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   Cruise Travel - Reader Reviews

Welcome to Your Favorites, where you have the opportunity to share your travel experiences with fellow Internet Travelers around the world.


Star Cruises

MS SuperStar Gemini

Your Rating:Four Stars
Reviewed by: Mike W.
# previous cruises: 50+
Date of Trip: May 18, 2005
Itinerary: Orient

Overview

STAR CRUISES LITTLE GEM STILL SPARKLES

Although the 19,093 ton SuperStar GEMINI has been in the Star Cruises fleet for ten years now, she still looks as good as that day in July 1995 when she first started sailing for Star. Gemini's upkeep and maintenance is superb, as are the other ships in the Star fleet. Cleanliness is a word that Star takes very seriously and Gemini is proof of this. Round the clock polishing, dusting, vacuuming, window washing in public areas, paint touch ups and general maintenance, are visible to all passengers, which guarantees the cleanliness of Gemini.

Safety is of the highest priority aboard Gemini. I was very pleased to witness the Crew General Emergency Safety Drill while we were docked in Ishigaki. This is done in all seriousness and is comforting to see. In the unlikely event of an actual emergency, I certainly would put all my trust in the hands of this crew.

Gemini's interior has undergone changes through the years, to fit and suit the market where she is sailing. But, there are still some of the original interior fittings when she was sailing as Cunard Crown Jewel. If you expect a lot of glitz, flashy interiors, elegance or a "wow" factor, you will be disappointed. Gemini does not have this nor does she pretend to. What she does have, is a very pleasant, tasteful interior that invites you to linger in her public rooms and have a good time. She is charming and unpretentious.

Gemini is a "happy" ship and her interiors are well suited to this feeling. By all means, bring your camera and take some photos of the public rooms. They are truly fine in their understated way. Personally, I feel very comfortable in any of the public rooms aboard Gemini. I was especially pleased to hear that the Club Royale, now housing "games of chance," will be reconverted into a bar/lounge called Royale Lounge, during her next drydock in late October early November. Originally, this room was a bar/lounge called Star Bar.

Gemini is considered to be a world class ship. And, yes, she is perfectly suitable to sail in any region. Her crew/staff of 580 hail from 23 nations of the world and splendidly take care of 712 passengers based on lower berth capacity. Now that is some passenger/crew ratio!

Speaking of staff, during my cruise there were two staff officers in particular with whom I had frequent contact. Mr. Sam Doroquis-Hotel Manager (chief purser) and Ms. Chanel Tan-Front Office Manager. I would like to say thank you both, on behalf of myself and probably many other passengers, for your outstanding professionalism and true concern for the well being and comfort of all passengers. Star Cruises is very fortunate indeed, to have the two of you in their employ. My hat off to both of you!

So, would I recommend taking a cruise aboard SuperStar Gemini? You bet I would! Gemini will soon embrace you in her "family way."

Public Areas
Public rooms aboard Gemini are varied and very comfortable. With the addition of the soon to be newly reconverted Royale Lounge, there are enough public rooms to suit all tastes. Let's start up top on Deck 8 (pool deck) and have a look.

Here you will find the adequately sized swimming pool with a most welcome surrounding shelf and the adjacent children's pool. There are also twin Jacuzzi's. Teakwood will be found surrounding the pool and Jacuzzi's but not on the pool deck itself. Instead, there is green Astroturf, which will hopefully be renewed at the upcoming drydock.

Just aft of the pool is the POOL BAR sheltered from the hot sun by a canvas covering. This deck is also the venue for the welcome aboard BBQ with tables and chairs around the pool and the food buffet set up aft of the funnel. Also located in this area are the Children's Center and the small Video Arcade.

Located forward on this deck are OSCAR's UNISEX SALON which on past cruises did a fine job with my hair, or rather lack of!, and Ins' Spa and Sauna. Out on deck, just at the entrance to Oscar's and the Sauna is where the gym equipment is curiously located.

There is plenty of room for loungers and tables and chairs on this deck. Crowding, at least while sailing ex-Keelung, never seems to be a problem.

DECK 7 - Located aft is the small Mahjong/card room which also serves as a meeting room and internet. All the way aft is the FORTUNA NIGHT CLUB. This room serves as a Karaoke lounge and Disco. Around the center of the room where the bar and small dance floor is located are numerous private Karaoke rooms. Different decor is to be found in each room, and they are quite nice. They are plush and comfortable.

Unfortunately, this room does not work as a Disco. Because of the space taken over by the private rooms, the center area is much too small with hardly any seating and no stools at the bar at all. People do not want to sit in private rooms in a disco. They prefer a larger open space where all can be seen and heard. This room was always empty when disco started at midnight. Perhaps for Karaoke, the room(s) were better attended.

Outside aft of the disco is a wonderful open deck area. Perfect for watching the wake and sea and just relaxing. I love this area.

DECK 6 - This deck is mainly passenger cabins, but there is one public room, MARINERS BUFFET.

This room is open for breakfast, lunch (while at sea) and dinner. For those passengers who need a little snack later in the evening, Mariners hosts a Midnight Buffet. It is a perfectly charming, light and airy room. Never mind that the tables are a little too close to each other, it somehow works. Although this is a self service buffet restaurant, I have quite often seen waiters eager to help in carrying plates. The food on offer here is International. You will find western, Asian, Thai, Japanese and Indian. There is also an outdoor section of this room which is called Mariners Patio Bar. This is just perfect for alfresco dining. You can sit in the shaded areas, under the wings of Deck 7, or sit in the center and soak up the sun. Umbrellas will be gladly opened if the sun becomes intolerable. At dinner, this area is just great. The fantastic views aft and the fresh sea air combine for sheer enjoyment.

My favorite bar on Gemini is right here. The MARINERS PATIO BAR. A superb all wood bar and matching stools. To me, it has a very nautical feel. Great place for relaxing and looking at that fantastic sea view aft. There is always a breeze here, so even during the day it is comfortable.

DECK 5 - This deck is completely devoted to public rooms. Starting extreme forward, there is the SPORTS BAR.This room was carved out of the adjacent Galaxy show room. It is a very under-utilized room, perhaps due to bad signage or lack of promotion, or in my opinion, the lack of a sit up bar! All drinks must be brought in from Bar Gemini. A small bar with perhaps four stools would add so much more character to this room. Even a non wet bar would do nicely and there is room for one. This would be especially beneficial when Gemini starts sailing from Singapore and has many western passengers. The room itself is cozy and comfortable. There is a pool table and a hockey game table. Sports photos and paraphernalia adorn the walls while tee shirts are displayed on the shades of the forward facing windows. A few TV monitors have been recently installed for an additional venue for Karaoke. Perhaps during Gemini's upcoming refit, some modifications will be made to this room.

Moving aft now we come to the GALAXY OF THE STARS showroom. This is the only showroom aboard Gemini. It is a small venue compared to other ships, but then again, the Gemini is just over 19,000 tons, so smaller rooms are expected. The seating is semi circular with banquettes and tub chairs and affixed glass cocktail tables. Seating is very tight in this room since a portion was given over to make the Sports Bar. But once all the passengers are settled in it becomes less hectic, but still tight. Sight lines are very good, as there are no pillars to obstruct the view. The overall color scheme is dark reds. The chairs and banquettes are comfortable. The sound and light equipment is new and quite good. The audio visual staff work wonders in this room. Actually it's a welcoming room and I like it.

Next we come to BAR GEMINI. A very attractive room. Very comfortable seating on banquettes and tub chairs. To the right of the bar, which happens to be a very nice bar, is a white baby grand piano, which is played at various times during the day and at cocktail hour and also much later at night into the wee hours. This room also has a sort of annex or back area which is separated by glass partitions, but is still part of the main room. It's perfect for large groups to be together. During the day Bar Gemini is bright with natural light coming in and many passengers can be found here relaxing, reading, playing cards, having an afternoon drink or coffee or whatever. This room is like the heart of the ship. Being almost midships, everyone passes by here on Lobby Boulevard to get to other venues. Bar Gemini is a very smart, comfortable lounge.

LOBBY BOULEVARD - This is the main passageway on Deck 5. It begins at Reception Lobby and weaves its way, forward past Ports O' Call gift shop, Star Club (casino) Bar Gemini until it reaches the forward lifts lobby and entrance foyer of Galaxy of the Stars.

Along the inboard walls of Lobby Boulevard there are full length mirrors, photos of SuperStar Virgo, showcases to display items from Ports O' Call and a photo plaque showing the names and photos of "Achievers' of the Month." Star's tribute to outstanding staff members. A nice tribute in itself, and also keeps everyone on their toes.

On the outboard side are splendid large picture windows overlooking the promenade deck and the sea. There is a small glass topped cocktail table and two comfortable tub chairs at each window. A delightful area for coffee or cocktail or just to sit and read and gaze out. It's also great for people watching!

OUTDOOR PROMENADE DECK - What a pleasure it is to be able to completely circle the ship on this promenade. No matter that the decking is not teak. It's a great promenade deck and also gives you access to the absolute prow of the ship. What a feeling. What a view! And,,,there are even benches at the bow for having a short rest after doing five laps around, which is one mile. There are also other numerous benches against the bulkhead (wall) where you can sit and watch the sea. I can still smell that air and feel the breeze. Fantastic!

STAR CLUB - This is the general "games of chance" room, as Star Cruises prefers to label it. To us, it is called, no matter how you slice it, a casino! A decent looking room with all the usual tables and slots lining the walls. I must say that all the casino staff, dealers, croupiers' are all very friendly and eager to help novices. I am not in this category, as I am sure that all my many contributions have helped Star Cruises stay in business! No photos, as they are a no-no on Stars' ships.

PORTS O' CALL - A nice enough gift shop with reasonable prices. Many Japanese items for sale, as the ship does sail to Ishigaki, Miyako and Naha. I personally find that there is a great lack of logo items from the Gemini and Star Cruises in general. Hardly a T-shirt to be found, no logo bar glasses or coffee cups/mugs etc. I was very disappointed in the logo merchandise available. I have been told that changes will be made when Gemini begins her new season ex-Singapore.

CLUB ROYALE - Located extreme aft, this is the members only casino. It is a beautiful room and was once the Star Bar. Happily this room will be re-converted back to a lounge called Royale Lounge during Gemini's next refit in Singapore in Oct/Nov. Lovely crystal chandeliers are still in place as are many original Star Bar fittings. I do hope that the re-conversion will allow for space for cabaret entertainment, as Gemini currently does lack a room of this type. At the moment, all entertainment must be presented in the Galaxy of the Stars. A cabaret lounge would be a welcomed addition. Sorry, no pics as this room also is a no-no for photos.

DECK 4 - Extreme aft is the very lovely, bordering on elegant OCEAN PALACE RESTAURANT. This room occupies the full width of the ship. Nice big picture windows on port and starboard. The all window aft offers wonderful views of the wake and sea. This is the main and only formal table service dining room on the ship. In the direct center of this room is a separate section which is the venue for the Captain's and Officers tables at the Gala Night Dinner. On other nights this section is called TAIPAN and is the venue for ala carte Chinese cuisine at an extra charge. The food served in Ocean Palace is generally Chinese. When the ship is docked in Japan, a wonderful Japanese meal will be featured. At the Captain's Gala western food is also offered.

More images from my trip are available in my Photo Gallery.

Food and Service
SuperStar Gemini is operated as a "Freestyle" ship. This means that there is no assigned seating in the food outlets except for the first sitting for the Captain's Gala held on Tuesday's. Otherwise, you may dine where, when and with whom you choose.

Breakfast is served in Mariners and Ocean Palace from 7-10 am.
Lunch in Mariner's (at sea) and Ocean Palace is from 12-2 pm.
Dinner in Mariner's is from 6-9 pm and in Ocean Palace 6-8:30 pm.

Ocean Palace is the extra charge venue for 24 hour light food. I personally preferred when Mariner's Buffet was the venue, as you could choose to eat al fresco on the wonderful aft decks at Mariner's Patio. Ocean Palace, although a beautiful room, is a little too formal in my opinion, as a 24 hour light meal venue. Food is very subjective. Therefore all the comments below are my opinions and my experiences. Although from what I have seen and heard, many other passengers are in agreement with me.

I am in the restaurant business, so I believe I have a little experience in judging food taste and quality. Let me up front congratulate Executive Chef Saifol Ikhsan from Malaysia on a superior job of producing extremely good food for the delight of all passengers. In all dining outlets I found the food to be of a consistently high quality and absolute freshness always evident. All salad ingredients were always crisp as should be. Fresh baked rolls and bread were always on offer and were delicious. Desserts were plentiful and representative of many nations. I am guilty of eating more than my fair share of desserts. Many chefs on other cruise lines are very sparing with their use of seasoning and spices. Here on Gemini, Chef Ikhsan uses his talents and knowledge to make the taste of all food authentic. I never once had to use a salt or pepper shaker. And for me, that is saying a lot! Is the food gourmet? No, of course not, but it's not meant to be. What it is, is fresh, high quality food that is seasoned and prepared with great care and can be accepted by all passengers. With all the ethnic choices of food available, I dare say that no one walks away hungry. From my observation of other passengers at Mariners Buffet, I can honestly say that they seemed to be enjoying the food very much. At the pool deck BBQ, the presentation and layout of the food is picture worthy.

Chef Ikhsan goes a little more elaborate at the Captain's Gala Dinner. There is no silver service here, but the presentation of the plated food is art. Just beautiful to look at. The taste, as at all other times, is wonderful.

Service by the wait staff in Mariners' Buffet and Ocean Palace is wonderful. They are always there when needed, but never intrusive. Plates are never taken away before the guest is asked if they are finished. Everyone from the Manager, Assistant Manager and Supervisor and wait staff all want the guests to enjoy their meals and be comfortable. Any request is handled immediately and with a sincere smile. A fine example of thoughtful and caring service would be when Mr. Jose Ronaldo Magdelena (Supervisor Mariners Buffet) sees me entering the outlet and will immediately prepare and personally deliver to my table a cup of coffee and stay for a short chat. What a lovely way to show respect and true friendliness.

Cabins
With increased crew and entertainers, there are now 356 cabins available for passenger use at lower berth max of 712.

While all cabins are small, including the top grade suites, they are laid out efficiently, are comfortable and have all the amenities expected of today's newer cruise ships. They are perfectly adequate for the short cruises Gemini performs. I will describe the standard cabin categories first. Inviting friends to your cabin for drinks may be pushing the space issue to the limits, but I have seen it done, and have done it myself in all cabin grades. Other than this, generally, you will not find yourself bumping into your cabin mate. They are furnished nicely and have a welcoming appeal. They are equipped with TV, remote control, telephone, hairdryer which is quite powerful and a security safe. On the dressing table/vanity there are drinking glasses, an ice bucket which you must ask to be filled with ice, two complimentary bottles of mineral water and a note pad and pen. There is also a nice stationery book with letterhead paper and envelopes and a few postcards of the ship, welcome letter, safety information and deck plan. There are ample closets/wardrobes where you will find nice white fluffy bathrobes, a few pairs of slippers and extra pillows. There is however a lack of drawer space in the cabins. Suitcases will fit under the beds. There are four handicap accessible cabins which fulfill their purpose very nicely. Gemini is a handicap friendly ship. I have spoken with a few physically challenged passengers, and they all say they have no problem getting around onboard Gemini. To me, all cabins onboard Gemini are a nice retreat to come back to after a day of sightseeing or a night of partying.

The bathrooms are compact, but fine for one person at a time. All bathroom amenities are of the Muguet brand. There is liquid soap in dispenser at the sink and shampoo/conditioner and soap in dispensers in the shower. Also provided are two small bottles of moisturizing lotion, two shower caps, sanitary bag and toothbrush kits. These are now all placed on a shelf below the sink. I miss the days when all cabin grades had these amenities packaged in a pouch. These were a very nice souvenir of the cruise and also a good reminder every time you used this pouch at home, that it was time to book another cruise. But I guess this has become too expensive and Star has discontinued it. There are face, hand and bath towels for each cabin occupant.

Now lets explore the top grade digs. Starting with Cat:AD located on Deck 7 are the smallest Junior Suites. In reality they are no larger than a standard outside cabin on other ships. Right next to the double bed there is a semi circular sofa and small round glass topped cocktail table. The furnishings and fittings are basically the same as other cabins, but there is a clever use of mirrors in a round shape mounted on the ceiling with halogen lights. I don't know if this makes the cabin seem larger, but it does make for an interesting design feature. These cabins are comfortable and laid out well and offer slightly more space than the standard cabins.

There are some added perks such as a DVD player, hot water kettle for coffee and tea and packets of tea and coffee, cups and saucers naturally, leather compendium containing stationery, envelopes, postcards, notepad, pen, colored stationery, movie guide, etc. There is a mini bar fridge, flower arrangement, and magazines.

Bathrooms are the same size as standard cabins but have nicer amenities, such as Nina Ricci soap, Giovanni Valentino lotion and shampoo and a basket of assorted Valentino amenities.

Cat: AC located on Decks 6-7 are larger Junior Suites that offer more comfortable elbow room. There are two on Deck 7 that have an odd shape with the window wall angling towards aft. The view from the window is nice as you can look out directly ahead and also aft. These two cabins are not among my favorites though. Furnishings, fittings and amenities are the same as the AD category Junior Suites.

Forward on Deck 6 are the rest of the AC Junior Suites with fantastic views over the bow through backward slanted windows. Below the window is a much welcomed wood topped shelf with storage space underneath. Instead of semi circular sofas, there are two large, comfortable tub chairs. All cabin and bathroom amenities are as described above.

Cat: AB is in the Executive Suite category. These are also called Owners Suite according to the plaque on the doors. There are only two of these suites located starboard, midships on Deck 7. They do not have balconies, but do have a bedroom separated by either curtain or sliding door. The photos below are of the suite with sliding doors to the bedroom. This is also the only cabin aboard Gemini that has wood floors. This is my favorite non balcony suite. Although not big by any means, appx.,19.8 m2 or 213 sq.ft, it is large enough to have a sofa, glass/brass cocktail table, two side chairs, a desk with chair, very long wood counter with storage space underneath, and a great all wood bar with two stools. The bedroom is off to the right of the living room and has windows also. The bathroom is compact, but does have a nice marble topped vanity/sink area. The amenities as in other suite bathrooms will be found here. No bathtub. Actually there are no bathtubs at all aboard Gemini. I could be very comfortable living in this suite if it were ashore. Of course I would be even more comfortable living in this suite aboard Gemini. Just love it!

Category AA is the top of the line. These are ten Executive Suites with balconies, located forward, port and starboard on Deck 7. There are three different configurations for these suites with matching different sizes. They range from 21.5 sq mtrs/231 sq. ft to 26.5 sq mtrs/285 sq. ft. The balconies are large enough for two chairs and small table.

All of these suites have separate bedrooms which can be closed off with curtains. They are all furnished tastefully and slightly different from one another and have all the perks as the other suites. The big perk here is the balcony. They are roomy enough for entertaining and certainly roomy enough for the two passengers occupying them. Of these ten suites, there are two that have a special more elegant décor. One is done in royal blue while the other is in maroons. These suites were refitted when Gemini was cruising ex-Korea. All ten suites will provide the occupants with total comfort and relaxing, tasteful surroundings.

Entertainment
Gemini offers a wide array of entertainment and cruise activities. There is something for everyone. Let me first tell you about and describe the first ever full production show to be produced in Galaxy of the Stars showroom. No more of the all too common magician, singer and a few dancers. Star Cruises have spent quite a considerable sum of money to produce a scaled down version of their hit show "SORPRESA" currently showing on SuperStar Virgo. Sorpresa is the Italian word for surprise. And what a surprise this show is! I was both shocked and thrilled that a show of this type could be done and "work" in the confines of the small Galaxy showroom.

The show is comprised of five key elements, metal, wood, fire, water and earth. Modern and classical dance, opera and really fantastic acrobatic performances make the show come together. The clever use of the aisles in Galaxy (roped off during the show) provides more space for the performers and is visually stunning for the audience.

The main dancers in the show are from Brazil. The acrobatic troupe comes from Shandong, China. And of course there is "JR" the Giant from Shenyang, China.

All costumes are high quality and beautiful. The sound and light equipment is state of the art. Sorpresa is presented in two parts. If I had to choose only one word to describe Sorpresa, it would be "great."

Other performers aboard Gemini include Ivan who plays the white baby grand piano in Bar Gemini. He has his own sets and also plays requests. He may even invite you up to sing. The SuperStar Gemini Trio (2 guitars 1 bass) is also usually found in Bar Gemini, but can show up in different places as required. They play nice classics and oldies, and are very happy to take requests.

The "Midnight Riders" are an eight member pop band that is very talented. Good musicians and singers. They have their own sets, but also ask the audience for requests. They like to banter about with the audience and makes for a happy, fun time. They have been performing on Star ships for many years. I have always liked them.

The Cruise Staff aboard Gemini are a great, happy team. They go all out to make sure everyone is having a good time. New to the Gemini is Cruise Director Leonard Lee from Malaysia. He is friendly and charming and a good host and he fits in perfectly with all the cruise staff such as Henry, Hanna and Glen who have been on Gemini for a long time. They are all over the ship. Anyplace you go, you will see one or more getting the passengers involved in the activities. They are all personable and do a good job, whether it be introducing the shows, hosting Bingo or other activities. They are always available for a chat and really care that you enjoy yourself aboard Gemini. Good job guys!

Activities
Activities aboard Gemini are varied and are sure to please all. Below is a sample of activities from the Star Navigator on my cruise.

Family J Adults Only M Children & Teenagers B

Wednesday
06:30pm - 08:30pm J BBQ Party (Subject to weather condition)Good food, Live music & lots of fun!! Pool Deck Deck 8
06:00pm - 02:00am J Music with SSG Pianist Ivan & SSG Trio Gemini Bar Deck 5
07:30pm - 08:15pm J 1st - Welcome Music with Midnight Riders Galaxy of the Stars Deck 8
08:15pm - 08:30pm J Port Talk - Know about Ishigaki Tours Galaxy of the Stars Deck 5
08:40pm SAFETY DRILL FOR ALL GUESTS (Please note that all services will resume after the safety drill)
09:00pm - 09:15pm J Faces of Super Star Gemini Galaxy of the Stars Deck 5
09:15pm - 10:10pm J Show Time - Sorpresa Part 1 Galaxy of the Stars Deck 5
10:10pm - 11:00pm M $$ Shih Wan Bingo $$ Galaxy of the Stars Deck 5
11:00pm - 11:45pm J 2nd - Late night concert with SSG Midnight Riders Galaxy of the Stars Deck 5
11:50pm - 01:50am J Movie Time - Ocean's Eleven Galaxy of the Stars Deck 5
12:00mn - 02:00am J Ballroom Night with all of you Fortuna KTV & Disco Deck 7

Thursday
08:15am / 09:00am Tour Assembly (please refer to page 4) Ocean Palace Deck 4
09:00am Free & Easy Ocean Palace Deck 4
02:00pm - 05:00pm J Activity On Request (Staying onboard? Call the Reception on the stated time and have fun on the list of activities prepared for you.) Reception Deck 5
03:00pm - 04:00pm Outward Japanese Immigration Clearance Ocean Palace Deck 4
05:00pm - 05:30pm J Line Dancing Class Boat Deck Deck 5
05:30pm - 07:00pm J Sail away melodies with SSG Pianist Ivan & SSG Trio Gemini Bar Deck 5
06:30pm - 07:15pm J 1st - Let's groove with SSG Midnight Riders Galaxy of the Stars Deck 5
07:30pm - 08:15pm J 2nd - Let's groove with SSG Midnight Riders Galaxy of the Stars Deck 5
08:00pm - 02:00am J Music with SSG Pianist Ivan & SSG Trio Gemini Bar Deck 5
08:15pm - 09:00pm M $$ Shih Wan Bingo $$ Galaxy of the Stars Deck 5
09:15pm - 10:15pm J Show Time - Sorpresa Part 2 Galaxy of the Stars Deck 5
10:00pm - 10:45pm J Karaoke Competition Fortuna KTV & Disco Deck 7
10:15pm - 10:45pm J SSG GAME SHOW Galaxy of the Stars Deck 5
11:15pm - 12:00mn M Topless Revue Show - Dream Lovers Galaxy of the Stars Deck 5
12:00mn - 02:00am J Crazy Disco Time Fortuna KTV & Disco Deck 7
00:15am - 01:00am J 3rd - Late night concert with SSG Midnight Riders Galaxy of the Stars Deck 5

Friday
09:30am - 10:00am J Jazzercise Classes Boat Deck Deck 5
10:00am - 10:30am J Line Dancing with your Cruise Staff Boat Deck Deck 5
10:30am - 11:00am J Brazilian Dance Class Boat Deck Deck 5
10:45am - 11:15am J Jenga Game Gemini Bar Deck 5
10:30am - 11:00am J Seaboard Horse Racing Galaxy of the Stars Deck 5
11:00am - 11:45am M $$ Shih Wan Bingo $$follow by Pa Shih Wan Lottery Draw Galaxy of the Stars Deck 5
11:15am - 11:45am J UNO Game Gemini Bar Deck 5
11:45am - 12:15pm J Basic Magic Class Gemini Bar Deck 5
12:15pm - 12:45pm J Beauty Tips - Facial Demonstration Gemini Bar Deck 5
12:45pm - 01:15pm J Simple Massage Demonstration Galaxy of the Stars Deck 5
01:15pm - 02:00pm J Easy listening with SSG Pianist Ivan Gemini Bar Deck 5
02:00pm - 03:00pm J Karaoke Competition Fortuna KTV & Disco Deck 7
03:30pm - 04:15pm J Music with SSG Pianist Ivan Gemini Bar Deck 5
03:30pm - 04:15pm J Farewell Concert with SSG Midnight Riders (Guest questionnaire lucky draw during show time) Galaxy of the Stars Deck 5
All timings and activities are subject to changes without prior notice.
All video recording and photography is strictly prohibited during any show time.

+ Child care is available day and night and after hours baby sitting can be arranged at extra cost. When Gemini sails from Taiwan there are three itineraries offered.
Sunday is a 4D/3N cruise to Miyako and Naha Japan.
Wednesday is a 3D/2N cruise to Ishigaki, Japan.
Friday is a 3D/2N "high seas" cruise.

There are many shore excursions offered by the ship, which are quite reasonable in price. I have in the past taken these shore excursions and found them to be pleasant. There is also the opportunity to do the ports on your own, as everything is quite near. When Gemini redeploys to Singapore in October, she will have an 8D/7N Andaman Sea itinerary.

Who Goes
Sailing from Taiwan there will be 98% Taiwanese passengers onboard. On some sailings there will be some westerners, an Indian or two, perhaps some people of Philippine origin. All of the non Taiwanese are living and working in Taiwan. Star Cruises is aggressively pursuing the expat community this year, with more English ads in newspapers, magazines and radio. But when Gemini redeploys to Singapore, the tables will be turned. The majority of passengers will be from Australia and New Zealand, with Europe, India and the US represented also. As I mentioned earlier, Gemini is a happy, friendly ship, and all passengers seem to get along with each other very well. I have met some very interesting people during all my years of sailing Gemini. In closing, I would like to say that no matter what country you are from, or your socio-economic background, I am quite certain that you will be very pleased with Gemini. The staff will do everything possible to make sure you enjoy yourself and are totally comfortable. When I board Gemini I am always greeted with "Hi Mike, welcome home." Gemini will become your home away from home as well. Happy cruising to all who sail with SuperStar Gemini.

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Description: Experience the beautiful ports of Nassau and Royal Caribbean's private island - CocoCay on a 3-night Weekend Getaway to the Bahamas. Absorb everything island life has to offer as you snorkel with the stingrays, parasail above the serene blue waters and walk the endless white sand beaches. From Miami.
Carnival - 4-Day Bahamas  from $229 per person
Description: Enjoy a wonderful 3 Day cruise to the fun-loving playground of Nassau, Bahamas. Discover Nassau, the capital city as well as the cultural, commercial and financial heart of the Bahamas. Meet the Atlantic Southern Stingrays, the guardians of Blackbeard's treasure.
NCL - Bermuda - 7 Day from $499 per person
Description: What a charming little chain of islands. Walk on pink sand beaches. Swim and snorkel in turquoise seas. Take in the historical sights. They're stoically British and very quaint. Or explore the coral reefs. You can get to them by boat or propelled by fins. You pick. Freestyle Cruising doesn't tell you where to go or what to do. Sure, you can plan ahead, or decide once onboard. After all, it's your vacation. There are no deadlines or must do's.
Holland America - Eastern Caribbean from From $599 per person
Description: White sand, black sand, talcum soft or shell strewn, the beaches of the Eastern Caribbean invite you to swim, snorkel or simply relax. For shoppers, there's duty-free St. Thomas, the Straw Market in Nassau, French perfume and Dutch chocolates on St. Maarten. For history buffs, the fascinating fusion of Caribbean, Latin and European cultures. For everyone, a day spent on HAL's award winning private island Half Moon Cay.
Celebrity - 7-Night Western Mediterranean  from $549 per person
Description: For centuries people have traveled to Europe to see magnificent ruins, art treasures and natural wonders. And the best way to do so is by cruise ship. Think of it - you pack and unpack only once. No wasted time searching for hotels and negotiating train stations. Instead, you arrive at romantic ports of call relaxed, refreshed and ready to take on the world.
Holland America - Alaska from From $499 per person
Description: Sail between Vancouver and Seward, departing Sundays on the ms Statendam or ms Volendam and enjoy towering mountains, actively calving glaciers and pristine wildlife habitat. Glacier Bay and College Fjord offer two completely different glacier-viewing experiences.