Special Cruise, with Special People

Norwegian Gem Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 13

Overall rating:

4.4 out of 5
Norwegian Gem

11 Night Panama Canal: Mexico Costa Rica & Belize (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 05, 2024

Ship: Norwegian Gem

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 5018

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 9 months ago

Review summary

We really enjoyed our time aboard the Gem. This is a beautiful ship and we would definitely recommend her.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Hassle-free embarkation.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5
Our one and only disappointment came in our dinner at Cagney’s. Perhaps because we had heard so many good things about the Cagney’s experience and had set our expectations at a high bar. But we found the Cagney’s food to be lackluster and the service inattentive. This was certainly in contrast to the other very enjoyable F&B experiences that were a delight on the Gem. And of course, we loved the Starbucks.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
The outdoor seating area aft of the Garden buffet became one of our favorite spots to relax and hang out. We also enjoyed some time in the wonderful thermal spa.

Entertainment

3 out of 5
Okay, but nothing outstanding or special.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Our steward, the buffet staff, the spa staff... were all first class ladies and gentlemen.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
We had an unobstructed Oceanview cabin and found the nice large window to be a pleasant enhancement to the room.

Ports of call

George Town, Grand Cayman Did not visit port

Captain cancelled the port stop due to high winds

Cartagena, Colombia

4 out of 5
Gorgeous tropical birds in the small port area.

Panama Canal (Cruise Into Canal)

5 out of 5
This was a must-see bucket list event. We did not do an excursion. We spent most of the day on the Promenade deck learning the history, and taking in all that was to see on this extraordinary experience

Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

4 out of 5
Canal tour into the rain forest. Incredible scenery and some fun wildlife sightings.

Harvest Caye, Belize

5 out of 5
Parasailing was amazing.

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico Did not visit port

We had been here before. We chose to spend day relaxing on ship.

Disembarkation

3 out of 5
Ok... but incredibly looooooooong lines.
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8 Comments

Cruisers4Lyfe     5 months ago

Thanks for sharing

javawoody     9 months ago

Thanks for sharing

byhisgrace     9 months ago

Appreciate your feedback

Gwbigdog     9 months ago

Thanks for sharing

cruising2004     9 months ago

Thank you for your review. Glad you had an enjoyable cruise.

Lounray     9 months ago

Thanks for sharing.

bubbles60     9 months ago

We have been on the Gem several times and always had a great time.

HeavySeas     9 months ago

Thanks for sharing and glad you enjoyed your cruise

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