National Geographic Gemini

*National Geographic Gemini*
	National Geographic Gemini in the Galápagos Islands, July 2025
History
The Bahamas
Name	National Geographic Gemini (since 2025); Xpedition (2004–2025); Sun Bay (2001–2004);
Owner	2001–2004: Sun Bay Cruises; 2004–2025: Royal Caribbean Group; 2025–present: Lindblad Expeditions;
Operator	2001–2004: Sun Bay Cruises; 2004–2025: Celebrity Cruises; 2025–present: Lindblad Expeditions;
Port of registry	2001–2003: Nassau, Bahamas; 2003–2004: Valletta, Malta; 2004–present: Guayaquil, Ecuador;
Builder	Cassens Werft (Emden, Germany)
Yard number	30228
Launched	February 17, 2001
Christened	June 15, 2001
Completed	June 11, 2001
Identification	IMO number: 9228368; MMSI number: 735023483; Call sign: HC2083;
Status	In service
General characteristics
Type	Expedition ship
Tonnage	2,937 GT
Length	296 ft (90 m)
Beam	43 ft (13 m)
Decks	6
Speed	16 kn (30 km/h; 18 mph)
Capacity	48 passengers
Crew	57

National Geographic Gemini is an expedition cruise ship operated by Lindblad Expeditions. Built by Cassens Werft in Emden, Germany, the vessel was launched on February 17, 2001, and completed in June that year. She entered service as Sun Bay for Sun Bay Cruises, was renamed Xpedition in 2004 after acquisition by Royal Caribbean Group for operation by Celebrity Cruises, and in 2025 was purchased by Lindblad Expeditions and renamed National Geographic Gemini.

National Geographic Gemini was constructed by Cassens Werft in Emden, Germany, as a expedition cruise vessel. The vessel measures 296 feet (90 m) in length overall, with a beam of 43 feet (13 m). She has a gross tonnage of 2,937 GT and a service speed of approximately 16 knots (30 km/h; 18 mph).

Originally configured to accommodate 96 passengers and 68 crew, the ship underwent a significant refit following her acquisition by Lindblad Expeditions. Passenger capacity was reduced to 48 guests with 57 crew.

Sun Bay had a sister ship, Sun Bay II, later converted to private yacht use and ultimately operated as Lauren L. The larger National Geographic Orion was subsequently built by the same shipyard to a broadly similar design.

The vessel operates year-round itineraries in the Galápagos Islands.

On November 5, 2019, while operating as Celebrity Xpedition, the ship ran aground in the Galápagos Islands. No passengers or crew were injured and no environmental damage was reported.