Athens) arriving the day before the cruise or earlier if you’re doing the pre-extension. If you want cruise-line support and schedule protection, you can also book through Flights by Celebrity from your reservation dashboard. (Celebrity Cruises)

Good to know:

• Award tickets always include taxes/fees (typically modest for Europe, but they vary by carrier/route). (American Airlines)
• Credit-card welcome offers change—always verify the current miles + spend requirement on the official AA card page before applying. (American Airlines Credit Cards)

••If you’d like us to sanity-check your flight plan (arrival timing with the pre-extension/cruise), just share your proposed itinerary and we’ll review it.

Payments

• Deposit at booking: $250 per person Pay by credit card only.
• Final payment due: February 15, 2026 Pay by check only
• Bookings on/after February 15, 2026: Full payment required at time of reservation.

All prices, penalties, and change fees are per passenger and depend on your selected room occupancy.

Reservation Changes (name changes, rooming changes, etc.)

• Today – February 15, 2026: $100 change fee
• On/after February 16, 2026: No changes allowed

Additional supplier fees may apply for home-city flight connections or if a roommate cancels and you must take single occupancy. Any such fees will be passed through to the passenger.

Cancellation Fees

• Today – December 26, 2025: $100 administrative fee
• December 27, 2025 – February 15, 2026: Forfeit deposit
• February 15 – March 25, 2026: 50% of total package
• March 26 – April 26, 2026: 75% of total package
• On/after April 27, 2026: No refunds

Cancellations must be confirmed with our office during business hours (Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Pacific Time). Call (559) 435-2200
Fees apply regardless of reason for cancellation (including medical or family matters). 

We strongly recommend travel insurance.

Traveler Responsibilities

It is each passenger’s responsibility to comply with all immigration, passport, visa, vaccination, and other documentation requirements for this trip.