So good to be back!

Item: Norwegian Gem
Rating: 4.4
Author: sissimpson

Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

sissimpson

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 21

Overall rating:

4.4 out of 5

7 Night Bahamas & Florida (New York Roundtrip)

Sail date: November 21, 2021

Ship: Norwegian Gem

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 11076

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

It was not our dream cruise, but it was out 'we've been dreaming about cruising too long' cruise. Great for first trip back!

Embarkation

5 out of 5

We arrived at pier 88 at about 9:30. We were immediately directed to pier 90, where COVID screening was done. We waited about 5 minutes to be called to take our test. That may have taken another 5-10 minutes. Sat and waited for the results which came back in about 15 minutes. Walked back to pier 88, and we were checking in minutes. We were on board before 11am!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

MDR is beautiful, and the food was great. Enjoyed the buffet several times. It was good because we never had to hunt for a table. Maderno's and Cagneys were fabulous as always, but the biggest hit this time was La Cucina! The steak was amazing!

La Cucina Italian Restaurant

5 out of 5

The best steak I had on this trip!

Grand Pacific Main Dining Room

5 out of 5

Beautiful, and delicious

Cagney's Steakhouse

5 out of 5

Always great

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

This cruise was all about relaxing. We participated in almost no onboard activities. We did make good use of the Thermal Suite! Somehow on the GEM it never seems quite warm enough in there!

Internet Cafe

5 out of 5

Tiny, but the staff was very helpful

Fitness Center

5 out of 5

Hubby loved it

Bridge Viewing Room

4 out of 5

Nice view, it could be laid out a little better

Entertainment

5 out of 5

NCL's shows are always top notch.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

Some of the staff felt like family. There was one exception......

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

The ship was very clean, but the Gem is due for a refurbishing!

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Great location, close to midship elevators, but quiet. Easy walk to the spa area and the buffet! That lip on the bathtub is a little high for comfort. Carpet was worn, but clean. Television is small.