Looking for advice re: Gem 1/2/16 NYC to Caribbean

[CTGen04]

Hi everyone,

 

Looking at Gem 1/2/16, but have only done 2 cruises, Gem and Dawn, both in summer. How long does it take to get to warmer weather so that you can use the pool deck? What activities are available while you are still in cold climate? Is this considered peak cruise time -- is ship generally crowded or less so? Do prices become more competitive as the time gets closer? So sorry for all of these questions -- winter cruise sounds so appealing and fits my daughters' college break, but I'd love to have an idea of what we're getting ourselves into. This is my first post, but I've learned so much from all of you for the first two cruises! Thank you in advance for your advice!

 

CTGen04

[Mr and Mrs C]

We are booked on the same cruise. From what I understand by the end of the second day it is warm enough to be out by the pool.

 

We have done 5 cruises so far and they have always been within the first few days of January, there will be some kids but not as busy as other times.

 

When we booked it was a kids sale free promo, I think now it is 50 percent off. Our PCC told us it was filling up quickly so they changed the promo in the middle of the month to the 50 percent off.

[hateswaterloves2cruise]

We have sailed in February out of NYC since 2005. Temps vary unfortunately so bring layers. Some years its been in the 50's on sail away, last year we were all the way to Puerto Rico before the seas calmed down and the temps warmed up. Usually it is warmer by the second sea day. People are in the hot tubs regardless. We like to get the spa pass - it gives you a quiet place to relax on those cold, cool days. I'm not sure if these are considered peak sailing times, any more they just reduce prices til the ship is full. You probably won't have a ton of kids cause they'll be just back to school.

[piginmud]

We did the Gem in March of 2014. By the end of the second sea day you will have warmer weather. There's plenty to do on the ship inside. We found a great little spot on the top deck (forward) where there was a heating vent coming out. We took some chairs and enjoyed the view leaving the harbor (otherwise dress VERY warm since it's very cold on the decks outside while traveling.

 

I've been on a number of the bigger ships and honestly, LOVED the Gem. I'm doing the Breakaway in January of next year mainly for the same reason as you... my daughter is on winter break from college.

 

Enjoy.

debbie

[mrsbojamp]

I have sailed out of NY in January or February 3x and I sailed on the Gem last April. My experience has been similar to most others. Usually partway through the first full sea day or by the beginning of the 2nd sea day it's warm enough to stroll on the outside decks. It truly is dependent on what weather systems are around. This past January I was on the Breakaway and we needed to battle icy roads to get to Manhattan (I live on Long Island), but another time I was in shirtsleeves for SailAway in February! They have lots of activities that might entertain you during the cooler weather. As others mentioned, there is the spa pass which gives you access to the spa pool (indoor) and saunas along with heated stone loungers and quiet peacefulness. There's also usually trivia games of some sort, bingo, the casino, wine, beer, and liquor tastings, port and shopping talks, etc. As for prices, I found a significant drop on Labor Day weekend last year for my January 2015 cruise. I keep watching every so often because I am booked on the Gem for January 22, 2016. I would be hesitant to change my reservation though because the promos have changed so much. Right now my husband, daughter, and I have the dining package, but now they only allow that for the 1st 2 passengers in the cabin. You really need to take in all the considerations if you want to get the price drop. You may actually find you have a better deal even though your per person room charge might be higher.

[CTGen04]

As for prices, I found a significant drop on Labor Day weekend last year for my January 2015 cruise. I keep watching every so often because I am booked on the Gem for January 22, 2016. I would be hesitant to change my reservation though because the promos have changed so much. Right now my husband, daughter, and I have the dining package, but now they only allow that for the 1st 2 passengers in the cabin. You really need to take in all the considerations if you want to get the price drop. You may actually find you have a better deal even though your per person room charge might be higher.

 

This is a really interesting perspective -- thank you so much. The pricing can be tricky to nail down, but you make such a good point re: promos vs. per person room charge. Lots to think about here. Once we commit to it, I don't want to have any second thoughts! Thanks again for the good tip.

[CTGen04]

We have sailed in February out of NYC since 2005. Temps vary unfortunately so bring layers. Some years its been in the 50's on sail away, last year we were all the way to Puerto Rico before the seas calmed down and the temps warmed up. Usually it is warmer by the second sea day. People are in the hot tubs regardless. We like to get the spa pass - it gives you a quiet place to relax on those cold, cool days. I'm not sure if these are considered peak sailing times, any more they just reduce prices til the ship is full. You probably won't have a ton of kids cause they'll be just back to school.

 

Spa pass is a great idea! Not crowded during the colder days?

[jmcookiemonster25]

We are booked on the same cruise. From what I understand by the end of the second day it is warm enough to be out by the pool.

 

We have done 5 cruises so far and they have always been within the first few days of January, there will be some kids but not as busy as other times.

 

When we booked it was a kids sale free promo, I think now it is 50 percent off. Our PCC told us it was filling up quickly so they changed the promo in the middle of the month to the 50 percent off.

Awww, it used to be free? Darn, I guess we missed the ball on that. We see the next week still has 3rd and 4th person free so we're kinda disappointed, but oh well, it is what it is.

[Janine]

I have sailed out of NY in January or February 3x and I sailed on the Gem last April. My experience has been similar to most others. Usually partway through the first full sea day or by the beginning of the 2nd sea day it's warm enough to stroll on the outside decks. It truly is dependent on what weather systems are around. This past January I was on the Breakaway and we needed to battle icy roads to get to Manhattan (I live on Long Island), but another time I was in shirtsleeves for SailAway in February! They have lots of activities that might entertain you during the cooler weather. As others mentioned, there is the spa pass which gives you access to the spa pool (indoor) and saunas along with heated stone loungers and quiet peacefulness. There's also usually trivia games of some sort, bingo, the casino, wine, beer, and liquor tastings, port and shopping talks, etc. As for prices, I found a significant drop on Labor Day weekend last year for my January 2015 cruise. I keep watching every so often because I am booked on the Gem for January 22, 2016. I would be hesitant to change my reservation though because the promos have changed so much. Right now my husband, daughter, and I have the dining package, but now they only allow that for the 1st 2 passengers in the cabin. You really need to take in all the considerations if you want to get the price drop. You may actually find you have a better deal even though your per person room charge might be higher.

 

Are you on the January 22 Roll Call? We have a lot of people on it!

[mrsbojamp]

Are you on the January 22 Roll Call? We have a lot of people on it!

 

 

Yes I am! I couldn't believe how many pages there were when I joined.

 

To the OP- the spa is never really crowded because they sell a limited number of spa passes. You can purchase it onboard the first day or even in the terminal before you board!

[Crusin6]

Just an fyi......yeshiva week 2016 is around the 3 rd week in January

 

 

Your cruise will be full of kids

 

In the tri state area we cruisers are cognizant to "jersey week" and " yeshiva week"

 

 

Cruises during those fall and winter weeks tend to be mobbed with large families and ncl has been know to close off the smaller mdr to group dinners

 

 

Just what I have read here on cc is my source as I cruise the 1st week of January.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[dongordon]

Just an fyi......yeshiva week 2016 is around the 3 rd week in January

 

 

Your cruise will be full of kids

 

In the tri state area we cruisers are cognizant to "jersey week" and " yeshiva week"

 

 

Cruises during those fall and winter weeks tend to be mobbed with large families and ncl has been know to close off the smaller mdr to group dinners

 

 

Just what I have read here on cc is my source as I cruise the 1st week of January.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

Do you know how we could find out how many kids are booked on this cruise.

 

BTW, What is Yeshiva week?

I am from NY and never heard of it here.

 

Don

[CTGen04]

Hi Don,

 

I wondered the same thing, and a quick Google search provided this link:

 

http://yeahthatskosher.com/2011/01/where-to-go-or-not-to-go-for-yeshiva-week-vacation-winter-break/

 

Very interesting!

 

Hope it's helpful.

 

Gen