Amazing and Breathtaking!

Item: Norwegian Gem
Rating: 4.4
Author: ktharmon1

Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to Bermuda

ktharmon1

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 43

Overall rating:

4.4 out of 5

7 Night Bermuda (Boston Roundtrip)

Sail date: May 17, 2019

Ship: Norwegian Gem

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 4576

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

We enjoyed it. Bermuda is breathtaking and amazing! I would have loved to have seen more entertainment on the boat. Coming from the Breakaway, where there are comedy clubs or more lounges, it fell a bit short. I didn't care for the smoking area by the stairs....if you come up or down those, you walk right into a cloud of smoke. It's gross. More attention also needs to be paid attention to to people that vape. They were vaping in non smoking areas. Overall, it was a fun cruise. I honestly can't wait to go back in 2021. Bermuda is 100% well worth it!!!

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Most of the staff was fantastic and super friendly. The desk associate checking us in was a bit grumpy/rude. I was listening to other reps around us and they were welcoming the passengers back, wishing them a good trip. We got none of that. "Here are your keys...go wait over there". Whatever.....lol

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

We wouldn't do the specialty restaurant package again. Being a vegetarian, my options were very limited. We went to Tempanyaki, Moderno, and LaCucina. My kids were excited for the hibachi experience, but it wasn't as exciting as the one near us. Plus they ordered off the menu and had to pay full price to eat the hibachi. Being that they are kids, they didn't eat a ton and it wasn't worth the $71.11 I had to pay for them. Moderno was ok. My husband and kids enjoyed the food. The sides were "ehh" and the salad bar could have used more veggie options. LaCucina was good. We enjoyed the buffet. Lots for all of us to pick from. We had a bad experience in O'Sheehan's. The waiter we were given got mad at us when he asked us what we would like for drinks and only ordered lemonade as we don't drink. He was so pissed he actually stopped serving us and we got another waiter. lol. The food wasn't bad but the kids didn't like theirs. The hot dogs were non kid friendly.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

Pools were nice. Could have used more water in the kid pool to make sitting on the side worth it. My kids loved the slide, but not sure if it needs more water pressure as my husband struggled to keep the momentum moving. He actually had to push himself down. My youngest LOVED the rock wall. And we enjoyed the oversized Checker board! Would love to see a chair holding policy put in place. Many were saved by 8-9am and never used!

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Amazing performers. We loved the shows. Wish we had more time to go see the comedian but we got busy and tired when his shows were on.

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

Went the first day....wasn't given a tour besides come sit here, my kids were under-impressed and chose not to come back. Plus we didn't care for the "if you lose or damage your wrist band, you will be charged $5 for a replacement". My daughter has major sensory issues so for her to have to wear a scratchy band for an entire week, was a bit too much to ask. They decided that spending time at the pool was more fun.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Love the security team. They were fun, attentive, and loved to joke around with me. Most of the staff was great and friendly. We only had that one issue with a waiter in O'Sheehan's as described above. But everyone was always happy and willing to say hello.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Being an older ship, there were areas of rust and wear, but overall it is well cared for.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Size wise, a bit small for a family of 4. But we made it work. It was always clean. Beds were a bit hard .... actually really hard. Mostly felt like the mattress was worn out and thin. We had issues with the pull out cot from under the bed. Kept collapsing on us. Actually 3 times. Luckily no one was hurt and it got comical after awhile.