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Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 63

Overall rating:

4 out of 5
Verified Review
Norwegian Gem

10 Night Eastern Caribbean (New York Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 01, 2016

Ship: Norwegian Gem

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 5539

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

First time with NCL Customer service great all staff were polite and helpful Loved the food So much choice BBQs Buffets and resturants Presentation excellent loved the Buffet specials The ships décor was really nice loved the waterfall effects in Bliss and the rolling wave carpet in Spinnaker Grand Pacific looked and felt 1920s I had done my homework and read many reviews before booking I know everyone has different tastes Definitly would not book in school holidays as too many kids I prefer relax We left New York had 3 days at sea which I loved I love being on the water the activities didn't really interest us but there was plenty to do if you wanted The pool area was really nice but such loud music from the bands we dipped in and out then went elsewhere ie outside garden café my favourite place with bar buffet and beautiful views and relaxing any time of day At night lit up with soft blue lights

Shame about the loud music by pool I like music and I like going for a dip but I don't want to be deafened by doing it Should have a quiet time in afternoon Many people like loud music but many don't also softer music would have been nice sometimes instead of waiting for the band to have a break Would definitely advise Beverage package even if you are tee total like me 2 drinks a day and you have your money back I loved the ice cream float drinks Kerwin made at Garden Café Dining package was included in our price as well two were disappointing but so much choice couldn't visit all Excursions expensive prefer book ourselves from the tourist info areas much cheaper I would have given 5 stars if I didn't have those small but important negative points Would we go again You bet

 

 

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
Excellent presentation Lots of choice Favourite place Cagneys and Brazilian resturant Both was soooo good Went twice Fave dessert English trifle in Buffet was Spot on Cheesecake in OSheens was yummy I used to go in afternoon just for coffee and cheescake Loved the specials in Buffet area fave was Seafood night but so much choice all day every day Food in Buffets and elsewhere tasted and looked great Was not impressed with Japanese restaurant nor French French is delicate everything we ordered was swimming in sauce affecting taste BBQs outside lunchtimes were also really good

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
There was plenty to chose from but we did not wish to participate We just like being on a boat

Entertainment

5 out of 5
In general very good Comedian was a bit dated but still funny The trapeze duo were fantastic as were Tenors of Rock The finale show was also very well done Variety for all

Children's Programs

Did not apply to us

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
All crew members for us were polite and helpful Always so busy but always finding time to help If something was lacking and you asked they gave Customer service was very very good Favourite member of Staff Kerwin in Outdoor Garden Café always busy always smiling very helpful

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Loved the décor as mentioned above everything was really clean and kept very clean and tidy

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Once again staff were very good Loved the animal towels Toilet area was small but I sat on side Very clean Mattress was really comfortable could have been brand new slept soundly

Ship tip

From my view Excursions were expensive can find from tourist info centres ashore So much food choice paying extra for restaurant not a neccessity but drinks package is a must Don't book in school holidays this doesn't mean no kids just hopefully not so many Take ear plugs if you wish sit by pool

Ports of call

New York, New York

5 out of 5
We arrived day before so caught a passenger ferry boat to view Statue of Liberty

San Juan, Puerto Rico

5 out of 5
Turn left at port take a casual walk along the broadwalk by the waters edge to the fort its not far lots of flowers to see birds diving into the water and a few points of interest en route

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

5 out of 5
Again we walked into town very nice lots of little shops to browse in

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

5 out of 5
Took a zodiac boat trip from ashore to well known beach where the airplanes landed about 1and half hours Again we walked into town nice beach loys of little shops

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

5 out of 5
Not much time here Shame Take a island trip great views Info desk close to port The town itself is dusty as building work going on when finished will be nice
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2 Comments

mcuskley    8 years ago

Good thoughtful  review, especially about shore excursions which we don' t do on the Caribbean destinations.  Reconfirmed many of our positive opinions, we became "Norwegians" after our first ever cruise on the Star in 2012.

Nine cruises total on NCL now.  Really enjoyed Jan 22 embarkation of Gem from NYC, we just missed the storm.

misssuzier    8 years ago

Everyone is different... Like I think there should have been more poolside live music ... So I guess they have to be somewhere in the middle

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