This was a really fun cruise! We enjoyed it and got lucky with the weather for the most part. Anytime we don't have to be at work, plan meals, cook, or clean, and can have some R&R alone with each other is always a good time!!
Embarkation
3 out of 5
This was the third time we sailed with Norwegian. Sailed from Boston and Seattle with really no embarkation complaints. On the day we sailed (4/21), we were in line for over an hour to check in. For some reason the line was moving very slowly that day.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
We generally went to the main dining rooms or specialty restaurants for dinner. The first two days, the garden cafe was quite hectic. This is the first time we had tried the specialty restaurants, and we especially enjoyed Cagney's. The surf & turf was wonderful. The chocolate lava cake never disappoints. We also enjoyed the grilled food at the pool deck on nice weather days. Overall, the food was delicious. Two complaints: The desserts at the buffet left a lot to be desired, and it was nearly impossible to find a chocolate chip cookie most of the time. However, there was an abundance of oatmeal raisin. This seems nitpicky, but my husband's favorite is chocolate chip. Otherwise, we enjoyed the food (and drinks!).
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
The staff are always working hard, although it seems as though the ship could use a few more helping hands. Most of the time common areas were clean. It is amazing to me the number of people, however, who make a mess and don't pick up after themselves.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Ship tip
When going to the buffet, find a seat before getting in line at the buffet. Then take turns getting your food. It is a little bit less stressful when you know where you're going to be sitting, rather than trying to find a seat with a plate full of food. Also, if there is a line at the bar outside, head inside & up or down the stairs, midship, to another bar. Ask for the drink in a plastic cup.
We were lucky enough to have beautiful weather for a beach day. We didn't find it crowded and there were enough beach chairs for everyone. We were glad we brought our water shoes because parts of the beach were a little rocky. The water was fabulous on the day we speant here. The food was enjoyable. We did the Wave Runners and had a great time. The "bad" part were the sea gulls near the food. Ugh!! For the most part, staff picked up all the empty dishes, etc. right away. However, some people feel they need to feed these birds, which just makes for a scene out of the Alfred Hitchcock film. Also, on the way back in from the island, on the tender, we seemed to just wait around on the boat, in the hot, hot sun, until the boat before use unloaded. I needed another dip in the water after that. All in all, a great day!
We've been to Nassau in the past, both by ship, and also stayed in a time-share at Atlantis. We hung out on the ship on the Nassau day. Atlantis is a great place, but we did not want to spend the amount of money it cost for 6 hours (at the most) in Atlantis, having been there before.
We enjoyed our time on the Gem. We've been on the Dawn and the Jewel in recent years as well. We would definitely go on these ships again. Great vacation overall!
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