Relaxing and Enjoyable
Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern
9 Night Eastern Caribbean (New York Roundtrip)
Sail date: March 09, 2015
Ship: Norwegian Gem
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: 9604
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 9 years ago
Review summary
We enjoyed this cruise very much as it offered us lots of optiosn. Food was great, service was impeccable and the staff was very friendly and seemed that they enjoyed themselves as much as we did.
Entertainment was ok; no top named acts (like Royal Caribbean) but enjoyable. Staff used in performances were ok but nothing to write home about. We only did one night with Special Dining (Chinese) and it was ok. Anytime we wanted steak or Italian, it was on the regular dining menu so we did not have to spend the extra bucks. FYI if you have to wait for the main dining room, they give you a pager and also give you a voucher for free drinks for each of the guests and it is only a rum punch or some other crazy drink. Was never a long wait 10-15 minutes. Never wore a suit or had to dress up. you can if you want!
We took one excursion: on Tortola we went to the Gourda Baths (not a hot spring or bath but the ocean). They rated it a 2 for physical level but really a 3-4 level as it was a lot of walking (350 years) thru uneven terrain and when you got to the water there was lots of coral underwater so you really needed water shoes. The water strength/waves did knock you around a bit and pushed you to spaces where your legs did scrape the coral. It was beautiful scenery but not at the physical level I expected.
Overall we did enjoy the cruise and the "freestyle"
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
For example: Don't order 24/7 pizza they taste bad, not worth it! Early reservations at specialty restaurants is better than late. Iced teas and lemonades are free on the ship, but you have to ask! They have laundry specials after 2-3 days into the cruise, wait for those.
Ports of call
New York, New York Did not visit port
Tortola, British Virgin Islands