"A great cruise"

Item: Norwegian Gem
Rating: 4
Author: DawnB10

Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

DawnB10

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 36

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Bahamas & Florida (New York Roundtrip)

Sail date: April 12, 2008

Ship: Norwegian Gem

Cabin type: Inside

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 16 years ago

Review summary

I have cruised many times before and I have to say that this was the first with Norwegian and probably one of the best. I took my kids (11,13,17) and it was their first cruise. They had a blast!! Kids program is beyond excellent. Food is delicious, but shocked that most restaurants had a surcharge. Good thing is you don't need to eat at these places, bad news is that they were great and you should give some of them a try. Brand new ship and very upscale.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

DO NOT miss Teppanyaki's. If you eat at only 1 surcharge restaurant make this your choice! Entertaining and the best filet mignon I have had ever.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Bingo was ridiculously expensive. Shows at night were excellent. Plenty of activities to choose from, but not enough entertainment centered around the pool areas.

Children's Programs

5 out of 5

Beyond EXCELLENT. Cheerful, organized, an abundance of scheduled activities. I will never bring my children on any other cruiseline after having experienced this program.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

Some of the staff at the casino were rude. Service a bit slow in a couple of restaurants.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Small cabins, but how much time do you actually spend there anyway????

Ports of call

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island

3 out of 5

I don't enjoy this port. Little to do right off the ship. There is a small straw market there to browse through. An excursion would be a great idea to see the sites.

Thumbs Up 1

Port Canaveral, Florida

3 out of 5

Rent a car at companies onsite at the port and buy Disney tickets at the park. Will save you a TON of money.

Thumbs Up 0

Nassau, Bahamas

5 out of 5

Take a horse and buggy ride through town. Visit the Atlantis.

Thumbs Up 0

Pros: Freestyle dining

Cons: Most restaurants have a surcharge