From Cruise Ship Stage to Eurovision Song Contest Spotlight

Former cruise ship performer Akylas, who spent several years entertaining guests at sea, is now set to represent Greece at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest with his trackQ) FertoQ). For those familiar with life onboard, from tight contracts to turnaround days and back-to-back performances, his story carries particular resonance.

Before gaining national attention, Akylas worked as a vocalist on AIDA Cruises ships. Over a two-year period, he traveled extensively, performing across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia delivering rock, disco, and pop sets to international audiences.

He has described his time at sea as an intensive learning experience. Performing daily for diverse crowds helped him develop stage endurance and flexibility, qualities that cannot easily be taught in a classroom.

Just a few months ago, he was performing near Kapnikarea in Athens to help cover basic living costs. Now, he has completed filming the official music video for Ferto, the song that won Greece’s national final and secured his place at Eurovision. Clips from the shoot were recently broadcast by Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation during Eurovision coverage.

Akylas spoke about how emotional it was to return to the same spot where he once performed as a street musician, this time as Greece’s representative at one of Europe’s largest music competitions.

For many crew members, that type of journey feels familiar. Long contracts, steady work, and believing that the next opportunity can change everything.

Born in 1999 in Serres, Greece, Akylas attended his local Music School, where he began developing his performance skills early on. Interestingly, he has said that he did not fully commit to vocal training until his cruise ship experience, where daily performances became part of his routine.

He first gained broader recognition through viral TikTok covers, building a strong online following. In 2024, he released Atelier in collaboration with Papazo under Minos EMI and Universal Music Group, marking a significant milestone in his music career.

In 2025, he followed up with singles including Fthinokraso and Ela Konta, combining heartfelt lyrics with contemporary pop, electronic, and indie influences. His sound reflects the global perspective he gained while performing onboard ships around the world.

From entertaining cruise guests to representing Greece before millions of viewers, Akylas’ journey demonstrates how a stage at sea can become the first step toward international recognition.