Norwegian Gem Cruise Reviews - Reviews

This is our third cruise with Norwegian, the first on the Gem. I was not impressed with the set up of the ship, the customer service of the wait staff, the customer service at the front desk, the cruise director, security or most of the bartenders. There were a few individual people that outshined Everyone else on the boat- Milan at Sugar Cane, Joel at Topsiders and Dino st OSheehans-the bartenders, Ms. Sulistio and Mr. Julius waitstaff and Cesar our room steward. Our cruise was delayed by a whole day, causing us to miss 2 ports- very disappointing a this was out first trip to these islands -and our honeymoon! The only compensation were we told we would get is one days credit- which we still haven’t received. My husband did his due diligence and checked all of Norwegian’s website for information to carry his pocket knife. Carrying a pocket knife is Something he’s done every day that I have known him ( five years) . The prohibited list of items stated nothing longer than a 4 inch blade could be carried on to the boat. He had a less than 4 inch bladed pocket knife in his luggage and it was confiscated. We dealt with the security department through the front desk, only, after several requests to talk to them personally. It took four different interactions with them to get bits and pieces of information. The man at the front desk actually said to us he could not have his night because it was “too sharp”. I’m sorry did you say it was too sharp? It didn’t say that in the prohibited items list, that we could only carry a DULL pocket knife. There’s more to that story..... The food was average- nothing like the previous 2 cruises on the Dawn and the Sun. I told everyone at every meal I was gluten intolerant. It wasn’t until day 6 that Sulistio informed me I could preorder anything from the menu for every meal, prepared gluten free just for me!!! I was shocked! As I was picking and choosing hoping I wasn’t going to ingest any gluten- If someone had actually said something I could have enjoyed my meals!! And not gotten sick one night when I specifically asked if the gravy was gluten free and was told it was. Very disappointing. The cruise director was not out and interactive with passengers as other cruises we’ve taken. I saw her once- when returning from a port stop. We were out and about all over the boat the throughout the entire cruise. The entertainment was just ok. No good shows, the piano was ok. Vibz Band was amazing they were a bright spot. The 80s dance party was actually a lot of fun. But that was only one night. The karaoke final was good too. Disembarkation was complete chaos. No announcements were made for disabled passengers to leave early- so they were in the mix of all the other passengers in wheelchairs or walkers. In fact only 3 announcements were made for the entire process. Inexcusable lack of communication from the cruise director. Very disappointing cruise- if it were our first with Norwegian- it would have been our last. April and Anthony

The cruise was a very good experience for me and my daughter. Even the delayed disembarkation was turned into a positive experience by the ship's staff.

Over all it was the best vacation I ever had. I would sail on the Norwegian again. Highly recommend.

Met a lot of great people. Staff was awesome and friendly as usual

My wife and I enjoyed the cruise the people and the staff. I was pleasantly surprised how friendly the Mexican people were even when we were telling them "no gracias" they seemed to take no for an answer and even went out of their way to help me find my way around

Crew was very friendly and helpful!! Appears some parts have been refurbished but others are in need of refreshing. Stardust Theater is in need of updating!!

This was our first cruise. We had a great time and are excited to plan another cruise. We really liked Norwegian Cruise Line. The staff was very friendly and very accommodating. It was also our first time to Mexico so really enjoyed being able to see a few places and take a couple excursions.

We had been on the NCL Gem 3 years before during a Canada/New England cruise. It was fun to see the updates to the ship (a little disappointed to see the bowling alley gone). We were said to see some of our favorite cruise staff had left the ship but everyone we came across, staff and cruisers were as nice as could be. We stayed busy but got our relaxation in as well. The Gem is a nice size ship and easy to get around. The tours we took did not disappoint

We took this cruise because we enjoy NCL. In the past there weren't too many cruises from the Los Angeles area, so when we saw the opportunity, we took even though we have been to Mexico several times. We love the way we are treated on board and all the offerings. We were on Carnival last year for our daughter's wedding and although Carnival treated us well, they just don't offer the same experience as NCL. We have found a home on Norwegian.

I was dubious about going on this cruise after reading some negative reviews but we had a ball. Pleasant, professional, attentive staff. Food ranged from good to great in all included outlets. Itinerary was excellent. I cruised on the QE last year and that was an equivalent but different experience. We loved the freestyle dining. Would cruise with NCL again.

18 Days - Not Long enough... Would of liked to take it back to NYC from LA.

Probably will not go back due to the food and the short times set that we had to be off the island each excursion

Panama Canal cruise was excellent. My inside handicapped cabin was outstanding except they don't have an automatic door opener. Magenta, Orchid Garden, Cagney's, Moderno and O'Sheehans were all great. The buffet is a buffet, some hit and some misses but always something decent especially the salads. The staff was very friendly especially the bar staff at Java Cafe. My room steward was outstanding and always helpful and kept my room in great shape. Excursions were good except for a screw up in Cabo when I couldn't take my electric wheelchair on the Tender boat despite earlier being told I could. Entertainment was fairly good but can get a little Monotonous after 18 days. I saw the Canal, whales, porpoises, many birds, crocodiles and met many very interesting folks. I would recommend this to anyone.

18 day cruise on NCL Gem from NY to LA Dinning room service was very slow. Boring shows and entertainment. Excursions were not as they described in Costa RICO. Shortened our time on the resort for a day trip from 4 hours to 2 1/2, tv service showing the same thing for 18 days. Mostly for children with passengers 50+ on board!! Really? Food in general below average! Steward was awesome. Joseph on the 5th deck!

I hope you trained some of the staff better. I hated to waive the service but I hated the way I was treated by some members of you staff. I was not happy with their service. I maker sure I took care of the ones that took care of me and my family.

Disappointed that we did not get to visit Great Stirrup Cay. Water was too rough for the tenders so we went to Nasau overnight instead. Really was looking forward to seeing the Island and going to the beach.

Our December 8th cruise was a mix of highs and lows. We bid for a upgrade to a suite which we got. The perks of a suite or the Haven are worth every penny in my book!! Interestingly, we were chatting over the balconies with our neighbors and they told us the Upgrade Fairy had called them and offered to move them to a suite for far less than we paid. Honestly, I think we would bid again anyways because we wouldn't want to risk not hearing from the Fairy. Just wanted to let you know she does still exist despite NCLs new bidding system. We had an Aft Penthouse. Cabin was great. We were on Deck 8. I was nervous about noise from Bliss, the engine or the wake. None was a problem. Our Butler and room stewards took wonderful care of us and the cabin. The bars were another story. The bartenders definitely varied in responsiveness and personality all over the ship. Osheehan's were the worst and the Atrium Bar were the best. I don't need Disney Happy from them all the time but, come on!! I have to wonder if their lack of responsiveness/personality is due to the tipping system? The perk of having our breakfast at Moderno and lunch at Cagneys can't be beat. The servers knew us by name after our first meal there. We ate at Cagneys, Teppanyaki, and La Cucina. Service and meals were excellent at all 3. The buffet was very crowded and had limited seating on bad weather days. Magenta was OK, nothing special. Osheehan's was a disaster for food. It is so disorganized!! We actually left one day after waiting 20 minutes for someone to acknowledge us. I know we're supposed to relax but sometimes you're in a time crunch for activities. The shows are just OK. The singing was outstanding. The dancers, not so much. They were so out of sink that it was almost uncomfortable. Maybe a little more practice is needed. There are fees associated with several of the supplemental activities. I don't think it would be any different on a different line. In the end I don't think we would sail the Gem again. Not because we hated it but, because we like the larger ships such as the Breakaway. We're on the Escape in May so we will be able to compare.

This was an excellent cruise and I would go on it again

The islands were great and the activities were fun. The ship’s food was horrible and service was not very attentive. The activities onboard left a lot to be desired, especially for families and children.

Cabin 10024 Cabin was good...no issues. Food was pretty terrible throughout the cruise. The staff was fairly attentive, nothing impressive. The ship definitely needs some updating. It is showing its age. The restaurants need major help! Very slow service and mediocre food. Both main restaurants have same menu....so no variety between the two. Definitely needs help! Activity itinerary needs some help. Not much going on and again, mediocre shows. Ports of call were great!