Festive

Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 50

Overall rating:

4.7 out of 5
Verified Review
Norwegian Gem

7 Night Bahamas & Florida (New York Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 19, 2021

Ship: Norwegian Gem

Cabin number: 9172

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

Since we had been on this cruise in 2019 we were looking forward to enjoying it again. Unfortunately, the mask mandate caused much stress for us. What is the point of being fully vaccinated and tested before you board? This was a huge spoiler!

Embarkation

4 out of 5
Somewhat stressful, having to wait to see if we had a positive or negative Covid test. Was very nice being taken to a separate waiting area with a nice variety of snacks and drinks. We were then personally escorted to our room by a concierge.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
Would have been 100% better if we did not have to wear a mask!!!!!

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
The shows were very good, especially the Christmas one; very festive. The Christmas Caroling in the Atrium was wonderful on Christmas Eve. You felt you were part of a huge family!

Entertainment

5 out of 5
All the shows were very good. Loved the Chernov Brothers! They were awesome! Also, the magician was very entertaining and had an awesome act!

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Our service and staff could not be better. We felt very special and attended to all the time. Our butler Rex was outstanding as well as our room steward Rey!

Ship Quality

4 out of 5
Common areas were all pretty clean. The layout of the ship is good and we are familar with it as we were on the Gem in 2019.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
The cabin was large as it was a handicap room. It was clean. Only complaint was the dim lighting in the bathroom and small sink with not a lot of storage for your items.

Ship tip

Expect excellent service. Obey the rules and regulations.

Ports of call

New York, New York Did not visit port

From New York, no need.

Charleston, South Carolina Did not visit port

Our excursion was cancelled. Bad weather, poured rain all day!

Port Canaveral, Florida

5 out of 5
Had a wonderful day at The Space Center. This was our second time there but thoroughly enjoyed it despite having to wear a mask!!

Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas Did not visit port

Been there before and wanted to just rest in our room and on our balcony without a mask!

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Did not take too long once the lines started moving.
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5 Comments

OldGreyWolf    2 years ago

Thanks for the review. I understand the frustration over masking but considering the problems with the new strains the cruise line has to err on the side of caution.

AuntPinkie    2 years ago

Appreciate your feedback. It seems cases are still occurring with required vaccines, testing and masks. Sorry the masks were required.

izrgreen    2 years ago

Thank you for taking the time to write a review.

javawoody    2 years ago

Appreciate the update

cruising2004    2 years ago

Thanks for sharing.

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