I won't recommend the Gem nor will I return to the Gem. I have been on several other Norwegian ships, hopefully,this has not ruined me for future sailings on other ships.
Embarkation
2 out of 5
Misinformation, agent was not well trained, the entire process seemed unorganized.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
Buffets: Food was not good. Not well staffed, staff on duty seemed uninterested in helping, detected attitudes in some, poor communication due to language barriers. Inadequate seating for volume of people.
Specialty restaurants: Not as good as other ships. Food was subpar. Our reservations were handle extremely poorly.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
Pools are totally inadequate for the amount of passengers. People allowed to claim chairs as early as 6am for the entire day. As long as there was a towel on them, they were left vacant for 80% of the day. I watched many chairs left unattended for hours as the reservist went about activities on the ship. This is unacceptable behavior and should be monitored and discouraged. The wait staff at the pools were just about nonexistent. Had to go to the bar to get service and they were overcrowded and understaffed as well. Stood at the bar for a drink, the attendant couldn't even keep track of who was next and kept overlooking me, even when I raised my hand, he took someone who had just wanted up to the bar. I gave up and never got my drink. Never saw anyone on the rock-climbing walls. Fitness center was okay.
Entertainment
2 out of 5
The shows were lackluster and boring.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Some were nice, most were not. Unskilled, unfriendly, uninterested. The only good experience was the cabin steward, Abi. He was friendly, accommodating, remembered our names and was absolutely wonderful.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
I would see the same debris the next morning as I did the evening before in some areas. Overall, things were tidy, but not like I've experienced on other ships.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Just adequate. Nothing more, nothing less.
Ship tip
Stay away from the Spa. They are rip-offs. I was scammed, but luckily I received a credit.
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