MV Gemini Itinerary, Current Position, Ship Review

Table Of Content

• About Life at Sea
• Photos of MV Gemini
• Miray Upgrades Ship for Three Year World Cruise
• Cruises to 2015

In addition to its three homeports, the Gemini is also scheduled to visit Patmos and Rhodes during its summer program. Despite the setback, Witman says she's been able to form connections with other would-be passengers, who have been keeping in touch via apps and group texts. But responding to a social media comment about that same statement, the company sought to clarify that its other operations are unaffected — and in doing so, it stated, "The cancellation in question is related to our 3-year world tour project." When the cruise missed its planned departure date, the company promised to resolve lingering issues. "We are going to be following summer the entire time that we go around the world," then-Life at Sea CEO Kendra Holmes told prospective passengers in a Zoom webinar in September. Miray Cruises' MV Gemini ship charters are seasonal, in the period March-April through September-October.

About Life at Sea

Miray Cruises announced today the introduction of MV Lara, (the former AIDAvita), an extraordinary new world cruise ship that will redefine the realm of extended voyages. For a cruise ship, meeting and exceeding the highexpectations of its Guests is essential to the ship’s continued success. Wehave a proven track record of providing the highest levels of GuestSatisfaction by delivering high end amenities, creative food offerings, andimpeccable service for our Guests onboard.

Life at Sea Cruises cancels its 3-year maiden voyage - Business Insider

Life at Sea Cruises cancels its 3-year maiden voyage.

Posted: Fri, 24 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Photos of MV Gemini

Suites accommodations include 260-square foot Junior Suites and there are Balcony Suites with living accommodations measuring 210 square feet and verandas that are either 44 or 112 square feet in size. "Life at Sea Cruises offers the ultimate bucket list cruise without having to sacrifice the comforts of home," Irina Strembitsky, Life at Sea Cruises' director of sales and marketing, said in a news release. One of the itineraries sees the 1992-built cruise ship offering a three-night cruise to the Greek Isles and Turkey. "In two days' time, we own this vessel," Life at Sea itinerary planner Robert Dixon said in late September, speaking in a promotional video from the bridge of a ship he called the "MV Lara."

Miray Upgrades Ship for Three Year World Cruise

Miray International has operated many vessels, which hasgiven us expertise in all aspects of hotel management and providing servicesonboard ships of all different sizes and varying characteristics. Our crew areskilled in knowing exactly how to deliver a consistent Guest experiencethroughout every aspect of the cruise. We deliver high quality services basedon many service catalog standards, and due to the purchasing power of our team,Miray International is able to negotiate favorable purchase agreements withlocal and international suppliers.

Cruises to 2015

Traditionally, the schedule included 3-4-day Greek Islands roundtrips from Cesme and Piraeus. In the period February 19-March 18, the ship served as a hotel providing relief housing for homeless families after the Turkey-Syria 2023 earthquake (Feb 6th). She was built in 1992 by Unión Naval de Levante [es], Valencia, Spain for Crown Cruise Line as Crown Jewel. MV Gemini will set sail from Istanbul for the new Life at Sea Cruises brand on November 1, 2023, and passengers will also have the opportunity to embark in Barcelona and Miami.

"It moved me forward in a way that I wouldn't have done without this instigation. And I'm really thankful for it. I'm disappointed, but I'm ready to go for whatever opportunity comes up next." "And I'm hopeful that it will, because I'd like to be on it. I still believe in the concept. I think it's a really perfect opportunity for me." But it seems that it was the company's focus, not the public's, that was the problem. Miray's attempts to purchase the ship dragged on for weeks, and it eventually stalled after investors balked, according to a company message obtained by CNN and other outlets. Witman says she also shipped boxes to have on the cruise, back in early October.

This 3-year cruise around the world is called off, leaving passengers in the lurch

The 7-night itineraries visited destinations in Martinique and Saint Bartholemy. 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 new vessel will offer Life at Sea Cruises residents an enchanting fusion of amenities and convenience with redesigned staterooms, a business center with offices, a cigar and wine bar, along with other creative offerings, the company said. ISTANBUL, June 29, (BUSINESS WIRE)--Miray Cruises announced today the introduction of MV Lara, an extraordinary new world cruise ship that will redefine the realm of extended voyages.

Residents will experience a neighborhood-type feel onboard MV Lara and indulge in a sense of community and belonging. The vessel was launched (floated-out from drydock) on May 30, 1991, delivered (to the Panama-based Commodore Cruise Line) in May 1992 and immediately chartered (as hotel ship) during the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games. 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).

Miray Cruises Turkey specializes in Aegean Sea voyages (short break/3-4-night Greek Isles itineraries) leaving roundtrip from homeports Piraeus-Athens Greece and Cesme Turkey. The revitalized ship features modern workspace facilities including a business center with 14 offices, meeting rooms, a lounge and library. The staffed center is fitted with LED screens, audio-video equipment, printers and high speed Internet. There is also a 24-hour on-call fully equipped medical center with, very unusually for a cruise ship, no charge for visits.

“Professionals need connectivity, the right amenities, and the functionality to perform their jobs. There is no other cruise product that offers this sort of flexibility to their customers,” says Mikael Petterson, Managing Director of Life at Sea Cruises. Miray Cruises announced it would be opening up bookings for the first-ever three-year world cruise. In essence, the cruise is a variation of the ever-more popular concept of living onboard a ship.

Since 2012, Miray International has been also involved with the Etstur's cruise shipping operations. The list of other Miray-managed cruise vessels also includes Louis Aura, Aegean Paradise, MS Delphin. The new vessel will offer Life at Sea Cruises residents an enchanting fusion of amenities and convenience with redesigned staterooms, a business center with offices, a cigar and wine bar, along with other creative offerings. There will also be a 24-hour on-call hospital with complimentary medical visits, learning and enrichment lectures, and opportunities to engage in volunteer and philanthropic initiatives. During the three-year journey, the 42,000 gross ton vessel’s voyage will span over 130,000 miles covering 382 ports, 7 continents, and 148 countries.

"This is evidence of the allure of our extended world cruise concept and the exceptional experiences that await our residents aboard MV Lara." "We are beyond excited to introduce the beautiful MV Lara for this incredible, history-making, 3-year voyage," says Kendra Holmes, CEO of Miray Cruises. MV Gemini first sets sail in 1992 as the Crown Jewel for Crown Cruise Line.

The cruise will include entertainment, enrichment seminars, the opportunity to take part in volunteering and philanthropic initiatives in selected ports of call and optional shore excursions. Since 2020, it has been owned by Miray International, a long-established Turkish company specializing in ship management, and operated through its cruise arm Miray Cruises. Miray formed the subsidiary travel brand Life at Sea Cruises to run the three-year cruise starting in fall 2023.

Miray Cruises Names Kendra L Holmes As CEO

Table Of Content

• Decks and Cabins
• Specifications of MV Gemini
• We have served more than 250.000 passenger
• Former names: Celestyal Nefeli, Vision Star, Superstar Gemini, Cunard Crown Jewel
• Miray's Life at Sea Cruises announces industry's first 3-year World Voyage on MV Gemini
• Services

These celebrations will set the stage for the journey of a lifetime, creating unforgettable memories from the very beginning. One-way economy flights from New York to Istanbul start at $533 and $1,824 for business class, according to Google Flights. Cabins range from 130 square feet for Virtual Inside and Oceanview rooms, to 260-square-foot Balcony Suites, according to the release. The vessel is also equipped with an à la carte restaurant and a self-service eatery, a kids’ club, a casino, duty-free shops, a spa, and a beauty salon. Considered a mid-sized ship, the Gemini currently offers a selection of traditional amenities, such as a nightclub, a show lounge, a pool deck, and a series of bars.

3-Year Cruise Passengers Seek Fraud Charges Over Cancellation - The New York Times

3-Year Cruise Passengers Seek Fraud Charges Over Cancellation.

Posted: Thu, 18 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Decks and Cabins

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. MV Gemini, the former cruise ship that successfully launched Life at Sea Cruises, is slated to continue her Aegean Sea voyages and will now be gracefully succeeded by MV Lara. While larger than MV Gemini, MV Lara will still maintain an intimate feel and experience for the residents onboard who are looking to create a like-minded community at sea for the three-year voyage.

Specifications of MV Gemini

"Our residents are changing their lives for this opportunity, and we are honored to be a part of their personal journeys," Holmes said in June. The cheapest packages started at $196,000 for a single traveler, and $231,000 for couples, according to the company's website. For 2019 was planned a seasonal charter to Blue World Voyages (2017-established, Miami-based wellness cruise line / new) and to be operated as "Blue World One". In May-October 2018 and 2019, MS Gemini was chartered to Etstur (Turkey-based travel agency and tour operator). In April 2016 through December 2017, the ship was chartered by Celestyal Cruises and renamed "Celestyal Nefeli".

We have served more than 250.000 passenger

The itinerary will also cross the equator six times and cover 13 of the modern and ancient Wonders of the World including the Pyramids, Acropolis, Taj Mahal, Petra and Machu Picchu. While passengers have to commit to the entire voyage, they have the option of dividing travel with another passenger and taking it in turns to live on the ship, or leave the ship for periods and return to it. Friends and family are also welcome to visit free of charge and can stay in the same stateroom -- rollaway beds are available -- or in a guest cabin. In early 2009, Mediterranean Classic Cruises (formerly Monarch Classic Cruises) was booking cruises in the Aegean Sea aboard Vision Star. However, these cruises were cancelled due to the non-availability of Vision Star from Vision Cruises. Instead, SuperStar Gemini was renamed Gemini, and had a Spanish operator, Quail Travel Group.

Former names: Celestyal Nefeli, Vision Star, Superstar Gemini, Cunard Crown Jewel

SuperStar Gemini's last voyage for Star Cruises departed Singapore for a seven-day cruise to the Straits of Malacca on 28 December 2008, returning to the Singapore Cruise Centre on 4 January 2009. On the same day she sailed for Port Klang, and was subsequently refitted and delivered to new owners. We believe that our employees, both shipboard and shoreside, are a critical success factor for our business. We strive to identify, hire, develop, motivate and retain the best employees, with backgrounds and perspectives as diverse as our guest base and also our job partners globally. Attracting, engaging and retaining key employees has been and will remain critical to our success. The Gemini will continue sailing her Aegean Sea program, according to the company.

The three-year cruise is canceled - CNN

The three-year cruise is canceled.

Posted: Fri, 24 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Under its 12-month payment plan, the first draw came due one month ahead of the sail date. Some passengers reportedly only learned of the cancellation after arriving in Turkey. The original itinerary mapped 1,095 days of travel, heading from Istanbul to Europe and then to South America and the Caribbean. “Seeing such an overwhelming interest in our itinerary and unique ports where we will always be in summer is truly thrilling,” added Ethem Bayramoglu, COO of Miray Cruises.

OUR SERVICES

The ship has a total of 277 oceanview staterooms (including the 10 suites) and 123 interior cabins. 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). SuperStar Gemini was based in Singapore and she cruised to various destinations year round in the South China Sea, Gulf of Thailand, and Straits of Malacca.

Miray's Life at Sea Cruises announces industry's first 3-year World Voyage on MV Gemini

In 1995, the ship was sold to Star Cruises, renamed "Superstar Gemini" and homeported in Singapore. Prior to the Life at Sea Cruises service, MV Gemini was scheduled for an extensive drydock refurbishment. The drydocking project included the addition of a Business Center (2x meeting rooms and 14x offices/available for rent), Library, Relaxation Lounge, Cafe Bar. The Business Center is fitted with large LED screens, modern audio-video equipment, printers, Wi-Fi Internet, and is served by dedicated assistance staff. During the three-year journey, the 42,000-ton vessel’s voyage will span over 130,000 miles covering 382 ports, seven continents, and 148 countries. Described by Life at Sea Cruises as offering "the ultimate bucket list cruise without having to sacrifice the comforts of home", the ship has undergone an extensive refresh and modernization prior to embarking on the three-year cruise.

Services

The world’s first three-year cruise showcases an extraordinary itinerary created by Robert Dixon that encompasses 13 of the Wonders of the World, UNESCO World Heritage sites, as well as other mesmerizing locations. At each port of call, travelers will have the luxury of multiple days for unhurried exploration and the freedom to embark on their own unique adventures. "Seeing such an overwhelming interest in our itinerary and unique ports where we will always be in summer is truly thrilling," says Ethem Bayramoglu, COO of Miray Cruises.

Continuing its operations in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Turkey-based cruise line is now offering a series of three- and four-night cruises to Greece and Turkey. The company said that anyone requesting a refund will get one, and that it will reimburse travel expenses related to the cruise. Warning flags went up earlier this year, when the company changed course from its initial plan to refit one of its ships, the MV Gemini. For the lengthy worldwide voyage, it planned to deploy the larger "MV Lara" — a ship that never materialized. And rather than portioning the cruise for sale in smaller stages, the company required customers to commit to the full three years. Terms of the deal help illuminate the would-be passengers' financial and logistical plight.

With nearly two decades of experience cruising the seas, Miray Cruises has owned and operated passenger vessels as a cruise ship hotel management company since 1996. The ship's ground-breaking 36-month voyage will cover more than 130,000 miles and visit all seven continents. It will take in 135 countries and 375 ports with two to three days spent at each stop.

The 7-day itineraries were out of Piraeus-Athens and Istanbul (overnight stay). From Izmir (Turkey) were offered Greek Islands cruises to Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete (Chania), Santorini and returning to Athens. 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.

We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. They would spend roughly 300 days at sea, 795 days at port and have 413 overnight port stays, Chief Operating Officer Ethem Bayramoglu of Miray Cruises, the Turkish parent company of Life at Sea, said in that online session. But cruise company Life at Sea recently told customers who bought passage on a three-year voyage that rather than visiting 140 countries, their trip was called off.

Since then, the cruise ship has sailed for a long list of owners, including Cunard, Star Cruises, and Celestyal Cruises. Currently, she is in use to housing earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. The cruise line is aimed towards working professionals that want to spend time at sea while being able to carry out their work remotely. Several companies announced new residency ships in the last year, where guests live onboard instead of ashore. The fantastic part of the three-year cruise is that the cost for guests can be as little as $2,500 per stateroom per month.

Onboard Activities Dive Into Fun Onboard Activities

Table Of Content

• Balance Activities
• Caribbean Sail Away Party
• Sports Trivia
• Immersive Experience
• Waterpark, SkyRide and SkyCourse on Carnival Panorama
• Carnival Splendor Cruise Directors
• Onboard Experiences

But in the digital one, Cruise Hub supports real-time updates that automatically change the schedule, activities or dining options. If I tell you about my experience with the Fun Times, I eagerly wait for it on every cruise. I feel the same sentiments as the kids who count the day for Christmas morning.

Balance Activities

From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. Join me as we explore the captivating world of cruise ships together. As I already mentioned, a few restaurants on cruise ships may require a reservation. The Fun Times includes all the activities from the above categories to be held the next morning. So, you’re given an idea of these activities to make up your mind about the activities you like.

Caribbean Sail Away Party

With these pictures, you can clearly understand what the newsletter looks like and what’s inside it. If you plan to dine at one, checking Fun Times early is recommended to secure your spot for a hassle-free culinary experience. For your ease, I’ve listed common elements often included in the eMagazine of every cruise ship. It’s a virtual guide to your cruise that will answer any question you could think to ask. And what’s more better than that, it’s delivered to your room daily. The last seven-day Western Caribbean cruise travels to Mahogany Bay, Belize and Cozumel on July 14-21, August and August 25 to September 1.

Sports Trivia

The cabin is cleaned once a week by a member of the housekeeping team. The kids club onboard Carnival Panorama is called Camp Ocean, and it is tucked up on Deck 11 midship. It's close to Bookville, the top-deck attractions and also offers "sports" activities in its own private outdoor playground area. Kids and adults surpassing 4 feet can also reach for the sky with thrilling -- and free -- outdoor activities like the SkyRide cycle or SkyCourse ropes and obstacle course. The Promenade on Deck 5 is one of the busiest places on the ship, with a majority of Panorama's bars and restaurants, but it's also home to some noteworthy shops and public rooms. Surrounding the atrium there are a few more shops including the hard-to-resist Cherry on Top sweets and gift store.

From the front of the ship, to the back, and everywhere in-between you’ll be the life of the party. In the gym, you'll find a wide range of cardio equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, bikes and rowing machines. There's a studio in the middle of the gym for classes, most of which carry a fee. Sign-ups begin on the first day of the cruise and tend to book up early, so if you want to get your spinning fix, stop by shortly after boarding.

The monthly newsletter from the Carnival covers all the onboard activities, entertainment, dining and other things. You get a physical copy right at your stateroom, and a digital copy is at your fingertips. All these measures from Carnival Cruise Line are to enhance your cruise experience by making the most of your cruise activities. As I already mentioned above, for me, it’s more important than my cruise documents. It’s because this newsletter will tell you everything going onboard. So for this reason, Carnival Cruise Line offers Carnival Fun Times to help you plan the cruise activities in the early time to prevent you from missing out.

Waterpark, SkyRide and SkyCourse on Carnival Panorama

For nice sunrise or sunset views, do your daily walking or running on the outdoor jogging track on Deck 12; seven laps equal a mile. We found it well-used but still manageable; what's nice is that the track is a dedicated space so you aren't tripping over sun loungers or other equipment. There's fitness equipment interspersed around the track, for people who like to stop and incorporate exercises such as pulldowns or planks during their run/walk. Carnival Panorama has an active nightlife, with plenty of music and bars to fit a variety of tastes. The Cheers beverage program allows passengers to order up to 15 alcoholic drinks a day, as well as unlimited sodas, mocktails, bottled water and specialty coffees and teas for a set fee.

10 things to know before you book Carnival Mardi Gras - Cruise Blog

10 things to know before you book Carnival Mardi Gras.

Posted: Mon, 29 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Carnival Splendor Cruise Directors

Two inviting and well-designed teen clubs for ages 12 to 14 and ages 15 to 17 are located side by side on Deck 4; both are generally open from 5 p.m. The ship's "main" Lido Deck pool is called the Beach Pool -- and it's small for a ship this size. Outdoor movies and concerts are shown on the 12-by-22-foot screen that overlooks this pool, and there's usually a DJ or musical performance going on.

Onboard Experiences

Guy's might not be your first thought for an evening tipple, but we found quite a few inventive drinks here to kick off -- or end -- the night (including a nonalcoholic menu). For more elaborate steam rooms and heat chambers, you'll want to buy a pass to the thermal suite. Buy a cruise-long pass or stay in a Cloud 9 Spa cabin, which includes cruise-long access in the fare. You can also buy day passes and sometimes two-for-one special are available on port days. The complex has heated ceramic loungers, a large whirlpool, a Hamman, an aroma steam room and a dry heat chamber. There are two teen clubs onboard Carnival Panorama and across the Carnival fleet.

There's an outdoor section to the Havana Bar, near the Havana pool. This area is closed off, however, to passengers who aren't staying in the special Havana cabins. I had the opportunity to cruise aboard the Carnival Celebration, and we sat down with Cruise Director Lee Mason. Watch as we learn how Lee started in the cruise business and came to work for Carnival Cruise Line. We talk about his assignment aboard the Carnival Celebration, his favorite places onboard, cruise tips, and much more. Also in the Cloud 9 complex is the ship's well-equipped fitness center (open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.), which runs for-fee classes such as boot camp, spinning, abs attack and yoga.

Frequent cruisers may notice the new decor and furnishings across all public areas on the ship. The ship will sail out of New Orleans several times this summer for seven-day itineraries to the Eastern or Western Caribbean, according to a recent news release from Carnival. All Fun Squad, Sports and Content Manager positions will be accommodated in a double-occupancy cabin which includes bunk beds, closet, desk, TV and bathroom (shower, sink, cabinet, toilet). Get ready to set our guests off on an exhilarating, adrenaline-filled ride as they accelerate, twist and turn 187 feet above sea level around the ship’s funnel. Our guests will always be entertained with all the FUN games our teams host throughout the ship. Being part of the Fun Squad team you will lead a multitude of FUN activities.

The Sports Court, mainly where we saw games of pickup basketball, is also on Deck 12. For those looking for a bit of seclusion without paying the price, Deck 15 has two whirlpools in the adults-only Serenity area, but no pool. Watching sunsets from here and chatting with fellow passengers became an evening tradition for us. The Havana pool and whirlpools are on Deck 5, but only accessible to those staying in Havana staterooms. You can see the space from the Havana Bar, and it looked secluded and dreamy.

A 50-minute stone massage costs $149, and facials begin at about the same price. We found good deals on port days, though, and the service itself was very good. The spa is run by Steiner and uses Elemis products; if you don't want a sales pitch afterward, just say so.

Self-serve launderettes are sprinkled throughout passenger hallways (one on each deck that has cabins) and include two to three washers, dryers and an ironing board. Deck 4, also known as the Mezzanine, is home to a majority of the ship's Fun Shops. The Atrium is the hub of the ship, and you will find many of Panorama's shops and help desks here. If that isn't enough to do outside, you'll find random foosball tables around the upper decks near the Beach Pool. The Tides pool is at the back of the ship on Deck 10, overlooking the wake. Like the Beach pool, it has a whirlpool on either side, though these have no shade.

Carnival's newest attractions, Sky Zone, is smartly placed on Deck 7 forward next to the pre-teen and teen clubs. Its fleet consists of 25 ships, each with a Cruise Director onboard. This is often for training and orientation purposes as well as transitional periods at the beginning and end of contract periods.