Superstar Gemini

hello all. I have been looking around and there doesn't seem to be much info out there on the Gemini. We were originally booked to go on the Pacific Sky out of Singapore on the 1st July when we were advised that our cruise had been cancelled. After much discussion with my husband we decided to go with the Superstar Gemini. We now leave Singapore on the 2nd July for 7 days. We really wanted something just a little longer than 7 days but we couldn't afford a b2b cruise (my husband couldn't get that much time off work). Any information on this ship would be greatly appreciated. Gayle:)

Hi Gayle,

Glad that you did start a thread about SuperStar Gemini.:) I really feel that this ship does deserve a seperate thread.

Maybe my last review of Gemini which I did in May 2005 would be a good beginning to help with any questions that you and other future cruisers may have.

Click this link for the review: http://www.cruiseserver.net/travelpage/yourfav/yfc_sr_gemini_18.asp

Also, I will post some links to photos of the ship and new photos after the refurbishment that Gemini had in October, in my next post, after I locate the photos.

I am also very familiar with all cabin categories onboard Gemini, as I have stayed in all of them. But I do have some favorite ones, that I always request.

Gemini is my "home away from home." The staff/crew are like my family and they are superb people. Their professionalism and true concern for the passengers complete enjoyment and happiness is their priority.

You will love SSG.

So, let's get this thread rolling. Fire away with any questions or comments.

Regards,

Mike--in Taipei

Hi Gayle,

As promised, here are links to photos of Gemini.

http://www.*****/travelpage/aspgallery/view_ad.asp?Ad_ID=1924

http://www.*****/travelpage/aspgallery/view_ad.asp?Ad_ID=1929

http://www.*****/travelpage/aspgallery/view_ad.asp?Ad_ID=1933

http://www.*****/travelpage/aspgallery/view_ad.asp?Ad_ID=1935

And here is the link to new photos after the refit. These were sent to me by Mr. Vinter Teo, who is the excellent Hotel Manager (Purser) onboard SuperStar Gemini.

http://www.*****/travelpage/aspgallery/view_ad.asp?Ad_ID=2245

Regards,

Mike--in Taipei

Here is a photo of GEMINI docked at Keelung, Taiwan.

A great little cruise ship that is so comfortable to sail in.

Regards,

Mike--in Taipei

Thanks Mike. The pictures look wonderful. I know the meals are anytime dining - is there a better time to go and eat. My husband and I prefer to eat early so we can go and dance the night away - Gayle

Hi Gayle,

Glad you liked the photos, although the ship looks even better in person;)

The Ocean Palace dining room and Mariners Buffet usually open at around 5:30pm for dinner. You shouldn't have any problems dining early, especially since the cruises ex-Singapore have a majority of International passengers who prefer to dine later, as opposed to Asians who prefer to dine early. Although I must say that many Asians are now begining to dine later than they did in the past.

Just make sure that you reserve some time during your dining hours to enjoy the Trio or whatever group is playing in Bar Gemini during cocktail hour(s). It is really a nice interlude.

Regards,

Mike

Hi Mike, another question. Is there a laundry on the Gemini? We will probably have to do at least 1 load of washing as we will be in Singapore for a few days before embarking. Cheers Gayle

Hi Gayle,

GEMINI does not have a self service laundry facility onboard. They do however have laundry service available, but it can be fairly expensive and slow. Having said this, they do offer "laundry specials" during the cruise, which means that you can fill up their plastic laundry bag (sort of small) and have it washed/dried/folded for a special price.

If you need to do laundry before you board the Gemini, just ask your hotel concierge where the nearest coin-op laundromat is. That's the route I would take.

(Anyway, ship's self service laundry rooms don't have Bar service, so it's not convenient for me to spend time there:D )

thanks for the great info to date. I am sure there will be more later on :-) Gayle in hot sunny Brisbane

Hi All,

We just spent 6 days in Singapore and 7 days on Superstar Gemini!!! We had a FANTASTIC time! We really enjoyed Gemini! It is not a flash ship, but a very homey ship. Due to the small numbers on board, it didn't take long to know most everyone. Gemini is super clean and the service is exceptional. They could not do enough for us. Once I picked up our wine bottle from the ice bucket just to have a read, and 2 waiters rushed over to pour the wine for me! LOL! Talk about service! The crew is so friendly and by the time we left, it did feel like our home away from home. Practically everyday we woke up to a beautiful new Port to explore. We had great weather and especially enjoyed Phuket. You will not be dissapointed!

Before we left, I tried to find any info on Gemini and had a very difficult time. I'm glad you started this thread. As Mike says, Gemini surely deserves one. I don't think it gets the credit it deserves probably due to being overshadowed by it's flashier counterparts. I am more then happy to try and answer any questions you may have.

Cheers,

Hi There and Back,

I knew you would fall under the spell of GEMINI. Great!

Very glad that you enjoyed your cruise. Seems that the staff/crew are their usual gracious, hospitable self.

Welcome Home!

Have any pics to share with us?:)

Regards,

Mike--in cold, rainy Taipei

Mike,

I have a quick question...is Colin Kerr still onboard? We miss him terribly!

Hi DawnCruise05,

Colin is indeed still CD onboard Gemini. He is very well liked here in Asia just as he is in the States with NCL.

Belows is a short blurb about him that is on Star Cruises' web site.

Mike

The 38-year old Scotsman is returning as the Cruise Director aboard the SuperStar Gemini. The ship does a weekly circuit, visiting heavenly places such as Singapore, the beautiful islands of Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia, exotic islands of Krabi, Ko Samui and Phuket in Thailand and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

At the age of 21, Colin started working as an entertainer and holiday representative in Europe, mainly planning games and singing along with the band. He has also cruised down the Nile as a Cruise Director in the Mediterranean for 3 years. Colin has worked in destinations that most people only dream of such as Costa del Sol, Italy, Tenerife, Andalucia, Greece and Mexico.

Yes, I guess we have fallen under Gemini's spell!

We used our camcorder quite a bit, but I do believe we may have a couple photos. I'll just have to figure out how to post them.

And yes, Colin is still entertaining everyone on the Superstar Gemini! He certainly is a hoot! He is excellent at what he does and very well liked by all who meet him.

Wishing we were still cruising on Gemini! Sigh!

Glad that you have great memories of your experience aboard Gemini.:)

Looking forward to seeing a couple of photos.

What deck was your cabin on ? Did you notice a new refurbishment "feel" in the cabin?

Now, it's time to plan your next cruise with Gemini, or perhaps Virgo.

Regards,

Mike--in Taipei, awaiting tonights' festive Chinese New Year celebrations.

We sailed Star Virgo about six years ago and that ship remains one of the best we have cruised. A work colleague cruised Gemini about the same time and said it was GREAT. The smaller size apparently allows for excellent service and he said the feel of the ship was more nautical than hotel. Have a wonderful cruise....Alan

Hi Alan, I must agree with your friends impression of the Gemini. It does indeed have a more nautical, "true ship" feeling than most of the new builds today.

Having said that, I love Virgo equally as well. Different type ship with a different character and personality.

Mike

Dear Everyone,

I found this photo of Gemini taken from Virgo in Singapore in September 2000....Alan

Hi Mike,

We were on deck 6. No, we didn't notice any refurbishment feel. It was fine the way it was, refurbished or not. Thank you for the Lunar wishes. The preparations for the Chinese New Year lights and festivities took place while we were in Singapore. We were able to experience all the shopping and food in Chinatown. It was great. Gemini expected a large passenger list for Chinese New Year. We only cruised with about 135 passengers, talk about being pampered! Plus all the massages and hair services were all 1/2 off! My hubby had a massage practically every day. I had either my hair done or a massage practically every day myself! The crew to passenger ratio was at least 4:1. Enjoy the CNY, I imagine it would be a great experience celebrating it in Taiwan.

Hi Alan,

Thank you for the Gemini photo. She sure looks the same! She is well taken care of.

Cheers,

Hi There and Back,

Happy that you found your cabin fine, regardless of no refurb. Housekeeping Dept., does their best to keep everything ship shape:)

There are some great shots to be had of Gemini taken from Virgo. Thanks for sharing yours.

Mike--in rainy, gray, almost cold Taipei

Hi again,

On Deck 5 aft is the "new" STAR LOUNGE. Until recently it was the Royale Club casino, and Star Cruises reconfigured the room back to its original bar/lounge design.

I am sure that you went to the Star Lounge, and I am curious as to your impressions of this lounge. Any comments you can share with all of us?

Thanks.

Regards,

Mike--just back from Hong Kong

Love the photo of the Gemini - brings back happy memories!

Re b2b cruise we did 7 days on the Gemini up the west coast of Malaysia and then just walked across to the Leo (now NCL Spirit) and had four days up the east coast, so I think you can 'extend' your cruise doing this on the Virgo. Also, Gemini is doing longer cruises this year some very tempting, as she is still our favourite ship, however this year it's the Baltics on second favourite - NCL Dream!

Hi,

Sorry took so long to respond but it has been busy, busy! The Star Lounge is very comfortable. As you enter, the bar is straight ahead along the far wall, the band is to the left of the bar. The stage is not very large but large enough to accommodate all the performances, including the Chinese Circus Act. All the chairs/sofas are very comfortable and is all situated facing the stage, somewhat like a semi-oval shape. The Star Lounge was used for many things, all shows, games, port pointers, meeting places etc... Very resourceful.

Yes, the Gemini will be going on a 21 day trip this coming May and August. It does sound very tempting! Colin had mentioned that his parents would be taking the May trip. He also said they were nothing like him! LOL!

Anyone going on this trip?

Hi There and Back,

Star Lounge sounds great. Almost the way it was before it was configured into the Royale Club casino.

Very happy that this bar/lounge is being used frequently for many activities. Seems that the stage/dance floor area large enough if the Chinese Acrobats can perform there.

Glad you liked it. I as well liked it before the casino was put in.

Thanks.

Mike