SuperStar Gemini experiences the best of Melbourne

With either global warming or fate working against us, the SuperStar Gemini arrived in Melbourne this morning, to be welcomed by grey skies, gale force winds and the occasional shower, with many passengers deciding to stay on board rather than risk the weather.

The Gemini was late arriving in Melbourne because of the gale force winds across Port Phillip Bay, having arrived at the entrance early due to the very strong tail winds, but the ride during the night was very smooth with little rolling at all………..not that I noticed after a very pleasant dinner in the Ocean Palace Restaurant, which is the more formal dining location and pretty good too.

Of course a nice Sauvignon Blanc from Chile helped– only $20, so do not expect to be ripped off with wine prices on this ship, as is the case with many other ships and although there are more expensive wines on the pretty extensive wine list, the prices are below what you would expect to pay in a restaurant on the Aussie mainland.

What was also interesting was the excellent male Indian crew members were really excited at arriving in Melbourne as they are cricket fanatics and………yes you guessed it, during their five hours off,  led by Nareendra, they were off to the holy grail of Aussie cricket, the MCG.

The Mole helped them by letting them know there were tours of the MCG for $15 and they were even more thrilled that they could see the inside of the stadium, so off they went and we will hear tonight how they got on.

The Captain and pilot maneuvered the Gemini right alongside the berth at the Station Pier around 9:30am and even though the winds were strong and gusty, they made it look very easy indeed, with no assistance from tugs.

Having had a day at sea yesterday, it reminded The Mole how relaxing cruising actually is and also a free no port day gave more of chance to explore the SuperStar Gemini and although she is small ship compared to many others, there are heaps of things to do and experience, and of course eat.

With some of the best spare ribs I have tasted at lunch yesterday, the afternoon was time to put my feet up, read a book and have a snooze, oh and of course, that Tiger beer did not help at lunchtime.

Sailing from Melbourne tonight, heading to Sydney to arrive early on Sunday morning, the Gemini’s passengers on this cruise appear to be older and mostly Australian, but the Hotel Manager Max Driver, told me that the age range of passengers varied by sectors. 

Max, a 15 year veteran of hotel and F&B management, originally from India, but now living in Perth, said that he had worked on a wide range of vessels including with P&O and Princess, but he really enjoyed working on the Gemini, his favourite ship and also with Star as they were so strong on quality and service and the highest levels of safety, maintenance and standards. 

He said he was looking forward to the circumnavigations of Australia and visiting Sydney again, with many crew never having been there before very excited because of Sydney’s reputation and iconic landmarks.

Tonight is dinner with Max and then tomorrow a free no port day on the high seas again between Melbourne and Sydney as we pass Tasmania and the Bass Strait before heading north to Sydney arriving at the heads early on Sunday morning, before berthing at Darling Harbour.

If any of you want to pop and see the Gemini, I suggest if you live in Melbourne you can do it today, before we sail at around 6:30pm or Sunday in Sydney at the Passenger Terminal in Darling Harbour, where I think Gemini arrives at 8:00am and departs at 6:00pm and then Brisbane and Cairns, after that the Gemini continues on her trip round Australia, before returning to Singapore in early February – more information can be obtained from www.starcruises.com

A Report by The Mole on location on the SuperStar Gemini in Melbourne