Cruise Ship Suffers Severe Damage After Striking Dock
A routine docking maneuver turned costly for MV Gemini, a ship operated by Miray Cruises, after it struck the pier in Piraeus, Greece, on the morning of Friday, September 5, 2025.
The collision caused significant damage to the vessel’s hull, with a large gash visible along the port aft corner. Early reports suggest the breach is above the waterline, but the ship will remain docked until full inspections and repairs confirm its seaworthiness.
A short video circulating online shows the ship tied up in port, with damage clearly visible. While there were no injuries to guests or crew members, the incident will almost certainly disrupt the ship’s immediate sailing schedule.
What May Have Caused the Incident?
The exact cause of the collision has not yet been determined. Investigators will review whether unexpected wind gusts, swells, or equipment failure played a role during docking. Normally, protective bumpers are positioned to prevent direct contact between a vessel and the pier, but they may have been misaligned or ineffective in this case.
A formal investigation will decide what factors contributed to the impact and whether crew error or environmental conditions were primarily at fault.
MV Gemini’s Long History
The 19,093-gross-ton MV Gemini has had a colorful career since launching in 1991 with Crown Cruise Line. Over the decades, she has sailed with six different cruise lines, including Cunard Line and Celestyal Cruises.
Now operated by Miray Cruises, Gemini carries up to 1,074 guests and typically offers short Greek Islands itineraries. In recent years, the vessel was linked to plans for a three-year residential world cruise, though those plans were later abandoned.
Pier Collisions: Rare but Not Unheard Of
Though dramatic, pier collisions are not without precedent in the cruise industry.
- In July 2023, Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess struck her homeport pier in San Francisco, requiring repairs that shortened her next voyage.
- That same month, Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady sustained hull damage in PortMiami after hitting a mooring dolphin, though she was repaired and underway within hours.
- In February 2024, Carnival Magic brushed against the pier in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, due to rough seas and wind.
- Just two months later, Celestyal Journey made contact with the pier in Kusadasi, Turkey, in a minor incident caused by crew miscalculation.
Despite these occasional accidents, the vast majority of cruise ships dock without incident. Each day, hundreds of ships arrive at ports worldwide safely and smoothly, with no damage to hulls or infrastructure.
What’s Next for MV Gemini?
For now, MV Gemini remains alongside in Piraeus as surveyors and repair teams assess the extent of the hull damage. The vessel will not resume sailing until fully inspected and cleared by maritime authorities.
Passengers booked on upcoming cruises should monitor communications from Miray Cruises for updates regarding itinerary changes or cancellations.
