The GEM is a GEM

Item: Norwegian Gem
Rating: 4
Author: DaveQ

Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

DaveQ

Contributor Level: Cruise Director

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Reviews: 8

Helpful Votes: 250

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

Verified Review

11 Night Exotic Southern Caribbean (New York Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 05, 2008

Ship: Norwegian Gem

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 16 years ago

Review summary

Overall, a pleasure to cruise on this virtually brand new ship. Non-smoking policy is a great improvement over our cruise last year - smoking only allowed in casino, which was very smoky, and a few places on deck. For the first time, we were able to visit all of the bars. The whiskey/beer bar was very comfortable and the entertainment was terrific. The two main dining rooms were very well appointed and comfortable. Staff and food were great, as usual. Tendering still needs to be better coordinated and it would help if there was someone manning the excursion desk in the morning of the excursions for last minute questions.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

New policy to only allow reservations to be made for the current and next day was less convenient than making all reservations at the beginning of the trip. It was impossible to get through by phone in the morning so we had to get up and go to the reservation desk each time we wanted to make a reservation for the next day. Although reservations were no longer being accepted in a couple of the specialty restaurants, we noticed many empty tables the entire time we were dining.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Shows were exceptional. Entertainment in bars also exceptional.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Staff very nice, except casino management a little curt.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Everything was brand new and in great condition, except the ship navigation channel was not working.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

10th deck balcony stateroom was very roomy with lots of storage space. Bathroom very functionaly.