We have sailed the Gem 4 times in the past (twice in a suite) and love the Gem. I like the size of it, has never felt crowded. We are passing on Thermal Suite passes this time around however I think its one of the nicer one's for the size. I love the Great Outdoors, probably one of my favorite places on the ship to have breakfast or lunch. We debated between the Joy and the Gem. NYC is only a 90 minute drive for us vs Boston is 5 hours, the Joy when we booked was cheaper. However is really wanted a smaller ship and are looking forward to at stop in Bar Harbor. This will be the last year NCL stops there unless something changes