Wonderful cruise. Staff more friendly and helpful than ever expected.

Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 10

Overall rating:

5 out of 5
Norwegian Gem

Sail date: August 25, 2021

Ship: Norwegian Gem

Cabin number: 8518

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 3 years ago

Review summary

I would highly recommend this cruise. The snorkeling was amazing in Belize and Cozumel. We had to divert to a different destination due to weather and the new destination - Belize City, was a bit run-down, but we had a nice time none the less. The planned destinations were excellent, however. The ship was perfectly clean (and being cleaned constantly), the service of the staff, especially Johnathan, our ship steward, and Henry, in the Sushi Bar, were outstanding among many excellent staff members.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Ok, the covid testing obligation stinks. However, given that it was in place, it was expertly handled.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
Service was top notch. Outstanding. Okay, the waiters didn't serve the oldest woman at the table first, some nit-picky stuff like that but, even still, the cruise service staff outshined every restaurant I've been to in the last few years.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
Entourage club - still a hit at age 16! The shows were great, especially Blazin' Boots.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
All shows were good, Blazin' Boots was the best of the bunch.

Children's Programs

5 out of 5
Even at age 16 the entourage club was a huge hit with our daughter and her friend.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Johnathan, our steward for rooms 8518 and 8519 was simply the best. After five cruises I can say we've never had better service and I'd even try to book a room in his section just to receive that service level again. Nobody more helpful on a cruise ship - ever.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Felt like an old hat since we've been on the Dawn and the floorplan, ship, and restaurants were all similar. Cleanliness was top notch. I observed the take down process for the buffet area at night and was super impressed at the attention to detail.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
First time having a balcony. Liked it. Wish there were a few more outlets and lighting at times. Johnathan, our room steward, was helpful beyond words. Service excellence for sure.

Ship tip

Read the fine print on the perks. Shore excursion credits are per room, not per guest, stuff like that.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Went much faster than I expected. Had time for breakfast and the process was as speedy as it could be.
Was this review helpful? 10

9 Comments

jec115    3 years ago

Thank you for reviewing your cruise in a timely manner.

AuntPinkie    3 years ago

Appreciate your review of a recent sailing. Glad you enjoyed your cruise.

Curt34    3 years ago

Glad you had a great cruise. Thanks for the review.

Judysdream    3 years ago

Thanks for the review. We will be sailing on her in Jan. 2023 for the first time and appreciate the info.

vli5    3 years ago

I'll be on the Gem myself in 3 days I can't wait and my room will be on deck 8 as well 8053 I'll be looking for Jonathan.

javawoody    3 years ago

Glad you enjoyed your cruise thanks for sharing

hollysmomtravel    3 years ago

💙

izrgreen    3 years ago

Thanks for sharing.

BOBANDSUSAN    3 years ago

Thanks for sharing… I look forward to our NCL Epic in 2022 and Prima in 2023 🛳🥂🥳