Finally able to cruise again! Success!
Norwegian Gem Cruise Review
Contributor Level:
Second Mate
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 105
7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)
Sail date: September 05, 2021
Ship: Norwegian Gem
Cabin type: Suite
Cabin number: 11632
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 3 years ago
Review summary
Having had our original cruise on the Norwegian Encore to Bermuda canceled from April 2020, and rescheduled 4 different times to 3 different itineraries, it was a relief to be able to finally take our long anticipated vacation. That being said, due to the pandemic, there were fears present that were quickly dissolved due to the precautionary measures taken by NCL. We can still cruise and stay healthy while being able to enjoy our hard earned money by vacationing safely!Embarkation
NCL booked our transfers from the airport and all went smoothly, however, would have given 5 stars if we had gotten to pier earlier. 1st bus which we were supposed to be on in order to make it for our scheduled check in time was full and we had to wait an unexpected 30 minutes for 2nd bus. That being said, we were able to start check in process as soon as we arrived. They were very organized...CVS Caremark did pre-boarding tests and although they forgot to post my number as cleared....scared me a bit....turned out to be an oversight and upon asking, was cleared to proceed with check in. Then after check in, my card did not work to board the ship...another small bump. I did not let any of this ruin our long anticipated vacation. We boarded the ship, ate lunch, checked out our room and then explored the ship. Although there was not a lot of people social distancing, there were signs and verbal reminders throughout the process. It was a comfort in knowing they were only allowing vaccinated guests onboard.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Drinks: we had gotten the drink package and were expecting watered down or weak drinks for cost saving reasons, that was absolutely not the case. The drinks were great! Mind you we are not huge drinkers but do enjoy them when on vacation.
Buffet: the variety was good, we were a little surprised that the staff was not serving the food and that it remained self serve as it was pre-covid. That being said it seemed like the same items from day to day, would have been nice to have a little more variety. Meat seemed to be a bit dry at the buffet and grill areas.
O'Sheehans Bar & Grill, 24 hour complimentary sit down meals: The food was good and always fresh. Menu varies with blue plate special daily.
Main Dining (Grand Pacific): These meals were included in the cost of the cruise, menu differs daily, open for breakfast and dinner. Due to low capacity of passengers on ship, we were able to get a window seat each meal we had here. Great job by all staff, from hostess to wait staff, cooks and management. Superb!
Specialty Dining: We had the 2 meal Specialty dining package and ate at both Moderno Churrascia and Cagney's Steak House and both were top notch. Absolutely delicious and varied menu items to satisfy all tastes.
Onboard Activities
We played lots of trivia games and won a few prizes, played deal or no deal, saw several shows, played large checkers game on deck, did lots of swimming, played slots in the casino and instead of taking elevators tried to walk the decks and up and down stairs to work off all the food we were eating. Would have been nice to have a waterslide to add to the water activities. We did not try the Rock climbing wall or gym during cruise.
Entertainment
Performances were entertaining and quite enjoyable. The performers appear to enjoy what they do and give their all. The acrobatics performers on the 5th night of the cruise were phenomenal, it was a husband and wife team and they were incredible. The singers, pianist, comedian and cruise director did a great job keeping us entertained. There was always something going on and never short on something to do while cruising.
Service and Staff
Especially having been one of the first cruises to sail after Covid pandemic, I have to give kudos to the crew and staff for constantly wearing masks and reminding passengers to wash hands. There were sanitizing stations everywhere, not just in food areas. They did an amazing job keeping the ship areas sanitized and safe for us all. The captain was wonderful, as was our room steward Jonathan. The crew went above and beyond to please guests and keep everyone safe and healthy. Great job Norwegian Gem!
Ship Quality
Lots of ship to explore, loved being able to view the bridge from the viewing area made for passengers. Been on many cruises and never had this feature. Loved the large screen in the atrium. Ship is easy to navigate with lots of great viewing areas and places to sit and relax. As stated previously, the ship was very clean and well maintained. And our club balcony/mini suite was wonderful.
Cabin / Stateroom
Room steward was wonderful, lots of drawers and storage, roomy accommodations, bathroom with bathtub and separate toilet area and balcony was great!
Ship tip
Get the drink package and try the specialty dining.
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
OK so as soon as we got off the ship to head to our catamaran nearby for our snorkel and beach excursion, it started pouring...torrential rain. We thought it would ruin the day, we were soaked thru our clothing, but by the time we got to our snorkel spot, the sun was shining as it if didn't rain at all. We had an incredible day snorkeling and visiting honeymoon beach. Then...just as began heading back to the ship, it started pouring again, rained until we boarded the Gem. Someone was looking out for us and allowed us the opportunity to enjoy our amazing excursion. Thank you to Captain Michael and his crew aboard the Cruzan Breeze, you were great!
Due to it being a level 4 covid zone did not do an excursion but did do some shopping and got right back on board. Other cruisers we spoke with did excursions and said they did a great job.
Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas
Beautiful, sunny day...met up with family who were staying near San Juan and had a lovely lunch. Did some souvenir shopping and then got back on-board and dove into the refreshing pool!!!
Disembarkation
We felt it was quick and painless and were sad to leave.
Traveler Photos
