Norwegian Gem Cruise Vacation

Item: Norwegian Gem
Rating: 4.7
Author: char26281

Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

char26281

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 16

Overall rating:

4.7 out of 5

10 Night Southern Caribbean (New York Roundtrip)

Sail date: March 08, 2019

Ship: Norwegian Gem

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 9013

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

Our cruise was good. We had a couple hiccups on day one but all in all, it was very relaxing and we enjoyed the beaches we visited in the ports and had a wonderful time seeing the islands.

Embarkation

1 out of 5

We arrived at the NY pier at our assigned time and so did everyone else. It was a lot of standing in lines and then we were last to be called to board so there was no reason for us to be there at our assigned time. It made no sense. When we finally boarded the ship , it was way past lunchtime and all the sit down restaurants were already closed. We went to the buffet and there was not a place to sit with our food in hands. It was craziness and not a nice way to begin a vacation, in total chaos and frustration. At any rate, we found a spot in the handicapped section and felt guilty the whole time we sat there even though the steward told us to.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

The food was great. The main dining rooms were the best. We did not go to any specialty restaurants. The buffets were plentiful and busy most of the time. Because of that we often chose to go to the main dining room for lunch when we were on the ship during that time

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

We did not do a lot of activities on the ship because it all costs extra money to play. My son played in the the arcade and it cost almost $100 because we were too late to buy the week unlimited . Apparently you have to purchase that the day you get on the ship. We found out later. We spent lots of time on the deck enjoying the sun and the pool entertainment. Finding a chair that did not have a towel on it was next to impossible. But it was nice to see the stewards putting stickers on loungers and removing towels if patrons did not return within an hour freeing up a chair. It is such a waste to see half the chairs empty and then people wandering around trying to find a chair to sit on when in reality there is all kinds of chairs to sit on. When will the ship and resorts make a rule of first come, first served and if you aren't in you chair it is free for someone else??

Entertainment

5 out of 5

The entertainment was very good and did not tire of the musicians or shows. The comedy nights were great and the production staff did amazing job on the Blazin Boots Show.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

The staff were always friendly and courteous and eager to help. The were always smiling and went out of their way to make you happy!

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

This ship was very easy to get around and I did not find myself getting turned around or lost!!

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Our cabin was small but we were able to keep it neat and tidy even with three people. Some times we had to shuffle to get to where we each wanted to go but the room was comfortable and the bathroom was big enough and had enough storage space for all of our stuff. The closets and shelves were sufficient for our clothes and shoes. We were able to put our suitcases under the bed stacked inside each other. The bed was comfortable and had a good night's sleep every night.

Ship tip

Bring your own thermos or travel mug and fill up with coffee/tea at the outdoor Top Side bar in the early morning. Saves time and headache when you go for breakfast at the busy buffet.

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