Not recommended

I cannot recommend the Norwegian Gem!  The ship is recently refurbished but HVAC brought on asthma/bronchitis.  Maybe mold circulating?  We expected an inclusive experience, instead we felt extra costs were at every turn. 

We had prepaid a dining package for the specialty restaurants but were horrified to find menus in the main included restaurants with choices that would cost $20 or more extra. Norwegian even charged for taking a tour of the ship. Included in main dining-room were cheaper choices like spaghetti.  Food must be a big draw though for we (as longtime cruisers) have never seen so many obese people on one ship. Buffet gave good choices but when husband got sick & I had to take 3 meals per day, I had to cram a plate with all choices for no trays available. Best specialty restaurant was Chinese.  Japanese very noisy with good show.  Italian had gristly veal.  Brazilian rushed food at us when we wanted to dine.

Nightlife and Daytime life?

1.       Ship has loud music throughout bars, lounges, restaurants. Socializing difficult.  Husband hard of hearing but hearing aids forced off to deal with high ambient noise.  We had to take tables of 2. We could not share larger tables for he was not able to talk & listen.  We were together 24/7 without meeting new companions.

2.       Entertainment in Stardust Theater was very good but theater so cool some days we needed sweater, jacket and winter coat, plus hats.

Best experiences?

1.       Wait staff everywhere.  Especially kind was a St Lucian waitress in the Brazilian Restaurant!

2.       Internet Café Manager Anna D’cunha gave kind and excellent advice & help with wi-fi on everyone’s equipment and listened politely and tirelessly to problems which were out of her control due to the nature of ship wi-fi!

3.       Excursion to Virgin Gorda Baths & Snorkel with boat ride, crawling under & over rocks & snorkeling sights.