Review: 11.16.2013 Gem 9-Day Eastern Caribbean Adventure

[kh6275]

I'm curious, where did your kids sleep?

[WaldosPepper]

I'm curious, where did your kids sleep?

 

See the third photo in post #6. ;)

[kh6275]

See the third photo in post #6. ;)

 

I might be losing it but I see a Sunset. I'm on my mobile??

[WaldosPepper]

I might be losing it but I see a Sunset. I'm on my mobile??

 

The sunset is the first photo in post #7. The two beds for the children are the third photo in post #6. I suppose it's possible that your mobile is only showing you the first photo in each post, though.

 

:confused:

[kh6275]

The sunset is the first photo in post #7. The two beds for the children are the third photo in post #6. I suppose it's possible that your mobile is only showing you the first photo in each post, though.

 

:confused:

 

Thanks. Must be my phone. Weird.

[kh6275]

Awesome set up. I looked at the photos on my computer. It appears that a twin trundle bed was placed next to the master bed.

[puddles99]

Awesome set up. I looked at the photos on my computer. It appears that a twin trundle bed was placed next to the master bed.

 

Yes. There is a couch that turns into a twin & then they provided a twin rollaway as well so the girls slept side by side. They were both set up next to the king size bed in front of the glass slider that leads to the hot tub (we just kept those curtains closed the whole time). There is also a couch in the third bedroom that can be made into a twin bed. Hopefully that makes sense!

[Kristal Blade]

Really loving your posts! We are on Gem for the first time for the Xmas and New Year cruise.

Looking forward to info about the ports.

Thanks so much for taking the time to post this for us to enjoy:)

[puddles99]

Caribbean Port Play

Tuesday, November 19th - Friday, November 22nd

 

I am pretty sure we did absolutely nothing other than lounge around on the morning of November 19th as we prepared to arrive in San Juan. I have a friend who we were meeting up with in San Juan, so we didn't plan any type of excursion. Upon arriving in port, we simply disembarked and walked to his place (just up the road from San Cristobal). After having a few drinks and catching up a bit, we set out on a little walking tour. Along the way, he shared with us the stories of some of the local buildings, the cobalt blue cobblestones, and other sites. We wandered past El Morro, down past the Governor's Palace, and along the city "gate". It was an absolutely lovely walk. Eventually we decided to stop for a fabulous dinner at El Jibarito. After dinner, we walked back to the ship (with a few pit stops for souvenir and rum shopping) and said our goodbyes. It really was a lovely afternoon & evening. Sail away was breezy but beautiful.

 

 

 

 

[puddles99]

On Tuesday evening as we lounged in the Garden area, I double-checked the details of our excursion the next day with Captain Bob of Soualiga Destinations (http://www.soualigadestinations.com/soualiga_destinations/Welcome.html). I realized that our confirmation email said that he noted we'd be arriving at 10am and needed to meet him at 10:30. However, we were arriving at 8am! I quickly fired off an email and luckily Bob was quick to respond that he had accidentally sent us the wrong confirmation and that we needed to meet him at 9:30am. Yikes! I was so thankful I caught the mistake (and Bob was extremely apologetic).

 

On Wednesday morning, we followed the directions in our confirmation to the marina to meet Captain Bob. He had a total of three speed boats - each with 12 passengers - going out that morning. We were assigned to Captain Fab's Dive Encounters boat. Fab was, well, fab :D. He ensured everyone had a fun ride in the boat (thankfully my kids LOVED zooming at speeds around 50mph around the island) as we explored the coastlines of the Dutch & French side of St. Maarten. Fab told stories, pointed out sites, and kept us all apprised of the plan for the day.

 

Unfortunately due to recent weather events, there was absolutely no snorkeling to be had this day. The girls were really disappointed about that, but I know that this is beyond the tour operators control. Instead, we spent some time lazing about on Pinel Island, had a little extra time on the beach where we had lunch at a local restaurant (guava berry coladas = YUM!), and then hung out in Maho Bay to see a small plane land and a large US Airways plane take off. All in all, it was a very enjoyable day & the girls just couldn't stop talking about how awesome the boat ride was.

 

I should also note that there were six cruise ships in port this day - including one of the huge RCL ships (I think it was Oasis). By taking this excursion, we really never felt the crush of the crowds. We had passengers from Celebrity and P&O on our little speedboat with us and enjoyed chatting with them all. We did have another little glitch after lunch as we were attempting to reboard the boat - one of the passengers yanked on the anchor rope as it was wrapped around the ladder and the ladder broke off. Only four of us were back on the boat at that time so Fab improvised. He asked everyone left on the beach to walk about the length of a football field to a little dock, pulled out his tool kit & removed the broken ladder pieces, and then went and picked everyone else up. He was extremely professional in how he handled it - especially since he had said "please do not hold the rope" and "please let go of the rope" about a hundred times before this happened!

 

 

 

 

 

[puddles99]

Thursday we arrived in St. Thomas in the rain. It was gray and dreary and we all felt a little sluggish but we were going swimming with turtles today!!! After the previous days' bust for snorkeling, I really had my fingers crossed that we'd actually be successful in our outing with Fury Charters (http://www.usvisailing.com/) and as it turned out, I had nothing to worry about.

 

As everyone sat shivering during the sail out from the marina, First Mate Nikki took the time to explain why we'd be warmer once we started snorkeling. Both Captain Mike & Nikki got to know their passengers, pointed out sites around the islands, and told wonderful tales as we sailed. Once we arrived at our snorkel destination, Mike & Nikki ensured everyone had the equipment they needed & knew how to use it. Vests, flippers, snorkels, masks, and other flotation devices were provided to whomever needed them. Nikki got in the water and showed everyone the best areas, pointing out sea turtles, sting rays, and various types of coral & fish along the way.

 

We had lots of time in the water & had an amazing time. On our way back, Captain Mike gave the kids a chance to drive the boat, which they loved. We also had a medical incident aboard (another CC member's husband took ill, but luckily a good night's rest and he was back up & out with us for another adventure in Samana) which Mike & Nikki handled with grace & competence. After dropping us all back at the marina, Mike discovered that we had left two raincoats on board and he delivered them to our cruise ship before we left port - definitely going above & beyond! This was one of our top adventures & I highly recommend a day with Fury Charters - we certainly hope to spend another day with Captain Mike & Nikki again in the future.

 

 

 

 

[puddles99]

Our final stop was in Samana, Dominican Republic. I had done a lot of reading about this stop (which is a the only tender port on this cruise) and took the advice of booking an excursion in advance. I can understand why folks don't recommend "winging it" in Samana. We booked with Tour Samana With Terry (http://www.toursamanawithterry.com/) and selected Excursion#3a: Quad ATV+Walk the Plank Zip Line.

 

I had never driven an ATV before, but after a little while (and only briefly scaring other drivers!), I caught on. The zip line was fantastic & long and the local food served for lunch was delicious. We also enjoyed learning about the foods, medicines, and local artistry of the Dominican Republic. For some, the poverty of this area may be shocking, but seeing how the locals lived provided an opportunity to discuss cultural and economic disparity with my kids. I'm glad we spent the day in a less touristy destination & expressed our gratitude to the local community by purchasing wares from local vendors who partner with Terry. This is another excursion that we would absolutely book again.

 

 

 

 

[LegallyBlonder]

loving re-living parts of our 9-day on Gem last January through this review…and we were even in the very same room ;) Waaaahhhh, I wish I could go back right now!

[puddles99]

loving re-living parts of our 9-day on Gem last January through this review…and we were even in the very same room ;) Waaaahhhh, I wish I could go back right now!

 

Me too! :D Maybe someday I can retire to a GV. Could you imagine?

[puddles99]

Misc. Info / Observations Part II

 

We were excited to once again partake in a Chef's Table experience during this cruise but the Executive Chef decided not to host one. Bummer! We did eat at several specialty restaurants, however and had very nice meals at La Cucina (which we were pleasantly surprised with), Le Bistro (fabulous as always), Moderno (twice), and Orchid Garden. Our waiter in La Cucina was either new or just really scattered, but his assistant was quite lovely and attentive. Our Orchid Garden experience was a bit odd . . . we attempted to walk in because they were "green" on the seating boards but they told us they had no tables available. We could see that only about four tables were in use, so we called the concierge who escorted us back. I felt really bad about it at first because I feared we might be bumping someone who had a reservation but the entire time we ate, only two other tables were seated and the restaurant remained more than half empty. It was very odd - but at least the food was good!

 

Our group was a bit mixed on the entertainment & production cast. Laurabegorrah's stepdad thought they were fantastic & chose to attend some of the shows twice. I personally thought they were "fine." I went to the Welcome Aboard show & Get Down Tonight. They were fun shows. We also attended the Variety show the last night because I just had to see Fountains ;). We didn't take in many singer / musician performances unless we stumbled on them as we were wandering somewhere else.

 

Butler delivered room service is awesome. Since we were in the GV, we had a large dining table that could accommodate up to ten people. Two evenings we ordered a variety of meals from several different restaurants. By ordering room service, we were able to pick and choose who wanted which appetizers, entrees, and desserts and none of us felt like we needed to "settle" for something we weren't in the mood for. One thing I will note is that multiple restaurant orders does delay delivery - the one evening we waited over an hour. But who cared? We had no where we needed to be! :D

[Gregor4500]

Misc. Info / Observations Part II

 

Our Orchid Garden experience was a bit odd . . . we attempted to walk in because they were "green" on the seating boards but they told us they had no tables available. We could see that only about four tables were in use, so we called the concierge who escorted us back. I felt really bad about it at first because I feared we might be bumping someone who had a reservation but the entire time we ate, only two other tables were seated and the restaurant remained more than half empty. It was very odd - but at least the food was good!

 

:D

 

What they do is take reservations based on wait staff not tables to ensure good service.

[puddles99]

What they do is take reservations based on wait staff not tables to ensure good service.

 

Fair point, but then the restuarant wouldn't (or shouldn't) have been green on the boards. Also, they had plenty of servers doting on all customers dining that evening. I think it may have been am issue of a hostess in training, but obviously I don't know for sure.

 

To all: I'm still working on this review - sorry it's taking me so long; stay tuned for the dailies, thoughts on our final sea days, and more!

[jdvmd]

Loved your review and pictures! Thanks so much for sharing!

[coka]

Staying tuned in! Thanks for taking time to review and show pics!

 

coka

[caz1562]

Our final stop was in Samana, Dominican Republic. I had done a lot of reading about this stop (which is a the only tender port on this cruise) and took the advice of booking an excursion in advance. I can understand why folks don't recommend "winging it" in Samana. We booked with Tour Samana With Terry (http://www.toursamanawithterry.com/) and selected Excursion#3a: Quad ATV+Walk the Plank Zip Line.

 

I had never driven an ATV before, but after a little while (and only briefly scaring other drivers!), I caught on. The zip line was fantastic & long and the local food served for lunch was delicious. We also enjoyed learning about the foods, medicines, and local artistry of the Dominican Republic. For some, the poverty of this area may be shocking, but seeing how the locals lived provided an opportunity to discuss cultural and economic disparity with my kids. I'm glad we spent the day in a less touristy destination & expressed our gratitude to the local community by purchasing wares from local vendors who partner with Terry. This is another excursion that we would absolutely book again.

 

 

 

 

 

Small world, I was on this tour with you guys, I've a few videos with ur daughter on the zip line. I shall upload to YouTube for you to see.

 

As you can see, my first post on CC, I found this by chance and to stumble over this post even more so. Had a great time on this trip, shame NCL have left Samana in 2014.

[caz1562]

[m$m7]

Our final stop was in Samana, Dominican Republic. I had done a lot of reading about this stop (which is a the only tender port on this cruise) and took the advice of booking an excursion in advance. I can understand why folks don't recommend "winging it" in Samana. We booked with Tour Samana With Terry (http://www.toursamanawithterry.com/) and selected Excursion#3a: Quad ATV+Walk the Plank Zip Line.

 

I had never driven an ATV before, but after a little while (and only briefly scaring other drivers!), I caught on. The zip line was fantastic & long and the local food served for lunch was delicious. We also enjoyed learning about the foods, medicines, and local artistry of the Dominican Republic. For some, the poverty of this area may be shocking, but seeing how the locals lived provided an opportunity to discuss cultural and economic disparity with my kids. I'm glad we spent the day in a less touristy destination & expressed our gratitude to the local community by purchasing wares from local vendors who partner with Terry. This is another excursion that we would absolutely book again.

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for sharing. I'm getting ready to go on this same cruise very soon. I wanted to ask you about the tav & zip-line tour you took. I booked this same tour with Terry and was just wondering how long the actual zip-line portion of the tour was? I read on his website that the zip-line only tour has 12 different zip-lines but couldn't find out how many this tour will do. Thanks for any additional info you remember.:D

[puddles99]

Small world, I was on this tour with you guys, I've a few videos with ur daughter on the zip line. I shall upload to YouTube for you to see.

 

As you can see, my first post on CC, I found this by chance and to stumble over this post even more so. Had a great time on this trip, shame NCL have left Samana in 2014.

 

Oh how funny! Thanks for posting the video - further proof of what fun this adventure was :D

 

Thanks for sharing. I'm getting ready to go on this same cruise very soon. I wanted to ask you about the tav & zip-line tour you took. I booked this same tour with Terry and was just wondering how long the actual zip-line portion of the tour was? I read on his website that the zip-line only tour has 12 different zip-lines but couldn't find out how many this tour will do. Thanks for any additional info you remember.:D

 

I can't recall exactly, but I'd guess 30-45 minutes? It really depends whether folks keep moving or dally a bit at the line changes. I will say that we got held up at one point and our girls got a bit ahead of us which got me a bit nervous. Thankfully another Cruise Critic couple were in front of our girls and waited for them (and then with them for us) at the bottom. If I had it to do over again, I would have insisted on going first so I was waiting for them at the bottom but they were so excited to go that I didn't think about it at the top. Hopefully that makes sense!

Edited January 6, 2014 by puddles99
Add response to another poster

[puddles99]

I know I've already made everyone wait WAY too long, so before I post anything else, here are the links to the dailies. My apologies, but somehow I am missing Day 1 (embarkation) and Day 10 (disembarkation).

 

Day 2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9UoevSNl-rQdEk2eEtXSkJmR2M/edit?usp=sharing

Day 3: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9UoevSNl-rQZ3hsbmVQYjdCY2c/edit?usp=sharing

Day 4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9UoevSNl-rQaEQ4azhlRjlYUms/edit?usp=sharing

Day 5: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9UoevSNl-rQdHFrelFFVmp0SGM/edit?usp=sharing

Day 6: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9UoevSNl-rQSkE3SUNWQUQyeGc/edit?usp=sharing

Day 7: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9UoevSNl-rQQ3JYLTVPLTBhWEE/edit?usp=sharing

Day 8: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9UoevSNl-rQY1IyOWVKZVpUNnM/edit?usp=sharing

Day 9: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9UoevSNl-rQX2pzUW1PSUxGczg/edit?usp=sharing

 

I also have scanned the "Splash Academy" schedules for the 6-9 and 10-12 age groups . . .

6-9 Year-Old Kids Crew: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9UoevSNl-rQcU1LdmlQcF85T28/edit?usp=sharing

10-12 Year-Old Tweens Crew: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9UoevSNl-rQOWVWamg2dm5HSlk/edit?usp=sharing

[david_sobe]

Thanks for the wonderful review.

What a suite that is!!!