good ride for the money

Item: Norwegian Gem
Rating: 3.5
Author: seatom

Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to Bermuda

seatom

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 30

Overall rating:

3.5 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Bermuda (Boston Roundtrip)

Sail date: May 17, 2019

Ship: Norwegian Gem

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 10148

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

ncl offers a good value for the money. the sail away option is a smart way to get onboard for a very good price. the ship handles the number of passengers well and outside of the disembarkation process there is very little waiting in line. the crew/staff is attentive, the rooms adequate, the food options very good and the experience good overall. its not a viking or crystal cruise line but it gives you good value for your money and offers families a chance to enjoy a cruise experience without breaking the bank.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

smooth, well organized and speedy

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

food and service in the two main dining rooms were very good and attentive. buffet was very good with wide variety of foods. options for ethnic, vegetarians and traditional diets on a daily basis

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

while the gym, climbing walls and pool areas were adequate, the size of the ship limits the amount of activities it can offer.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

the theater was impressive in size and the shows offered were somewhat limited. lounge entertainment , games and music were varied and enjoyable

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

staff is attentive and friendly. many of the staff went out of their way to make sure our needs were met. room stewards were invisible, they work quickly and efficiently and outside of greeting you by name when they met you in the hall, we hardly saw them

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

the ships layout is what one would expect of a ship this age and size. it was comfortable, clean and well maintained.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

the cabin was clean and bright. its size, again, is determined by the size of the ship. there was more than enough room for 2. missing was a desk and chair area that we have become used to in our other cruise experiences

Ship tip

whenever possible, grab your buffet meals and head out to the back deck. it is the gem of the Gem. also the spinakker lounge early in the morning is a great place to go for a quiet spot with great views. dont pass up the free ferry to st. georges

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Royal Naval Dockyard, West End, Bermuda

4 out of 5

traffic moves efficiently through this crowded area. very nice place to sit and view the cruise port activities.

Thumbs Up 3

Disembarkation

2 out of 5

as good as it can get with the size of the ship. its a better bet to let the porters take your bags the night before and enjoy a leisurly brkfst than try to take your own bags off. unless you like waiting in line.