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Great food, great ship but crowded! |
| Reviewed By: Carter, Worthing on 11th Oct 2008 |
| Cruise Line: NCL Cruises |
Times cruised before: 3-5 |
| Cruise Ship: Norwegian Gem |
Sailed:
August,
2008 |
| Destination: Mediterranean |
Age: 46-55 |
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Overall we had a fabulous cruise on the Norwegian Gem. We couldn't fault the cabin or the food, we ate in the speciality restaurants more than in the main ones and the food was superb, particularly the steak house. Make sure you book as soon as you get on the ship though as the popular times between 8-9 go fast. The cabin staff were very good but reception was indifferent - our key cards didn't work one day as apparantly the battery ran out and although they called maintenance we still had to stand outside our room for 30 minutes waiting to get in - when I went back to reception I was just told to be patient. The ship sailed from Barcelona in the school holidays so was absolutely packed with children. We have an 11 year old ourselves so are not anti-children but many of the European families let their children run riot and with so many on board it was impossible to use the pool or jacuzzi, just a mad bun fight round the pool all day. That said, there were lots of nice areas away from the main pool where which were less frantic, my only criticism would be that it would be nice to have a few umberellas or shady areas, the med sun was relentless and there were a lot of very burnt people. The food in the Windjammer for lunch was fantastic, best buffet lunches we've encountered but not good when you vow to 'just have a sandwich' - it never happened! We went to a couple of shows and were not at all impressed to be honest, not as good as the entertainment on RCI but then they are trying to cater for all sorts of nationalities. The itinerary was good but don't make the mistake we did of trying to do everywhere in a day. We got of the ship as soon as it docked and got the train to Rome - it was easy but an absolutely exhausting day, as was Pompeii which we did ourselves. Their excursions are extremely expensive, not sure if they are worth the money. If you have children with you make sure you take your passport for attractions like the Colliseum (get there early, the queues are horrendous) and for Pompeii as if you can prove you are an EU national the chiildren don't have to pay. Anyway, we had a fabulous time, packed all sorts into a week and my daughter loved the kids club. Well worth buying the soda package for children, disappointed they didn't have a wine package. Strangely when we boarded at Barcelona there was a duty free shop you passed on teh way and nobody objected to us taking 6 bottles of wine on board so we were able to have a nice tipple in our room every night. Hope this helps anyone thinking about going, well worth the money.
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| Quality of Food |  |
| Speciality restaurants, Cagneys was superb! | | Entertainment |  |
| Worst was the flamenco - once you've seen a few dances you've seen them all! | | Shore Excursions | n/a |
| | Staff |  |
| Cabin and restaurant staff were great, reception staff were indifferent and not responsive. | | Children's Facilities |  |
| Loved the kids clubs although they need to ensure the boys don't dominate over faciliites | | Onboard Activities | |
| | Cabins | |
| Balcony cabin was fantastic, - spacious, well appointed, great shower and nice and quiet. | | Overall Rating | |
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Some of our favourite QE 2 pics!
QM2 
Iberian Interlude - The Chiles'
Baltic Highlights
