Wonderful Bahamas Cruise on Gem

Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

ALS1214

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 30

Overall rating:

3.9 out of 5

7 Night Bahamas & Florida (New York Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 14, 2018

Ship: Norwegian Gem

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 10102

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

Traveled with my husband on his birthday. We had a wonderful time on ship and the weather was great. Seas were smooth and we enjoyed the balcony. Food and service on the Gem was really good and while the portions were small, it was good quality and served hot. The only gripe about the ship was the chair hogs and luke warm hot tubs. They are supposed to be hot. The buffet layout is a bit confusing making it hard to navigate with a large crowd. We only had breakfast once. The Grand Pacific has a great breakfast so we went there most mornings. All entertainment was really good and offered something for everyone. Prism was excellent and we enjoyed their sets at Magnums with drinks. Looking forward to going back on the Gem next year!

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Quick check in, but need to know beforehand that you check into access desk if you are mobility impaired BEFORE check in.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Food was served hot and the new menu is good. Minus a star for weak mixed drinks that are pre-made. If you want good martinis, Magnums is the place.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Everyone was polite and friendly!

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Design is clunky because you cannot access some areas from midship. Buffet design is confusing.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Ship tip

Make dinner reservations online. Main dining room fils up quickly for prime times and specialty restaurants book up after the first day.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

New York, New York

3 out of 5

Port Canaveral, Florida

3 out of 5

Not much to see or do. Florida Keys would be a better port.

Thumbs Up 1

Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas

4 out of 5

Small but very nice and clean. Water is so clear. Minus a star for sand that needs to be flattened. The beach is on a pitch and walking is hard as it is very uneven. I saw someone fall. Also the water drops off significantly. Not good if you cannot swim.

Thumbs Up 1

Nassau, Bahamas

4 out of 5

Went to Balmoral Island. Beach was great but serious price gouging for food and drinks! $20 for sandwich is ridiculous.

Thumbs Up 2