CigarsAndWhiskey

I was on NCL Pearl in a mini suite last year and thought it was pretty great. (The Pearl is a sister to The Gem) I particularly liked the bathroom because of the tub/shower. I read a couple places here on CC were someone had complained about the "scary" step over into the tub. So I made a point of measuring the step-over. 18 inches. WOW! Scary! I have no idea why anyone would consider it scary - it's about the same as my tub at home. I'm 5'10" and my shipmate is 5'2" - neither of us thought the tub abnormal. I liked the tub/shower in our mini suite because most shower stalls make me feel cramped. The Pearl's tub was identical in size to an average tub at home - 60 inches X 30 inches wide.

 

As for the noise from above - nil. We were forward under the salon/library/card room and never heard a sound from above. Very quiet.

 

This was our mini suite tub:

 

I felt it was like an inch or 2 higher then normal. I think the worry is more for people with limited moblity.

I didn't enjoy the Shepherd's Pie that much personally, really good spice but it was dry, no gravy.

Wings were good, fajitas were amazing, stew was actually a soup that tasted good.

Beer was great

I phoned as asked if they would lower the bid cause I felt the price was a little to high as well.

They said the minimums would not change.

I bid 10$ over the Min and won the bid.

Hope that helps.

Gem in Nov is heading back for a half day. I am wondering where to get information on where to go post hurricane. (Which excursions are still offered)

Looping back, Tax on drinks in all ports or just when docked in the USA?

You can just pay for drinks A La Carte if you don't drink that much. With the drink back you need to pay 18% per day pp if you get that perk. which is about 18$ pp. If you plan to drink more I would call NCL and see if they can do something because the rooms might be sold out but you already have one. If you are not 90 days away I would guess they would be able to help you out. I'd call and see.

My guess they got a little bit of a curve ball with Nate this week and they were waiting that out before making the final moves.

Hopefully we see something in the next week or 2.

1. Depends on who else bids and how many people are on the ship. Everyone says bid what you feel comfortable and be ok with it. I personally put the min bid in on a suite upgrade (was 375pp however) but I don't want it for more.

2. You keep your existing perks (From promotions) but you don't get any new ones.

Just tell the locals you are in from Canada, been to Cuba everyone is super friendly. Most of the islands income is from tourist and they have strict laws about messing with tourist so it is a really safe place for a tourist... maybe not for a diploma... That's my 2 cents haven't been there for a couple years.

What sports channels does the GEM have?

Bring the cutter. Stop at a drugstore on the way to the port and pick up a disposable lighter. Voila, no hassles with TSA.

Unless you are buying cedar sticks please don't use non-butane lighters as it can ruin the cigar. If you are buying cigars before going just ask at the shop for cedar sticks they usually just give them out for free.

They might have them in the cigar lounge as well, can anyone confirm that?

Enjoy your cruise.