Amazing Panama Canal

Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 54

Overall rating:

4.2 out of 5
Verified Review
Norwegian Gem

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

Sail date: January 04, 2020

Ship: Norwegian Gem

Cabin number: 4119

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

My daughter and I had a great time on this cruise. There was plenty to do, plenty of down time, exciting new places to visit, good beaches and good food.

Embarkation

4 out of 5
went quickly and got to go right on board

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5
Food was quite good. There was usually a good option for my vegetarian daughter.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
There was always something to do. We really enjoyed the fun cardio dance class . Jeff was an amazing instructor! We enjoyed the beginning bridge class. The fitness center had plenty of equipment for all of the people using it.

Entertainment

4 out of 5
There was a lot of talent and variety on this cruise. There were only a couple that we did not enjoy but that was more of a personal preference thing, not the performers.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5
EVeryone was very nice. With freestyle dining you don't get to know the dining room staff and they aren't as friendly. We met two wonderful young women , Rechelle and Althessa up at the buffet.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
The ship was very clean and I thought it was quite lovely.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
It was very clean and plenty of space. Quite attractive really.

Ship tip

Check the menu in the dining room and look at the buffet to chose your dinner each night. No need to go to the specialty dining. Food is fine

Ports of call

New York, New York

5 out of 5
It was easy to get to and we loved seeing the Lion King.

Kralendijk, Bonaire

3 out of 5
WE could walk to the beach and it was fun to walk around.

Oranjestad, Aruba

4 out of 5
Beach to walk to and some shopping .

Santa Marta, Colombia

5 out of 5
We took the excursion to the indian preserve. It was beautiful, had an informative guide and great to learn about the culture.

Cartagena, Colombia

4 out of 5
Took an excursion of the old town. It is a beautiful old city.

Panama Canal Transit

5 out of 5
It was amazing to see how it all works and to think of the engineering feat that it is!

Puntarenas, Costa Rica

5 out of 5
We had an excellent skywalk and river cruise excursion. Beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Puerto Corinto, Nicaragua

2 out of 5
We took a tour of Leon. Saw a beautiful church but then left on our own. A long bus ride.

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

5 out of 5
We took the macadamia nut farm tour. Very interesting, great company to support because they give to the community and great macadamia nut pancakes!

Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa, Mexico

5 out of 5
We walked to a beach, felt very safe and thought it was a beautiful city.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

4 out of 5
Walked easily to a beach.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

4 out of 5
We did the 3 in 1 tour. They took us out to see Los Arcos, we got lucky and saw humpback whales, then we went to a bay and snorkeled. There were also ski scooters, kayaks and paddleboards to use. It was beautiful.

San Pedro (Los Angeles), California

3 out of 5
It's hard to get to anything.

Santa Barbara, California

5 out of 5
very easy walking and a beautiful town. Visited a couple of wineries right in town.

San Francisco, California

4 out of 5
Good location to visit Fisherman's Wharf.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
very easy, carried off our luggage.
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