We have had 5 cruises with NCL and all of them have been enjoyable. We research heavily and know just what to expect on each trip. This coupled with the attitude that we intend to enjoy ourselves has worked for us. We are friendly to all of the staff and it is usually reciprocated. This cruise did not offer the wow factor in excursions like Hawaii or Alaska but it was relaxing, pretty scenery, and we learned a lot!!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We found the check-in process to be very smooth and wait time was minimal.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
This was our 5th cruise on NCL and, as before, we found the variety and quality of food to be excellent. It was a 9 day cruise and we found plenty of variety in the main dining rooms to satisfy us. We also had 3 meals in specialty restaurants-2 in Cagneys and 1 in La Cucina. Cagneys was very good but La Cucina was disappointing, both in decor and quality of the meal.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
I splurged and got a thermal spa membership for the cruise and my wife got a facial and massage. We both loved our experiences. We did not engage in any of the other activities because we were on excursions every day.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
We went to 2 and a half shows. The swing show was excellent, as well as the comedian! We were very disappointed in the country show. It was way too loud and bordered on soft porn. The musicians and dancers in the shows were top notch!
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The staff on this ship is great!! From the dining halls to the room stewards and butlers, to the maintenance staff, they are all friendly and go out of their way to greet you every day. We had a problem with a light in our bathroom and it was fixed within the hour. We even got a call later to make sure we were taken care of. We stayed in a penthouse suite (not in the Haven) and the concierge was indispensable in helping to solve several problems with excursions and dining reservations!
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
We have been on similar ships and the layout of the ship is easy to navigate once you research the deck designs and study the signs. The ship was extremely clean.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
We were in a penthouse suite (10000). It is on the front of the ship and is our favorite place to be. The suite was clean, roomy, and very comfortable.
Ship tip
As many others have said: do your research! We knew pretty much what to expect on the ship and in the ports! Your attitude is what determines your enjoyment level.
The tour of the Scottish highland village was our favorite part of this excursion. The views are gorgeous and the layout of the village made for an interesting way to learn about the Scottish settlements.
This was our least favorite, probably because of the tour guide and schedule. We did the Harvard, Prudential tower, and Quincy Market tour. The bus left at 10:30 or 11:00 and we never had a restroom stop until the tower at 2:00. We rode around on the bus that was literally crawling through the city, trying to navigate countless traffic lights, all while the guide inundated us with so much trivia about the city that I tuned him out after a while. We never had a chance to eat lunch or even grab a snack until we were at Quincy Market at 4 P.M.
This is a beautiful place and we enjoyed the tours of the Breakers and Marble House. The tendering in and out of this port was very smooth and enjoyable.
Getting off the ship was smooth and fast, and getting our luggage and out to the bus was not too bad. The bus (not the fault of NCL) took us to the wrong terminal at the airport and we had quite a time navigating to the correct one on foot and with a shuttle.
We are going on the gem next year wondering if room 5028 has a Pullman bed that comes out of the ceiling or what do they do if there is a third person in that room
You are so correct about researching your shop and ports. Opinions of others is important but individual tastes are what count. I've enjoyed all my cruises because it's a break from life and I'm enjoying the time away. Don't make high expectations , be polite and friendly, throw a buck or two tip to the bartender once in awhile and you'll see great service, relax and have fun. If you don't like the food, order a different meal. Relax, relax, relax... And have fun!
Do you have to pay extra for cagneys and the le bistro we are going on the gem for the first time next year in October and it will only be our second cruise the first one was through royal Caribbean so this is the first ncl cruise we will be on
Thank you Vivienne!! I was on the Gem 10 years ago. I was afraid it had really changed. We have done the Breakaway twice recently and I want my husband to try the smaller feel of the Gem as a comparison.
@beth5865. The Gem is a wonderful experience been on her twice going again in November the shows are different each night, specialty dining Cagney’s and Le Bistro are the best many activities staff friendly and accommodating I am sure you will love the cruise. Debbie Downers don’t know what they are talking about
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