National Geographic Gemini
- capacity
- 48
- year built
- 2001
- remodeled
- 2024
- flag
- Ecuador
Launched in 2001 from the same shipyard as National Geographic Orion, the 48-guest National Geographic Gemini is a highly maneuverable, shallow-draft expedition ship purpose built to explore remote areas with ease. Following a multi-million-dollar renovation, the ship embodies the spirit of adventure and extreme comfort that are synonymous with National Geographic, and will celebrate a deep connection to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador and its people.
National Geographic Gemini Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ National Geographic Gemini review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our small ship cruise experts have been aboard nearly every first-class vessel in the Galapagos Islands. Find the detailed ship description and deck plan below. Then contact our experts to compare this expedition ship with other Galapagos cruise ships offering Galapagos cruises.
OUR EXPERTS WERE HERE
You have questions.
We have answers.
Choose the National Geographic Gemini for an enriching experience aboard a state-of-the-art vessel. At only 48 guests, she is National Geographic’s second-smallest ship cruising in the archipelago. Add her size to her fresh renovation and top expedition guides, and travelers are in for the perfect combo of the finest educational and onboard experience. This ship is excellent for Galapagos family cruises, with select interconnected cabins, family-friendly activities and numerous educational opportunities for kids like National Geographic’s Global Explorers program. She also makes our list of Galapagos luxury cruises due to her high level of educational programming.
Onboard Facilities
National Geographic Gemini was built in 2001 and extensively renovated in 2024. You’ll find abundant comfortable spaces to take in the scenery and relax after an active and exhilarating day ashore. Enjoy optional onboard laundry service, a doctor’s office available 24 hours a day free of charge, a global gallery selling handmade local artisan items, a library, lounge with panoramic windows, full-service bar and a sun deck. The captain welcomes guests per the open bridge policy. WiFi is available for purchase by the minute, suitable for basic tasks such as checking emails and browsing the web. In areas with good connectivity, the satellite internet is likely strong enough to support high-data activities like streaming videos or making video calls.
Open-Air Decks, Spa & Gym
Enjoy the outdoors on the Upper Deck, which features an outdoor shower, a whirlpool hot tub with adjacent shaded seating area, and a windowed fitness center with exercise classes and wellness specialist. The onboard LEXspa features massages, body treatments and facials inspired by the Galapagos..
Dining, Bars, Lounge & Food Sustainability
The open and expansive windowed lounge hosts presentations and recaps, and features a well-stocked, comfortable bar. The dining areas aboard the National Geographic Gemini, offered in the outdoor café on the Lounge Deck and the indoor restaurant on the Marina Deck, can comfortably seat all passengers in one sitting. The atmosphere is laid back with casual dress and open seating arrangements. Expedition leaders, naturalists and guest speakers often join guests for lunch and dinner, while breakfast often serves as a planning session for the day’s adventures.
National Geographic Gemini provides an authentic sense of place informed by decades-long relationships with local communities and conservation groups. Meals will have Ecuadorian flair and are designed to support the community—comprised by locally sourced farm-to-table and ocean-to-table ingredients.
Activities & Expeditions
Restful onboard moments are balanced by active off-ship explorations. Guests are regularly treated to opportunities to kayak, stand-up paddle, hike, practice photography and seek unique flora and fauna on Zodiac cruises. National Geographic Gemini is equipped with a Zodiac boarding and gearing up area for snorkeling and excursions, plus expedition tools like a video microscope and underwater video camera. She also carries a fleet of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, a glass-bottom boat, various Zodiac Mark VI boats, and snorkel gear for travelers of all ages, including shortie wetsuits.
Crew & Guides
Contributing to the fully immersive Ecuadorian experience on board is the passionate and knowledgeable Ecuadorian crew. Guests are treated to a 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio for the feeling of a private yacht. And the ship carries a wellness specialist and 5 guides, including an undersea specialist, photo instructor, video chronicler and field educators.
Cabins & National Geographic Gemini Deck Plan
All cabins aboard this Galapagos expedition ship are ocean-facing and offer ample storage, queen or twin beds, a sofa, desk, television, a stocked mini-fridge and air conditioning. Bathrooms are large, equipped with towels and a hair dryer, and feature glass showers. Triple options are available with the third guest sleeping on a sofa bed, and families may opt to connect select rooms.
Suite 601 on the Upper Deck (Category 7) is the largest in the National Geographic Galápagos fleet with a separate living room, forward-facing balcony, private jacuzzi, side balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows. Cabins on the Bridge Deck (Category 4 & 5S) all have private balconies with seating.
