Many have been eagerly following Miray Cruises’ three-year world tour. MV Gemini. Guests are already booked on board, some of them have even sold their homes to join the cruise. However, tensions are growing as concerns about the ship’s demise begin to surface.
With many requests for refunds, departures from the original team, and ongoing questions about the safety of the boat, the future of the unprecedented three-year journey is in jeopardy.
MV GeminiA Three-Year Cruise Set Ahead
The three-year cruise, organized by Miray Cruises Life at Sea, offers an unparalleled cruise that few can resist. It is expected to start in Istanbul in November, cruises MV Gemini a distance of about 130,000 kilometers.
Over three years, guests will have the unique opportunity to visit 375 ports in 135 different countries on all seven continents. This trip, which is designed for working professionals, can provide a remote working environment along with international research. Life at Sea also promises world-class dining, on-board entertainment, leisure, and business facilities.
However, a report from CNN International indicates that the voyage may be in danger. Customers who booked the cruise are now requesting a refund following concerns about the quality and availability of the cruise. MV Gemini.
MV Gemini‘s Seaworthiness Questioned
The International Maritime Organization stated that a ship is considered seaworthy when it is equipped and properly maintained to meet the conditions of the voyage without harming the crew or the environment.
According to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention, ships must have a Passenger Ship Safety Certificate to prove their seaworthiness.
Irina Strembitsky, former director of sales and marketing for Life at Sea Cruises: “The ship, which can carry up to 1,074 passengers, was deemed ‘unsustainable’ by the engineer, who also doubted that it would be able to make the three-year journey.”
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In the case of MV Gemini, the SOLAS Convention, and the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate are very important. If the allegations of the ship’s malfunction prove to be true, the ship may be in breach of SOLAS regulations, possibly endangering the lives of those on board.
Kendra Holmes, Director of business development and marketing services at Miray International: “Integrity is a very specific word related to ship safety. With that said, every ship must have a Ship Safety Certificate… Gemini has this certificate, and it will be renewed at the end of July 2023.”
Internal Conflicts and Customer Concerns
Mike Petterson, who was the managing director of Life at Sea Cruises, a subsidiary of Miray Cruises, and the rest of the founders resigned from the project, which caused concern.
What is interesting is that the ship was not declared unfit for closure by the flag state or port control but it was the engineer who said the ship was unfit to sail. It seems unlikely that an entire management team would jump on the bandwagon of one engineer.
It could point to some great deals, like the possibility of a three-year cruise, at the lowest rates of $2,500 per stateroom per month.
The consequences of internal conflict extend to customers, many of whom have invested heavily to join this journey. CNN reports that some customers had even sold their homes in preparation for the trip, and many are now asking for a refund.
Despite the turmoil, Miray Cruises remains committed to moving forward with its ambitious project, even without Life at Sea. Modified 19,093 tons MV Gemini has been sailing around the Mediterranean Sea since March 2023. The ship was built in 1992.
All eyes are now on Miray Cruises and see how they navigate these turbulent waters. Unfortunately for cruises, many tourists have already realized that the current situation is too difficult for the more adventurous.
