newcruiser48

My sister and I were in 9123 on the Gem, it was horrible.  We heard banging all night, we're thinking from the kitchen area?  We had the hotel manager come up to listen and we video taped it as well.  After 2 nights of no sleep, we were practically in tears and were able to move to an inside on deck 10.  The concept of the room is cool, and it is bigger, but NEVER!!  again.  Hope this helps..

24 minutes ago, Painter4me said:

I would still go! Call me, I’ll take his place if he gets sick. You can still go! 😀

I thought if someone in your stateroom tests positive prior to sailing, you can't go.  I copied this paragraph from a pdf dated 10/21.  Now if someone wanted to be dishonest and not care about others, they would be a no-show.  I couldn't do that.  

• If you report, or we identify, that you may have been exposed to or are likely to have been infected by COVID-19, we may require that you and others in your Traveling Party do not travel to the port. This is in order to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Anyone effectively denied boarding in these circumstances will be entitled to a refund, or an optional FCC, for the cruise fare paid to RC

We also cruise January 9th.  I am all for isolating just to avoid a positive test or having to quarantine on board. My husband is of the opposite mind set.  He acts like he's invincible.. I told him if he tests positive and we can't go, I'm going to be really Pi$$ed!!  I've resorted to sleeping in our spare bedroom just so he doesn't breath on me all night!   I'm not afraid of getting the virus, we're vaxxed and boosted so hope for no major symptoms if it happens. I JUST WANT TO CRUISE!!!   We had a full Christmas celebration in July, outside.  It was way more fun than winter...

Thanks!!, upgraded my inside on Gem November 30, 2020 to obstructed OV  for $30 pp and added free wifi.  Could have saved money but I liked the same cabin we sailed in the past and for $60 it was worth it.

Sorry, I have to comment on the knee type crutch with a flip flop on the weight bearing foot!

Hope you do ok on your cruise.

They have a bowling alley, baskeball games, dart boards at the restaurant. very busy and you will not hear the noise on the same floor as the bar. you should get at least to 10th floor or 9th floor away from restaurants below you. Also with balcony room on 9th floor you will hear the noise from 8th floor outside areas.Not very relaxing on balcony

Osheehans on the Gem doesn't have bowling or arcades. We booked not over the restaurant, but what apparently is their kitchen. Gem also doesn't have outside deck areas on 8. Promenade is on deck 7.

We stayed in 9123, which is inside, and requested another cabin our first night. We heard banging all night from what we could only assume was osheehan's. Thankfully there was an open cabin on deck 10 we moved to.

Guest services couldn't give us an answer as to the noise, but they came and heard it. Will never stay in that area again. 9110 may be more insulated, being it's a balcony, but I would say don't do it.

Hi, where did you find information about Port change from Tortola to St. Maarten and also port time change? Thanks a lot.

 

NCL still shows Tortola as of now.

I am on the 26th sailing. I got an email Friday. The booking site isn't updated.

I was in 9123 last year. We heard what we could only assume were pots banging at all hours, we realized we were probably above O'sheehans galley. Thankfully there was another inside cabin available. We were able to relocate. The cabin was bigger, but not worth the sleepless nights.

I recently booked on the Gem. I wanted an IA inside on deck 10, the category said it's available on deck 10 & 11. Only deck 11 showed on the booking engine, so I called NCL and gave the agent the cabin number I wanted on 10. A bit of a pain, but I don't want deck 11, so that was my option.

On our Dec 2 sailing Moderno offered a buffet lunch open to all passengers on one rainy, cold, sea day. I don't remember if it was in the daily, we heard it announced during one of the CDs "what to do today" speeches so we took advantage of it.

Only a zinfandel....if you can tolerate the taste. Or white moscato...nothing for those of us that prefer sweet reds.

We always bring a medium sized bottle, washed and refilled, and have never had an issue with it being in our checked bag.

So sorry.....

Last year on the Breakaway my husband and I had to leave the Bliss lounge a few times because the volume was unbearable...

I think Kingofwylietx hit the nail on the head. It is a large ship with a lot of guests and a lot of different employees taking care of those guests. It is entirely reasonable that some people will have a bad experience while most have a good one despite the best intentions of everyone.

 

I am not doubting anyone had a bad experience, but I just don't see corporate being the ones responsible, and particularly the crew going along with it. Now, if the crew feel that they are worker harder for less money, I can definitely see the quality of service decreasing, no matter what management wants.

 

Also, I think a lot of people forget that it takes two to tango. How you treat the crew goes a long way in determining how they treat you. I'm not saying extra tips, but being a pleasant person in general.

The service was night and day from past experiences without all the UBP. We always treat staff and crew and even other guests with the utmost respect and pleasantness. We are very easy going and make no demands. Just telling our experience.

I'm curious, if corporate did want to slow down drinks, why would the crew go along with it? Also, how would they determine who had UBP and who didn't unless they had previously served the person? Even if corporate wanted to slow down service for UBP guests, they would still want to serve cash guests as much as possible.

 

I'm not saying you are wrong, but I really have a hard time understanding this one.

We were asking ourselves the same thing. The cash was for tipping, we thought it would help.

Just got off the NCL Star 7 day cruise of the western Caribbean. A large proportion of the passengers had taken advantage of the UBP promotion (we did not - - we chose the prepaid gratuities instead).

 

My observations: Looooong lines at every bar. Only one or two bartenders working and working slowly at that. Only one server working the entire pool deck area. A LOT of FRUSTRATED people wanting drinks, even just water or sodas.

 

My guess as to why: The UBP promotion has taken away any incentive to serve drinks quickly. The slower they go, the less they have to serve. Which translates into a lower cost promotion.

 

I'm not going on NCL again and stand in line 15 minutes for a soda and a beer.

I agree. My sister and I were on the Gem in November with the ubp. We left O'sheehans a few times because we could not get drinks. They weren't that busy. We also waited long times in Shaker's, the atrium and Spinnaker. We concluded unscientifically, of course, that the less drinks served, the bigger the bottom line. We always had cash sitting on the bars or tables. It didn't matter.

We are going again in March and surely hope for an improvement in this area.

There weren't any available unfortunately!

I learned from my last cruise that there is a waiting line near the big open doors for the porters. First come, first served. I waited with our luggage while my sister waited for a porter.

I didn't use a porter prior to that and wondered why we couldn't find one available until we were walking towards customs. It took a little time between porters, but still worth it.

I have thick short hair, the dryer was ok, not as hot as mine. I kind of complained to myself the whole time. But I won't pack mine because I need room for shoes. :)

She really is a beautiful ship! Very elegant. I've never sailed her before but from the pictures I have seen it has been greatly improved. Absolutely gorgeous.

Spoke to Carlos, our concierge, for a bit at lunch. Apparently dry dock was a lot of work for everyone! He seems really proud of what they've done.

 

Walking onto the ship you can smell the new. Fresh carpeting is a very distinct odor. Call me crazy but I love it.

 

We have a nespresso machine in our suite which my boyfriend has already made good use out of. Also, he was very impressed there is written material in Italian. It was left on the table. I guess seeing he holds an Italian passport and the name kinda gave it away. It was a nice touch and he loved it.

 

FYI...there was just an announcement that we will be delayed approximately an hour on sail away. So hopefully 5pm instead of 4pm. They're still loading provisions. And even though it wasn't announced we did see furniture actually still being brought on. And really? I've been on vacation since we boarded at noon so I'm not in a hurry!

 

There also seems to be many new crew members being shown around.

 

Thugs do seem a but chaotic but everyone is working so hard to get everything done. Agree with the NCL policies or not the crew works their tails off. And they are all so friendly and helpful. Even though they're clearly very busy!

 

I'll take a bunch of pictures but I can't promise I'll figure out how to post large pics. If I can post a link to a shutterfly album I'll be more then happy to do so when all is said and done.

Thanks for the update, was watching the port cam. You have a perfect attitude! I'm on her next sailing. Enjoy your trip!

Thanks for your review. I'll be on my third Gem sailing in a few weeks. Leo is my favorite! I've only ever eaten at LeBistro, and plan on it again, if only for the escargot.

I'm trying to remember if the theater has entry/exit on a level opposite the casino, to avoid the smoke. I hate walking through there.

Happy Birthday(s)!

I also googled for this.

http://www.sea-scanner.com/schiffsposition.php?schiff=Norwegian+Jewel

Check out the bow camera, looks pretty calm

http://www.kroooz-cams.com/ncl_jewel/jewel.php

I was solo in an ocean view and had the bed made into a queen. It was tight. Depending on the head of the bed and where the desk and chair is, I couldn't go around the one side without sitting down on the bed. And I had an overhead bunk in my way also. It was ok to have the larger sleeping area but if I did it again, I'd definitely keep them apart.