Disappointed

Item: Norwegian Gem
Rating: 2.6
Author: bbmyers

Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to Canada, New England, New York

bbmyers

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 72

Overall rating:

2.6 out of 5

7 Night Canada & New England (Quebec City To Boston)

Sail date: October 11, 2019

Ship: Norwegian Gem

Cabin type: Oceanview

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

Took the fall cruise to celebrate our 50th anniversary and to enjoy the foliage. Foliage was beautiful; cruise ship disappointing; some ports enjoyable but a lot of the shops in towns were closed so you were forced to shop at the limited touristy things at the dock. Did a lot of walking, saw some interesting architecture. If your going for the foliage, yes. If your going for the port calls, go in September; if your going for the cruise, take another ship.

Embarkation

3 out of 5

Over an hour delay waiting in ‘holding area’.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5

Main dining: fair to poor depending on the entree. Buffets: same ole, same ole.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Bingo: expensive! and sort of boring. Shows: get a new choreographer! Music was good but the dance routines, agh. Game shows: cruise director Freddie made those worthwhile. In general, better trained staff and a lot more variety. Everyday, same thing.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Again, music was good; choreography needs help; stage shows so-so. One day only for the magician and comedian. No fore planning for the weather preventing stop in Portland so the extra day at sea was obviously a scramble.

Children's Programs

No children with us.

Service and Staff

2 out of 5

Had only one waiter who seemed happy to be there. The rest of the wait staff, including the hostess’, seemed more like robots who never smiled. Room stewards - our room wasn’t cleaned some days until late afternoon, trash didn’t get emptied daily nor did we get a daily vacuuming. AND WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CUTE TOWEL ANIMALS?

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Design was like always - meant to direct traffic to the money making areas. Cleanliness was a stand out— all the tables were clean, floors were always neat, bathrooms were well kept.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Not the cabin we asked for but that was the booking agents fault not the cruise line. However, the TV kept going in and out, bathroom design was terrible! Could barely move in there. The only option to sit was on the bed or the awful little vanity stool. The lighting above the vanity was awful!! So dim. And again, what happened to the towel animals?!!