NCL Gem Panama Canal 21 days

Item: Norwegian Gem
Rating: 2.6
Author: loveddubia

Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America

loveddubia

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 4

Helpful Votes: 119

Overall rating:

2.6 out of 5

Verified Review

20 Night Panama Canal Westbound (New York To San Francisco)

Sail date: January 04, 2020

Ship: Norwegian Gem

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 9624

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

Going across the Panama Canal was interesting and I was glad I went but will never book another NCL cruise again.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Easy and quick

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5

I've taken many many cruises and the food on NCL Gem was the worse. We never had a problem getting a table at main dining room seats but the buffet was limited

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

The water from the pool is sea water from NYC. It was super cold!!!!

Entertainment

4 out of 5

Cruise director did a great job and very talanted. She even performed. The DJ was inexperience and should be replaced. Many people would leave once he would start. Also his pre recorded songs were terrible and outdated.

Children's Programs

1 out of 5

n/a

Service and Staff

2 out of 5

4 stars - Waiters in the dining room were exceptional 1 star - Our cabin steward did the bare minimum. I had to go get my own cream, sugar and coffee stirrer and also clean my own coffee filter.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Areas were clean and well maintained except for my balcony. Paint chips everywhere and every day.

Cabin / Stateroom

1 out of 5

Bed was very comfortable. The room was very, very , very dark at night. More ceiling lights would have helped. The full mirror was next to the bed so you can not really see yourself. I had to complain several times of very strong toxin paint odor in my room. I also could smell the fumes when the ship docked and my patio door was closed. They put a air filter machine and made the room super super cold and couldn't get the heater to work. Again, I had to call the front desk several times during my stay.