This would have been one of my favorites but...

Item: Norwegian Gem
Rating: 4.6
Author: Keenan70

Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Keenan70

Contributor Level: Cruise Director

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 3

Helpful Votes: 100

Overall rating:

4.6 out of 5

Sail date: January 14, 2018

Ship: Norwegian Gem

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 9165

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

Now for the bad, there was a large group of at least 1200 people on the ship. The name of the group was Groan and Sexy. They completely took over the ship and were so loud the rest of the passengers did anything they could to try and escape to a quiet space. They made the cruise unenjoyable. There were some many private events day and night, that we didn't get to visit our favorite locations on the ship many times. It is my understanding that his group has an open lifestyle and from the groans and noise I heard from the cabin next door I can assure you that, that is probably an accurate statement. I did end up having to call security on them at one point. Also, the only day that the weather was good on this trip and we could be around the pool, this group decided the rules didn't apply to them about the number of people that could be in the hot tub and one lady was even smoking a cigar. No one ever came over and told her to put she could smoke in the hot-tub. You could never get to the bar in the Atrium because they were always gathered around the bar screaming and wouldn't let anyone else in to get a drink. The wait staff couldn't keep up, so forget someone coming around to ask you if you needed anything. I understand that they are in the business to sell out the ship. However, when you have a group that large that it should be required for them to buy out the entire ship. NCL should really give the passengers that were not a part of this group some type of concession. There are no words to convey how awful, inconsiderate and rude this folks were.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Very organized and easy process.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

The main dining room is still lacking. The food in the specialty restaurants is excellent and loved the breakfast in the buffet.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Deal or no deal, trivia, bingo. The bingo is a rip-off and too expensive! You are going to give $2,000.00 away, but you have to hit bingo on the next number that is called. Oh, and then you aren't really giving away $2,000.00 until the last day. Then $5,000.00 comes in to play on the last day, but same old same old! Does the term bait and switch mean anything to you?

Casino

2 out of 5

Why can't they be smoke-free?

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Enjoyed the two shows we saw.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Much improved!

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Love this class of ship and the recent updates are great!

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

The bed was very comfortable and we had plenty of room.

Ship tip

Try all the specialty dining places.

Thumbs up

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

We did a tour of NOLA after and this made getting off the ship super easy!

8 Comments

NeelieRedNeval 6 years ago

We have done NCL many times and find them very clean. Carnival Victory on the other hand was a pig pen of filth. I saw wait staff throw trays of dishes and food on a pile. Stuff fell on the floor adding to the refuse already on the floor, and staff members just walked through and over the garbage. I have found that NCL is clean.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

majmom96 6 years ago

I would certainly consider another cruise line. At least one with a higher cleanliness rating. 🍸

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Keenan70 6 years ago

I can assure you the scabies has pushed me over the edge. My body has been infested and it could take 4 to 6 weeks to recover fully. I contacted the cruise line because it really needs to be treated. They said it would be 15 days before they would be back in contact with me.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

majmom96 6 years ago

Sorry, I guess it was the comment “NCL should really give the passengers that were not a part of this group some type of concession.” that had me confused.🤔

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

Keenan70 6 years ago

No, they don't owe me anything. I said if a group this large is coming on the ship and going to have private events during the day in places others would like to go. NCL should make groups of this size rent the entire ship. Also, I got infested with scabies on this cruise and am still trying to recover.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

majmom96 6 years ago

I’m not sure I agree that NCL owes passengers not part of this group any concessions. What you’re implying is that NCL should “screen” passengers that they sell to or that NCL is responsible for poor behavior. Not sure that’s what you really want to have happen. They are not responsible for the rudeness of this group, other than enforcing certain ship policies. But unfortunately there are no policies against selfishness and rudeness. I’m sorry this happened and ruined your cruise, but it does highlight the importance of checking with the cruise line in advance to see if any large groups are booked on the cruise you’re considering. It could help with future booking decisions. 🍸

Thumbs Up 4

Flag

IkeDeb 6 years ago

That is ashame. I am so sorry you experience this. I agree with chircop. Hopefully, you will never experience this again.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

chirocop 6 years ago

Vacation should be a time to relax and enjoy, but respect is a lifestyle. This sounds like disrespect at an unusually high level. I hope this doesn't turn you off to cruising. We've been on cruises with large groups and organizations, but never experienced this. So sad that people can be inconsiderate.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag