Norwegian Gem Cruises Reviews

Good food and service with a smile	3 of 3 people found this review informative
Reviewed By: Tavill, Macclesfield on 6th Mar 2012
Cruise Line: NCL Cruises	Times cruised before: 10+
Cruise Ship: Norwegian Gem	Sailed: February, 2012
Destination: Bahamas	Age: 46-55
Cabin: Balcony	Occasion: Annual/regular holiday
Just returned from 7 nights on the Gem. Ship is lovely and clean. Pool area is good - there are two pools one adult one children they are in the same area which I think helped in keeping the kids out of the adult pool. There was often a band playing by the pool which added to a great holiday atmosphere. Barbecues on deck most days (weather permitting). We ate most evenings in the Grand restaurant which was lovely and ate at a time of our choosing, sometimes early, sometimes 9ish and never experienced a problem getting a table for 2 despite the ship being full. As we had a balcony cabin we ordered room service breakfast (included in the price) which was really lovely. We ate in the Garden Cafe at lunch time which had a huge choice of dishes, we also ate here a couple of times in the evening as they serve pancakes with a variety of fillings which I do like. Lots of sunbeds available, particular on the upper decks, but if you need shade I would recommend you take a big hat or a little sun brolly as there is very little shade at the top. Mostly Americans on this cruise who were in the majority very friendly and nice to talk to. The staff were very helpful and did not appear downtrodden like they do on P&O - perhaps because they are paid better as tipping is $12 a day per passenger over 3, plus an extra 15% added to any drinks you buy. I did think initially this was a little high but then again I think the cruise itself is cheaper so it evens out as long as you are not a heavy drinker. Quite surprised at how little the Americans drink compared to the English however the casino was packed at night with them gambling. I don't think they are free to gamble as we in the UK (a good thing as it is everywhere in the UK which in my opinion a appalling). The cruise itself started off in New York, it was bitterly cold with a blue sky, but could not believe the increase in temperature after only 1 day out as we headed down to Florida. This gave us 5.5 days of really lovely weather out of a 7 night cruise in February!! The cruise was a very relaxing holiday with you the passenger in control rather than being herded here and there and told what to wear. You could dress-up if you wanted, but mostly it was relaxed which if you are doing a fly-cruise makes packing much easier. Entertainment, they did show a couple of films in public areas, you can buy films in your cabin. There were 2 wonderful gymnasts/acrobats who put on quite a breathtaking show. The comedian was quite entertaining. The regee band was fabulous and there was a young man playing guitar and singing a wide variety of songs in different locations throughout the ship who was very entertaining and of a good standard. I didn't do the big theatre shows as it not my thing but did go to a comedy improvisation show, which though rude (they did warn you) was a departure from the usual entertainment you get on cruise ships and went down really well. All in all a very different kind of cruise to which I normally go on and I did prefer it - so well done Norwegian Gem I will be back.
Quality of Food
Entertainment
Shore Excursions	n/a
Didn't do the organised shore excursions.
Staff
It would be unfair to single out as they were all very nice and friendly people.
Children's Facilities	n/a
Onboard Activities
Plenty of activities to choose from.
Cabins
We had a balcony which was really lovely
Overall Rating

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