Gem still delivers

Item: Norwegian Gem
Rating: 4
Author: greekcruiser

Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to North America

greekcruiser

Contributor Level: Third Mate

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 25

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

Verified Review

New York, USA / New York, USA

Sail date: September 24, 2016

Ship: Norwegian Gem

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 11036

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

The NCL Gem is a comfortable ship. It's not as big as the newer ships, which is good ecause it allows you to get around faster and familiarize yourself with all venues available. Staff is always friendly and the atmosphere onboard is upbeat. It is newly redone and the changes are all positive. I recommend going to the specialty restaurants. The Gem provides a pleasant getaway. I cruise on it at least oncea year. It is like an old friend!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

The food is good, but I didn't like the fees that were added to the regular dinner menu. Also, they've eliminated lobster night. Specialties very good.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

I like the activities, especially trivia and evening games, however would like more games and organized activites during the day, especially on sea days.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Excellent shows. This group of entertainers were exceptional. Loved production show SWING.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Very clean. Pleasant, helpful staff,

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Love the new design, except carpecting at elevators is distracting for people with balance issues. It is easy to get around the ship and venues are always clean.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Rolando, my steward, kept my room immaculate. Rooms are comfortable. Tubs in mini suites can be daunting for people with knee problems. Climbing over high tub to shower was difficult.

Ship tip

Chairs in lounge outside Le Bistro are arranged in groups of four around a cocktail table. Every night, people had to turn and move the heavychairs to listen to piano performer. If a couple sits in a cluster, two chairs remain unused. Perhaps chairs can be arranged in groups of two and some in four.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

New York, New York

5 out of 5

Halifax, Nova Scotia

5 out of 5

Portland, Maine

5 out of 5

Newport, Rhode Island

3 out of 5

4 Comments

jchrist 8 years ago

Husky, I did the exact same itinerary last year and here's exactly what I did: Puerto rico..Rainforest excursion then shopped in town St thomas.. I did the st John champagne, snorkel and catamaran excursion in the morning then screaming eagle speed boat in the afternoon. St martin.. I took a taxi to orient beach in the morning then did the Mirabella catamaran and snorkel excursion in the afternoon Tortola I did the Virgin Gorda baths excursion. Let me tell you that I have no other cruise as of yet to compare it to but my vacation last year was absolutely flawless and perfect! I LOVED every excursion I booked. My favorite was st thomas by far. I booked everything through NCL. I didn't care too much for orient beach as the waters were rough, the beach was covered in sea weed and the peddlers were annoying (also a few older.. quite older.. naked people roaming the beach) but I've heard others say orient beach is the best beach they've ever been to. It's all in a matter of taste and what you prefer I suppose.

Thumbs Up 1

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huskydebs 8 years ago

I'm booked on the gem 7th Feb so excited can you recommend any excursions please

Thumbs Up 1

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kathyd193 8 years ago

I agree. The Gem feels like home. Going again in April.

Thumbs Up 0

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jchrist 8 years ago

I loved the gem! Was an amazing first cruising experience for me!

Thumbs Up 0

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Other reviews of this sailing

Needed more sea day activities

New England, Canada 9/24/16

More for the older crowd