Celebrity Infinity Cruise Review 2025: A Mother & Daughter Journey Through Greece, Turkey & Cyprus

Our journey began in Athens, with a night in the city before embarkation. What happens when a mother and daughter who love clothes and shopping travel together? An impressive amount of luggage, naturally. We flew from Newcastle via London and, after collecting our bags, I ordered an Uber straight into the city centre, where we checked into The Editor Athens – a modern, boutique-style hotel that stood out amongst the traditional architecture.

With only one evening to soak up the city’s history, we headed into the Plaka District as the sun began to set. The Acropolis illuminated the sky in the distance as we wandered through the Monastiraki’s winding lanes, eventually finding a charming restaurant with a balcony overlooking the Parthenon. Tucking into a Greek salad and chicken gyros while a local musician serenaded us below felt like the perfect welcome to this magical place!

The following morning, after a light hotel breakfast of Greek yoghurt, fruit and local honey, we took a short stroll to admire the Acropolis bathed in daylight before returning to the hotel to pack. A quick Uber later, we were standing at Piraeus Port, where Celebrity Infinity awaited us in all her glory. Embarkation was effortless, having already completed check-in through the Celebrity Cruises app. For my mum, whose sea legs had only ever ventured as far as the North Shields ferry, stepping aboard her first cruise ship was a moment she’ll never forget – that rush of awe as you step into the atrium and take in the sheer scale of it all.

We were staying in a midship balcony cabin with twin beds, and our SeaPass cards were waiting neatly by the door. After a quick hello with our friendly cabin attendant, we dropped off our hand luggage and headed out to explore. Having done a few ship visits with LoveitBookit customers, I took the lead on our self-guided tour. Built in 2001 and refreshed in 2024, Celebrity Infinity belongs to Celebrity’s Millennium Class – a more intimate size than the fleet’s newer ships, but full of warmth and character. We started in the theatre, knowing we’d spend plenty of evenings there, before heading to the speciality restaurants, the pool deck and my personal favourite, the Constellation Lounge – a sweeping space with a live band setup and panoramic views.

Lunch at Oceanview Café set the tone for the days to come, with a lively atmosphere, “Welcome Aboard” desserts and the hum of excited passengers. Soon it was time for sailaway – a must for any cruiser – and we found ourselves on deck, glasses in hand, waving to the shore as the ship glided away from Athens. Sharing that moment with my mum as she embarked on her first voyage was truly special.

Our cabin was compact but comfortable, with classic furnishings that gave the ship a homely feel. Though the bathroom was snug (especially for my 5’11 frame), the beds were heavenly, dressed in soft white linens that invited an early night after long days exploring. The balcony became our little retreat at sea, mornings with a coffee, afternoons reading and evenings watching the sunset.

As expected from Celebrity Cruises, the service was exceptional from the moment we stepped onboard. Every crew member was warm, polite, and attentive, from the dining room staff who greeted us by name to the cleaning team who seemed to work around the clock. On the evening of my birthday, I was surprised with a bottle of wine in our cabin and a cake with a candle at dinner – small touches that made the day feel truly special!

The itinerary itself was an absolute delight. Our first port of call was Thessaloniki, where we enjoyed an overnight stay. We wandered the boardwalk to the Round Tower and Umbrella Sculpture before exploring the local shops and cafés. The city had a modern energy with pockets of history at every turn. On my birthday the following day, we decided to stay onboard, making the most of the sunshine and sea air before celebrating with a speciality dinner that evening.

Next came Kusadasi, gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus – a long-standing bucket-list destination for both of us! Rather than booking a ship excursion, we opted for a local Dolmus bus from near the port – a short, scenic ride that offered a glimpse into everyday life. The ruins were extraordinary, with the Library of Celsus standing as the centrepiece. We lingered, imagining life as it once was, before returning to the ship to admire Kusadasi’s picturesque port, its ‘Hollywood-style’ sign gleaming above the hills.

After a restful sea day filled with poolside relaxation, Zumba and a trip to the gym, we arrived in Limassol, Cyprus. It was our first time visiting and we were pleasantly surprised by its charm. The Old Port area was spotless, lined with yachts, boutiques and cafés. We walked to Lemesos Castle, explored the narrow streets and enjoyed a leisurely afternoon of shopping and people-watching.

Another sea day followed before our arrival in Rhodes – a destination that had long been on our travel list. The ship docked just steps from the Old Town, making it easy to explore. We visited the Palace of the Grand Master, strolled along the Street of the Knights and admired the medieval walls that encircle the city. We also ventured to the Acropolis of Rhodes, which, despite the scaffolding, offered a wonderful panoramic view of the coastline!

Our final port of call was Heraklion, Crete. Having visited before, it was lovely to experience it from a new perspective. We strolled the seafront, browsed the local shops and paused for a coffee overlooking the harbour. The temperature reached a glorious 29 degrees – remarkable for March – so we returned to the ship to bask by the pool, soaking up our last rays of Mediterranean sunshine.

When it came to dining, Celebrity Infinity did not disappoint. We enjoyed Celebrity Select Dining, which allowed us the flexibility to eat whenever we wished. The main dining room offered an excellent variety each night, with the staff ensuring every meal felt special. We dined at two speciality restaurants during our cruise – Tuscan Grille, where the short rib pappardelle ragu and pistachio crème brûlée were unforgettable, and Le Petit Chef, a whimsical, animated dining experience that made my birthday evening even more memorable.

The Oceanview Café quickly became our go-to spot for breakfast and lunch. The themed buffets, fresh pizza and afternoon tea with scones and finger sandwiches were highlights, and the build-your-own omelette station was a firm favourite. Despite skipping the drinks package, it was lovely to enjoy the wine we’d brought onboard from Athens and my birthday bottle, especially during evenings on the balcony.

Entertainment onboard was a real highlight. Days were filled with Zumba, dance classes and quizzes, while evenings brought spectacular theatre productions, comedy, live music and themed parties. We especially loved the silent disco and ABBA singalong night – there’s something wonderful about seeing a crowd of people, from all walks of life, singing “Dancing Queen” at sea! The main theatre impressed my mum the most – she couldn’t believe the quality of the performances, or that they were all included in the cruise fare. We also discovered the outdoor cinema on the Rooftop Terrace, where we watched films under the blue sky on sea days, wrapped in blankets as the sea breeze brushed against our skin.

We also enjoyed exploring the shops onboard, from designer sunglasses to fragrances, and spent time admiring the art collection that dotted the ship’s public spaces. The gym was modern and well-equipped, and there was something quite magical about jogging on the treadmill with an endless ocean view in front of you.

One thing we really appreciated throughout the cruise was how well-informed we always felt. Each evening before the show, the Cruise Director would share a short update about where we were heading next, along with handy tips for the day ahead – from must-see highlights in port to simple reminders like adjusting our clocks forward or back. Every night, a new daily programme was left in our cabin, outlining the next day’s activities both on board and ashore, which made planning so easy. In most ports, complimentary shuttle buses were available to take guests from the port into the city centre – a thoughtful touch that made exploring independently smooth and stress-free.

All too soon, our final morning arrived, and we reluctantly began to pack our cases. After a relaxed brunch in Oceanview Café, followed by a friendly game of table tennis and cornhole on deck, it was time to disembark and make our way back to Athens Airport. For those flying home, I’d recommend opting for a local taxi rather than Uber – drivers can collect you directly from the terminal, which makes things much easier when juggling larger luggage. Just be sure to agree on a fare beforehand.

Our time onboard Celebrity Infinity was truly special – a mother-and-daughter escape filled with sunshine, laughter and memories that will last a lifetime! While Infinity may be one of Celebrity’s more classic ships, her warmth, service and sense of charm are unmatched. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser, like my mum, or a seasoned traveller, Celebrity Infinity proves that sometimes, the classics really are the best.