MV Gemini

The 1992-built MS Gemini (formerly “Celestyal Nefeli,” and earlier “Gemini” under the now-defunct Quail Travel Group) was launched as “Crown Jewel” for Crown Cruise Line (1984-founded / 2001-defunct). This stylish, yacht-like cruise ship features elegant lounges, cozy dining venues and open promenades. She was also previously operated by Louis Cruises (rebranded in 2014 as Celestyal Cruises).

The ship (IMO 9000687) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311000160) and registered in Nassau.

Gemini was last refurbished by Celestyal in 2016. During the 2022 drydock (conducted by Miray International), her hull was repainted from white to blue.

IMPORTANT: On June 29, 2023, Miray Cruises announced that its new travel brand (“Life at Sea Cruises”) would operate its planned 3-year World Cruise (roundtrip from Istanbul, departing November 1, 2023) aboard AIDAaura (renamed MV Lara) rather than the originally scheduled MV Gemini. In November 2023, the entire project was ultimately canceled.

History – construction and ownership

Crown Jewel / Gemini is the largest cruise ship ever built in Spain (Union Navale de Levante shipyard, Valencia). Crown Cruise Line operated her on cruises from the USA (New York City) to the Caribbean, Bermuda and Canada. In 1993, after being chartered to Cunard Line, she was renamed “Cunard Crown Jewel.” In 1995, she was sold to Star Cruises, renamed “SuperStar Gemini,” and homeported in Singapore.

Delivered in July and inaugurated in September 1992, Crown Jewel sailed roundtrips from New York City to New England and Canada. During the 1992 inaugural season, she also operated Panama Canal voyages (October–November), followed by Caribbean winter sailings from West Palm Beach (Florida), visiting Martinique and Saint Barthélemy.

Fun fact: during both the “Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games” (July 25–Aug 9) and the “2012 Summer Paralympics” (Aug 29–Sept 9), the ship was chartered as a floating hotel.

In September 2007, Star Cruises announced the sale of SuperStar Gemini. In December 2008, she left the fleet. Reportedly, the buyer was Jewel Owner Ltd (part of the Bahamas-based Clipper Group of Denmark), which chartered the ship to a new operator in 2009. Clipper Group planned to rename her “Vision Star” and lease her to Vision Cruceros (Spanish brand / defunct since March 2009).

In early 2009, Mediterranean Classic Cruises marketed Aegean itineraries aboard Vision Star, but voyages were canceled due to non-availability of the vessel. Instead, SuperStar Gemini was renamed “Gemini” and operated by Quail Travel Group until its 2011 bankruptcy. Afterward, the vessel was laid up at Tilbury Docks (Essex, England) pending charter or sale.

In July 2020, Miray International launched its own brand (“Miray Cruises”) through a multi-year charter of MV Gemini, with the inaugural voyage scheduled for August 31.

Before the planned Life at Sea Cruises service, MV Gemini was scheduled for an extensive drydock refurbishment. Planned upgrades included a Business Center (two meeting rooms and 14 rentable offices), Library, Relaxation Lounge and Café Bar. The Business Center was designed with large LED screens, modern AV systems, printers and Wi-Fi, supported by dedicated staff.

Decks and Cabins

Celestyal Nefeli / Gemini has 400 staterooms (max capacity 1,074 passengers) across 8 decks (5 with cabins). Of these, 10 are Suite-grade accommodations with private balconies. The ship offers 277 oceanview staterooms (including the suites) and 123 interior cabins.

Across all oceanview categories, there are 12 Executive Suites and 31 Junior Suites. Most Executive Suites feature private step-out balconies. Junior Suites provide extra storage space.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

The ship offers two dining venues featuring Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, plus 24-hour room service. The Aegean Restaurant is the main dining room, complimentary and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including à-la-carte dinner service. Leda Casual Dining is a buffet venue with alfresco seating. Continental Breakfast (7–8:30 am) and Afternoon Tea (4–5 pm) are also served here.

A signature feature is the five-deck-high glass-walled Atrium with sea-view windows. Other onboard facilities include 5 bars, 4 lounges, a swimming pool, outdoor Jacuzzi/spa pool, Oscar’s Beauty Center, Casino Bar & Lounge and a Business Center.

Enrichment programming includes guest lectures and various classes.

The vessel features a 24-hour infirmary (on-call medical facility) staffed by professionals and offering free medical consultations.

Itineraries

Celestyal Nefeli’s itinerary program included Eastern Mediterranean voyages to ports in Greece and Turkey. The 7-day schedules operated from Piraeus–Athens and Istanbul (overnight). From Izmir, Greek Islands cruises visited Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete (Chania), Santorini and returned to Athens.

The next photo shows the ship passing through the Corinth Canal.

Miray Cruises specializes in Aegean Sea voyages—short 3–4-night Greek Islands itineraries—roundtrip from Piraeus–Athens and Cesme. These itineraries visit popular islands (Mykonos, Santorini, Syros) and Turkey (Cesme). Longer voyages additionally visit Rhodes.

Miray Cruises’ charters of MV Gemini are seasonal, operating March–April through September–October. During winter layup periods, the vessel remains docked at Port Keratsini (Athens).

Miray Cruises’ 2022 program (May 15–Oct 20) was based on Eastern Mediterranean itineraries. MV Gemini operated 3-day and 4-day roundtrips from Cesme visiting Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes and Piraeus–Athens.

Miray Cruises’ 2023 program began on March 19 from Cesme. As usual, it included 3–4-day Greek Islands roundtrips from Cesme and Piraeus. From February 19 to March 18, the vessel served as a hotel ship, providing temporary housing for families displaced by the Turkey–Syria earthquake of February 6, 2023.