BMG

I will not address the smoking issue. It has been beaten to death. I am a non-smoker. I am married to a smoker.

With regard to Denge, I think that the onus is on the traveler to investigate the health risks associated with the places they plan to travel, BEFORE they travel. This allows them to take whatever precautions necessary to keep them safe and healthy - get the recommended immunizations, bring insect repellent, bring adequate sunscreen, etc.

14 days!

If it were me, for similar price, I would hands down take the Garden Villa on the Gem. I have been on the Gem twice, once in an H3 on deck 10, once in an H4. LOVED the Gem both times.

I have been on Breakaway in an H2-H5, and the Getaway in an H4. I will be sailing in an H7 with my son in March.

I absolutely LOVE the Haven, I don't think I would sail NCL without it. I really love the Gem, I like the size better. I do enjoy the Haven Restaurant, but would gladly give it up for the Garden Villa. I might never leave the Villa! And from what I have read, you basically are treated as royalty. That was not at all the case for us in our H2-H5 on the Breakaway.

Stayed at Ink48 a few years ago before a Gem cruise. Was nice to wake up to a view of the ship in port. :)

Would stay there again in a heartbeat!

I've only had good experiences with NCL's teen clubs, 14, 15, and 17. My teens would go the first night, do a scavenger hunt, and we rarely saw them again. They participated in planned and unplanned activities.

We had the same experience with our now 16 year old son. He absolutely LOVED his experiences on Breakaway at 13, and Getaway at 15. We never saw him, with the exception of required check-ins a few times daily, one required family dinner during the week, and a set curfew. He was happy as a clam.

We have been on twice during Stanley Cup Finals. No hockey feeds at all. You will get car racing and cricket and soccer. No hockey. My sympathies.

No drama here, just disappointment. We booked a cruise with NCL just to accommodate my husband who smokes. We had an aft balcony and were super excited. I called to check on this rumor and was told it will be banned everywhere but the casino, and that you will have to be actually gambling there to be there.

Guess we are done cruising after our September Gem cruise for the same reason, my husband is a smoker. We absolutely love the Haven, which make NCL our line of choice. Very sad.

I am a non-smoker and I would much rather have the smoke outside than in. I hate walking anywhere near the casino.