My experience on Norwegian Gem

Norwegian Gem Cruise Review

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 20
Helpful Votes: 175

Overall rating:

4 out of 5
Norwegian Gem

3 Night Bahamas: Great Stirrup Cay & Key West (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 16, 2024

Ship: Norwegian Gem

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 3 months ago

Review summary

This was my first NCL cruise. I wasn’t impressed with the food at the restaurants, but surprised at how much I did like various things in the Grand Pacific. Had a blast at the bar over looking the pool. I must admit, I didn’t like the fact that I had ordered a Coke Zero (twice) at Magenta, and never received it. I felt things were a bit unorganized there. I’m disappointed in myself for not trying the nachos at O’Sheehan’s. Orchid Garden was VERY busy, but the food wasn’t bad. I spent a long time waiting on my chocolate martini at the Martini bar. I must say I felt like there were not enough staff members there. Overall, the cruise was ok… this ship isn’t for me and even though I’m loyal to Royal, I am open to trying Norwegian Viva 😉. I must admit that I’m use to Royal’s system when it comes to beverage package. Once you have one, that’s all you pay. So with NCL, I noticed charges I would see at every bar purchase (I assume these were taxes). This was something I’m not used to, but now I know. Before some of you come for me, I do understand the limit allowed per drink, and anything over it would be charged to me (I’m not talking about that). There were not that many kids on here, which was a plus.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
Not happy that i didn’t win anything in the casino, not one bet 😭. I’m not betting on NCL 🤣

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
This Club Balcony Suite was practical. Nothing amazing, and one can see its age. The balcony is a decent size, and the location is mid ship, and not far from a lobby. I really wasn’t impressed with the room, but I don’t have too much negative to say about it, besides it being dated. If you like mirrors, this is your room cause there are A LOT!

Ports of call

Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas

4 out of 5
This was my first time on NCL, and first time at Stirrup….. as I’m a RCCL guy. I must say that I thought that Stirrup was just meh. It’s cool to relax and enjoy water. I wasn’t impressed with options available on the island (as I’m used to CoCoCay, which is next door). The food didn’t leave a great impression on me, but I am happy that there were ample lounge chairs on the island. Although I didn’t rent one, the Cabanas looked great, and well maintained.

Key West, Florida

5 out of 5
My favorite spots to stop at are Kermit’s Key Lime Shop & The Lobster Shack.

Miami, Florida

4 out of 5

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
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