Live from the Gem...

[peg013]

I'll be on next week too. How any TA would have information about ports being skipped before they even finish the repairs in St Thomas is beyond me. Most of the time Miami doesn't have a clue when an itinerary is being changed so how does some TA know? I'll be waiting for further news from on board!:)

[MM40]

[quote name='spirit rev']NCL is planning on the Gem being in NYC on the 13th. Up on the Epic threads is a report the next Epic announcement will be made on the Gem on the 13th.

I'll be on that cruise and anticipate a great time.[/QUOTE]

I'm on this same cruise and anticipate the same great time!

[antsnanny]

That doesn't make any sense to me at all. If the ship is fixed and ready for the trip on the 13 why not finish its current cruise?

[ncldawn]

I JUST phoned NCL (again), and they have said again that the repair has been made in St. Thomas and the schedule will continue unchanged for the current sailing and the 1/13 sailing.

I told the person that I'm at risk of losing lots of money for travel, and it is important that I know what is happening.

I was assured, again, that everything is fixed.

Feel free, and I recommend,that as many people that can, call NCL so that we have some sort of similar outcomes.

Hopefully he was correct. I assume if any changes are made to the current sailing we will get some feedback from people ON the ship.

Good luck!




[quote name='antsnanny']That doesn't make any sense to me at all. If the ship is fixed and ready for the trip on the 13 why not finish its current cruise?[/quote]

[WhenIsOurNextCruise]

We have been sailing for 20 years, at least once or twice a year, and we would be perfectly happy on a 10 day cruise to nowhere. We did the TransAtlantic on the Gem in April and those 5 sea days were heaven. Once we arrived in the Med it was an entirely different pace - and it was a wonderful itinerary with great things to see and experience.

But on a long cruise to nowhere, you can go to the spa, the casino is open all the time, you have time to exercise without being rushed and dinner is truly anytime dining. It sounds like heaven to me. And truthfully, we have cruised to the Caribbean so many times, I'm not sure I would get off the ship if it stopped. Just my 2 cents....... I understand when people have expectations and are disappointed - so I hope NCL takes good care of them with a future cruise discount.

[ddakrt]

I JUST phoned NCL (again), and they have said again that the repair has been made in St. Thomas and the schedule will continue unchanged for the current sailing and the 1/13 sailing.

 

I told the person that I'm at risk of losing lots of money for travel, and it is important that I know what is happening.

 

I was assured, again, that everything is fixed.

 

Feel free, and I recommend,that as many people that can, call NCL so that we have some sort of similar outcomes.

 

Hopefully he was correct. I assume if any changes are made to the current sailing we will get some feedback from people ON the ship.

 

Good luck!

 

Hi ncldawn,

 

I've noticed that this is at least the second time in which you advised as many people as possible to call NCL and ask/demand some sort of resolution. IMHO that really isn't wise nor will you get accurate information.

 

As a few had already said, Miami themselves usually never have the right answer right away, let alone the call centre in Mesa, AZ. Personally I question how many PCC even know there is a pod problem on the Gem right now; ship news usually get on the boards here far quicker than they get to the call centre. Right now I wouldn't put much faith into what you were told by the person you talked to.

 

Lets just wait and see what the people aboard the Gem right now reports back. We'll know if the ship is fixed in St. Thomas soon enough.

[ncldawn]

Hi ncldawn,

 

I've noticed that this is at least the second time in which you advised as many people as possible to call NCL and ask/demand some sort of resolution. IMHO that really isn't wise nor will you get accurate information.

 

As a few had already said, Miami themselves usually never have the right answer right away, let alone the call centre in Mesa, AZ. Personally I question how many PCC even know there is a pod problem on the Gem right now; ship news usually get on the boards here far quicker than they get to the call centre. Right now I wouldn't put much faith into what you were told by the person you talked to.

 

Lets just wait and see what the people aboard the Gem right now reports back. We'll know if the ship is fixed in St. Thomas soon enough.

 

 

The person that I spoke to know knew exactly what the problem was and was technically capable of explaining it. With that said, I stand by my recommendation for people that are planning to cruise this ship, especially next week, to phone NCL.

 

When you have limited time to get a refunded flight / train ticket, you phone the company.

 

I will phone again tomorrow, and then post again tomorrow. If you are not on the sailing next week, then feel free to ignore the post.

 

Take care,

 

NCLD

[NJMom2kidnboxers]

they will dodge giving you any answers, and will play "hot potato" with your inquiry and concerns. NCL has zero customer service.

:rolleyes:

[antsnanny]

I spoke to my daughter who is on the Gem. NCL gave them a 75.00 per cabin ship board credit to compensate them for missing PR. She has not heard that the ship will leave St. Martin and head back to NYC. She said that there are passengers who are upset with their compensation and trying to get a petition together. BTY, she and her friend are having a blast, thankfully neither of them got sea sick. They choose to enjoy their vacation even if it was altered a bit. She was disappointed because she was meeting an old friend in Puerto Rico but their not bitter, there just enjoying their cruise.

[ddakrt]

The person that I spoke to know knew exactly what the problem was and was technically capable of explaining it. With that said, I stand by my recommendation for people that are planning to cruise this ship, especially next week, to phone NCL.

 

When you have limited time to get a refunded flight / train ticket, you phone the company.

 

I will phone again tomorrow, and then post again tomorrow. If you are not on the sailing next week, then feel free to ignore the post.

 

Take care,

 

NCLD

 

Did they tell you what was wrong with the Azipods? Curious myself.

 

If you're on next weeks sailing and are concern, do call. Although I'd advise against random people swamping NCL's call centre inquiring about the ships status for no reason however.

 

Keep us updated!

[westerly]

also was on gem in april ta.agree with when is my next cruise more sea days needed

[ddakrt]

they will dodge giving you any answers, and will play "hot potato" with your inquiry and concerns. NCL has zero customer service.

:rolleyes:

 

ncldawn seems to be quite content with the answer he/she got, in case you're still blinded by your "negative/blame everybody else but yourself" goggles, this is what ncldawn said:

 

The person that I spoke to know knew exactly what the problem was and was technically capable of explaining it.

[antsnanny]

This is really sad.......sad situation.......a group of friends are on that sailing as we speak........I bet they will never sail with NCL again:cool:.

 

Hope your upcoming cruise won't be like this one:o

 

.

This stuff happens on all the cruise lines and a lot of the time it involves the pods. My daughter is having a blast on the Gem right now,she said the seas were rough but they didn't get sick. I hope your friends are also having a great cruise despite some changes and rough seas which no one had any control over.

[msg12188]

Don't say that just yet. We don't know what the itinerary changes will be aside from San Juan already canceled and that they're staying 4 hours longer at St. Thomas.

 

Someone will read you post about "canceling 3 ports" and take it and speak it to others as fact. Next thing we know there will be crazy rumours that NCL is scraping the Gem at Alang next month because they can't fix the pod(s)! :eek:

 

I am defending the situation. Most intelligent individuals read the entire posts & those that don't are the ones that only post negative remarks or find cruise critic after the fact & never look on the good side nor mention the good points.

[ddakrt]

I am defending the situation. Most intelligent individuals read the entire posts & those that don't are the ones that only post negative remarks or find cruise critic after the fact & never look on the good side nor mention the good points.

I know you were, just saying that we shouldn't be saying the Gem is canceling 3 ports when it hasn't happened yet or might not happen at all. I wasn't bashing you.

 

There are a number unreasonable, unintelligent, and incredibly self-centred people here, which I am assuming you know by expressing your last point.

[NJMom2kidnboxers]

ncldawn seems to be quite content with the answer he/she got, in case you're still blinded by your "negative/blame everybody else but yourself" goggles, this is what ncldawn said:

 

different than mine and others who have posted on this board. I can assure you that I don't wear glasses, goggles, and am not a negative person.

 

I guess the people who are on the Gem right now who aren't happy w/ NCL's compensation should just accept blame for the mechanical problems and inconveniences. I'm sure they are somehow responsible @@

[antsnanny]

I know you were, just saying that we shouldn't be saying the Gem is canceling 3 ports when it hasn't happened yet or might not happen at all. I wasn't bashing you.

 

There are a number unreasonable, unintelligent, and incredibly self-centred people here, which I am assuming you know by expressing your last point.

 

 

I just spoke to my daughter from onboard the Gem and she just ate at the Asian restraunt which she said was very good. She has not heard, thus far that any ports are being cancelled. She assures me she will call if she hears anything before they sail. There still having a great time! :)

[uneamie]

Well....here we are in St Thomas. No reports of going back to NYC sooner than we expected....at least not that I am aware of. Checked with the excursion desk an hour ago and things seem to be going as planned....St Martin, Antiqua, and Tortola...then 2 sea days then home. All we missed is San Juan....not real biggy at this point.

 

Had a great day in St Thomas...anyone considering the "kayak snorkel" excursion...it was a very fun day. Loved it!

 

I brought my own laptop....I like being able to be in our cabin to do it when I please and with privacy. The Internet cafe is out in the open in the atrium...too much distraction for me.

 

Had a great meal in the Grand Pacific...so far my husband's favorite place to eat. The Blue Lagoon is nothing like it was on the Dawn.....too much of a hassle to get "fast food"....like who wants to wait in line to be seated for basically "snack food". But...that's no biggy for us either.

 

BTW...compensation for the missed port was $75 per stateroom. No big deal for us but I think it would be if we missed several ports....then I think I'd want a bit more via a percentage of a "refund" of our cruise charge. At this point it's not a huge issue so we are happy with the compensation.

 

Get back to you all later...if I hear anything more.

[Mjasp]

Thank you so much for posting. We truly appreciate it. I hope the remainder of your cruise is a pleasant one.

 

We are also sailing 1/13/2010.

 

Happy Sailing

Maria

 

Maria...Are you sure about that date? LOL Sorry I just HAD to say that. Have a fun cruise

[MM40]

I just spoke to my daughter from onboard the Gem and she just ate at the Asian restraunt which she said was very good. She has not heard, thus far that any ports are being cancelled. She assures me she will call if she hears anything before they sail. There still having a great time! :)

 

My DH & I ate at the Asian resturant last March and we also thought the food was very good. Glad to hear your daughter is having a great time.

[MM40]

Well....here we are in St Thomas. No reports of going back to NYC sooner than we expected....at least not that I am aware of. Checked with the excursion desk an hour ago and things seem to be going as planned....St Martin, Antiqua, and Tortola...then 2 sea days then home. All we missed is San Juan....not real biggy at this point.

 

Had a great day in St Thomas...anyone considering the "kayak snorkel" excursion...it was a very fun day. Loved it!

 

I brought my own laptop....I like being able to be in our cabin to do it when I please and with privacy. The Internet cafe is out in the open in the atrium...too much distraction for me.

 

Had a great meal in the Grand Pacific...so far my husband's favorite place to eat. The Blue Lagoon is nothing like it was on the Dawn.....too much of a hassle to get "fast food"....like who wants to wait in line to be seated for basically "snack food". But...that's no biggy for us either.

 

BTW...compensation for the missed port was $75 per stateroom. No big deal for us but I think it would be if we missed several ports....then I think I'd want a bit more via a percentage of a "refund" of our cruise charge. At this point it's not a huge issue so we are happy with the compensation.

 

Get back to you all later...if I hear anything more.

 

Thanks so much for the LIVE update!

[Mjasp]

Glad to see those on the cruise are making lemonade out of lemons. Stuff happens in life and we will never make everyone happy. A $75 OBC is a nice gesture, I assume they feel people spent more $$$ onboard by missing a port due to mechanical failure so they decided to give an OBC, I feel that was quite nice. Stuff happens, and we have to be flexible and deal with it.

Glad everyone is having fun onboard and enjoy the rest of your cruise, we sail in February and looking froward to it :)

[ncldawn]

Did they tell you what was wrong with the Azipods? Curious myself.

 

If you're on next weeks sailing and are concern, do call. Although I'd advise against random people swamping NCL's call centre inquiring about the ships status for no reason however.

 

Keep us updated!

 

Hi,

 

He wasn't keen as to the exact problem (not sure anyone would know that unless you were viewing the engine), but did explain that it was the Azipod, and repairs were almost complete. He also stated that, per direct contact with ship, the problem seems to have been resolved. No change in plans, or even tentative changes were expected.

 

Their feeds are quite live, based on the number of people it has the potential to impact. Both current, and future cruises. He was most definitely not blowing me off, or trying to shoe me off the phone. He spent a good amount of time answering my questions.

 

There was no, 'hot potato' whatsoever. I've sailed with NCL for 8 cruises in the same amount of years, and I've yet to be played on the phone or in person. I have nothing but good to say about them.

[ddakrt]

different than mine and others who have posted on this board. I can assure you that I don't wear glasses, goggles, and am not a negative person.

Go re-read what you posted right up there^^^. Not only was it negative, it added nothing and had nothing to do with the thread.

Now if you didn't post that solely to (for a lack of a better term) b!tch, why did you even bother?

 

I guess the people who are on the Gem right now who aren't happy w/ NCL's compensation should just accept blame for the mechanical problems and inconveniences. I'm sure they are somehow responsible @@

Nobody said they were responsible, just things happen. Which was what many tried to tell you when you went on your senseless rant in the norovirus thread.

 

BTW, these people got $75 OBC, which is quite a bit more than what NCL is required to give back (basically nothing, as stated in everyone's contract). Good thing you're not on the ship this week though, I'm positive you would be one that throws the biggest stink and demand all your money back and a free cruise next time. :rolleyes:

 

Replies in red.

[ddakrt]

Hi,

 

He wasn't keen as to the exact problem (not sure anyone would know that unless you were viewing the engine), but did explain that it was the Azipod, and repairs were almost complete. He also stated that, per direct contact with ship, the problem seems to have been resolved. No change in plans, or even tentative changes were expected.

 

Their feeds are quite live, based on the number of people it has the potential to impact. Both current, and future cruises. He was most definitely not blowing me off, or trying to shoe me off the phone. He spent a good amount of time answering my questions.

 

There was no, 'hot potato' whatsoever. I've sailed with NCL for 8 cruises in the same amount of years, and I've yet to be played on the phone or in person. I have nothing but good to say about them.

 

Thanks for the update! Definitely good to hear for people on the ship now and yourself who will be going on the ship soon.

 

Glad it's likely not the thrust bearings!