Good trip.

Item: Norwegian Gem
Rating: 4.3
Author: sonofacruiser

Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

sonofacruiser

Contributor Level: Second Mate

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 8

Helpful Votes: 129

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5

11 Night Southern Caribbean (New York Roundtrip)

Sail date: November 15, 2018

Ship: Norwegian Gem

Cabin type: Suite

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

It was a good trip. Best parts 1. We started the trip while it was snowing in NY. 2. The captain did a slow, 1 mile pass of the the Pitons which are two mountainous volcanic plugs, volcanic spires on St Lucia, which lasted the entire evening. The water was dead calm, no wind, and at low speed it was silent outside. It was awesome. GREAT CREW as is my experience so far with NCL. A cruise is what you make it. I love just being on the sea so I have very low expectations as long as the ship is moving, and having a balcony does help. If wall to wall activities is your thing you may want to try a bigger ship.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

From curb to boat less than 30 minutes. Checking in on line a must.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

NCL is not known for there food, and this trip was no exception. I did not starve so 3 stars.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

I found the wake up, eat, drink, nap, eat, drink, sleep activities to be more than adequate.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Best russian "comedy" dance duo, a must see.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Service was great as always. Our room steward was on top of his game always clean towels and clean room.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

She is a bit older than her sisters.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Great room. Great shower pressure.

Ship tip

I thought everyone knew about the fish on the carpet on NCL ships, but I met one who did not know and was lost. The fish swim forward on the carpet in the hallways.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

San Juan, Puerto Rico

5 out of 5

Basseterre, St. Kitts

5 out of 5

Castries, St. Lucia

4 out of 5

The economic and political issues are beginning to show on the streets. Lots of unemployed men just hanging around. The atmosphere in town seem a little tense. Not scary just a little tense.

Thumbs Up 3

Bridgetown, Barbados

5 out of 5

St. John's, Antigua

5 out of 5

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

5 out of 5

Disembarkation

4 out of 5

NCL did a good job getting everyone off the ship. On a side note US customs and Border Protection did a good job for only having four officers handling the 2500 plus of us. It was about a 1 1/2 hour wait in line, with all luggage in hand, yes all 2500 of us zig- zagging through the terminal carrying 11 days worth of our stuff. Could not use cell phones, and no bathrooms until you are out of customs. It was a little crazy