Gem Dailies 9 Day

[mking8288]

One more question when you get a chance. Was the "$79 for 7 days of Specialty Dining" as described in this thread?

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1738783

 

The only specials that we're aware of - Trio Specialty Dining, pre-booked & pre-paid @ $52 per person for French, Steakhouse & Italian, unless it was an unadvertised specials that we've missed - and subjectively speaking from how empty the specialty ones were on some lights, it could've been very good for NCL's P&L and to boost crew member's earnings a bit higher.

 

Did you attend chef's table? We are heading out on Gem 12/22 and was curious what night it was. Thanks!

 

Chef's table was announced in the Daily on Day #2 - I think it was on Day 3 (2nd. full Sea Day) Jazz Brunch was offered also & announced, along with "Presumed Murdered" Luncheon held on the last day at Sea in Le Bistro. All of them required reservations, fee applies & capacity controlled. For those with generous OBC, these are great opps to use & apply them.

 

 

General Info - specific for NCL Gem for 9 Day E.Caribbean Sailing:

 

Photography - Buy 4 Get 1 Free specials were available, all cruise long, for 6x8's and 8x10's. If you fill up the punch card, they will put all 10 images on a CD with a copyright release free. Gold/Platinum discount of 20%/25% also applied - we cheerfully took advantaged of by using our OBC to "pay" for it, nice.

 

Laundry specials were offered twice during our 9 day sailings ($24.95 for all you can fit into the NCL paper bag) and the press only specials. http://db.tt/UO6qUMPj Spa specials were offered, both for sea days and for port days. http://db.tt/o2LDXy8i

Breakfast Menu for Room Service (free) is linked - choices are limited but it came with a tray (useful for those runs to Blue Lagoon or Garden Cafe) http://db.tt/l94LMtu9 Room Service is complimentary, a surcharge of $3.95 applied to all food orders between midnight & 5:00am. Stone-baked pizza delivery service to the stateroom for a $5 surcharge.

 

Welcome Abroad/Embarkation Day Info for the Gem

Carryon luggage can be stored in Bliss Ultra Lounge, Deck 7 Aft - on your way to the MDR, Grand Pacific for a nice & leisurely sit-down lunch, open from 12:00pm to 2:30pm, plenty of tables available. The Buffet & Great Outdoors (if open, weather permitting) is open until 3:00pm and then closed for the Mandatory Life Boat Drill scheduled for 3:30pm, life jackets are not required to be taken to & worn when reporting to one's assigned Assembly Stations. Curfew nightly at 1:00am for pax under the age of 17 unless they are active in a scheduled activity or with a parent. Casino - 18 years or older to gamble or be inside.

http://db.tt/hOgNZY0m

http://db.tt/2WODIppA

http://db.tt/hAD7UUq0

http://db.tt/rkPOfuPr

 

Gem's Shore Excursions - Everything for the tender port of Samana, DR was on sale & discounted. Scanned copies might be difficult to read clearly as distributed onboard, the "specials" for Samana are better.

http://db.tt/vdrY03W7 - Samana "drastically reduced tour prices"

http://db.tt/GqyIvg3m

http://db.tt/oJevkcW8

http://db.tt/5n9q9Tfy

http://db.tt/SpQPtZ1D

 

As we sail to/from the Caribbean's - time clocks/watches, etc. were turn back by or advanced by 1 hour on sea days manually to match the changes in time zone, reminders were placed in all staterooms.

 

.... Disclaimer - these are subject to change & intended as a general guide/reference only (to be continued - the Dailies will follow)

[familyof4cruising]

MKING8288 - Thank you for all your posts.

 

What did you do in Samana? and IF you did the Cayo Levantado what did you think of it? I am glad the Samana excursions were reduced. I would be surprised if they leave them that cheap for my holiday sailing.

 

Do you remember what movies were playing on the TV? Thanks

[Cambrensis]

BIG THANKS mking8288. Very helpful info, very thoughtful of you.

[jp2001]

Thank you very much, this is all very useful information.

 

I have a few questions for you:

 

- Were there any ''Dress Up (or not) Nights'' and which nights were they?

 

- Do you know who was the concierge by any chance?

 

 

Thanks again, I look forward to your review and the dailies.

[mking8288]

- Were there any ''Dress Up (or not) Nights'' and which nights were they?

- Do you know who was the concierge by any chance?

 

There were no designated "Dress Up or Not Nights for the MDR at all" that I can recall during our sailing. Formal photos were being taken in the Crystal Altrium in the evening & Capt. Gustavsen was on hand to pose with. Sinan Ulucay is the ever popular Cruise Director responsible for tons of humor & fun on & off the ship. As for the concierge .... I will default to someone else from our sailing like Dawn staying on Deck 14 to help.

 

What did you do in Samana? and IF you did the Cayo Levantado what did you think of it? I am glad the Samana excursions were reduced. Do you remember what movies were playing on the TV? Thanks

 

Weather forecasted for Samana wasn't good so we opted to not plan any shore activities, slept late & breakfast in MDR while watching the tenders. After 9:30 or 9:45am and up to tag #10, it became open to everyone without a tender # or priority tag/ship-based excurisons. The island/beach tour to Cayo left directly from the GEM but we overhead that they came back earlier than scheduled & the place wasn't in good condition (but, at those discounted prices ...) and the last tender back from the mainland was 3 pm - we actually left Samana a few minutes early once everyone returned & boats secured, etc. More folks than usual apparently stayed on the Gem while in port & we ate in Blue Lagoon to avoid the buffet madness. Grand Pacific/MDR was open for lunch too, so they knew ahead of times from experiences ...

 

The daily movie selections shown on giant projection TV screen in the lobby were pretty good, PG-rated - don't recall if they're the same ones shown in the cabin's "classic" TV channel (I vaguely recalled in earlier times on other NCL ships of having one channel being HBO onboard, NOT - no longer) Aside from NCL's info-channels, sports & entertainment and Nick channel - the only one worthy of watching (subjectively speaking) is BBC News, Msnbc and FoxNews channel were pretty lame.

 

NCL Gem's 9 Day East Caribbean Daily's - Part 1 of 2 (for Day 1 thru 4): (accessed via Dropbox online storage)

 

Day 1 (Embarkation) - http://db.tt/vSQNRwiX

http://db.tt/kb0yl68L

http://db.tt/Dd5dBNIL

http://db.tt/qlXA1XeK

 

Day 2 (At Sea) - http://db.tt/X2VpgtE6

http://db.tt/0j1wNx3k

http://db.tt/9w2BuwXK

http://db.tt/tycchljl

http://db.tt/MxlO3BcM

http://db.tt/WCurcQlE

http://db.tt/mmjLvz4g

http://db.tt/HXcncw9O

 

Day 3 (At Sea) - http://db.tt/wOsSsGWM

http://db.tt/M05qoShL

http://db.tt/ByOPPVLZ

http://db.tt/zcUwdW5b

http://db.tt/AZjxl5pf

http://db.tt/pVQDKHu6

 

Day 4 (San Juan, PR) - http://db.tt/oVyEE3J0

http://db.tt/0xUIHRdb

http://db.tt/FKQSGA2N

http://db.tt/i685uCf3

 

 

(part 2 - Day 5 to Day 9 to be continued) plus NCL Shopping Guides/Maps for 4 Ports (San Juan, St. Maarten, US Virgin Islands & Samana)

[familyof4cruising]

Thanks again!

 

I am so surprised about Cayo Levantado excursion. Like I posted before I have been 2x and never had an issue. I am debating on cancelling my excursion now.

[mking8288]

Thanks again! I am so surprised about Cayo Levantado excursion. Like I posted before I have been 2x and never had an issue. I am debating on cancelling my excursion now.

 

You're welcomed and these Freestyle Daily should help some CC's sailing soon on the Gem to plan a bit better ahead, the weather this week for these 4 port stops aren't looking good & hopefully will be better for you - and make the best of it. Plus, there is always something to do on the ship itself (I'll comment a little bit of what I've noticed & felt, very subjectively speaking, of course - based on our sailing date & conversations with others) I'm surprised that nobody else have yet to post their review so I will try to finish mine tomorrow - this is a short work week for most & trying to get some work done first.

 

Excursion experiences vary widely as everyone has their expectations & standards - someone we met noted that they managed to make the best out of it, plus it was inexpensive by NCL standards - one could cancel advanced booking & do it once onboard. Someone did joked & kidded about nothing to see, to do or even places to shop on shore at Samana ... Perhaps it was b/c Samana was our last port stop, everyone was back fairly early on the ship instead of waiting for the last tender boat - claiming a negative tour experience organized by NCL could be an excuse to unfairly demand a refund, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Overall, our 9 days on the Gem was positive & great - no cooking, cleaning or worries, etc. etc.

[mking8288]

NCL Gem's 9 Day East Caribbean Daily's - Part 2 of 2 (for Day 5 thru 9): (accessed via Dropbox online storage)

 

Day 5 (St. Maarten) - http://db.tt/dnj616y1

http://db.tt/0AF6Nqy7

http://db.tt/uXTmTmu7

http://db.tt/1Q9Al5Vy

http://db.tt/O8zFSpI9

http://db.tt/OQ1PA5dg

 

Day 6 (US Virgin Islands) - http://db.tt/uQKdZauG

http://db.tt/R7NytNtQ

http://db.tt/I1gimFbG

http://db.tt/XxZ3mSs9

http://db.tt/9VjR17yn

http://db.tt/WlkwG2vJ

 

Day 7 (Samana, DR) - http://db.tt/ssoMEB71

http://db.tt/Wc7sTl9V

http://db.tt/4iZKn4ND

http://db.tt/2XQ8iss9

http://db.tt/ti59YavE

http://db.tt/31rpjxv9

 

Day 8 (Sea Day) - http://db.tt/FRtFdvLe

http://db.tt/5dcoEZRO

http://db.tt/IKNhj7U0

http://db.tt/bOFOEtos

http://db.tt/vbFco1ag

http://db.tt/OqXjEWc6

 

Day 9 (Last Sea Day) - http://db.tt/lH9hYLNJ

http://db.tt/eoPab2kg

http://db.tt/Nljm1mCG

http://db.tt/0g8U0zq5

http://db.tt/g7Syer53

http://db.tt/htROJXYK

 

Spa Special - last Sea Day: http://db.tt/qJhzCwic

 

Port Maps, Shopping & Local Info/Port Agent's Info:

http://db.tt/APKOAhSi

http://db.tt/uVPRLLe5

http://db.tt/Mr8wFUXV

http://db.tt/447iWjHL

http://db.tt/WMa01qNI

http://db.tt/0wCZ7JNV

http://db.tt/l2RjoMHQ

http://db.tt/uTqvS4AB

http://db.tt/1VdEDxK2

http://db.tt/0sZRjVAD

http://db.tt/NPbaZgPK

 

A few other things worthy of mentioning - there was no Chocolate Buffet in the MDR (since moved to the Buffet ??) during our sailing. There is a drawing for the "Officer's Dinner Event" for a few chosen diners. Aside from the usual Unlimited Soda Program, Beer Bucket Program, the Ultimate Beverage Package is available. While MDR & Le Bistro still insist on a stricter dress code for dinner, the mid-ship dining room (along with the buffet) has cruise casual attitre - shorts were worn at dinner time at some places.

[FuninWB]

mking, thanks for all of your wonderful, helpful information. We are now wondering if we should cancel our Cayo Levantado catamaran excursion next week. From what you heard, would you recommend staying on the ship? I wonder about the discounted excursions; that seems odd. Thnanks.

[familyof4cruising]

mking, thanks for all of your wonderful, helpful information. We are now wondering if we should cancel our Cayo Levantado catamaran excursion next week. From what you heard, would you recommend staying on the ship? I wonder about the discounted excursions; that seems odd. Thnanks.

 

Please post when you get back.

 

Since it is the last stop and we will be at sea for a few days...I am going to keep my Cayo excursion. To me a beach day is better than staying on the ship another day. The beach is plain...no activities...no good food, but we still have sun and beautiful blue water. It is a private island and the beach is attached to an excellent resort ( which is not accessible to us). To me laying on the beach for a few hours will be fine. I do agree that I never thought the excursion was worth the price that NCL originally priced it at.

[FuninWB]

Please post when you get back.

 

Since it is the last stop and we will be at sea for a few days...I am going to keep my Cayo excursion. To me a beach day is better than staying on the ship another day. The beach is plain...no activities...no good food, but we still have sun and beautiful blue water. It is a private island and the beach is attached to an excellent resort ( which is not accessible to us). To me laying on the beach for a few hours will be fine. I do agree that I never thought the excursion was worth the price that NCL originally priced it at.

 

Are there any shops or places to browse?We don't mind if it is plain; we just want a safe area. Yes, we will post when we return.

[familyof4cruising]

Are there any shops or places to browse?We don't mind if it is plain; we just want a safe area. Yes, we will post when we return.

 

 

There are no shops. Just a plain beach. If I remember just 1 or 2 locals selling. It is very safe. Never had a issue. For the discounted price I am going for it! If the weather is nice it is a very nice beach day.

 

Thanks for posting when you get back.

[johnmpcny]

The bar bev program ($49 + tip) can you get by the day or did you have get it for the whole trip? I would like it but not on port days.

 

Also big thank you!

[jp2001]

Thank you so much MKing, nothing could make me happier today!!! Now, I have to find time to read them ;)

[LegallyBlonder]

This is awesome- thanks so much for taking the time to scan and post. I wasn't sure how many Nickelodean activities there would be (if any), but now seeing so many, I know I don't have to weigh myself down with toys and activity books for my three children under 5. Thanks so much again!

 

 

 

NCL Gem's 9 Day East Caribbean Daily's - Part 2 of 2 (for Day 5 thru 9): (accessed via Dropbox online storage)

 

Day 5 (St. Maarten) - http://db.tt/dnj616y1

http://db.tt/0AF6Nqy7

http://db.tt/uXTmTmu7

http://db.tt/1Q9Al5Vy

http://db.tt/O8zFSpI9

http://db.tt/OQ1PA5dg

 

Day 6 (US Virgin Islands) - http://db.tt/uQKdZauG

http://db.tt/R7NytNtQ

http://db.tt/I1gimFbG

http://db.tt/XxZ3mSs9

http://db.tt/9VjR17yn

http://db.tt/WlkwG2vJ

 

Day 7 (Samana, DR) - http://db.tt/ssoMEB71

http://db.tt/Wc7sTl9V

http://db.tt/4iZKn4ND

http://db.tt/2XQ8iss9

http://db.tt/ti59YavE

http://db.tt/31rpjxv9

 

Day 8 (Sea Day) - http://db.tt/FRtFdvLe

http://db.tt/5dcoEZRO

http://db.tt/IKNhj7U0

http://db.tt/bOFOEtos

http://db.tt/vbFco1ag

http://db.tt/OqXjEWc6

 

Day 9 (Last Sea Day) - http://db.tt/lH9hYLNJ

http://db.tt/eoPab2kg

http://db.tt/Nljm1mCG

http://db.tt/0g8U0zq5

http://db.tt/g7Syer53

http://db.tt/htROJXYK

 

Spa Special - last Sea Day: http://db.tt/qJhzCwic

 

Port Maps, Shopping & Local Info/Port Agent's Info:

http://db.tt/APKOAhSi

http://db.tt/uVPRLLe5

http://db.tt/Mr8wFUXV

http://db.tt/447iWjHL

http://db.tt/WMa01qNI

http://db.tt/0wCZ7JNV

http://db.tt/l2RjoMHQ

http://db.tt/uTqvS4AB

http://db.tt/1VdEDxK2

http://db.tt/0sZRjVAD

http://db.tt/NPbaZgPK

 

A few other things worthy of mentioning - there was no Chocolate Buffet in the MDR (since moved to the Buffet ??) during our sailing. There is a drawing for the "Officer's Dinner Event" for a few chosen diners. Aside from the usual Unlimited Soda Program, Beer Bucket Program, the Ultimate Beverage Package is available. While MDR & Le Bistro still insist on a stricter dress code for dinner, the mid-ship dining room (along with the buffet) has cruise casual attitre - shorts were worn at dinner time at some places.

[lovetrauma]

Are there any shops or places to browse?We don't mind if it is plain; we just want a safe area. Yes, we will post when we return.

 

There is like a small market with about 10-15 local vendors. Selling cigars, paintings and other souvenirs.

[Grammynelliebelle]

Thanks for posting the Dalies! So nice to get a sneak preview! Hope the power is back on by Sunday at the terminal. Grammy

[boopsahoy]

Please post when you get back.

 

Since it is the last stop and we will be at sea for a few days...I am going to keep my Cayo excursion. To me a beach day is better than staying on the ship another day. The beach is plain...no activities...no good food, but we still have sun and beautiful blue water. It is a private island and the beach is attached to an excellent resort ( which is not accessible to us). To me laying on the beach for a few hours will be fine. I do agree that I never thought the excursion was worth the price that NCL originally priced it at.

 

I feel the same way. As long as its a clean beach with beautiful water I could care less. I AM upset that they took Antigua off the itinerary for Samana-it was our favorite stop. But we are willing to give it a try. Anyone have a picture of the beach?:D

 

So what did they have you do with the excursion you purchased-did yhey automatically credit you for the difference or did you have to pursue it?

[familyof4cruising]

Yes that was the Ship's excursion. I had prepaid the higher amount. However they credited my account for the full difference once onboard. Originally I also paid the adult price for my 16 year old but when they adjusted it they charged her a child rate. The island seemed very run down and the water was extremely rough. However it was not too full. The ship kept promoting the excursion right up to that morning.

 

I feel the same way. As long as its a clean beach with beautiful water I could care less. I AM upset that they took Antigua off the itinerary for Samana-it was our favorite stop. But we are willing to give it a try. Anyone have a picture of the beach?:D

 

So what did they have you do with the excursion you purchased-did yhey automatically credit you for the difference or did you have to pursue it?

 

See the quote below above yours...it was credited. I will look for pictures. I think I only have pics with my family in it.

[boopsahoy]

If you could find a picture that would be great. It would make me feel better about taking the excursion. thanks again

[mking8288]

See the quote below above yours...it was credited. I will look for pictures. I think I only have pics with my family in it.

 

Going thru our pix taken from the Gem as we didn't go on shore earlier this month at the port stop - found something, not sure if these 2 pictures would help - but I think the 1st. one is Cayo in the distance, as we watched boats leaving in that direction & coming back that way in the early afternoon (other water-based excursions too ??) Download, zoom it at 400% or bigger and it should be much better. The first one is from a nearby beach that I zoomed our camera in at 20X for a closeup, it looks much closer than real as I "framed" this photo angled on deck 7, starboard side. (I left it uncompressed as taken at 8 MP resolution)

 

If these are good for planning, enjoy it and if not, just consider it part of the Samana photo collection to use for whatever - I will note it & try to incorporate it in my Gem 9 Day E.Caribbean Review (still work in progress ... some of you are probably reading & getting some good laughs with a dose of humor/fun in my comments, some of it very subjective or biased ... LOL) I'm about 40% done with the review, still tons of photos to blend with the pictorial story to share - CC's has been good & helpful so it's time to give back & share ours. More I write, more I realized that post cruise depression syndrome is sinking in - we need another cruise vacation, not soon enough - life was good, very good in sailing NCL.

 

Bon Vovage to those of you packing now & leaving soon - may you have calm sea, smooth wave & fair weather.

 

 

 

[boopsahoy]

Thanks!

[nursemommy7578]

one other thing please! Menus for the MDR? I cant find recent ones?

[mking8288]

one other thing please! Menus for the MDR? I cant find recent ones?

 

We didn't save/photographed the MDR menu on the days we visited - the choices vary but were limited to a short list, quite frankly - not too impressed compared to previous NCL sailing.

 

Besides Florida-warm watered lobster tails, it was Prime Ribs & Mahi Mahi being served twice (prepared differently), Pork Loin, Pork Chops and Chicken, and, Shrimps, etc. (No Ducks served, possibly one night w. Lamb) -

 

Here's the saved one from Blue Lagoon from our sailing - (ice cream is available, ask for a scoop over the pound cake, yuuuummmmy)

 

[nursemommy7578]

thanks anyway! it does help for the kids!