Reviews & Ratings for the Gemini

On June 24, the abandoned cruise ship 'Gemini', owned by Miray Cruises, was towed from the shores of Karystos Bay to Piraeus by a tugboat. This action was initiated following a critical emergency operational order issued by Greek authorities on June 19. The vessel was docked in Elefsina, just outside Piraeus, by the night of June 23. The Ukrainian Embassy in Greece has informed the Coastguard about the repatriation plans for three Ukrainian crew members still aboard the ship. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) officially categorized the 'Gemini' as abandoned on May 20. Local residents in Karystos raised alarms about the derelict ship, fearing environmental hazards and potential damages to the tourism sector. The 'Gemini' was subject to an arrest order from a Turkish bank, which holds the mortgage, while various trade creditors and crew members have filed claims for unpaid wages. Compounding the ship's troubles, its last protection and indemnity provider, Hydor, confirmed that coverage lapsed on May 24. The vessel had changed its flag from the Bahamas to Cameroon in April, despite Cameroon suspending its international registry earlier that year, leading the IMO to label the Cameroonian flag as invalid. Concurrently, the ship lost its classification by Bureau Veritas. The crew, numbering 26 from diverse nationalities including Greece, Turkey, Croatia, India, Saint Lucia, and Ukraine, reported they had not received payment for over two months. A recent inspection by the Greek Coastguard's Karystos division unveiled alarming conditions, such as a significant fuel shortage and inadequate supplies of essential food and drinking water. Living conditions on board were described as unsanitary, with clogged drains, flooded cabins, and sewage seeping into food prep areas. Recurring engine failures, including fires and smoke in the crew corridor, exacerbated the situation as the ship relied on its emergency generator. In early June, the ship's captain communicated dire conditions to the Coastguard, indicating possible need for a mayday call to secure towing assistance and control transfer to Greek authorities. He conserved roughly one metric ton of fuel solely for critical safety tasks, including anchoring and mooring upon arrival at the designated port. On June 11, Miray responded to the grievances, stating that efforts were underway to locate a suitable port or shipyard while assessing financial and operational alternatives in coordination with the mortgage bank. The company sought additional financing following the failure of a partnership with US-based investors in the Life at Sea project, which aimed to convert the 'Gemini' into a permanent residential cruise ship. Miray had initially chartered the 'Gemini' from Miami's SunStone Ships in 2020 and finally acquired the vessel in 2023. However, the 2025 cruise season began with engine complications and was prematurely concluded after the ship collided with a pier in Piraeus in early September, binding it with port state control sanctions over overdue wages for the then 316-member crew. Crew wages were settled, and repatriation occurred in April. Following its departure from Salamina with a minimal crew on May 3, the ship was directed to Izmir for a summer season. However, due to insufficient fuel, it diverted to Karystos. As of May 21, the ILO cataloged the 'Gemini' as abandoned, highlighting the vessel's serious fuel deficit and lack of potable water and food supplies.

The cruise ship 'Gemini' was detained at its anchorage near Karystos, Greece, due to outstanding debts owed by operator Miray Cruises to Turkish financial institution DenizBank, following a recent judicial ruling. The vessel, which had departed from Ampelakia on May 2, 2026, was poised to commence its summer season in the Eastern Mediterranean by the end of May. However, operations have been delayed as Miray announced a postponement of this year’s sailing schedule. Currently, the 'Gemini' has about 25 crew members aboard, many of whom have gone unpaid for the last two months, leading them to consider abandoning the ship, which is facing shortages of both fuel and provisions. The 'Gemini' was recently reflagged from the Bahamas to Cameroon and has been declassified by Bureau Veritas, further complicating its situation. In addition to DenizBank, multiple creditors, including insurance companies and tug service providers, have lodged financial claims against Miray Cruises. The company has been grappling with financial difficulties since late 2025, when reports emerged about unpaid wages for the crew aboard the 'Gemini.' Some workers had even been left stranded on the island of Salamina, with wages unpaid for durations of up to four months. Following the completion of its 2025 sailing itinerary, the 'Gemini' entered its customary winter layup in Greece, anticipating the upcoming summer season of 2026. According to details on Miray's official website, the cruise liner was intended to resume operations in early July, featuring a lineup of short voyages to popular destinations across Greece and Turkey. Furthermore, in August, the ship was scheduled to offer weeklong cruises in the Black Sea, with routes planned to take passengers to Turkey, Russia, and Georgia.

On the morning of September 5, 2025, the cruise ship 'Gemini' encountered a serious incident at the port of Piraeus while traveling from Patmos. The vessel sustained substantial hull damage after a collision with the dock, resulting in a large breach above the waterline, accompanied by a lengthy gash. Port authority officials, alongside the ship’s maintenance team, quickly moved to assess the extensive damage inflicted on the hull. Following the incident, the 'Gemini' was shifted to Ampelakia on September 6 for a more thorough evaluation. The necessary repairs will be determined after a comprehensive inspection of the ship. Notably, this is not the first mishap for the 'Gemini'; back in March, the ship experienced an engine room fire shortly after leaving Piraeus, necessitating an emergency return to port with smoke reported from the upper decks. Photos and further details can be found in the full report: https://www.cruisehive.com/cruise-ship-suffers-significant-damage-from-dock-collision/185977.

The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has flagged the vessel GEMINI (IMO: 9000687) due to reported abandonment concerns. Currently registered under the Bahamas flag, this ship docked at the bustling port of Piraeus, Greece, is facing significant issues regarding crew welfare. As of September 1, 2025, the crew aboard the GEMINI, consisting of 316 seafarers, has been owed two months of wages. The nationalities of the affected crew members are yet to be confirmed. The situation remains under ongoing review by the ITF, which operates a dedicated abandonment list designed to monitor cases of crew neglect across the globe. The abandonment of seafarers is a critical issue that highlights the vulnerabilities faced by maritime workers and emphasizes the importance of international maritime regulations and support systems that protect their rights.

On August 3, 2025, the cargo vessel 'Gemini' faced detention in Piraeus due to multiple deficiencies, with three being deemed serious enough to warrant the action. The critical issues included non-payment of wages, highlighting concerning labor conditions, an expired seafarers employment agreement, and ISM certification that fell short of regulatory requirements. After addressing these compliance issues, the 'Gemini' was granted release on August 5. Following its release, the ship set course for Kusadasi, with an estimated time of arrival (ETA) scheduled for August 7. This incident underscores the importance of adherence to maritime regulations to ensure the welfare of crew members and operational integrity.

In response to the catastrophic earthquake that hit Turkey on February 6, 2023, the cruise ship 'Gemini' has been designated as a temporary refuge for those displaced by the disaster. The 7.8 magnitude quake not only affected south-central Turkey but also northern Syria, leaving countless families, including many with children, homeless. The 'Gemini' will be docked at the Port of Iskenderun, where it will accommodate these refugees. Miray Cruises, known for its humanitarian efforts, has stepped forward to offer the vessel as part of its emergency relief initiative. The cruise ship will not only provide shelter but also daily meals and round-the-clock medical care for all individuals on board. To further assist in the emotional recovery of the youngest survivors, a variety of engaging activities will be organized, aimed at instilling a sense of normalcy and alleviating anxiety among children. The 'Gemini' is set to house the refugees until March 15, after which it will transition into a seasonal itinerary featuring short cruises to stunning Greek islands, including popular destinations such as Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, and Rhodes. This initiative not only highlights the importance of community support in times of crisis but also illustrates the cruise industry’s capacity for providing crucial humanitarian assistance.

On August 29, 2018, during the early morning, a critical medical situation arose aboard the cruise ship 'Gemini' requiring urgent intervention. A 69-year-old passenger necessitated immediate hospital treatment, prompting the vessel to adjust its course. The 'Gemini' navigated to the FIOR anchorage located off North Thira, where the affected passenger was swiftly disembarked and transported to a private medical facility for necessary care. Once the patient was safely off the ship, the 'Gemini' promptly resumed its scheduled journey without further delay.

On October 26, two cruise ships, Gemini and Ocean Pearl, arrived at Tilbury Docks on the River Thames for layup after being chartered by Happy Cruises of Spain, which halted operations in September. The ships have been inactive in Gibraltar since the company's closure. The Gemini set sail from Gibraltar on October 21, heading to Tilbury for storage until a new charter opportunity arises. This movement highlights the impact of changing market conditions on cruise operations.