Norwegian Gem - Tips

Do all the shore excisions by yourself.

The best deserts are located at the Aft of the ship. eg. chocolate cookies, cakes and pies long after the main rooms desserts are picked over.

A small an cozy ship. Very clean and well kept. Kudos to the staff. A nice fitness center, Very nice bars and lounge area. Love Bliss and the Spinaker Lounge

Don't order 24/7 pizza they taste bad, not worth it! Early reservations at specialty restaurants is better than late. Iced teas and lemonades are free on the ship, but you have to ask! They have laundry specials after 2-3 days into the cruise, wait for those.

Loved the great outdoors for breakfast and tea time!

Take time to walk the ship, really enjoy the buffets. Get to the Pool buffets early-they fill up fast.

If you think these cruise ships don't read or act on your comments, I complained after our Breakaway trip and our dinner at Moderno that nothing was marked at the buffet in it. This cruise? EVERY SINGLE DISH at the buffet was marked. If you are a fan of eating all types of meat, this din is great!

Bring a watch, our cell phones didn't know the correct time about an hour after we left New York until we got back.

Purchase the drink card whether for just soda or alcohol

Restaurants are extremely overpriced even for New York standards. Spinnaker Lounger too small to hold trivia,dance and contest shows. Smoking anywhere on board should be forbidden. Loudspeakers in sunbathing aft deck should be OFF!

Avoid peak times at breakfast buffet if you can

Put the towels on your chair early! It gets packed quick

Make sure you try the fine dining sit down complimentary restaurants a few nights on the Norwegian Gem, but mostly you'll love the Garden Cafe buffet style because of it's huge variety presented every single meal!

Embark in your home town service is excellent

Must make use of the Java Cafe. Great staff

I'm a buffet kind of guy..diningrooms are adequate , but do the specialties instead !!!

been on the Jewel twice..sister ship Gem.. chairs are placed so close together there is no way to get around...on the Jewel they place small round tables between some chairs at least. columns make it impossible to get thru. dining room food blah. go to specialties before 6 & get free bottle wine

go to dinner after 7.. a lot less crowded and more tables for couples

At Great Stirrup cay be sure to rent a "clamshell" which provides cover from the sun and much comfort.

The Great Outdoors and Bali Hai for hanging outside provide great views. We enjoyed the Great Outdoors breakfast buffet complete with made to order eggs. The Grand Pacific room is great for formal dining. No need to eat at the specialty dining!