overhyped and under delivered
Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to Europe - Western Mediterranean
7 Night Western Mediterranean (Barcelona Roundtrip)
Sail date: June 29, 2008
Ship: Norwegian Gem
Cabin type: Suite
Traveled as: Family (young children)
Reviewed: 16 years ago
Review summary
The ship is beautiful but lacks a lot of luster. Our first 36 hours was appalling. We have cruised on Royal Caribbean several times before and should have stayed with them! The staff aboard the Gem is rude and unattentive. They will not so a thing for you unless there is a major problem and then they start to kiss your feet. There is a limit to the term 'freestyle cruising' . There are little to no planned activities during sailing times and you have to pay for every little item aboard ship other than one or two restaurants. And speaking of restaurants...the food is great in Magentas and the buffet but go outside of that and it is lackluster cafeteria food. If it's between the two stick with another cruiseline and let the Gem work out all of its 'kinks'Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Entertainment
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ports of call
Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy
Pros: the food
Cons: lack of service, entertainment
Recommends Norwegian Gem? No.
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