Norwegian Gem Cruise Reviews - Reviews

We have cruised before and have high standards. This cruise was a real dream come true. Starting with the checking in process all the way to the end we had a wonderful time. We went to two of the specialty restaurants the food was outstanding and worth the extra money. Regular dinning was also outstanding. They have downsized the portions which was wonderful, never felt like I over or under ate, just perfect. Entertainment was wonderful really enjoyed all of the shows.

This was our first cruise and I can't think of a better ship (Norwegian GEM), staff, service, entertainment and overall quality experience to have made a lasting positive impression on the both of us. In a time that sadly manners are somewhat lacking in our life experiences the crew on this ship went way over and above to extend themselves to ensure that the guests had a great time and all their needs were met. The food was not only plentiful but very good and I never had the same meal twice all week. We did try a specialty restaurant (Japanese Steakhouse) one night and it was a highlight of the vacation. To say that some of the entertainers on the cruise are worthy to be part of a Broadway production would be an understatement; they were simply fabulous. I cannot rave enough about the cruise experience on the GEM. Much thanks to the entire crew for making it a wonderful week.

Ship was very easy to get around on. The staff was very considerate and helpful. We spent 3 beautiful days in Bermuda with excellent weather.

We were on the Norweigen Gem. The ship was neat and clean. The wait staff was friendly and pleasant. The cabin steward was extremely efficient. All and all it was a most enjoyable vacation.

Freestyle cruising was the best

no comment.

This is my third cruise; first was with Carnival; second with Royal Caribbean; now this. I would call it "ok" nothing to be excited about. There are some pluses about freestyle dining and some downside. Ship quality was ok, layout ok... not great and some major shortcomings

Overall, this cruise and ship is worth no more than a 5 out of 10. The service was awful. The staff disinterested in helping, and some times non existent. The wait staff could not handle the volume of people in the dining room and people with reservations had to wait 30 minutes, plus to get service was not easy. Food orders delayed and cold. The food was bland and not very interesting. There was no variety in the breakfast lunch or dinner buffets. The sitdown dinners were uninspired and repetitious. The specialty dinners were good, but at $20 more per person on top of the base fare, that was too much. The wait staff was surly and very unfriendly. It might have helped if they spoke english, but when asked to take away a dirty glass or dish, the waiters would snarl, like it was beneath them. At times bar bill was shoved at me and the waiter grunted that I had to sign it. No crew member smiled. I did not like that there is an automatic service charge of $12 per person per day. I think it made the staff not interested in doing a good job since their tip was already guaranteed and fixed.

Very professional crew, knowledgeable, always happy, hard working, modern ship. Good food, lots of restaurants choices, good onboard entertainment

Norwegian Gem...a GEM indeed....new, clean , pretty, beautiful decor decor

The Gem has become my favorite ship of the fleet.

The time spent on the Norwegian Gem was the best vacationn ever. Everything was great from the customer service to the foodand entertainment!

Overall the Gem is a good value for your money. The service is convival, food is good, ship is clean and there is always something to do!

We cruised on September 18 and were the first cruise to actually go to Bermuda after the 2 prior were diverted to Florida and the Bahamas. Ship boarding was easy and orderly. Parking on the pier was expensive but convenient. Our stateroom was smaller than I expected but comfortable due to the balcony. The condition was not what we expected with dusty surfaces and lint on the carpet. The ship overall was fine with nice decor and well planned public spaces. No overcrowding. We liked the food in both the dining room and buffet. The dining room service was not consistent. While all the servers were friendly and eager to help, they could use a refresher in serving protocol. Seems like a small thing but you noticed when plates were handed over the table and glasses refilled from one spot. We did not use the pay restaurants more on principal than cost. The shows were top notch! The music and activities around the ship were also great. Sinan Ulucay, the cruise director was great! The drink prices have done up since the last time we cruised a year ago. Everything is extra. We had a modest bar tab. The casino was fun with several of our travel companions winning at slots. The trip down to Bermuda was rough due to the passing hurricane the week before. For first cruisers I would recommend cruising out of Miami first to test your sea legs. For the first time we booked excursions off the ship. We used BJ's booking service and saved 10% or more. A good test as we were in Bermuda 3 days and had no concerns about returning late. Overall a good trip, our fifth on NCL. The cruise industry is adapting to the new realities of the current economy. The initial price is attractive but expect to pay extra for just about everything like soft drinks (drink iced tea or bring individual flavor packets). It is still a great vacation bargain if you shop price and time. We have cruised where we spent very little over the fare and fees and still had a great relaxing vacation.

State room was spacious. Crew seemed tired on the first few days.

Ship is very nice. Nice decor, rock climbing wall, basketball court and the Bliss lounge were the best spots. Pools and deck are nice also.

ship's service was excellent, Entertainment and shows also excellent, food in main dining areas not very impressive, restaurants with cover charge much better

It offered a nice variety of lounges and activities. It could have been cleaner.

The ship was wonderful. We did enjoy the entertainment, and free style dinning. The crew was great. They couldn't do enough for us.

great time