Crew members aboard the cruise ship MV Gemini say they haven’t been paid in up to four months, leaving them stranded in Salamina, Greece, and desperate for answers. In a letter shared with Crew Center, a crew member describes worsening conditions on board, with many unable to send money home or even disembark due to unpaid wages.

The Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation has backed their claims, reporting that some crew have left the ship without receiving pay and had to fund their own trip home. Legal action is now being considered, as frustration grows over stalled promises and silence from the ship’s operators Miray Cruises since the cruise ship collided with the pier in Piraeus-Athens.

Crew Center received the following letter from a crew member:

I  am writing to inform you that the crew members onboard the MV Gemini, operated by Miray Cruises, have not been paid for up to four months. The company has provided no clear information or updates regarding the delayed payments, and the situation is becoming increasingly difficult for everyone onboard.

Even though ITF inspectors have already visited the vessel more than twice, and the P&I Club ( the Insurance Company) has stated that they would take care of the crew payments, the situation remains unclear and unresolved. The crew members urgently need their salaries and the opportunity to return to their home countries. There are many nationalities onboard, all waiting for answers and payment, but so far no one knows when this issue will finally be solved.

The crew onboard are becoming mentally exhausted and increasingly hopeless about this situation. Many are suffering from stress and are unable to send money to their families or even leave the ship because of unpaid wages.

This is a sincere call for help and support from anyone with enough influence to bring this situation to international attention. Human rights must be respected. There is absolutely no communication or transparency from the ship’s management or the company’s owner, and the crew cannot continue like this any longer.

This e-mail is just to inform all, because apparently not everyone knows about this situation.

The ship is currently in Salamina-Greece detained by the port authorities.

The following letter was sent by PANHELLENIC SEAMEN'S FEDERATION: 

16 October 2025

Dear All,

Further to our previous correspondence, I would like to point out that a considerable amount of time has passed, and the problem concerning the crew of the above-mentioned vessel remains unresolved.

We have been informed that several crew members have disembarked without receiving their due wages and have had to cover their own repatriation expenses.

In addition, we have been informed that some crew members have contacted lawyers to explore the possibility of taking legal action to claim their outstanding wages.

It has also been brought to our attention that psychological pressure may be exerted on board to force seafarers to leave the vessel without being paid all, or at least part, of their salaries.

Furthermore, we have been informed that the owners, through various representatives, are approaching ITF officials in an attempt to intervene against the legitimate rights of the seafarers.

We consider this whole situation entirely unacceptable, not only for all the above-mentioned reasons, but also because the vessel is still uncovered and is trading between Greek ports.

In any case, we will continue our full support towards the seafarers and urge you to immediately assume your share of responsibility by taking all necessary measures to resolve the matter without further delay.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this serious matter.

We look forward to receiving your prompt response.