Great trip with a few minor flaws

Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)
Reviews: 0
Helpful Votes: 36

Overall rating:

4 out of 5
Verified Review
Norwegian Gem

10 Night Eastern Caribbean (New York Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 27, 2015

Ship: Norwegian Gem

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 9525

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 9 years ago

Review summary

My wife and I had a great trip, saw some really cool things, and met some really nice people.  The flaws included being left standing on the dock in San Juan i the sun with infants and the elderly due to the San Juan Port Authority. Wednesdays in St Thomas are very crowded as multiple ships are docked which led to a shortened excursion to Turtle Cove (not really a cove so much as a divot in Buck Island) and overcrowding which meant snorkeling was frustrating. Also, be aware the pictures of the Virgin Gorda Baths are of the caves not the beach they are of the caves. The beach is rocky with moderate currents and the caves are for the physically fit. I repeat if you have any infirmaties do not enter the caves! If you are not a strong swimmer and plan on doing more than sunbathing do not book the baths. I stress again, this was a great experience I am only offering these points as guidance.  As a first time cruiser I will certatinly say your mileage may very.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
Found the service in Magenta to be better than the main dining room. Food seemed "preprocessed"? They also close the ice cream about 10, come on hasn't anyone craved a late nite ice cream?

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5
As good as it gets on a moving stage

Children's Programs

We were all adults

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Judy Reyes (Stewardess), Keith (Waiter Magenta), Billy Pando (Piano player/Singer)

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Ship was nice perfect for a first cruise

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Nice room great bed but will make you envious of the space in a shoe box.

Ports of call

New York, New York

5 out of 5
Lots to do.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

5 out of 5
Go to the tourism office and get a map It's just past the post office and to the right on your way to the first fort in a peach colored building

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

5 out of 5
Look for the alleys between the streets, this is were the shops and the scenery are

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

5 out of 5
They will try to discourage you from the French side but do it anyway

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

5 out of 5
Amazing wildlife but the pics they show are from the caves. Be prepared for a rocky beach and moderate surf. If you are not a strong swimmer skip the beach and unless you are fairly active don't go into the caves.
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