Nice Canadian trip

Item: Norwegian Gem
Rating: 4.1
Author: derryman

Norwegian Gem Cruise Review

derryman

Contributor Level: Second Mate

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 12

Helpful Votes: 69

Overall rating:

4.1 out of 5

7 Night Canada & New England: Portland & Bar Harbor (Boston Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 30, 2024

Ship: Norwegian Gem

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 2 months ago

Review summary

Great way to see the northern New England coast. Saved many hours of driving during the labor day weekend.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

As well as can be expected given the over 2K cruisers getting on board...

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

The food in the MDR was ok, but the food in the buffet would be better if they kept it much warmer.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

Entertainment

4 out of 5

The "Upgrade" band was really good.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

The lady at the cruise next desk was not helpful.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Given its age, the ship really looks great.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

The inside cabin was smaller than some other interior cabins on other ships. I would warn that large persons avoid inside cabins on the jewel class ships due to the very small bathroom.

Ship tip

Pick a balcony cabin, as the interior cabins are very small.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Bar Harbor, Maine

5 out of 5

A very nice port; but I don't understand why they're trying to limit the number of cruise ships that visit them. Cruises do not increase vehicle traffic, just buy food and souvenirs...

Thumbs Up 0

Halifax, Nova Scotia

5 out of 5

A very lively port, with a great boardwalk with plenty of dining options.

Thumbs Up 0

Portland, Maine

5 out of 5

Another nice port.

Thumbs Up 0

Sydney, Nova Scotia

4 out of 5

Not much to see and do in this town.

Thumbs Up 0

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

5 out of 5

Boston, Massachusetts

5 out of 5

Disembarkation

4 out of 5

I heard some folks complaining, which tells me they have not cruised before...just how they expect to disembark over 2K persons in under 15 minutes...