It's hard to get back to the real world

Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to Canada, New England, New York

PFBALL

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 52

Overall rating:

5 out of 5

7 Night Canada & New England (New York Roundtrip)

Sail date: September 03, 2016

Ship: Norwegian Gem

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 9166

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

The stops in Canada were just ok. It wasn't fall yet so there were no fabulous colors to see. Saint Johns was just ok and I had visited Portland and Newport before on my own. Gift shops and sidewalk cafes. What else can I say ?

The ship and the crew were just great. Everyone there made it their goal to make sure everyone had a good time. Norwegian has free style dining so sometimes it looks crowded right after a show had let out but the line move quickly. There are always available tables in both main dining halls. Always.

We wandered around the ship most of the time in that there was always some type of entertainment going on. The stage shows were all 1st rate. No complaints.

The room was spotless and I was always seeing crew members cleaning everything on the ship. The word that comes to mind is ship shape.

The duty free shop was actually reasonable priced. Nothing at all like the airport duty free shops.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Good variety for every palette. There was always someplace open for snacks or meals.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

The shows were the same quality one would see in Manhattan for lots of money.

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

There were very few kids on board as this was the end of the labor day holiday. Most passengers were older people.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Every crew member made it their priority to be extra friendly and helpful.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Everything was ship shape.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

If you are spending too much time in your cabin, your not getting enough out of the cruise.

Ship tip

My travel companion was a smoker so they had a place to smoke their cigarettes. If they didn't have that option, they wouldn't have gone. The ship met all my needs. The dining and entertainment was all that I desired .

Thumbs up

Ports of call

New York, New York

3 out of 5

I live in the area so I have my own special biases. Mid town is expensive, Go downtown to the village area to enjoy less expensive dining and less crowds. Getting out of the city was difficult this time because the E train and the Path weren't operating. Try an off or off off Broadway show rather than pay the $150 for one of the big shows.

Thumbs Up 2

Halifax, Nova Scotia

3 out of 5

We drove out to Peggy's Cove and although it was picturesque , I didn't understand why the entire Provence of Nova Scotia was there when we were there. They have a nice waterfront, gift shops and sidewalk cafes.

Thumbs Up 2

Saint John, New Brunswick

1 out of 5

We walked over to the main attraction which was the reversing waterfall. It was like watching paint dry. Maybe the shore excursions were interesting ?

Thumbs Up 0

Portland, Maine

1 out of 5

We didn't do much. It rained some so we just had a few drinks at a local bar.

Thumbs Up 0

Newport, Rhode Island

5 out of 5

Gift shops and sidewalk cafes. The mansions a are impressive but i make my living looking at large impressive homes so it was another.....been there, done that.

Thumbs Up 0

6 Comments

mommawizakr 8 years ago

Drove ourselves to St. Martins seacaves. Go quick, eat before the buses get there. But be aware, my chowder was better. (Homemade always is... Lol) we also saw the reverse rapids, check the tide chart before you go. And btw there are 2 viewing locations, one upstream, and one below the bridge, ocean side.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

knr194 8 years ago

Going October 1st. Hope it's not to cold! Always have cruised to warm places.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

buchanandavid 8 years ago

Sounds great we will on it October 8

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

chillman141 8 years ago

There are ten of us leaving on the 24th of this month, hopefully more color. So far the Atlantic looks good. You didn't say anything about Halifax. Did you go to Peggy's cove, or the cemetery? On St. John did you get over to the bay of Fundy, reversing rapids or walk in the St. Martin caves? Just wondering.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

aprilt27 8 years ago

Two words. "Washy washy!"

Thumbs Up 2

Flag

mgalea 8 years ago

We have been contemplating doing a Canadian cruise and I think you answered some of our questions. We have never visited St. Johns, Newport or Portland and so we think we will do that during the Fall when we will see fabulous colors! We love the Gem and her crew so that is a plus. Thank you for your post. It wasn't nasty or sarcastic...just gave informed information.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Other reviews of this sailing

Canada & New England

Fun Trip

Wonderful trip!