The cruise ship Gemini is reported to have been arrested in Greece due to unpaid debts the owner owes to DenizBank, a Turkish financial institution.
The ongoing dispute has meant the 34-year old ship is not carrying passengers, but media reports say the ship is running out of fuel and provisions for the skeleton crew of 25 on board. A Greek court refused to release the ship in early June and the Gemini which is flagged in Cameroon has had its classification certificates withdrawn.
The problems apparently began in September, 2025 when Greek inspectors identified hull damage that could affect the seaworthiness of the ship and issued a detention order based on reports of non-payment of crew wages.
The 800-passenger ship was launched in 1992 as the Crown Jewel of Crown Cruise Line that went defunct in 2001 and she later sailed as the Cunard Crown Jewel. Other name changes have included Celestyal Nefeti, Vision Star and the Superstar Gemini.
When last in the news, the ship was being marketed as a globe-trotting residence at sea by Miray Cruises. The project, which aimed to offer affordable living at sea, was called off when Miray couldn’t come up with $40-million to buy the ship. The sudden cancellation stranded passengers in Istanbul and left many fighting for refunds after they had already sold their homes to live on the ship.
Turkish maritime website HaberDenizde.com has reported that the Gemini, which was recently moved from the Bahamas to the Cameroon flag, has been declassified by Bureau Veritas. Miray has reportedly been facing financial challenges since late 2025. In addition to DenizBank, other companies are also reported to have financial claims against Miray, including insurance and tug providers, the maritime site reports.
After completing its 2025 schedule, the ship entered a winter layup in Greece. According to Miray’s website, the Gemini was scheduled to sail again in early July, kicking off a series of short cruises to Greece and Turkey and then week-long cruises in the Black Sea.
But that plans has apparently been scuttled.
Story by Wallace Immen, The Cruisington Times
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