First cruise ever, it was everything I expected
Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern
9 Night Eastern Caribbean (New York Roundtrip)
Sail date: March 26, 2014
Ship: Norwegian Gem
Cabin type: Oceanview
Cabin number: 8514
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 10 years ago
Review summary
I really wasn't sure what to expect on my first cruise ever, but this one met my every expectation. Actually it was better than I expected. When I saw that there were "specialty" resturants on the cruise I feared that the included dining was sub-par. It was not the case, In fact we ate at the 5 complimentary venues every meal and were delighted every time. The items that stuck out in my mind were:
Everything was spotless - I was never aware of the staff cleaning, or taking out the trash in the public places, but I never saw a bathroom in dissarray, a trash can overflowing, or so much as a spill on the floor.
Never aware of the Staff moving about. - All elevators and stairways for the passengers never had staff in them. This gave the whole trip a feeling of extravagance that I really appreciated.
Glasses instead of Plastic cups, linens instead of paper napkins. - again made me feel special.
Never a wait for dinner, or a lounge chair on deck. - I was especially gratefully surprised how well the Gem absorbed 2300 guests without anywhere seeming crowded.
Staff remembered my name. - All I had to do was meet them once, and it was always "hello jonathan" right down to the waiter, bartender, or maid.
Sure these things seem like small things, but I've been on enough vacations where places cut these corners, and when a resort doesn't I appreaciate it.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Blue lagoon chicken wings and brownie sundae for lunch were great. Main Dining room stripped steak was about the best steak I've every had (get the butternut squash with it.) don't be afraid to special order dinners as well, I mixed and matched parts of the different dinners
Ports of call
Traveler Photos
