psupa

I don't know if NCL says they shouldn't be left in the hall since I don't have elderly or disabled family who use them and therefore have never looked into the policy regarding that. What I have seen, many, many times is them parked up outside rooms. On the most recent cruise I went on to get from the elevators to our room usually involved passing 2 parked mobility scooters, 2 kids strollers one of which was a double extra large thing and 3 rooms that always seemed to have plates outside the door. It was good the night the ship was moving and I had a little more to drink than usual. I was like a pinball bouncing off walls and into things. So whilst I think there probably is a policy somewhere about parking scooters and strollers it is neither enforced nor does anyone abide by it. If your mother will benefit from having a mobility scooter you should get her one.

Scooters are not allowed to be left in hallways and I've never seen strollers left outside of cabins either. I believe this is considered a safety hazard and hope the cruise lines enforce it.

Sorry you had disappointments and issues, and hope that your other cruises will be better. Just an FYI, we have seen the coffee machine down on many different ships. Sometimes it is down in both the Concierge and Diamond lounges. One cruise both machines were down the entire cruise.

 

M

I remember it was broken most of the time on the Explorer, although I don't use it

Ships are much to crowded to have kids riding hover boards and possibly falling into and hurting someone else besides themselves. The news has been showing how dangerous they are and some catching fire, so I don't understand why parents would even buy them. Not sure about in ports and that could be congested as well. Leave the hover boards home; there is plenty to entertain kids on board and in ports.

My husband has spinal stenosis and limited mobility (balance issue). We have a rollator walker with seat for him to use. With the ships as large as they are now, we are thinking about renting a scooter for our next cruise. I finally convinced him it would be much easier and he would enjoy the cruise more. I inquired with Special Needs at Sea about scooter rental and they will deliver the scooter to the ship for you and then you leave it. In some departure ports they have Kiosks and will bring the scooter to you and you can embark and debark the ship with it. It's worth a phone call to get information. You will need to have an accessible cabin though and you need to book early and sometimes they are already gone.

Theresa

Thank you all so much for your input. My husband uses a rollator walker to get around on the ship, but we are thinking of renting him a scooter which would make is so much easier for him to go anywhere on the ship. I need to mention that we just got off the NCL Gem and their debarkation for disabled passengers was the worst we have ever experienced. We waited over 2 hours to get wheel chair assistance to get off the ship and when we finally got into the terminal to get our luggage there were no porters. We were a few of the last passengers to get off, so they had to go outside and bring some porters back inside. This should never had happened and NCL really needs to improve on their embarkation and debarkation procedure in New York.

I called Special Needs at Sea to inquire about renting a scooter next time we sail from NY. I was told that in NY they have a Kiosk in the terminal so they bring the scooter to you and you can board the ship with it and use it to debark and leave it at the Kiosk, so you don't have to wait for wheel chair assistance from the ship. We will probably rent a scooter for future cruises from any port we sail from (NY, Bayonne or Baltimore).

Theresa

One reason while DH and I cruise now instead of waiting for retirement. Even now there is consideration to be made for the "what ifs" as it relates to his health issues. Reasonable access to emergency care dictates where we go now.

My DH recently became disabled with a mobility issue. We are so glad we started cruising when we were younger and still working and got to see and do what we wanted. We are both retired now, but still cruise with some limitations. I always said do it if and while you can because you never know.

Theresa

Why not rent a scooter for him. From people I have spoken to who did this they deliver it to your cabin and then you leave it on the ship when you get off. You can take advantage of wheel chair assistance at embarkation and debarkation (other than NCL because their procedure is horrible). We are looking at doing this for our next cruise. My husband also has a mobility issue, but can manage with a rollator walker, but does struggle to walk long distances. Maybe a rollator walker with a seat because he can stop and rest. That's what my husband does. The walker is fairly light and folds up nicely and fit either in the back seat of your car or in the trunk

Theresa

How were the renovations?

Did the ship appear "new?"

 

How were the Specialty Restaurants?

 

How was the entertainment....anything a "not to be missed?"

 

Did you hear anything about the children's programs?

 

How did the M&G go?

 

Thanks for any information you could provide. :)

Don

Here's a short review and I can't comment on the Children's program or specialty restaurants since we don't use them. I hope this helps you.

We just returned from the Gem yesterday and had an absolutely wonderful time on a great ship with a great group of cruise critic folk, and the slots pulls where a hoot. It was so nice meeting many of you and hope our paths cross again.

The ship is really nice since it's dry dock with many areas that were renovated; the Crystal Atrium with it's new chandelier, new carpeting and furniture, the Bliss Lounge all redone with new furniture and carpet (the bowling lanes are gone). The Spinnaker Lounge looks great with the new furniture and blue carpet that looks like it's moving when you walk. Of course O'Sheehan's on Deck 8 open 24/7 is absolutely wonderful with it's menu for breakfast, lunch and late night snacks.

We had cabin 8594 with an obstructed view and the location was perfect for us since my DH uses a walker. The carpeting in our room was new.

The Gem is a great ship with a wonderful crew and you can tell many were new to the ship. No complaints from us for the service we received in the dining room, lounges, our stateroom attendant and anywhere else on the ship. We thought the food was very good and we only ate in the MDRs or at O'Sheehan's. Did not try the buffet (I try to avoid them) and when I walked through it was just too crowded and we don't do any specialty restaurant.

There was some very nice entertainment throughout the ship. the Production shows were very good and Carlos on piano and Pedro on guitar were very good and a fun time. They also had NFL football on the big screen in the Atrium. Can't help with the pool area since we really aren't pool people.

Now for some observations:

The smoke in the casino is horrible. You can't even walk through without smelling like a cigarette. Apparently there is no non-smoking area, but I was told there are slot machine in the Bliss Lounge, but they were not on. Lucky for me I didn't spend much time there because of this so I saved money.

The theater: The seating in the theater for handicapped and disabled passengers is terrible; there just isn't enough seating without having to climb down steps and the seats are very low and many seem to be broken or you feel like you are sitting downhill.

Now for the negative: We had an absolutely awful disembarkation from the Gem. We need to use the wheel chair assistance and this is where NCL fails miserably. It was in my opinion the worst debark we have ever experienced. They just did not have enough personnel to assist passengers and we waited over 2 hours and we were a few of the last people off the ship. When we finally got into the terminal there were no porters, so we had to wait for them to get porters from outside. This is totally unacceptable.

They had made 2 announcement on the ship that all passengers needed to disembark. I want to know how they think we were going to do that without assistance. There were 4 wheelchairs folded up along the rail and we were given some lame excuse that they are only allowed to have so many of their personnel off the ship at one time. This is total BS because on other cruise lines we have had no problems.

I just bumped up my post and just did a short review of my thoughts of the Gem

We just returned from the Gem a couple days ago. It was a great cruise for the most part' date=' aside from some interesting demographics of very rude people. We went our own way and made the best of it. As soon as I have a little time, I'll write up a review.

 

While we were onboard, there was a promotion giving you $250. onboard credit NOW for your balance while sailing, and 250. toward 2 additional cruises deposits ($125 deposit each). It was a no-brainer, so we enrolled. We have 4 years to take the two cruises/or two cabins. This works out fine, because we have 2 Celebrity and 1 RCI booked in the next year and a half and will be ready for another NCL cruise or two afterward.

 

My question is this: We would like to take another Bermuda cruise, but I see that the only convenient port is sailing out of New York on the Breakaway. We prefer the mid-sized ships like the Gem. May I inquire what your experiences are on the Breakaway? I see some terrible reviews on cruise critic, but I don't necessarily go by those reviews.

 

I appreciate your opinions!

 

Happy cruisin'

 

Susan[/quote']

 

We were on the same cruise with you and enjoyed the Gem very much. The only negative was the debarkation for special needs passengers. It was the worst we've ever experienced on a cruise line. Looking forward to reading your review

For those asking for a review of the Gem, but I don't know how to attach pics.

Sorry to hear about the chaos at disembarkation.

Apologies if I missed it, but which port was this?

New York

Thanks for your suggestions and points taken. My point for the post was to make people aware there may be an issue. Believe me I wish we didn't need to use it, but things happen and we now have no choice.

Just want to give heads up info to anyone sailing on the NCL Gem out of New York. We had an absolutely terrible disembarkation; we need wheel chair assistance and this is where NCL fails miserably. It was the worst debark we have ever experienced on any cruise line.

You report to an area that was very congested and sign up and wait, but they just don't have enough personnel to assist passengers. We waited over 2 hours and were a few of the last people off the ship. When we finally got a wheel chair and into the terminal there were no porters. Our van service arrived at 11:00, but we were still in the terminal waiting for them to get porters to assist us. This is totally unacceptable.

Anyone who needs to use this service at the end of the cruise needs to know there may be a problem. My DH uses a walker and can only walk short distances, so we have no choice because the walk from the gangway to the terminal and then out of the terminal is not a short one in New York.

NCL's Special Needs Assistance on embarkation day wasn't any better and you will need to sign up and wait there too.

 

Interesting how you skipped the long wait for assistance to get ON the ship but but were unwilling to do so with suprised aggravation when it was time to get OFF the ship.

 

Not sure what you mean, but embarkation was just as chaotic so we tried it without assistance and my husband really struggled and it took us some time but we made it. Just saying NCL's procedure is the worst compared to the other lines we've sailed with and they need to improve it.

We just returned from a fabulous cruise on the NCL Gem. We were the first cruise after dry dock and the ship is beautiful, with many areas (Atrium, Bliss Lounge and Spinnaker's) all done over with new carpeting and furniture. We had a great time, but the debarkation was a total cluster.

We had an absolutely awful disembarkation from the Gem. We need wheel chair assistance and this is where NCL fails miserably and have sent an email to NCL guest relations to address the issue. It was the worst debark we have ever experienced on any cruise line. They just did not have enough personnel to assist passengers and we waited over 2 hours and were a few of the last people off the ship. When we finally got a wheel chair and into the terminal there were no porters. Our van service arrived at 11:00, but we were still in the terminal waiting for them to get porters to assist us. This is totally unacceptable.

They had made 2 announcement on the ship that all passengers needed to disembark. I want to know how they think we were going to do that without assistance. While we were still waiting, there were 4 wheelchairs folded up along the rail and we were given some lame excuse that they are only allowed to have so many off the ship at one time. This is total BS because on other cruise lines we have had no problems.

I usually do not complain, but I believe anyone who needs to use this service at the end of the cruise needs to know there may be a problem. I really believe if we didn't start complaining they would have just left us there to get off ourselves. My DH uses a walker and can only walk short distances, so we have no choice but to wait. The walk from the gangway to the terminal and then out of the terminal is not a short one.

NCL's Special Needs Assistance on embarkation wasn't any better. When we went to sign up there were 3 sheets of names waiting for a wheel chair and the lady told me they only had 8. We did not wait, but my husband did struggle to walk on the ship.

Hopefully others who experienced what we did will complain so this can be corrected. NCL needs to do better when it comes to disabled passengers getting on and off the ship.

Thanks for the review. The disembark sounded like a total nightmare. Sorry to hear that. Try and forget the bad and remember the good. It sounded like you enjoyed for the most part.

 

All the best

Rob

Yes we did. We really like the Gem

We just returned from the Gem yesterday and had an absolutely wonderful time on a great ship with a great group of cruise critic folk, and the slots pulls where a hoot. It was so nice meeting many of you and hope our paths cross again.

The good: The ship is really nice since it's dry dock with many areas that were renovated; the Crystal Atrium with it's new chandelier, new carpeting and furniture, the Bliss Lounge all redone with new furniture and carpet (the bowling lanes are gone). The Spinnaker Lounge looks great with the new furniture and blue carpet that looks like it's moving when you walk. Of course O'Sheehan's open 24/7 is absolutely wonderful with it's menu for breakfast, lunch and late night snacks. We never did get to try the hot wings which look great.

We had cabin 8594 with an obstructed view and the location was perfect for us since my DH uses a walker. The carpeting in our room was new.

The Gem is a great ship with a wonderful crew and you can tell many were new to the ship. No complaints from us for the service we received in the dining room, lounges, our stateroom attendant and anywhere else on the ship. We thought the food was very good and we only ate in the MDRs or at O'Sheehan's. Did not try the buffet (I try to avoid them) and when I walked through it was just too crowded and we don't do any specialty restaurant.

There was some very nice entertainment throughout the ship. the Production shows were very good and Carlos on piano and Pedro on guitar were very good and a fun time. They also had NFL football on the big screen in the Atrium. Can't help with the pool area since we really aren't pool people.

Now for some observations:

The smoke in the casino is horrible. You can't even walk through without smelling like a cigarette. Apparently there is no non-smoking area, but I was told there are slot machine in the Bliss Lounge, but they were not on. Lucky for me I didn't spend much time there because of this so I saved money.

The theater: The seating in the theater for handicapped and disabled passengers is terrible; there just isn't enough seating without having to climb down steps and the seats are very low and many seem to be broken or you feel like you are sitting downhill. There should be a better way for disabled passengers with scooters and walkers to be able to enter the theater on a lower level and there currently is no lower entrance. You enter from either deck 6 or 7 and walk down, with seating for disabled at the top and maybe 8 seats on each side reserved.

Now for the negative: We had an absolutely awful disembarkation from the Gem. We need to have wheel chair assistance and this is where NCL fails miserably. I have already sent an email to NCL guest relations to address the issue. It was in my opinion the worst debark we have ever experienced. They just did not have enough personnel to assist passengers and we waited over 2 hours and we were a few of the last people off the ship. When we finally got a wheel chair and into the terminal there were no porters, so we had to wait for them to get porters from outside. This is totally unacceptable.

They had made 2 announcement on the ship that all passengers needed to disembark. I want to know how they think we were going to do that without assistance. There were 4 wheelchairs folded up along the rail and we were given some lame excuse that they are only allowed to have so many of their personnel off the ship at one time. This is total BS because on other cruise lines we have had no problems.

We just returned from the NCL Gem Nov 13th cruise and the ship is beautiful. The crystal atrium has a new chandellier, carpeting and furniture. The Bliss Lounge has been completely redone in a neutral brown and tan color scheme with new carpeting and furniture (the bowling lanes are gone). Wait until you see the Spinnaker Lounge with it's new furniture and carpet that to me looks like it is weaving. Some other areas of the ship have new carpeting as well. It is really nice and very handicap accessible in most areas. There are many new crew members, but we have no complaints about the food or service we received. Smoking in the casino is terrible and it just lingers that just walking through you smell like a cigarette. Sorry folks if you are smokers, but just stating a fact.

Now my negative about disembarkation for handicapped and disabled was the worst we have ever experienced. They didn't have enough people to get everyone off in a timely manner and we waited 2 hours and finally when we did get wheel chair assistance, there were no porters left in the terminal so we had to wait for them to get them from outside. There were 2 announcements made that everyone needed to get off the ship, yet there were still some of us waiting for assistance, while 4 wheel chairs were folded up against the rail. I have already sent a letter to guest services at NCL addressing my concerns and complaints on this issue.

Happy cruising,

Theresa

We did B2B the last two Januarys on the Summit out of San Juan. I'm not much of a pool person but what got me was the new cinema. They moved it from below decks to the back of the sports deck and there is no elevator access for the new movies at night. I was looking forward to those and there was no mention that they would not be on the pool deck near bars. The only answer I got from their front desk was "it's a temporary set up". He did not mean it would become accessible but that it is only for the San Juan cruises. We like that size ship and love the aft end large cabins but they are rapidly saying "sorry" to too many things that should be accessible.

You are so right. Since my DH became disabled and has to use a walker we are finding out how some areas of ships are inaccessible and some need to be refurbished to accommodate. We just returned from the NCL Gem which is a wonderful ship and most areas are accessible, except we had an awful disembarkation with them and I am addressing that direct with them.

I'm sorry you experienced this, Zellalamb. I know from first hand experience that the M Class ships of Celebrity can have many accessibility problems. I agree that whenever I've been on Summit, the pool lifts did not work, and could not be used. The other problem I had were with their doors to the outside decks---the ones that had auto openers. There were two that were broken and the auto feature didn't work at all, so I could not access that deck. Very frustrating. I spoke to guest services, and while they were polite, I knew nothing was going to be done.

I agree with you about the M class ships. We sailed on the Summit in August and my DH uses a walker. I found the ship not to be very good for disabled passengers. Some of the thresholds were high and the doors to the outside were not very accessible either. Please be careful with those auto doors because my DH got hit with it on the Summit. He was halfway through with his walker when the doors started to close. We should have reported it. Don't think we would sail an M class again.

It's not too far. . .about maybe 200-250 yards. Its just past the Government Building.

 

 

Radio

;);)

 

 

.

Thanks and I'm enjoying the live review.

Theresa

I wish I would have felt better and done a little more exploring. It turns out that I walked around town a little just to be close to the ship. We went to a craft market and Pusser’s Outpost downtown.

 

Radio

 

The craft market was quaint . . .about 30 vendors

 

 

Radio, how far a walk from the ship is the craft market

Theresa

Wow I'm so glad I found your live review. I can't believe I almost missed it.

Theresa

Let the games begin