This was just my second cruise so I am still a newbie to cruising. I will cruise again for sure. Especially as a solo cruiser. Its so easy and I feel safer than if I were just traveling on my own. It would be great if I did not have to pay double for the cruise. I know that NCL has ships with solo cabins however why would I choose those inside tiny rooms? I love balconies and the chance to just relax and have a glass of wine in the evening or coffee in the morning in blissful surroundings and quiet.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
I had a NCL voucher for the trip to the port from Montreal airport. I should have checked before accepting that it was a 3 hour trip. After having traveled all day this just added to the exhaustion. I take responsibility for not checking on that but it would have been nice to have had that disclosed. Bus was late getting to the port due to some confusion on where the ship was docked.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
1 out of 5
This is only my 2nd cruise and my other one was with Holland America to Alaska in May of 2017. Buffets on both ships are comparably awful. No taste and sometimes cold. Most of the time there were no tables available to eat once I had chosen food in the buffet line. I ended up returning to my cabin to eat. When possible I ate at each port before returning to the ship. I did not go to the specialty restaurants because of added price and concern that food would be mediocre.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
These types of activities are of little interest to me or maybe the Gem did not have activities of interest. I am on the Getaway in January and am hoping that there are more options.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Loved Blazing Boots. I am a country and western fan and I thought this was a fantastic show. The acrobat show called Duo Wings was amazing and very touching to see how the two dancers worked together.
Children's Programs
No children
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
My room steward was fantastic. Her name was Joy and always remembered my requests and was consistently kind and welcoming. One thing I do have an issue with is the "washy washy" phrase that was said when entering the buffet area. I felt it was derogatory statement and was somewhat taken a back the first time it happened. I totally understand that the ship and crew are doing there best to keep virus contamination to a minimum but please come up with another phrase! "Welcome to the buffet, please accept this hand sanitizer spray." something that does not talk to me as if I am two years old.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Loved my cabin and the balcony. I spent a lot of time there relaxing. This cabin is one of those that has a more enclosed feel due to the "frame" around the balcony . I was concerned that it might obstruct my view but no worries, not only was my view obstruction free but I felt like I had a bit more privacy. No way cabins on either side can look over.
I went on the Island Drive & Anne of Green Gables excursion. The drive was beautiful. Anne of Green Gables I found to be a disappointment. Not much to see.
Went of the excursion Heart of The Island. Interesting to see the Scottish historical village and even to listen to our guide speak Gaelic. Beautiful drive.
Loved this port. I went on the Coastal Drive to Peggy's Cove and it was by far my favorite. Gorgeous charming fishing village and beautiful drive. I liked also that the ship was docked right at Halifax. It was fun to stroll down the boardwalk have a good lunch and shop before returning to the ship.
I went on the Kennebunkport & Scenic Cruise excursion. It was really cold that day so perhaps not the experience it could have been. However was really cool to see the guys pull up a blue lobster from the trap on the scenic cruise part.
Awful does not even cover how terrible this was. Getting off the ship was fine but when I asked where I would find the bus that was leaving for the American Airlines terminal I was told to go "Over there..." Over there was a mess of people with no clear direction and no signage. People were shouting directions and it was impossible to hear due to so many people. I just had to keep asking and asking which bus?, which bus? When I eventually found the correct bus the driver was day one on the job and got lost getting to the airport. I am so glad I had plenty of time.
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