1/3 Gem - the hits and the "misses"

[beau4]

Just off the 1/3 Gem sailing and overall we had a wonderful time. We had AD 10664 - corner suite with a good sized balcony, 2 loungers, 2 chairs and a small side table.

This was my 8th NCL sailing and 3rd time on the Gem.

 

The good:

* embarcation was a breeze. We were a bit early and waited for the line to start; once it did we were through in an instant and waiting in the VIP lounge where we got our key cards. Getting on the ship took a bit longer - we found out later they were going through an inspection - scored 99.

* the staff were smiling and friendly. Our room steward took excellent care of us and the room was always spotless with clean towels, plenty of shampoo and conditioner and towel animals almost every night.

* the food. I can honestly say there was nothing we ate that we didn't like - from the pasta in La Cucina to the soft served ice cream in the buffet. The Cagneys breakfasts and lunches were always a treat. I'm amazed that with all I ate I only gained 3 pounds.

* the behind the scenes tour - yes, you do have to pay for it but we got an in depth look at the kitchens, the laundry and backstage. (The bridge tour part was a disappointment however, because it was only in the outside viewing area and we had already been there.)

* Adrian, the concierge - ask a request and it was "done" from last minute reservations to getting extra luggage tags.

* our anniversary (#41) dinner at Le Bistro - the staff singing "Let Me Call You Sweetheart' brought tears to my eyes.

* Spending 10 glorious days with my hubby - no work, and no worries.

 

The misses: Please note - none of these ruined our cruise experience, we had a great time. I just wanted to point out some things that could have been better.

* debarcation was a bit of a mess; the worst I've ever been in. There were hundreds of people lined up with their luggage for the "easy walk off express" option. It was difficult to maneuver through them to get to the waiting area we were supposed to be in. When were were finally able to leave (not that I wanted to go) we were herded in with people with various different luggage tag colors. People were just getting off whenever they felt like it - no waiting for their color to be called. No escort off the ship for the suites as in the past. I don't know if it was just this concierge who decided to handle our disembarcation in this way.

* no more free cappuchino or espresso anywhere (but we already knew this) We did have the machine in our suite but it isn't the same as the one that used to be in the buffet or what you get at dinner.

* our butler - probably the worst we ever had - but it's the luck of the draw. We had to point out everything - no sugar, no coffee cups. Overall no biggie although my sister-in-law overheard her talking about the passengers to another staff in the hallway. In my book a big no no. Asked for eggs at 7:15 on the first morning. When she brought them she commented the kitchens didn't start cooking until 7 and she had to go all the way to the buffet to get our food. Certainly not the way to get promoted. We just ate more breakfasts at Cagneys and usually just ordered coffee as a wake up.

* the new casino points system but hey, that didn't keep me from donating daily. As for what the new (lower number of) points will get in terms of discounts/ free rooms, that remains to be seen - maybe someone will post.

 

Again, we had a wonderful time and I would have loved to stay on the beautiful Gem for another month but unfortunately I need to get back to work to start saving for the next one.

[DMH15]

Susan, that sounds like a very fair assessment. You gave a good and balanced review. It's funny, on my last cruise, Sun AC, the two areas we had problems with were our butler and disembarkation. I won't go into detail, but suffice it to say, the way they say "goodbye" should be just as gracious as "hello".

[NYcruzzer]

Welcome home. Thank you for a fair and balanced mini review. How were the ports ? Did you go on any excursions ? Did you go to any of the shows ?

[beau4]

Welcome home. Thank you for a fair and balanced mini review. How were the ports ? Did you go on any excursions ? Did you go to any of the shows ?

 

The ports - on St. Thomas and Antigua we played golf.

On St. Marteen we took the Golden Eagle catamaran - this was a beautiful boat that took us around the island towards a snorkeling site at "Flat Island". We had fun and they provided sandwiches, beer, rum punch and champagne on the ay back. Funny thing happened as we got close to the port - they were dredging and as the boat pulled into the channel, the ropes came up and knocked out both engines. They had to send for a rescue baot to bring us the rest of the way into the pier. While the Captain was quite upset about the situation, a number of joked to each other that this was engine trouble #2 (Gem's difficulties), was there going to be a #3?

Since Tortola is a short stop we did a little shopping and headed back to the ship to relax.

 

We only say two shows as we have seen the main production shows before. Jayne L Powell ("The Chocolate Goddess of Love") sings great jazz. We also say the ventriloquist who was quite funny - especially when she involved audience members.

 

BTW - we loved the band Prizm and went to listen to them several times.