The overall quality was less than before, especially the variety of food. At Le Bistro one of my favorite entrees was the duck. This year they only served a duck pate. Very few vegetables in dining room menus and less variety at buffet. The staff entertainment was very good but the outside entertainment was poor. No separate Haven dining room. Unless the ship has an overhaul I would prefer the newer, larger ships with separate Haven restaurant and better entertainment.
Embarkation
2 out of 5
Very confusing at terminal--my husband uses a wheelchair and was supposed to get special assistance, especially because we were in the Haven. Told to wait in area for someone to push his wheelchair but nobody came to assist us. I had to go and find someone to help us. This was the first time this happened to us when booking the Haven. Once we got to the Haven area in terminal everything was better.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
The food quality was less than on previous cruises on the Gem. We only had salmon on the menu once during the cruise. The food at the Orchid restaurant was terrible--the worst Chinese/Asian meal ever! The service at all restaurants was excellent.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
My children participated--we did not but they were available.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
The stage band and staff entertainment was very good. The outside entertainers were very poor. The two brothers from Ukraine were the worst--they mainly walked around and did very little gymnastics. Also the video of Ukraine was unnecessary as it didn't provide background for anything. Very disappointing. Stage show Swing was the best and all the entertainers in that show were excellent.
Children's Programs
We went with adult children.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The service was excellent and all were friendly and helpful. Our butler, Isidro Cruz, was outstanding.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
It was difficult to get from our cabin on the 14th deck to the Pacific restaurant with the wheelchair. There was only 1 elevator that went to floor 6 and we needed help to get that elevator. The common areas were clean. The toilet area in our cabin was too small and when getting up we often knocked off the receiver of the wall phone there.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The size was fine. We are short people and the bed was very high (to accommodate the luggage underneath) we needed a stool and should have requested one. The toilet area was too small and we often knocked the receiver off the wall phone placed there. The bedding was very comfortable and the cabin very clean.
Easy to get off the ship. We did an excursion Nassau by Land and Sea. It was very informative and interesting. Supposed to get (or purchase) snacks but only received a rum punch drink. There was no time to stop for lunch.
Our butler escorted us down and pushed my husband's wheelchair. We got a porter for the lugage and were taken to the correct area for our pick up ride. Found our luggage easily and were treated very well.
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