Not what I was expecting
Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas
7 Night Bahamas & Florida (New York Roundtrip)
Sail date: July 05, 2014
Ship: Norwegian Gem
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: 10070
Traveled as: Family (older children)
Reviewed: 10 years ago
Review summary
This was our first cruise with Norwegian, having heard others rave about their cruise with this cruise line, we were excited to go with Norwegian.
We took the Gem out of New York City. We are from California and spent a few days in New York before the cruise and had a great time. The cruise was going to Cape Cnaveral then to the Bahamas. As far as these destinations, there were really alot of fun. We cruised with our adult children and grandchildren. There were 11 of us. The destinations offered lots to do for all of us, as we all went and did our own thing at each port. We aged from 11- 53. A really fun time at all ports!
Our problem with this cruise, having cruised before to Mexico and Alaska. ( Carnival and Royal Carbibean ) the service we were expecting just wasn't there. It seemed like there wasn't enough crew. We have never cruised "Freestyle" before. I don't know if that was the problem. My husband said he thought the crew in the buffet and dining rooms, just couldn't keep up with the constant flow of people.
at the buffet , the food the food was good but not many choices. And always couldn't find a place to sit. I saw a older couple sit at a dirty table after walking around , they gave up and just moved the dirty dishes so they cuold eat. We cleaned a table 2 times ourself.Tthe crew also seemed very tired and overwhelmed at the buffet. Also not so proffesional as our previous cruises. Like the were on freestyle mode. Not all, but most were't very happy, just seemed tired.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
We got a large Cabana on Stir up Cay owned by Norwegian. It was very good and on the quiet side of the beach. The only complaint was the service was less then expected. After reading other reviews I expected excellent service. For 350.00 and 60.00 for 2 more people it was a let down .
Ports of call
Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas