SuperStar Gemini

The 1992-built/2022-scrapped SuperStar Gemini cruise ship is owned by GHK (Genting Hong Kong, part of Genting Group Malaysia) and managed by GHK's subsidiary Genting Cruise Lines via the Star Cruises brand. Fleetmates were Star Pisces, SuperStar Aquarius (sistership), SuperStar Libra. The liner's building cost was USD 240 million. The drydock refurbishment in 2013 cost USD 50 million.

The vessel (IMO number 9008419) was last Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 308272000) and registered in Nassau.

In late-April 2022, was announced that the docked in Malaysia ships Star Pisces and SuperStar Gemini (both in George Town Penang) and SuperStar Aquarius (in Port Klang) are listed for scrapping and soon to be beached at Alang India. According to online media sources, the liners' last crew signed off on May 17th, as new/skeleton crew were hired to take them to the scrapyard for dismantling and recycling.

In June, the vessel was renamed GEM and reflagged to St Kitts & Nevis (MMSI 341492000/registered in Basseterre). On June 5th, the ship left Penang en route to Colombo Sri Lanka, arriving and anchoring off the coast on June 17th. On July 14th, MV GEM arrived and docked at HIP-Hambantota International Port (Sri Lanka) for a month-long layup. The sistership MV ARIUS (SuperStar Aquarius) arrived there on July 11th.

SuperStar Gemini's AIS transmitted for the last time on November 22, 2022 (at 20:34 UTC) showing the vessel en route to Alang.

History - construction and ownership

Star Cruises is part of Genting Cruise Lines (subsidiary of GHK-Genting Hong Kong Corporation) - the world's 5th-largest cruise shipowner, after Carnival Corporation, RCG-Royal Caribbean Group, MSC and NCLH-Norwegian. The company (listed on Singapore Exchange and Hong Kong Stock Exchange) dominates the Asia-Pacific cruising market. Star Cruises was established as a subsidiary and travel brand of Genting Group of Malaysia (incorporated in Bermuda in 1993), with corporate headquarters in Hong Kong China.

The fleet's first ships were two cruiseferries bought from Rederi AB Slite (1947-founded/1993-bankrupt, see VIKING LINE). In the following years, Star Cruises purchased several other second-hand ships, then followed two newbuilds - SuperStar Leo/Norwegian Spirit (1998) and the sistership SuperStar Virgo (1999).

The 1750-passenger ship SuperStar Gemini was built in 1992 by the Chantiers de l'Atlantique (shipyard in Saint-Nazaire France). The first name of the vessel was ms Dreamwar and it was constructed with the idea to sail for Norwegian Cruise Line. In 1998 the cruise ship was upgraded (lengthened), at Lloyd Werft in Bremerhaven, Germany and her name was changed to Norwegian Dream. The ship was added to the fleet of Star Cruises at the end of 2012 as SuperStar Gemini. In the period between 1995 and 2008 SuperStar Gemini was sailing under the name "MS Gemini".

During the lengthening process in March-May 1998, the vessel was cut in half and a new 40-m / 130-ft long midsection was added. The maximum passenger capacity was increased significantly. SuperStar Gemini naming ceremony was held on 5 December 1992 at Port Everglades, the place where the vessel started her first cruise to Bermuda the next day.

Star Cruises ships are recognized by their funnel design. Star Pisces was the first with such design. Later the company based all of its ships on the Star Pisces' funnel design.

Decks and Cabins

SuperStar Gemini provides a total of 765 staterooms in 14 categories. The largest accommodations are the Junior Suites (370 ft2 / 34 m2). All suites are equipped with HDTV, DVD player, mini-fridge, separate lounge area.

The boat has 13 decks, of which 9 are passenger-accessible and 7 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

SuperStar Gemini is operated as a "freestyle" cruise ship, which means passengers have the choice to dine when, where and with whom they choose. All food presentation is a treat for the eye. All meals are included during the voyage at the main dining restaurants.

Follows the complete list of SuperStar Gemini restaurants and food bars.

• Bella Vista Restaurant
• Oceana Barbecue (outdoor international buffet & grilled specials; also the location for welcome and farewell party)
• Mariners Restaurant (Buffet-style restaurant, offers International cuisine of high quality with fresh ingredients - a hallmark of Star Cruises)
• Dynasty Restaurant (family-style Chinese restaurant)
• Tai Pan (a la carte Chinese restaurant for more upscale Chinese cuisine)
• Blue Lagoon (serves fast food and snacks).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

SuperStar Gemini has to offer attractive features and activities to her guests. The ship has a stylish design and comfortable cabins, all expressing the Asian culture and style. Travellers are attracted by activities like playing Mah Jong and watching shows with stunning flexible Chinese acrobats. The ship offers extensive karaoke facilities and private rooms for parties.

Follows the complete list of SuperStar Gemini lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• Star Club Casino
• Maxim's Lounge
• King Neptune Health Club; Oscar's Beauty Salon
• Observatory Lounge; Mahjong Room
• Star Boutique; Internet Cafe; Card Room
• Blue Lagoon Bar (Wine bar); Tea Corner
• Champ's Bar; Topsiders Bar
• Video Games Arcade; Child Care Centre
• Genting Palace; Genting Club; Genting Lounge
• Stardust Lounge (Theater)
• Pool Deck, 3 swimming pools, 6 Jacuzzis; Sun Deck; Jogging Track.

Itineraries

SuperStar Gemini itinerary program was based on Asian voyages.

In 2017-2018, the ship was home-ported in Laem Chabang-Bangkok (Thailand). The ship's new deployment was for the period December 17, 2017, through April 27, 2018. From Thailand, SuperStar Gemini operated 3-night roundtrips to Sihanoukville Cambodia and Koh Samui Island (departures every Sunday), 2-night roundtrips to Sihanoukville (departures every Wednesday) and 2-night roundtrips to Koh Kong Island (departures every Friday).

For 2018-2019 winter season (November 5, 2018, through April 28, 2019), the liner was homeported in Malaysia (ports Langkawi, Port Klang, Penang) and Thailand (Phuket). The 3-night itineraries were mixed with 4-night (departing February 6) and 2-night (departing February 10) special voyages visiting Langkawi, Port Klang, Penang, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore.