NCL Improves its Menu, and House Band

This was our second cruise on the Gem since they introduced their new menu on April 1.  The meats in the main dining room are now as good as you will find on any of the premium cruise lines.  The house band's (Show Band) new musicians are a cut above what I have listened to in the past.

Surprised to find bar soap (our preference) in our balcony state room.

O'Sheehans Pub continues to disappoint in the quality of their meals, and the availability of the draught beers listed on their menu.

Procedure for clearing immigration at first US port (Portland in this case) needs to be reviewed.  It was 11:30AM before the last of the US citizens were free to enjoy themselves. If you were not getting off the ship in Portland, why couldn't this wait until we reached NYC and had to go through customs anyway.

Although the Gem went through refurbishing in the fall the carpeting in our room was stained in several places and could use a thorough cleaning.

We enjoyed the shows.  Cruise was a great value for us.

FS from NJ