First Cruise Ever! (not the last)
Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas
7 Night Bahamas & Florida (New York Roundtrip)
Sail date: March 18, 2012
Ship: Norwegian Gem
Cabin type: Balcony
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 8 years ago
Review summary
Great introduction to cruising with NCL. Freestyle setup was attractive as we did not want the standard or stuffier pre-seating dress up etc experience. As we boarded we were greeted with a poolside Barbecue of chicken potatoes and veg. Unseasonable warmth allowed for jeans and t shirts while walking the ship and happily discovering our 2nd home Mandara Spa. Turns out the Gem is one of the few ships if not the only one to do the outdoor barbecue which is a really nice departure from dining rooms as it spreads out the crowds. Picked up spa passes in the first hour and a cold Blue Moon to settle in. Fellipe was our cabin steward and has set the bar for all who follow. Fantastic, friendly, service oriented at every turn of the ship. Being our first cruise we didn't see the value of the dining option until after we went to Cagney's and maybe Le Bistro for our special nights out to eat and decided yes, we want that all the time going forward. totally worth it. Made the rookie mistake of getting off at Florida for cocoa beach and yep, its Florida. Back on the boat. Got off an Nassau and didn't have a plan so we just wandered around a little and quickly figured out this was NOT the move and wandered back to port to purchase a hand rolled cigar to enjoy in the cigar bar aboard the Gem later. Excellent and we met up with a couple from Holland who was pleasant to chat with for an hour while we enjoyed our smokes. Stirrup Cay is a nice island spot, not much to look at in 2012 when it was still being built up but we are going back this year Dec 2016 and hear it is beautiful and finished now. Good water and beachfront, cute straw market but if you walk you can find a quiet spot for chilling out. Great 1st impression, well done NCL
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Mojito bar located inside Moderno across from Cagneys steakhouse. PRIMO!
Ports of call
Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas