gem secrets please

I did a search and couldn't find anything recent. I was on the Gem 3+ years ago. It was a very port intensive cruise. This time I really want to enjoy the ship so please share

Thank you.

Bpnno

Here is a link for a Gem review from this past March. Lots of info and I thought a good review.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2012618

~Robin

Norwegian Breakaway July 2014

Carnival Miracle 2010

Carnival Legend 2006

I did a search and couldn't find anything recent. I was on the Gem 3+ years ago. It was a very port intensive cruise. This time I really want to enjoy the ship so please share

 

 

Thank you.

 

Bpnno

We were on the Gem March 2013 last year. It was the best cruise ever! If you haven't gone to Cagneys Steakhouse it is a must for one of the nights. It is only $25 pp but it is worth 5 times that the filet mignon is the best we have ever had the food is amazing. A thing we loved doing since we left out of New York, it was too cold for the pool but not to cold for a nice walk on the promenade on deck 7. The deck is my favorite part of the ship. Also I recommend taking some towels and blankets up to deck 13 forward at the front of the ship where there are giant comfy couches with a cabana style awning over each one. Lay there and relax and look at the water. Also catch the amazing shows and music not just in the Stardust but in other areas of the ship like the Observation Lounge, they have a lot that you shouldn't miss and we still talk about it to this day.

Have Fun!!!

Cagneys is up to $30. We like to sit in the library. Peaceful and good views. The great outdoors is great for eating, drinking and taking the sun.

Thank you both for your great Ideas. I can hardly wait!

Bonni

If you have several sea days and are leaving in cold weather, I highly recommend getting a spa pass. When it's cold, it's a great place for sail away . Wall of windows at front of ship, saunas with sea views, wonderful place to relax.

The Gem is one of the few NCL ships with a bridge viewing room directly behind the bridge, port-side on deck 11 forward. Usually the windows are open into the bridge; if they are closed, come back another time. This room has photos of the building and history of the Gem, and the Gem It-Girl Mermaid. Cruisers used to be encouraged to bring trinkets from their home areas for the Mermaid, but I haven't seen any threads about this recently. There is a sticky thread at the top of the NCL message board about her. BTW, there is an 'I [love] NY' glass ball that we brought aboard for the Mermaid when we first cruised the Gem in December 2011, that the Group Services officer was kind enough to include.

The rock wall is worth a look, and even better, a climb! Do it on a day the ship is in port, but you're not getting off or you're coming back early. Check the Dailies for times the recreation crew are on hand. This is free, but you need to wear socks for the borrowed rock-climbing shoes the Gem provides. My tradition is after ringing the bell at the top, I treat everyone to drinks!:)

@PatJim

I read a review made by Puddles99 that had a picture of Robbie the It-Gem Mermaid with your gift to her in it.

I can't seem to find the review, but I did save the picture.

~Robin

Norwegian Breakaway July 2014

Carnival Miracle 2010

Carnival Legend 2006

If you haven't yet, join/sign-up for your Roll Call and attend the M&G, as you could be invited for a private bridge tour on one of the last sea days, at the Captain's discretion. (Check the dailies for open hours for the Bridge Viewing Room, which is directed behind the Bridge as noted above.) We also received extra chocolate-covered strawberries as treats.

Movies in the lobby, free coffee nearby (cookies free ? / free with premium coffee purchased ?? >>>>> Hint, hint: use those OBC's) get there early for those cozy & comfortable sofa seats - and, a great place to people watch. You can also get takeouts from Blue Lagoon just up the stairs & bring them down (or your favorite from the buffet) Another place to sit, relax, read, write or play card names, etc. is Deck 8, oppposite Blue Lagoon with tables & chairs - it's not used except evenings for Moderno (Brazilian dining) The Deck 7 AFT lounge with the bowling lanes has giant sofa and plenty of comofortable chairs to sink into when it's not closed/reserved for other functions (and, a row of slot machines to try your luck)

Library has been mentioned as a quiet place as the Card Room can get quite busy & full on sea days, especially when it's chilly outdoors depending on the season/sail dates. And, of course, pack a hooded sweatshirt, sunglasses, a good pair of headsets for music/MP4 to go with the tablet for reading & relaxation, a BPA-free bottle for filtered/Mango water and insulated coffee mug for coffee/hot tea or hot coca.

Otherwise, we will update after checking her out again this Fall as we plan to sail again with the GEM out of NY again.

Cold weather cruise calls for the Spa pass. Get it when you embark because they are sold in limited quantities and the Spa is really really great. Do a free tour before the muster drill if you get onboard early and then decide....but the hot ceramic chairs are wort it :D

On port side of deck 14 forward ( sundeck ) you can find a stair that goes up to the "Freestyle sundeck". It is small but it is the highest place you can be on the ship...great place to be for a sailaway from NYC ( Statue and Verrazano bridge )

Enjoy !

The Gem is one of the few NCL ships with a bridge viewing room directly behind the bridge, port-side on deck 11 forward. Usually the windows are open into the bridge; if they are closed, come back another time. This room has photos of the building and history of the Gem, and the Gem It-Girl Mermaid. Cruisers used to be encouraged to bring trinkets from their home areas for the Mermaid, but I haven't seen any threads about this recently. There is a sticky thread at the top of the NCL message board about her. BTW, there is an 'I [love] NY' glass ball that we brought aboard for the Mermaid when we first cruised the Gem in December 2011, that the Group Services officer was kind enough to include.

 

The rock wall is worth a look, and even better, a climb! Do it on a day the ship is in port, but you're not getting off or you're coming back early. Check the Dailies for times the recreation crew are on hand. This is free, but you need to wear socks for the borrowed rock-climbing shoes the Gem provides. My tradition is after ringing the bell at the top, I treat everyone to drinks!:)

We presented Robbie with a snowman charm last month. Are you planning to go see her on your sailing? If so, could you let us know if she is wearing her new "trinket"? You could post it to her thread on the Gem Roll Call board. I'd really appreciate it! (My pictures from our sailing didnt come out).

Robin

@PatJim

I read a review made by Puddles99 that had a picture of Robbie the It-Gem Mermaid with your gift to her in it.

I can't seem to find the review, but I did save the picture.

Hi - that was me :) There is a link to the review in my signature if anyone is interested. The Gem It Mermaid is definitely alive and well (and well-adorned!) in the Bridge Viewing Room. We really enjoyed our time aboard the Gem - it's a wonderful ship. I'm not sure I have any real "tips" to share, but definitely join your roll call, explore the ship, engage in the activities, and have a wonderful adventure!

@PatJim

I read a review made by Puddles99 that had a picture of Robbie the It-Gem Mermaid with your gift to her in it.

I can't seem to find the review, but I did save the picture.

 

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~Robin

Norwegian Breakaway July 2014

Carnival Miracle 2010

Carnival Legend 2006

Thank you so much for the photo! As you can see, I had seen a photo of the It-Girl Mermaid prior to sailing the Gem, but had no idea of her size. Thought she was bigger, or I would have brought something more to scale. Though since the Gem cruises out of New York year round, it's probably appropriate to have the I [love] New York gift near her.:)

We presented Robbie with a snowman charm last month. Are you planning to go see her on your sailing? If so, could you let us know if she is wearing her new "trinket"? You could post it to her thread on the Gem Roll Call board. I'd really appreciate it! (My pictures from our sailing didnt come out).

 

Robin

I would be honored to look for your snowman charm on our May 3rd sailing, and let you know if it's there. I will post a response on our Roll Call thread on our return.

These are all wonderful suggestions about what to do/see on the Gem. I'm enjoying this thread.

The rock wall is worth a look, and even better, a climb! Do it on a day the ship is in port, but you're not getting off or you're coming back early. Check the Dailies for times the recreation crew are on hand. This is free, but you need to wear socks for the borrowed rock-climbing shoes the Gem provides. My tradition is after ringing the bell at the top, I treat everyone to drinks!:)

I have been wondering...do you need to be a skilled rock climber to tackle the rock wall, or is it doable as long as you're reasonably fit? Is there an easier path for inexperienced climbers who want to give it a shot? It looks like fun, but I definitely don't have climbing experience to speak of!

If Leo is playing at any of the venues definitely check him out. They move him around, sometimes in the atrium and sometimes right in front of Le Bistro near the entrance to the casino. He's fantastic. Of course I am assuming he is still there!:D

I have been wondering...do you need to be a skilled rock climber to tackle the rock wall, or is it doable as long as you're reasonably fit? Is there an easier path for inexperienced climbers who want to give it a shot? It looks like fun, but I definitely don't have climbing experience to speak of!

Kids to adults do the wall....don't worry it is not that extreme.

Once at the top, don't forget to have a look around. There is no higher point you can be to look at the vast ocean...take a few seconds to admire it.

Sent from my iPhone using Cruise Critic Forums mobile app

The Gem is one of the few NCL ships with a bridge viewing room directly behind the bridge, port-side on deck 11 forward. Usually the windows are open into the bridge; if they are closed, come back another time. This room has photos of the building and history of the Gem, and the Gem It-Girl Mermaid. Cruisers used to be encouraged to bring trinkets from their home areas for the Mermaid, but I haven't seen any threads about this recently. There is a sticky thread at the top of the NCL message board about her. BTW, there is an 'I [love] NY' glass ball that we brought aboard for the Mermaid when we first cruised the Gem in December 2011, that the Group Services officer was kind enough to include.

 

The rock wall is worth a look, and even better, a climb! Do it on a day the ship is in port, but you're not getting off or you're coming back early. Check the Dailies for times the recreation crew are on hand. This is free, but you need to wear socks for the borrowed rock-climbing shoes the Gem provides. My tradition is after ringing the bell at the top, I treat everyone to drinks!:)

TRY THIS SITE /Charms for the Gem-It Mermaid

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=687880

Kids to adults do the wall....don't worry it is not that extreme.

 

Once at the top, don't forget to have a look around. There is no higher point you can be to look at the vast ocean...take a few seconds to admire it.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Cruise Critic Forums mobile app

Thanks, now I'll definitely give it a whirl!

Question for recent Gem cruisers: has piano bar entertainer Laurie Anne Gardner been on board? She used to play the Gem quite frequently. She's really fantastic, and if you ever have a chance to catch her act, don't miss it.

Question for recent Gem cruisers: has piano bar entertainer Laurie Anne Gardner been on board? She used to play the Gem quite frequently. She's really fantastic, and if you ever have a chance to catch her act, don't miss it.

Just stepped off the Gem on Monday. Yes, Laurie Anne did play and she was good. But I have to say that LEO was outstanding!

We just got off the Gem Monday as well, and Leo was excellent!! Missing the tropical weather already.....:(