Star Cruises
This casual, family-friendly ship is popular with Asian cruisers
The Ship. SuperStar Gemini is a mid-sized ship that is popular with Asian families and couples looking for a general cruise experience in fairly contemporary surroundings.
Although its funnel is large and looks square, the ship has a profile that is balanced; this is because it underwent a ‘chop-and-stretch’ operation, in which a new 131ft (40m) mid-section was added in 1998. This gave the ship not only more cabins, but also a larger number of public rooms and places in which to play.
The tiered pool deck aft is neat, as are the multi-deck aft sun terraces and all the fore and aft connecting exterior stairways. The overall exterior design emphasizes a clever and extensive use of large windows that create a sense of open spaces. However, there is no big atrium lobby, as one might expect.
Public rooms include a Mahjong room, an activity center, several shops (including a duty-free store, a tea corner for premium teas, and a jewelry store), an Observatory Lounge (Karaoke Lounge), Genting Club, and Star Club (casino with gaming tables and slot machines).
Accommodation. There are several grades of cabins (the price you pay will depend on the grade, size, and location you choose). Most cabins have outside views, wood-trimmed cabinetry, and warm decor, with multi-colored soft furnishings. But there is almost no drawer space (the closets have open shelves). All cabins benefit from a sitting area, but this takes away any free space, making movement pretty tight. The bathrooms are small but practical.
Dining. There are plenty of choices when it comes to dining. The main full-service dining room is Bella Vista (the nicest, with prime tables and ocean-view window seats); Dynasty (a self-serve Chinese buffet); Mariners Restaurant (a self-serve buffet); Oceana Barbecue (outdoors, for grilled specialties and buffet-style eats); and Blue Lagoon (à la carte and open 24-hours). The cuisine is Asian, and quite decent.
Entertainment. The Stardust Lounge is the ship’s main showlounge. Two decks high, it is located in the ship’s center, with cabins in front of it, and other public rooms and dining spots behind it.
Spa/Fitness. Spa/fitness facilities are located in the forward section of Sports Deck 12 (just aft of the observation lounge), and include a gymnasium with high-tech muscle-toning equipment, a beauty salon, several massage and associated treatment rooms, and men’s and women’s saunas and changing rooms.