great time on the gem

Item: Norwegian Gem
Rating: 4
Author: AnitaJ4

Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

AnitaJ4

Contributor Level: Second Mate

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 13

Helpful Votes: 360

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

9 Night Eastern Caribbean (New York Roundtrip)

Sail date: April 21, 2016

Ship: Norwegian Gem

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 9579

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

after a cruise on the breakaway last year we said no more ncl, but we gave them another chance. the gem is a very nice ship, the crew is friendly and helpful. it is not so big so it is easy to get around. the food was fine , however the buffet food was not very hot. it never seemed to crowded in the buffet.loved the shows, tim kaminiski is SO funny on and off the stage.all the ports were nice , wish we had more time in tortola .only negative was the totally out of control kids everywhere at all hours.parents seemed to just let them do what they wanted all cruise. this was not pleasant.overall the gem has renewed our interest in ncl and we would cruise with them again.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

the food was fine. we ate mostly in the main dine rooms. the magenta was smaller and quieter. o sheenans was never busy but every time you went there they said it was a 20 min wait because the kitchen was backed up. backed up with what? there was only 4/5 tables taken. this happened every time you went there.something is wrong there.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

we did not take part in many activities just relaxed

Entertainment

5 out of 5

lover the shows. tim kaminiski is so funny on and off the stage.

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

did not use

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

our steward teo was great also camplell in magenta is a real fun waiter

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

loved the ship, it was very clean, washy washy

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

cabin was small but ok for us. bed was nice the tv is quite small .it is hard to read it when you want to check out your acct on it. there should be a us sports network on all the tvs, all that was on all week was soccer and rugby!

Ship tip

the great outdoors on deck 12 is a real nice place to hang out

Thumbs up

Ports of call

San Juan, Puerto Rico

3 out of 5

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

5 out of 5

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

5 out of 5

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

5 out of 5

6 Comments

khadijahd 8 years ago

I'm another person happy to read this. I've sailed NCL twice: first time on the Spirit and second on the Breakaway last September. I did not want to sail NCL again after sailing on the Breakaway. my family decided to give it a try one more time on the Gem in July. Thank you!

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jleslie48 8 years ago

your experiences are exactly the same as ours: the breakaway is very disappointing, and the gem is spectacular. In fact I won't ever go on a 4000 passenger cruise ship ever again. We try and stay away from the buffet as much as possible. On a 10 day cruise we relax and enjoy ourselves at meals.

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basebill 8 years ago

Me and my wife sailed on the gym after it was refitted the ship is beautiful the crew is top-notch I found the food to be very good we paid for some upgrade dining but really didn't need to although the upgrade dining was better The entertainment was very good the islands are nice although my favorites where st. Thomas and st. Martin Tortola was a little bit random but the tour is great if you want to see the sights there's lots to see in Tortola

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anahil409 8 years ago

I was also happy to read this. First time on ncl. Have traveled other lines. Leaving from NYC in the 14th. This will be a very relaxing trip for my husband and I, with just one planned excursion, the resort for a day. So, happy cruising to everyone!

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doddser 8 years ago

Smaller ships are better more personal - my opinion

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lrecevuto 8 years ago

I was very happy to read this. My husband and I said the same thing and we are leaving on the GEM next week. I have been nervous about the trip.

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