Skip the Spa!!!!

Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 52

Overall rating:

3 out of 5
Verified Review
Norwegian Gem

7 Night Bahamas & Florida (New York Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 13, 2016

Ship: Norwegian Gem

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 10167

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

The cruise was overall good.  The entertainment was very good...Nadeen Manuel, the SWING dancers, the dance contest, the club music were all AWESOME.

 

Downside, very few announcements in reference to returning to the ship when visiting Stirrup Cay and Nassau.  We had to keep asking other cruisers when we had to return to the ship. 

 

Restaurant menu could use more variety; some dishes were offered the entire week.  The food was mediocre.  Some choices were good; the fish dishes overall were overcooked and the steaks not tender. 

 

Last but not least, THE SPA is  a total sham.  You go in for scheduled pedicure and they did a terrible job.  Had to change my nail polish as soon as I got home.  These so-called professionals could not do a French pedicure....unbelievable.  The 18% surcharge is an insult.  I would like to tip based on service quality....so be it. The manicurists are nice and they are trained to talk a good game, however, their services are way below acceptable for the PRICE!

My biggest gripe was the SPA employees/massage/manicure/pedicure staff. They literally bully you into buying a ton of products that you do not really need and when they total up the bill, you end up paying over $300 for a massage!  They just don't take no for an answer and they have a slew of products that they swear you absolutely NEED.  I have had massages on cruises before and always loved them.  On this ship, I felt very uncomfortable. Seemed like a sales pitch for products from the minute you walked in.  Receptionist was not the friendliest.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
Not enough variety...fish overcooked, meat not tender (in restaurants). Buffett food EXCELLENT.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
Great play, comedy shows, dance contests, clubs, and Nadeen Manuel was awesome!!!!!!!!!!!

Entertainment

5 out of 5
Great performances and shows!

Service and Staff

1 out of 5
Tipped very generously to my cabin staff, not once were my sheets changed the entire cruise. Not good at all!!!!

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Great cabin. Comfortable king sized bed.

Ship tip

Make sure you don't get bullied into buying products you don't need in the Spa!!!! They are grossly overpriced. Spinnaker Lounge could have better seating to allow for more people...

Ports of call

New York, New York

5 out of 5

Port Canaveral, Florida

3 out of 5

Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas

5 out of 5
SUNSCREEN!!!! Water was amazing, so was the food and the facilities while there!

Nassau, Bahamas

5 out of 5
Same as above!!!!
Was this review helpful? 52

4 Comments

buckpasser    8 years ago

Everyone wants something for nothing. Here is a tip I go out of my way to compliment Director of Hotel Setvices if it is warranted. Their appreciation is always expressed

chillman141    8 years ago

It always amazes me when people complain about something that's their own fault for not paying attention, or researching before they leave on the trip, and then blame the cruise line.

mikenw9    8 years ago

Well said bups, you do not have go buy anything you dont want to and as you state, the Freestyle daily gives you all the information you need. Cruised NCL many times and always enjoyed the cruises.

bups    8 years ago

Everyday on every Norwegian cruise ship in the Freestyle Daily it clearly states exactly when all aboard is. Also as soon as the ship clears for passengers to go ashore the CD reminds everyone what time to come back aboard. You weren't paying attention and are trying to blame NCL. I'm not buying it. (What you should have said in the spa)

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