NCL Gem Accesss

I use a motorized chair fulltime. Any advice or background info on getting around Gem would be appreciated!

I use a motorized chair fulltime. Any advice or background info on getting around Gem would be appreciated!

Gem and Star are pretty much the same, so the best advice I can give you is stay the heck away from the midship elevators if you ever want to get anywhere. The forward elevators are far less busy, and you generally don't have so many people tryiing to keep you from getting in them.

Thanks!!

I use a motorized chair fulltime. Any advice or background info on getting around Gem would be appreciated!

Was just on THe Gem in November 2010. It's fully accessible and is a lovely ship. A few thoughts for you:

Had an ACCESSIBLE AE suite aft and had to ask for ramp to balcony and seat in bathroom -- was supplied by that evening. Staff is very pleasant and helpful, however busy but willing to please.

Main large dining room has access on 7 for guests with a staircase that goes down into the diningroom. You must take the one elevator (marked) that goes down to 6 and go to the left (ramp) and then see the hostess to get in -- while others wait on steps or others in your party are on steps for you. Easy -- but just an inconvenience as only one elevator goes down there.

Seating in theatre is at the back (pull up chairs there too) -- get there early.

Casino is laid out nicely to get through and pool floor has the usual problems with chairs out of place, but most people are willing to help you.

Buffet -- a little crowded, but you can ask for help. Clear seating in La Cantina -- (Italian Restaurant) open for you. Had dinner in the Japanese Restaurant -- they just took the scooter out after seated -- very nice, but could be on end in a wc if needed.

Tours: We asked and received a lift bus for the scooter to get to Disney (wonderful) and also had a choice of a lift bus for Kennedy Space Center -- totally accessible. In Nassau we went to Atlantis (DIG, casino, shopping) for the day using gerardblewis@hotmail.com services.

Only one hamburger place was not accessible on the sport deck -- other than that, no problems. Enjoy your time on The Gem. Vicki:)

Thanks so much Vickila! It's just like the Dawn, then - and getting that 1 elevator that goes to 6 can take forever but I am forewarned now :D Theater was the same too but easy enuf to see.

Appreciate your taking the time :)

Gem and Star are pretty much the same, so the best advice I can give you is stay the heck away from the midship elevators if you ever want to get anywhere. The forward elevators are far less busy, and you generally don't have so many people tryiing to keep you from getting in them.

Thanks!

Question - what about getting up the gangway in NYC? Is is really steep?

Was just on THe Gem in November 2010. It's fully accessible and is a lovely ship. A few thoughts for you:

 

Had an ACCESSIBLE AE suite aft and had to ask for ramp to balcony and seat in bathroom -- was supplied by that evening. Staff is very pleasant and helpful, however busy but willing to please.

 

Main large dining room has access on 7 for guests with a staircase that goes down into the diningroom. You must take the one elevator (marked) that goes down to 6 and go to the left (ramp) and then see the hostess to get in -- while others wait on steps or others in your party are on steps for you. Easy -- but just an inconvenience as only one elevator goes down there.

 

Seating in theatre is at the back (pull up chairs there too) -- get there early.

 

Casino is laid out nicely to get through and pool floor has the usual problems with chairs out of place, but most people are willing to help you.

 

Buffet -- a little crowded, but you can ask for help. Clear seating in La Cantina -- (Italian Restaurant) open for you. Had dinner in the Japanese Restaurant -- they just took the scooter out after seated -- very nice, but could be on end in a wc if needed.

 

Tours: We asked and received a lift bus for the scooter to get to Disney (wonderful) and also had a choice of a lift bus for Kennedy Space Center -- totally accessible. In Nassau we went to Atlantis (DIG, casino, shopping) for the day using gerardblewis@hotmail.com services.

 

Only one hamburger place was not accessible on the sport deck -- other than that, no problems. Enjoy your time on The Gem. Vicki:)

Vicki,

May I ask what Gerald charged to take u to Atlantis. I was given his name by someone else & haven't contacted him yet.

Thanks

Question - what about getting up the gangway in NYC? Is is really steep?

While I've not been on the Gem, I have gone out of NY. The gangway is long and snaked. I use a mototrrzed chair so it's do-able for me.

Vicki,

May I ask what Gerald charged to take u to Atlantis. I was given his name by someone else & haven't contacted him yet.

Thanks

Note - it's gerard with a r ---- gerardblewis@hotmail.com. He charged $40 each way to Atlantis -- it was just my hubby and I -- however there was room for at least 6 -- he showed us 3 different types of new equipment he has -- larger tour buses, and a ramped station wagon -- he's very personable. Another time we did a 2 hour tour with him and then a drop off at Atlantis -- wasn't that much more. He's a nice guy and is as far as I know the only equipment for the island.

Although pricing may seem high, feel safe, secure and knowing you can get there are all part of the package. Beats staying on the ship or navigating where it is not safe - you are a target. Vicki