Great Itinerary

Norwegian Gem Cruise Review

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 11
Helpful Votes: 115

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5
Norwegian Gem

21 Night Panama Canal Eastbound (San Francisco To New York)

Sail date: January 24, 2020

Ship: Norwegian Gem

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 8516

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

Great itinerary. Staff marvelous as usual. Plenty to occupy you if that is what you want

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Very quick and efficient as long as you tipped the porters on the docks and let them take your luggage. Long queues for those who didnt

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5
Food on the whole good but occasionally in the main dining rooms the food was not hot enough. Buffet not big enough everyone searching for tables. Drinks excellent choice and great bar staff

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
We do nothing on a ship from choice but there seemed plenty to do if that is your thing

Entertainment

5 out of 5
We have never seen a show on a ship but enjoyed most of the live music

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Fabulous staff.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5
Ship excellent. Not enough seating areas inside for days when the weather not at its best

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
Fair size but a little tight to get in and out of bed. Enough storage.

Ship tip

Make friends with the staff in the poolside bar they are great

Ports of call

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

5 out of 5
We did close whale watching by zodiac it was more than 5 star What a fabulous experience it was the highlight of the whole cruise. At one stage 5 humpback whales around the boat so close we got wet when they "blew"

Puerto Corinto, Nicaragua

4 out of 5
No excursions just a wander. Too many hawkers trying to sell tours souvenirs etc

San Pedro (Los Angeles), California

3 out of 5
Did not do an excursion but had a walk. Not very clean

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

4 out of 5
Went on an excursion that took us on a short tour and then beer tasting in a small local brewery with tapas.

Puntarenas, Costa Rica

4 out of 5
Went on Pacific train,boat and bus adventure. Train terrible goes from an industrial estate to a slum. Bus ride ok. The boat was good we saw lots of birds and 2 crocs.

Kralendijk, Bonaire

5 out of 5
Did a tuk tuk tour very knowledgeable guide. Still had time for a walk after the tour

Cartagena, Colombia

5 out of 5
Did a carriage ride around the city. Very pleasant except we where in the last carriage and could not hear what the guide was saying

Oranjestad, Aruba

5 out of 5
Beautiful place had a nice walk along the beach

Santa Marta, Colombia

2 out of 5
Just had a walk around

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

3 out of 5
No excursions just a walk

San Francisco, California

2 out of 5
Did not feel safe

Panama Canal Transit

5 out of 5
Good experience

Willemstad, Curacao

5 out of 5
Great place for a stroll

Disembarkation

4 out of 5
Very slow. Long queues.
Was this review helpful? 11

2 Comments

cat2011    4 years ago

Nice review. I like the Gem.

Cruiserike0322    4 years ago

Thank you for your very nice review

Other reviews of this sailing