Gem 9 day East Caribbean 11/7-11/16/2012: Oceanview 4560, Review, Picture, Freestyle

[jrs101]

Thanks you for making such a thorough review with pics and links. Make our Gem 9 day in Jan even more exciting (without surprises as you answered most of my questions).

[mking8288]

What time did you get back to New York?

We arrived very early ... actually, but.

 

After 3 nights at sea, the Gem was 130 nautical miles from NY before we went to sleep, slowing down from 21+ knots - ScanDisplay showed her doing 12 knots around 4 am as we're near Sandy Hooks, NJ (Ambrose lighthouse, the traditional gateway to Lower Bay no longer in use.) By 5 am, we're able to pick up a week "home" signal on our smartphones (AT&T and VZW) - but the ship's satellite tower (roaming) signal remained ON while docked in NY (for variety of reasons.) We're awake by 6 am as she approach Staten Island/Rockaways, heading ever slowly toward the VZ Bridge and soon passing the Statue of Liberty before sunrise - ferries crossing the Upper Bay. I didn't check my watch but it was around 7 am when we sail pass the SOL as we left for the MDR.

 

Final charges for Onboard Accounts have been printed & delivered to all the staterooms - a neighbor down the hall had a puzzled look, slowly reading her statement - urrmmm, 8 to 10 pages long, I think. Amazingly, those signed up for Express Walk-Off were already hanging out in and around the lobby, deck 7 with all their suitcases, backpacks & belongings - maybe skipping a big breakfast ?? - hoping to be among the first to quickly get off the ship (barely 7 am - scheduled arrival being 10 am !!) The mid-ship elevators have been turned off for the lower decks (4, 5 and 6) and were only running between 7 and 14 - forward & rear elevators were working, plus, the stairs. Crew members with assigned duties posted & stationed mid-ship by the stairs & elevators, supplemented by posted preprinted signage, to try to direct the flow of passengers.

 

It would be almost a 2 hours wait for that group to get permission to exit the Gem. Meanwhile, we strolled into Grand Pacific and it was not busy at all, most of the staff standing by - we received prompt & friendly services - enjoying a big breakfast with juice & coffee. What's the rush - if we could, we would cruise back-to-back, but ... one of these days, we will.

 

By 7:30 am, the Gem has reached the Hudson River off the Circle Line piers, waiting for approval to turn toward & dock at Pier 88 - and, by now, more folks began arriving for breakfast at the MDR. The precise maneuvers to align the ship for the pier and gangways took about 30 minutes - we sipped coffee in the MDR watching it all before going back to our stateroom to pack up our overnight clothing, check the emptied drawers & mini-safe, and relaxed for a sort while.

 

Those who need or want to be reconnected online had ample time to do it by now. Note - broadband signals inside the MDR and public areas of the ship were poor, from weak to none - fading in & out (normally, it's excellent & solid - most likely, indirect casualty of the power outage.) But, we managed to catch up with news, traffic, weather & emails, etc. as others were calling their car service, family & friends, etc.

 

As of last week, Pier 88 Terminal was still on backup and emergency generator power and without heat - disembarkation on deck 4 once the gangways secured & ready, and luggages taken off the ship into the terminal building. CD Sinan had been on the PA system several times cheerfully giving regular updates and apologetically asking all those not on the Express program to not gather around deck 7 as it will create further delays or go into the terminal (and risk being send back up to the ship as luggages for their colors are still being off-loaded.)

 

On our previous sailings on the Jewel, non-US citizens exited the ship and retrieved their luggages, then simply use the marked special lanes for non-US nationals inside, manned by CBP officers. This time, all non-citizens were to report first upstairs to the Spinmaker Lounge on deck 13, before being permitted to get off the ship - a bit of confusion & slowing things down further, not good for those with an "early" flights to catch at the area's airport around noon or so ( 2 p.m. or later suggested.)

 

** This is the shortcut / passage way just outside our cabin area on deck 4 - frequently used by escorted NCL excurison passengers (from the Stardust Theater) to the gangways on the lower deck - coming down the front elevators or stairs.

 

 

The go-ahead for the Express Walkoff began just before 9 am, perhaps 8:45 or 8:50 am - and it took roughly 30 minutes or so before the group finished their disembarkation via one of the 2 gangways (forward & midship.) The next group called was the "Yellow Tags" and that included us with Priority Disembarkation - we left our deck 4 cabin around 9:15 am with the Fwd gangway only about steps away but starboard side, and were off the ship after one final swipe of our SeaPass by ship security. It's a cold, chilly November morning but fortunately, it's a 2 minutes walk to the terminal's inside luggage holding area, and simply finding our suitcases among hundreds sorted by color tags. There're plenty of porters with carts to offer help and assist those with luggages - advantage being that the porters have their own exclusive lane(s) to exit CBP checkpoints - saving time especially if the regular lines are long & they will cross 12th Avenue & dropped you off at the Taxi Stand.

 

But, we managed our own just fine as we are accustomed to traveling light and strolled up to the next available, uniformed CBP officer - no line or wait in front of us - he just took our Declaration Form without even checking our US Passports, "Good Morning" was answered with a "Go" and we're on our way toward the bus parking area, passing thru to 12th Avenue (48th. Street) by 9:30 am.

 

With no working elevators (or, escalators) - everyone was ushered and rushed to continue walking, and to cross 12th Avenue to find their yellow taxi, car services, limo, private car, etc. as Port Security was making sure no vehicles stopping just outside the pier at the street level on 12th Avenue.

 

The line for yellow taxi was not too bad, maybe 25 or 30 people waiting - with several taxis pulling up at a time, and there is a uniformed Taxi Dispatcher on duty, managing the flow. We walked across and joined the queue - 10 or 15 minutes later, we hopped into the taxi on our way home, discussing the options with the driver on the best route to take to Queens. Those going to Brooklyn & Staten Island were asked about group ride sharing . Traffic across the city remained relatively light with the gas shortage, our cab driver zipped his way up the West Side Hwy, across town on 125th Street (locals) and onto the RFK (formerly Triborough) Bridge to the Grand Central Pkwy (same routing for going to LGA Airport) toward our house - we're inside our warm home before 11 am.

 

Sadly this morning - no towel animal or chocolate mints on the bed, and I had to change out for new clean bed sheets & pillows. DW screamed - what are WE going to do for lunch, "I ain't touching anything in the kitchen (gallery)". Arrrhh, when we are going to cruise again. Yes, our PCC is waiting to talk to us to help us book the next one ...

 

 

 

Some final thoughts as I wrap up this lengthy pictorial review with comments - tomorrow, the next group of Gem cruisers will be returnng home, and I 'm sure will add their experience & compose their review: a few tips to get more out of each port -

 

San Juan - gangways on Deck 4 once docked, CVS Store about 5 minutes walk (re-stock any forgotten or consumed items for the next 6 days - including bottled water, cheaply) & Starbuck slightly uphill for free WiFi access.

St. Maarten - gangways on Deck 4 once docked, water-taxi $7 unlimited day trip, many places with WiFi along the beach/main section of town, all the beers you can drink @ $2 USD each

USVI - gangways on Deck 4, open air shared/group taxi - watch for traffic/cars on the "wrong" or left side of the road as you cross

Samana - tendering from Deck 5 - # group tickets used (up to #10 only - open tender after 9:30 AM or 90 minutes)

 

Bring sunscreen - it will be warm/hot, drink water to stay hydrated. Have fun & stay safe, be alert with your surroundings & watch the clock - or, you could be left behind if exploring on your own (several of them almost did)

 

Bon Voyvage for those of you going on the Gem soon - please share when you can after returning home, that's the CC way of helping others - questions, comments, corrections & changes - please feel free to post & point them out, I wrote them as we see them with our points of view & biased vision - it is all "right" and nothing "wrong" at all. DW has some video clips from the Gem sailing - perhaps I will upload & link it to our Dropbox account & reference it here, when I get more time.

 

To summarize - food is great & crew members excellent - officers & captain knew the Gem best, we are just going along for the best & smoothest ride - they have no control over the weather, mother nature or situations on the docks & in the piers or ports. Go with an open mind & maintain a sense of humor while having fun, take a few Bonine along just in case - and it will be another best cruise of our lives. Thanks.

[Ms SXMBX]

As stated by others "Thank You" for your review, pictures and hints. It reminded me of waiting for the next episode of a favorite TV series.

 

I have shared the link with a friend who just told me that (as a last minute surprise) she will be sailing on her first cruise on NCL GEM -- December 22.

 

And I am looking forward to January 18, 2013.

 

Again, Thank You both for your time, comments and photos. It is greatly appreciated. :)

[snooper1225]

Along with everyone else, I am enjoying your review so much. Thanks!

[greatlakesgirl]

Great review! Thanks! :)

[puddles99]

Thank you so much for your review. We're still a year away from sailing this itinerary, but it was a wonderful read and allowed me to dream :p

[familyof4cruising]

28 days! Can't wait!!!! Thanks again

[cruiseaddictColleen]

What a great review!!!!! I have sailed on the GEM a few times now & with the most recent one in April. We are Seriously thinking about booking the same itinerary as you on the GEM for Feb. Do you happen to know if Maria is still the casino host??? We loved her!! Thanks again for your review?

[mking8288]

Do you happen to know if Maria is still the casino host??? We loved her!!

I wished we knew the answer to your questions - perhaps someone from last week's Gem sailing that just returned this morning could help out ...

 

We spend time hitting the slots when we feel liked it but not daily - pay tables aren't good compared to land-based ones, but definitely reasonable compared to RCI. Perhaps we will check with CAS about a discount (mailed us "free cruise" offers) for our next sailing - those points will remain valid for - urrrh, 18 months, I believe.

 

Good news for those yet to sail, reports that electricity AND heat have been restored to Pier 88 (Pier 90 damages expected to take longer to fix) so there's working elevator & escalator(s) - and, they disembarked as early as 8 am this morning - "sad" to watch the Gem leaving Upper Bay without us, followed by the Jewel in the late afternoon on NY Harbor Cam. Rather be baking in 85F temperature in tropical sun vs. back to work week forecast of a coating of snow, 1" to 3" on the ground on Tuesday - going to fill the gas tank in the car & head for Home Depot for extra ice melts - just in case for good measures (EEK!) Starting to look at 2013 as DW need to put in her vacation requests at work soon (could possibly be "leading" a small group of extended family members who want to sail with us ...)

 

Now that some of you are enjoying this pictorial review - I might as well add a few more from our collection to keep you drooling until your sailing time on the Gem.

 

Compared to other ships in the NCL fleet, the Gem has the most small tables for 2 that we've seen - in the Garden Cafe and both MDR - see below for those "Mango" (and Strawberry) flavored water - not bad at all, saved us $$ for not getting the Soda Package. Nice sized soup bowl, good for in-room "creative dining" based on what's available in the buffet. Notice the storm/clouds and sea state (Day 2) but we're already outrun the Nor-easter overnight hugging the coastline out of NY.

 

 

Hot coffee, tea and water for hot chocolate are available both upstairs in the Garden Cafe (buffet) and at Blue Lagoon, Deck 8 Mid - paper cups available too & self-service. However, no dispensers for filtered drinking water. It's not closed as we're waiting for our hot wings & comfort food to come out with only a few tables occupied. Takeout orders can be placed and they will wrap it nicely for you, and there are stools to sit while you wait, cool.

 

 

On the opposite side of Blue Lagoon is Moderno (open for dinner only) - otherwise, it's open seating to do whatever - 18 hours a day, to read, relax, write, watching the sea, or to meet & chat with friends (directly above the Atrium - up from the lobby stairs near the open air Internet Cafe)

 

 

Giant (projection) TV screen with comfortable seating in the Atrium, our hangout for watching the afternoon movie on the ship - following lunch. Java coffee has free coffee & cake/cookies - self service, look for it.

 

 

Speaking of internet - wireless router signal is strong & good, except that latency is very high and it is slow & personally, not recommended - unless ...

 

Duty-free shop is closed b/c we're in port. Ship's photographers are set up on the stairs on most nights for portraits - the Captain often here around dinner time to pose with.

 

 

Hint - did you know, there is a "switched" light inside the closet, it is bright and very handy for unpacking - the Jewel & Star has them too.

 

[mking8288]

For those booked on the Gem's obstructed Oceanview cabins on deck 8, here's what the outside (starboard side - Fwd) looked like - look closely and you will see the walkway next to the vertical stairs, crew members are up there as necessary to do maintenance, and to launch the boats. This section has 2 boats stacked together, bigger one on top of the smaller speedboat. The walkway is narrow here - jogging or running is on deck 13. Yes, do keep the curtains closed when you are inside. We should've been in one of them as GTY - ended up assigned down below on deck 4, mid-ship.

 

 

During our port stop in St. Maarten - tender/life boats were launched after we docked as NCL crew members were doing their emergency drills, so a cluster of cabins had unrestricted oceanview for several hours - some of them have the small vertical windows (2 per cabin) in their cabin.

 

 

 

For those trying to figure out what to do in Samana, DR - thanks to MPK218 - posting a very useful link (saving time in "Search") - http://db.tt/ieGkWBjy - CC's thread http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1743218

 

For those who wanted a taste of the not so "new" NCL Farewell Finale - 2 shortened video clips (short @ 1 min. each) are available in QuickTime format that we transferred from our iPad - viewable also on Android devices and on PC's - enjoy it

 

Part 1 - with CD Sinan on his wings, joining in - http://db.tt/QDt8KZEH

 

Part 2 - Gem's crew, staff, officers & captain - http://db.tt/3oIe0x1Z

[lovetrauma]

Thanks for the review it was like I relived the Cruise. We also recieved the Plate of Chocolate covered Strawberries. It was a nice surprise. We did the behind the Scences tour and learned that this was the first Cruise the NCL Gem Singers & Dancers worked together as this was the start of their contract. I think for their first shows together they were great. We did notice that shows, presentations and etc always seemed to start late. We were lucky to catch Cara I believe playing the piano at dinner one night in the Grand Pacific. It was for about 1/2 hr and this was the first and only time we saw this. My family personally had a horrible experience with the wait staff in the MDR. Honestly we only encountered 1 waitress that was great so we tried to get her as much as possible for lunch & dinner service. Our room steward was excellent. We enjoyed the Cruise Director & his Staff. They seemed to go out of their way for you to enjoy the activities they were hosting. We didn't use any of the Specialty Restaurants. It did appear they were less used by others than our past cruises. We did the Cayo Levanto excursion at Samanna and had a bad experience. It seemed run down, the water was very rough and the locals came up to you trying to sell you something every few minutes. I did notice that a bunch of people including my family left early. At first they said they would start tenders back at 1pm. However the line to go back got so long they started a little after 12pm. We didn't go to the main land of Samanna but heard from other passengers it wasn't worth going too. We enjoyed all of the oter Ports. However bummed a little that St. Marteen was mostly closed for the Holiday. Too bad they couldn't switch the Port Days around knowing it was closed in advance, but totally understand how hard that would be.

[vbmom87]

I always forget to click email notifications-:o

 

If you go into your CC account, you can have it set so any thread you post on, you will get the email notification for.

[Elcruzer]

This was one of the best reviews, thanks. Your great pictures were an added plus. Thinking of taking the Gem in Feb. Reading about Samana, wondering why ships even stop there:confused:

[boopsahoy]

This was one of the best reviews, thanks. Your great pictures were an added plus. Thinking of taking the Gem in Feb. Reading about Samana, wondering why ships even stop there:confused:

 

I agree! This used to be a 10 day cruise and instead of SAMANA it stopped at Tortola and Antigua-very disappointed they changed the itinerary (ive taken the old itinerary 3 times and was hoping to do it again!) Is it a way to save money? Its probably not very expensive to dock there as its not a popular stop as opposed to both Tortola and Antigua. NCL if you are listening bring back Antigua!

[Elcruzer]

[QUOTE=boopsahoy;36195625]I agree! This used to be a 10 day cruise and instead of SAMANA it stopped at Tortola and Antigua-very disappointed they changed the itinerary (ive taken the old itinerary 3 times and was hoping to do it again!) Is it a way to save money? Its probably not very expensive to dock there as its not a popular stop as opposed to both Tortola and Antigua. NCL if you are listening bring back Antigua!

 

I agree! We took that itinerary on the Sun a couple of years ago and loved it. Very disappointed that NCL shortened the cruise and cut those ports and added Samana, which according to reviews passengers don't have many nice things to say. NCL must realize this because they cut the tour costs drastically. How about changing this port NCL and make your passengers happy?

[webbersworld]

I'm taking this same trip on 1/18... Haven't booked any excursions yet. Anyone who has taken this trip recommend any of the excursions?

 

Any other recommendations about anything at all, feel free to post! Thanks!:D

[boopsahoy]

I'm taking this same trip on 1/18... Haven't booked any excursions yet. Anyone who has taken this trip recommend any of the excursions?

 

Any other recommendations about anything at all, feel free to post! Thanks!:D

 

Hi ! Im on the same 1/18 cruise! We are doing the Orient Beach Rendezvous in St Maarten, St John Beach Champagne Catamaran Sail and Snorkel and the cayo levantado beach escape (we may cancel this one as I have not read anything great about this port) Did you join our roll call?

[webbersworld]

Hi ! Im on the same 1/18 cruise! We are doing the Orient Beach Rendezvous in St Maarten, St John Beach Champagne Catamaran Sail and Snorkel and the cayo levantado beach escape (we may cancel this one as I have not read anything great about this port) Did you join our roll call?

 

 

I have not.. what's that?

[boopsahoy]

I have not.. what's that?

 

Theres a page for everyone on the same cruise to talk about it, get info, find out about the meet and greet etc. This is the page http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1552115

Come and join us!

[mking8288]

... This used to be a 10 day cruise and instead of SAMANA it stopped at Tortola and Antigua-very disappointed they changed the itinerary ... Its probably not very expensive to dock there as its not a popular stop as opposed to both Tortola and Antigua ...

 

... which according to reviews passengers don't have many nice things to say. NCL must realize this because they cut the tour costs drastically. How about changing this port NCL and make your passengers happy?

 

DW and I were both (randomly ????) chosen for the post-cruise email survey & followup reminders for the surveys - added comments at the end about our thoughts on Samana. Hopefully, someone @ NCL HQ in Miami, FL do read it instead of scanning the numerical scores & results only. For those we've spoke with on the Gem, Cayo was okay but the mainland tender trip was useless & waste of time, unless it was part of the excurison with a purpose & talks of demanding refunds, etc.

 

We are looking at booking this again in 2013 and welcome the possibility of changing the Samana port to a different island. If majority of the cruise passengers stay onboard & won't even bother taking the free tender to town or even to Cayo with the "discounted" ship transfer at this tendered port, it's not good for NCL's bottomline and/or the town's tourism revenue

 

... Haven't booked any excursions yet. Anyone who has taken this trip recommend any of the excursions? Any other recommendations about anything at all, feel free to post! Thanks!

 

For Old San Juan, PR - it is a short stop after 3 days at sea, and it's fairly easy to take a short taxi ride up to the Fort, and walk downhill or take the free trolley (Ports of Call has info & tips) - there are restaurants, gift shops and places & things to do around the pier, if one doesn't plan to venture too far, and, the CVS is just 5 to 10 minutes walk across the street - restock on soda, water, snacks & chips, batteries, souvenirs and, other essentials, etc.

 

 

 

For St. Maarten, we had planned to use NCL Shore-Exec but decided to just walk around town a bit once we learned onboard that it was a major/public holiday on the island and that most of the shops & stores were closed - the inexpensive water taxi rides were straight forward. Plenty of beach chairs w. shades to rent from the locals right in town. Note: water-taxi do take riders with special mobility needs

 

 

For USVI, duty-free shopping with special allowances & exemptions for US Citizens is BIG, bags after bags of liquor & cigarettes were destined for the ship as folks returned from the nearby shopping mall (with a free trolley/shuttle) We aren't sunbathers as otherwise, we would probably find use open-air group taxi (modified pickup trucks ...) to one of the nicer beaches.

 

 

Samana has been a ??? as being of limited value on what to do and see, etc. NCL-sponsored city tours have been rather negative overall in the posted reviews. What's boring & unappealing to one are the opposite to someone else, as a matter of personal preference.

 

 

Next, I will summarize with a few thoughts of our observations - as we see them. Again, I know others from the Gem are back from its recent sailings and waiting for their comments & reviews - and, then draw your own conclusions.

[mking8288]

Thanks for the review it was like I relived the Cruise ... received the Plate of Chocolate covered Strawberries ... a nice surprise ... the first Cruise the NCL Gem Singers & Dancers worked together as ... their first shows together they were great ... lucky to catch Cara I believe playing the piano at dinner one night in the Grand Pacific ... for about 1/2 hr and this was the first and only time ... in the MDR ... encountered 1 waitress that was great so we tried to get her as much as possible for lunch & dinner service. We didn't use any of the Specialty Restaurants ... appear they were less used by others than our past cruises. Cayo Levanto excursion ... seemed run down, the water was very rough and the locals came up to you trying to sell you something ... didn't go to the main land of Samanna but heard from other passengers it wasn't worth going ... However bummed a little that St. Marteen was mostly closed for the Holiday. Too bad they couldn't switch the Port Days around knowing it was closed in advance, but ...

 

It's great to share notes & compare our impressions about the sailing. The Captain did an excellent job of getting out of Nor-easter's way on a high speed run out of NY, full ahead at 23.7 knots at times (as shown on the Navigational Channel) - definitely felt the stablizers down below and it worked, fairly smoothly as a whole - as if we're riding above the waves as a navy destroyer or cutter. DW and I both looked out thru our porthole window that night at the raging sea and waves amazed - the Gem just seemed to sliced thru it with power & grace, without the twists/turns & tossing that we've experienced on the much smaller Crown a few years back on the Bermuda runs.

 

It was refreshing to watch the Production dancers & they certainly changed in/out of plenty of colorful costumes as stage sets got changed, and with a few more live performances, their timing & coordination (all minor details) will be perfect - and, hopefully draw the crowd to more standing ovations as we felt it still somehow came up a bit short, not sure what it was. The singer's voices were excellent, deep & projected nicely too. We missed Fountains lived on stage but I believe it was re-broadcasted on ship's TV channel. Speaking of the newer Philips HDTV, we tried but had no luck connecting our own device via HDMI cable for playback on a bigger screen - FYI, it used component cables (5 wires).

 

Some general observations, comments & suggestions on getting the most of cruising on the Gem:

 

For Day 1 or Embarkation - the MDR is what I would recommend for most, it's civilized and plenty of tables & seats without the crowds, and carryon luggages can be checked next door at the Bliss Lounge for free - until the cabins are cleaned & ready, around 2 pm. The MDR was packed on Day 8 - the 2nd. morning after we set sail on the way back to NY from Samana with a long line for breakfast (about 5 times the normal volume ...)

 

Food is subjective & let's just say, we were not too impressed this time with MDR's options (nothing bad, either) and we missed many of the excellent & varied desserts served in rotation each evening. The friendly wait staff that we had were good to excellent - had only 1 minor mix-up with the salad ordered by the father & son at the table next to us, LOL. The waiters seemed working harder & doing more than their assistants - had to remind the assistant to bring the bread basket & refill the butter tray on more than 1 evening (minor issues, of course.) On the plus plus column, sodium level in the soup has been eased up and it doesn't taste as salty as before, very healthy for longer living.

 

Grand Pacific/MDR's - for dinner, the little & cute electronic candles are now gone as a matter of history, same for the mini vase w. flower (... romantic sunset dining by the window) - pretty sure they're still doing those in 2011 on the Jewel, oh well - not a big deal, just minor details that most would overlook or not noticed at all as first-timer. If we are to do a TA and/or Panama of 14+ days - eating in the MDR with limited changes in the daily dinner specials and/or multiple days of spring rolls & caesar salad would probably drive us crazy - plus, the same lunch selections for all the days. Magneta has an informal setup and it was very easy for us, and surprising with enough small tables of 2 that we're always seated by ourselves as we walked up and with minimal to no waiting.

 

Didn't they used to leave the Wine & Liquor Menu for dining, and have someone do just the bar drinks & soda - not anymore, our waiter got it covered - but good in that there was no sales pitch for premium bottled water either. Table settings were simplified & no wine glasses or extra silverwares as pre-set. It did give us kind of no-thrills feeling as we ate in the MDR - used to grind the fresh pepper over our entree and now it's DYI shaker only. There was just one hostess welcoming all guests at the entrance to the MDR, asking for our cabin number and # in the party - and, for the times we dined there, seemed overwhelming but seemed to somehow managed it. We used to see the assistant/restaurant managers walking around & chatting with the guests at meal time with other NCL ships, but not so much on this cruise.

 

Specialty - LeBistro did NOT disappoint at all, and we loved it - very attentive staff but it was not busy at all for our 8:30 pm reservation. We didn't hear, see or otherwise knew of any Specialty Dining specials onboard, i.e. Early Birds or 2 for 1's, etc. aside from the Trio prepaid bundle at $52 p/p ahead of time, which we didn't do. It was sad to walk past Asian Fusion nightly to see a nearly empty dining room, except for Teppanyaki (and it wasn't sold out either, from what I saw.) Nor was Moderno busy at dinnner time - most likely could just show up without a reservation and get seated.

 

 

Buffet (Garden Cafe) - we ate at least once for breakfast, lunch & dinner but didn't feel compelled to go back - lots of entree items in hot and/or spicy sauces, good for big-eaters and the hungry ones to pile up on the calories. We're surprised to see many small tables for 2 by the windows, excellent on NCL's part to respond to a changing Free Style market. While these pile-it-up meal platter were not gournmet ones, there were enough choices to not go hungry - including Asian selections - and still many folds better than the average cafeteria food at many places - it's not easy preparing 10,000 meals daily so I understand. We preferred the buffet's layout & organization on the Jewel & the Star over the Gem's long stretch down the starboard side of deck 12, the section further back toward the AFT elevators tend to be les crowded. The BBQ Outdoor by the pool served the usual items, weather permitting & we had it once, the beef burgers was juicy but DH couldn't tell the pulled pork burger was real or not, claiming it was beef - can't recall whether pork chops or BBQ ribs were available, corns were sweet & hot dogs were jumbo.

 

Comfort food & room/self service - there was always seating at the Blue Lagoon for a power breakfast of nearly everything - and extra wait staff showed up within minutes to help as it get busy. BL's hot wings were great and we asked for the sauce on the side to keep it crispy, WonTon soup is good (where's the noodle, I always joked) and ask for ice cream on top of the pound cake for dessert (tried it) while you walk over to get your own hot coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Orders can be wrapped to go while you wait at BL if you do not want to use Room Service (order Breakfast only once for in-cabin & it arrived exactly as asked.) On the plus side, the Mango & Kiwi flavored water were definitely great addition to filtered tap water & unsweatened ice tea (and, lemonade ??) - we indirectly refilled our own BPA-free water bottles as needed. There are still those that ignored the signs & placed the tips/openings of their bottles directly under the dispenser for filling up, grrrrr!

 

Getting around - one of the Mid ship elevators was out for 3 or 4 days until fixed (I believe while we're at San Juan, PR) but the elevators weren't particulary crowded with one less in working conditions as we often rode them going up. We saw very few cruisers in motorized scooters and just as little in wheelchairs - making it easy access to most, if not all, public areas throughout the ship. Our favorite bypass on other similar ships were deck 8 as it is mostly cabins with no crowds, except the area by the open Atrium - passing thru this area and its cabins involved many bends & turns, but we still used it as shortcuts - front to back, etc.

 

Gaming - we spend time in the casino on different days but it was never busy or crowded, except before & after show times in the Stardust Theater - as many have to walk thru the gaming area to/from the front of the ship. There used to be free finger food & snacks in the casino at midnight, but I think it's been eliminated - table games area were particular quiet, except for the tournament plays & most dealers standing around waiting. Minimum bet for Let It Ride & Three Card Poker used to be a $5 only but it's now $10 - and the paytable is not as generous as land-based gaming places. We tried our luck with nighly Paradise Lotto Drawings ($2 per ticket) but didn't win anything - jackpot was around 1/2 million that we wouldn't mind one bit.

 

Extras - prices for cocktails or drinks have gone up, just like the Bingo game bundles & special deals - good news is that they are still giving away a free cruise away with the purchase of raffle drawing tickets to one lucky winner (lady from New Jersey won, ho-ray.) Single cans of Pepsi products still at $2 each plus service charge. Prices for photos were reasonable especially when discounts are applied and combined with the 4-and-1-free specials, as there are no unlimited packages - still a nice way to use any generous OBC in the account. The smaller "Gift" shop has limited selections of essentials & aimed to see higher-end & duty-free products, including liquors & cigarette cartoons.

 

Latitude privileges, et. al. - Being "Gold" meant a bit more privileges & perks, and it's great to get a box of Godiva on the 1st. night and one of our grand-niece @ home have NCL to thank for. On board Laundry Specials were offered twice for our 9 days sailing, sweeteened with a 25% discount (I think) that we could've used once - too bad b/c we traveled light & our own Woolite packets did the trick. Getting "Yellow" luggage tags along with Priority Disembarkation & Tendering tickets along with the ship pins were cool too, although we knew we generally don't use it - could've given it to our neighboring cabins that they weren't eager to get off at Samana either. For "unlimited" free drinks with the 30 minutes allocated for the 2 member receptions, one must arrive early for them as scheduled, drink fast & order more -there're no rules that you cannot take them back to your cabin (maybe not to the MDR or LeBistro, etc.) - that will save you enough $$ to pay for those Embarkation & Ship Photos taken & waiting at the Photo Gallery - and, again the extra discounts do help (to stretch those OBC that we had in our account) - as we're a little disappointed at the receptions itself, the free gifts drawing was cool (I won a $15 Del Sol color-changing "Frisbee") but it's part of Gem's personality vs. other NCL ship.

 

Hangouts - on sea days, both the Card Room & Library on deck 12 were busy and full - the seating area for Moderno on deck 8, opposite the Blue Lagoon is a good option on where to hangout & do whatever, or nothing at all but to simply read & relax & watch the changing horizon.

 

Our Stateroom Attendant or Room Steward worked hard, from morning to evening - alone by himself and did an excellent job. I remembered them to be working in pairs as a team, with an assistant doing things together (one cleaning the bathroom while another refreshing the beds & fill the ice buckets) but it's done differently, AFAIK. To our attendant's credit, he placed a layer of egg-crate foam - without us asking, plus top padding over the mattresses so we slept nicely, and the comforters were very good with fresh smelling sheets. Tea kettle or coffee makers are no longer placed in OV stateroom but provided upon request. Contents of the mini-refrigerator emptied to make room for storing our own whatever inside.

 

We noticed that the demographics of the crew members working on the Gem to be a little different, as they tend to be more "mature" with seniority, and, more male than female. Several that we chatted with said during their time-off in between shifts, they rather rest & take naps than to roam onshore - the younger ones on other NCL ships tend to be seen more on dry land when they are granted shore leaves.

 

Weather-wise, temperature were on the chilly side on Day 2, especially in the morning and also by the afternoon of Day 8 and the entire Day of 9 - long sleeve weather, even with the heated hot tubs. When it was warm outdoors, the pool decks were pretty crowded but the "hogs" didn't look at that obvious. The Gem was pretty out of the Nor-easter's reach by the afternoon of Day 2 as smoother sea returned, there's still plenty of dark clouds - the roughest sea state were actually overnight down in the Caribbeans between ports but we slept just as good with the gentle rocking motion.

 

For the adventurous - it's possible to rent a car in St. Thomas, USVI - Avis has a counter a few minutes away from the Cruise Pier, next to the Al Cohens Mall nearby (opposite the "shark" in one of our photo) - keep in mind that they drive on the left.

 

Kids stuff - my niece's family asked about Nickelodeon activites onboard for her little ones as they plan to join our group in 2013 & head back to the Caribbeans with NCL, we saw the listings in the Daily but with so few children onboard, I really don't have solid info for them - I did see 2 Kids Club staff with 2 children around the ship, and I thought that's excellent ratio in giving highly personalized attention. I'm sure the itinerary and time of the year also came into play. Not sure about how many children were on our sailing but it was definitely not a big number, maybe a few dozen at most (if that many at all) - as there wasn't even a reserved section for children in the Stardust, usually set aside on the port side of the theater for shows. The last time we're on a NCL ship, there're 500 children running around - not here. The crowds on this ship sailing the itinerary were definitely an experienced & mature group - plus, a few solo travelers that seemed to be enjoying themselves, quite a few with their e-Readers or hard paperbacks. There were no strange or loud noises running up & down the hallways at night or during the day.

 

Disembarkation - listed for 10 am disembarkation, we're near Sandy Hooks, NJ (ex-Ambrose Lighthouse) before sunrise or around 6 am, VZ Bridge and Statue of Liberty by 6:30 am before heading north very slowly up the Hudson, stopped before turning toward the pier Had the Manhattan Cruise Terminal not been damaged by Superstorm Sandy, we would've been off the ship even faster but it was mother nature ...

 

The beautiful Gem as a 5 years "young" ship has been well maintained and a walk underneath those tender boats on deck 7 tell the story well - clean coats of paint, washed and spotless. We had a great time and our 9 days blinked so quickly that we plan to go back again as there are a lot more to see/explore & learn in those ports that we visits - houses & playgrounds of the rich & famous, as well as homes & tin sheds of the poor and less fortunate.

 

 

A newer Gem review from the Thanksgiving sailing has now been posted - wonderful. This review has taken more time & much longer than I planned for, but it's been fun & exciting to re-live those nice memories and preserve it by sharing. If there are other questions & issues for clarification, as I'm sure to have overlooked a few things & left them out - please feel free to post & ask - thanks again and for those sailing soon, it's your turn to make the most out of it - every sailing is different & unique. Bon Vovage. :cool:

[curlypearly]

This is my very first comment so I'm not sure if I am doing this right. Boopsahoy... do you have kids cruising with you? this will be our first cruise, and with our kids, is it a good idea to meet people and do excursions with them?

[boopsahoy]

This is my very first comment so I'm not sure if I am doing this right. Boopsahoy... do you have kids cruising with you? this will be our first cruise, and with our kids, is it a good idea to meet people and do excursions with them?

 

Hi there. Sorry no kids here! I'm sure there are others on this roll call with kids that are looking to join others for excursions. Or you could wait till the meet and greet and make plans then!

Barb

[jdvmd]

Have to say once again, THANK YOU! So much great information and such a help to those on this board.

[John Bean]

Thanks for the great information.