Not a ship I will cruise again! Casino may be the worst at sea!

We are active cruises usually 1 to two cruises per year. This was our 2nd time on the gem and we were hoping for better, it did not deliver, actually was worse. Left NYC on a Tuesday morning and from the start we were greeted with luse warm reception. There is definitely something going on with this ship, the entire crew is miserable with the exception of a few. I noticed most if not all the crew members seemed far too over worked, we would see them in the morning and then again working late into the evening. I know crews work long hard days but this seemed to the extreme. 

Starting with our cabin 11590, balcony suite, the most uncomfortable bed I have ever slept on. We has the Stewart but two pads and an extra comforter on it and it still was unbearable. We ended up asking for extra pillows and put them under the mattress. The food at most of the speciality restaurants was just ok, cagneys was very good and the Italian was awful. Entertainment was terrible, shows were very hokey and have not changed in years. Second city needs to retire from the ship. Buffet food which we never usually eat was horrible when we did try a couple times. 

Casino staff is the worst we have ever seen, we were on this ship with a casino cabin and usually gamble a considerably large amount. Not one staff member asked our names or ever introduced themselves.  When we attained Golden status we actually had to approach the desk and ask for new cards and to explain step up program. They had no idea who we were and it was day 7 or a 10 day trip,Every ship we have been on (15) have gone out of their way to find their top gamblers, the casino is small and very low key so it would have been very easy to find us. Not one dinner, bottle of wine or any other compensation was offered. The casino manager rarely comes out

from behind the desk and assistant manager is same way. Drink staff

on casino floor looks like the walking dead. The up side is the two

bartenders Kendrick and his female partner were amazing. The pool area was awfultimately service as well. If you wanted a drink or food you had to wait a very long time to find a waiter or just go to bar yourself, the entire line up of entertainment is hokey and very sub par at best. I would tell anyone looking to book to steer away from this ship!