NCL Gem -10-Day E. Caribbean- Jan 29-Feb 8,2012 - Review and Pictorial

[computerworks]

Doing a bit of unconventional sequencing with this review, but let's continue.

OK, now that we have the port days all done, I can go back and share the sailaway, the sea days and a few pictures of our cabin and the Haven.

Leaving from NYC is a piece of cake...curbside pickup of your luggage, pass thru security and pick a check-in line.
This trip, we were fortunate to have suite privileges, so boarding was swift and painless.

Before we knew it, we were comfortably seated in Cagney's for lunch

A sunny January day, very mild...but still cold. After lunch, we dropped off our carry-ons in the cabin and took a walkaround; we went topside for the sailaway party.
Our fellow travellers had the same idea.



The chilly afternoon did not deter the dancing on deck



My idea of a "mild" day did not match my wife's idea...An interesting juxtaposition...

[computerworks]

You can't beat the sights of lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty and the Verrazano when you sail away

[computerworks]

By this time, the Atrium is starting to buzz with everyone exploring the ship



That's the Blue Lagoon up top and the Lobby area below

[computerworks]

A few shots of our cabin; we were fortunate to be in the Deluxe Owners Suite (15500), one of two suites on Deck 15.
There is no one above you. :-)

It was a wonderful room for two... no more than that,though.

[computerworks]

Vanity and bath area-

[computerworks]

This room's claim to fame is the sundeck; the room steward took care of installing and stowing all the cushions for the furniture as required.

[computerworks]

The Haven area on Jewel-class ships is amazing.... what a great place to relax or just hang out.

We found it to be a great place to chill out in the evening, after most others had called it a day

[Frick_&_Frack]

Thanks for the additional pictures! That suite looks AMAZING (though, the flight of stairs kills it for us unfortunately).

The Haven looks great! Now I really can't wait!!!

Thanks again for taking the time to do this!!

[computerworks]

Our First Sea Day

We had our Cruise Critic Meet and Greet in the Bliss Lounge that morning.

If you don't check the boards for a roll call on your next cruise, you could miss this great opportunity to say hello to fellow CC members and have a chance to meet the crew and make yourself known.

A big thanks to Margaret ( Got Tequila? ) for setting up ours.

At the Meet & Greet, we met the Captain and a few members of his staff. Here, Stephen, the Hotel Director tells us a bit about the ship.







"Big Ken" Mills, the Cruise Director gave advice on how to have fun this week.



Fully out to sea now... the day's end... view from our sundeck

[computerworks]

The Haven Cocktail Party was held that evening, with more staff and fellow passengers to meet.









Captain Roger (R) and Andres Nedal (L), the Chief Engineer



Here's a little video clip of the gathering...just for the "cocktail party sounds" :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cRbJUV3wcE

[Nalagh]

I knew it was 15500 because of the pictures taken from the balcony all the wat through your review! We were in 15000 in September, and have many of the same pool deck photos from the other side! Great pics, and I am happy to hear that you had a wonderful time!!

[computerworks]

Sea Day Two



Start the day with a little breakfast at Cagney's



Today, we took the Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the ship.
Your host takes you to several areas that are never seen by the passengers and, at each stop, a crew manager explains all that goes on in his or her department.

A fascinating look at the food preparation and kitchen, laundry and other places.

It finished on the Bridge, where the Captain gave us a full look at the inner working of the cockpit and how they navigate.

First, the kitchen...

We'd be eating some of these later tonight at Le Bistro

[computerworks]

Waste management and recycling...amazing story how they do it all. The stats are incredible.



The laundry

Folding towels? ...no problem



Pressing all those sheets? ...no problem

[computerworks]

Backstage at the Stardust Theater



Next stop, The Bridge

[computerworks]

Captain Roger was patient and took all the time to answer any questions and explain how they perform all the tasks at sea.

[computerworks]

That afternoon, we had the Latitudes Party in the Spinnaker Lounge. Nice party attended by the key staff members and hosted by the Latitudes and Cruise Consultant onboard.



Snacks and drinks and loads of door prizes.

Captain Roger, after he spoke to us, picked up his guitar, plugged in and gave us a song.

Here's the video:

http://youtu.be/8Q95w04TLZI

[computerworks]

Back to the Haven for some fruit and more snacks...

Then, off to Le Bistro for some dinner, then the show

...and to eat some of them mussels we saw earlier in the kitchen. :-)



Finish the night up at Bali Hai to plan for our first port

[Cruiser_SG77]

Thank you so much for posting this fantastic review! Definitely one of my favorites!

[b00kbug]

Originally Posted by Cruiser_SG77

Thank you so much for posting this fantastic review! Definitely one of my favorites!

Agreed! This review is awesome!

[computerworks]

Originally Posted by Frick_&_Frack

Thanks for the additional pictures! That suite looks AMAZING (though, the flight of stairs kills it for us unfortunately).

Your own little "Stairmaster"....wasn't that bad, it got easier.