MV Gemini

The 1992-built MS Gemini cruise ship (fka "Celestyal Nefeli", and previously as "Gemini" for the now-defunct Quail Travel Group) was launched as "Crown Jewel" for Crown Cruise Line (1984-founded/2001-defunct). The luxurious passenger liner features a unique yacht-like design, stylish lounges, cozy dining venues, open promenades. The boat was previously operated by Louis Cruises (rebranded in 2014 to Celestyal Cruises).

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

The boat was last refurbished by Celestyal in 2016. The last drydock refurbishment was in 2022 (by Miray International) during which the hull's color was changed from white to blue.

History - construction and ownership

Crown Jewel/Gemini is the largest cruise ship ever built in Spain (at Union Navale de Levante shipyard in Valencia). Crown Cruise Line used the vessel for cruises from the USA (NYC) to the Caribbean, Bermuda and Canada. In 1993, after being chartered to Cunard Line, the ship was renamed "Cunard Crown Jewel". In 1995, it was sold to Star Cruises, renamed "SuperStar Gemini" and homeported in Singapore.

Delivered to Crown Cruise Line in July and inaugurated in September 1992, Crown Jewel operated on roundtrips from the USA (homeport NYC New York) visiting port cities in New England and Canada. During the inaugural 1992 season, the boat also offered Panama Canal voyages (October-November) followed by the Caribbean winter deployment based on homeporting in West Palm Beach (Florida). The 7-night itineraries visited destinations in Martinique and Saint Barthélemy.

Fun fact is that during the "Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games" (July 25-Aug 9) and the "2012 Summer Paralympics" (Aug 29-Sept 9) the liner was chartered as a floating hotel.

In September 2007, Star Cruises announced that SuperStar Gemini had been sold and in December 2008 left the fleet. Reportedly the new shipowner was Jewel Owner Ltd (part of the Bahamas-based Clipper Group of Denmark), which in 2009 chartered the vessel to a new operator. In 2008, Clipper Group announced that it would rename the vessel "Vision Star" and lease it to Vision Cruceros (Spanish brand/defunct since March 2009).

In early-2009, Mediterranean Classic Cruises was booking voyages in the Aegean Sea aboard Vision Star. However, these sailings were canceled due to the non-availability of Vision Star (from Vision Cruceros). Instead, SuperStar Gemini was renamed Gemini, and until 2011 had a Spanish operator, Quail Travel Group. Since the bankruptcy of Quail Travel in 2011, the cruise ship Gemini was laid up at Tilbury Docks (Essex England) awaiting charter or sale.

In July 2020, Miray International started its own brand ("Miray Cruises") by a multi-year chartering of MV Gemini (inaugural cruise for Miray was scheduled for August 31st).

Decks and Cabins

Celestyal Nefeli/Gemini ship has a total of 400 staterooms (max capacity 1074 passengers) and 8 decks (5 with cabins). Of all Celestyal Nefeli cabins, 10 are Suite-grade accommodations each with a private balcony. The ship has a total of 277 oceanview staterooms (including the 10 suites) and 123 interior cabins. Of all outside rooms, 12 are Executive Suites and 31 Junior Suites. Most Executive Suites open to private balconies. Junior Suites are with extra storage space.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

With two eating outlets to choose from, cruisers might enjoy the sumptuous Greek and Mediterranean kitchen onboard as well as 24-hour room service. The Aegean Restaurant is the main dining room onboard Celestyal Nefeli. It is complimentary, features Greek cuisine specialties, and also has a dinner a la carte menu. The MDR restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Leda Casual Dining is the buffet-style venue for alfresco dining with outdoor seating area. Continental Breakfast (7-8:30 am) and Afternoon Tea (4-5 pm) are also served here.

Celestyal Nefeli 's standout feature is a 5-deck, glass-walled atrium with windows that are overlooking the sea. Onboard facilities include 5 bars, 4 lounges, a swimming pool, jacuzzi, Oscar's Beauty Center and a casino. The itineraries feature numerous events themed around Greek gastronomy and culture.

Itineraries

Celestyal Nefeli itinerary program offered Eastern Mediterranean cruises to Greece and Turkey. The 7-day itineraries are from Piraeus-Athens and Istanbul (overnight stay). From Izmir (Turkey) are offered Greek Islands cruises to Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete (Chania), Santorini and returning to Athens. Next photo shows the Nefeli cruise ship passing through Corinth Canal.

Miray Cruises specializes in short Aegean Sea voyages (3-4-night Greek Isles itineraries) leaving roundtrip from homeports Piraeus-Athens Greece and Cesme Turkey. The itineraries visit some of Greece's most popular islands (Mykonos, Santorini, Syros) plus Turkey (Cesme). Longer voyages additionally visit Rhodes.

Miray Cruises 2021 charter of MV Gemini was planned for the period April through October.

During layup periods (winter months) the vessel remains docked at Port Keratsini (suburb of Athens City).

Miray Cruises 2022 program (May 15th thru Oct 20th) was based on Eastern Mediterranean voyages. MV Gemini's schedule included 3-day and 4-day itineraries (all roundtrips from homeport Cesme Turkey) visiting the Greek islands Mykonos, Santorini, and Rhodes, and also Piraeus-Athens.