Differences between Gem & Pearl?

Are there many major differences between the Gem and the Pearl? Obviously they’re sisters so they’ll have a lot in common... but will I feel like I’m cruising on the same ship? I’ve been on the Gem twice in the past 8 months. I usually like to try a different ship each cruise (don’t get me wrong, a cruise is a cruise and I’m mostly likely still going on the Pearl this fall). Just curious about the differences! Thanks!

When I was recently on the Gem I had to keep reminding myself I wasn't on the Pearl. The only giveaway was the slide on the pool deck.

Yep, they are pretty much the same. As I recall, the Internet cafe on the Gem was 3 pc's in the library but the Pearl had a full set up on deck 7 near the art gallery. Also, the Pearl still had the bowling alleys and the kooky lounge decor.

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As far as I recall the Spas are quite different - Gem has a thermal suite from which we relaxed and had a fabulous view for sail away, Pearl did not. Pearl did not have an open cafe area at the stern. Pearl also has a huge tiered sunbathing area at one end of the swimming pool. In many respects the layout was very similar.

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Hi there. Was lucky enough to be on both the Pearl and Gem recently and found them to be very similar. Nonetheless we did feel like we experienced a different ship (also an enirely different itinerery)

Here is what I noticed

-La Cucina felt the same

-Teppanyaki felt better on Pearl (maybe the layout or that on Pearl the chefs worked in unison...on Gem they seemed to each do there own thing which wound up just sounding noisy)

-Entertainment - felt that Gem was better

-Common areas - similar but felt Gem decor was a lttle nicer

-Casino - very similar but liked Pearl casino better...cant come up with a good reason why..maybe it was less smoky

-Beds- found Pearl to be more comfortable...Gem you could really feel where the two beds were pushed together but maybe it was just cabin specific...didnt think to ask for a topper

-Thermal Spa- essentially the same....Gem did not have the cold water tub to dip in but I wouldnt have used it anyway...both were great and in same locationwith great views

-Spinnaker, Theatre- Same

-Great outdoors- Same

Crew, waiters, bartenders, stewards --FANTASTIC on both

Wouldnt hesitate to go on either ship again

Enjoy

As far as I recall the Spas are quite different - Gem has a thermal suite from which we relaxed and had a fabulous view for sail away, Pearl did not. Pearl did not have an open cafe area at the stern. Pearl also has a huge tiered sunbathing area at one end of the swimming pool. In many respects the layout was very similar.

 

 

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I think you meant either the Star or Dawn. All of the Jewel class ships do have Great Outdoors at the stern of ship and none of then have tiered sunbathing area at one end of swimming pool.

P.S. These were built in order (earliest first): Jewel, Jade, Pearl, Gem. The first 2 are sisters and the last 2 are sisters.

Jewel and Jade do not have bowling alleys, but the other 2 did when they were first built, and I believe the ones on Gem were removed during her latest dry dock.

I think you meant either the Star or Dawn. All of the Jewel class ships do have Great Outdoors at the stern of ship and none of then have tiered sunbathing area at one end of swimming pool.

 

P.S. These were built in order (earliest first): Jewel, Jade, Pearl, Gem. The first 2 are sisters and the last 2 are sisters.

 

Jewel and Jade do not have bowling alleys, but the other 2 did when they were first built, and I believe the ones on Gem were removed during her latest dry dock.

You are quite correct - the names all start to blur after a while.

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Jewel and Jade do not have bowling alleys, but the other 2 did when they were first built, and I believe the ones on Gem were removed during her latest dry dock.

You are correct, there are no longer bowling alleys on the Gem. The space is now used as a lounge and small entertainment venue.

Separately, the Great Outdoors is one of my favorite places on the Jewel class ships, and it was given a wonderful spruce up during the Gem's dry dock.

Going on the Gem summer 2017. Looking forward to a new ship to enjoy!

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Pearl (and Jade) received more extensive stateroom updates in their last dry docks than Gem did. They have new headboards with USB charging ports and larger wall-mounted TV consoles.