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Celebrity Cruises has named Captain Kyriakos “Captain Kirk” Matragkas as the commanding officer of its newest Edge-class ship, Celebrity Xcel, set to launch this November.
Hailing from the port city of Piraeus, Greece, Matragkas grew up in a maritime family. His father’s career at sea sparked an early fascination with ships, leading him to pursue maritime studies at the Merchant Marine Academy of Hydra, where he graduated in 2003.
Captain Matragkas began his journey with Celebrity Cruises in 2000 as part of the launch team for Celebrity Millennium. Over the last two decades, he’s risen through the ranks, having captained ships like Celebrity Reflection and Celebrity Beyond. His crew and guests affectionately refer to him as “Captain Kirk,” a nod to his name and a fitting title for someone steering futuristic vessels.
Beyond the bridge, Matragkas is known for his musical talents. Guests often find him behind a guitar or a drum kit during special events on board, adding a personal and entertaining touch to the cruising experience.
The Celebrity Xcel is currently under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, where it reached a major milestone with its keel laying in June 2024. With progress ahead of schedule, the ship will embark on a special preview sailing on November 9, 2025, followed by its official maiden voyage departing Fort Lauderdale on November 18.
The new vessel will offer alternating seven-night Caribbean itineraries, featuring destinations like Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Bimini, and Grand Cayman. In April 2026, Xcel will cross the Atlantic to begin a Mediterranean season, with ports of call including Barcelona, Santorini, Mykonos, and Valletta. A highlight of the season will be a special President’s Cruise departing from Piraeus—Captain Matragkas’s hometown.
