Beautiful ship! 2 ports were beautiful, but the 3rd was a waste!

Item: Norwegian Gem
Rating: 3
Author: sd973nj

Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

sd973nj

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 78

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Bahamas & Florida (New York Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 15, 2015

Ship: Norwegian Gem

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 9660

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 9 years ago

Review summary

While the ship is beautiful, this cruise was not as expected.This cruise is advertised as having 3 ports of call, but it really isn't. Port Canaveral is a waste!!! Unless you pay for an excursion (which are approx 45 rides each way) there is nothing to do!!! All there is once you disembark is the depot where taxis pick up and drop off....very disappointing! Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay are beautiful, but could be that much better if you skip Port Canaveral and give more time at the other two ports.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

More food then anybody could possibly need! The variety and quality were outstanding!

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Lots to do to keep everyone busy during the At Sea days.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Amazing shows every night!

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ceaser at the poolside bar is awesome! Felix, our cabin steward did a great job....always happy and interacting with my family every time we saw him

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

While our cabin was a family room with a balcony, it was a bit small for 4 people, but didn't hamper our trip at all because you really are only in the cabin to sleep.

Ports of call

New York, New York

3 out of 5

Port Canaveral, Florida

1 out of 5

Port Canaveral is a waste!!! Unless you pay for an excursion (which are approx 45 rides each way) there is nothing to do!!! All there is is the depot where taxis pick up and drop off....very disappointing!

Thumbs Up 5

Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas

5 out of 5

Beautiful beaches! I recommend you go around to the Blue Lagoon....is a much quieter and less crowded, yet is only a short walk back to the Straw market and bars.

Thumbs Up 3

Nassau, Bahamas

5 out of 5

3 Comments

cptelbow 9 years ago

We loved the Port Canaveral stop. We rented a car and went to the Kennedy Space Center on our own, much cheaper and very educational for my 10 year old daughter. To each his own !!

Thumbs Up 0

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Morrie 9 years ago

We have done this itinerary multiple times with both the Gem and the Jewel ( when it used to depart fromNYC) and Port Canaveral has some really awesome excursions .. My hubby loves the kayaking with Manatees trip.. I prefer to just catch the ride into the town, shop and walk along the lovely beach ( RonJons surf shop is always entertaining to watch the folks learning to surf )

Thumbs Up 0

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lbk1009 9 years ago

Port Canaveral is a gateway port to the Central Florida attractions. Disney, Universal, etc. There are several free beach parks just a short, cheap taxi ride away.

Thumbs Up 3

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Other reviews of this sailing

bad expereince w staff ship was nice

Staff training

New cruiser, pleasantly surprised!