Gem Upsell Advice

[mark10197]

Let me start off by saying I have found the most useful information, thoughtful reviews, and best advice here on Cruise Critic! I am new to cruising (sort of, I'm in the Navy, so I have my fair share of time at sea) and I have booked my first cruise on the Gem sailing March 12th. I booked a balcony room, (Room 9054) with the UDP, and 5 specialty dining meals for my wife and I.

 

This will be the first real vacation since my wife and I have been on since our honeymoon, which was only about 3 days long since I ended up in the hospital. lol.

 

On cruise critic, I have learned about this famous "upsell line". Which is awesome. I called today, and was offered an aft facing penthouse suite for $2000 more, or The Haven Penthouse for $3000. Given there's still a bit more time till my cruise, I think I can hold out a little longer and get a little better deal based off of what I've read, but I'm curious, should I stick with what I have, or go all out? I think NCL really doesn't do their self any favors with their website. Everything is really broad. I'm kinda curious of what booking a Suite or The haven entitles me too, I know the Haven has the fancy courtyard, and the Butler, but what is special about the suite that make's it so much more with the exception of it being a little bigger?

 

On everybody's past experiences, did you find the upgraded rooms worth the expense? I don't want to sound like money isn't an issue, it is, but I would love to surprise my wife with the best of the best, provided it's worth it. After all, we haven't gone on a serious vacation in 3 years.

 

And on a tangent, how fast does the parking garage fill up at the Manhattan Pier? I hear lots of great parking advice, but I have to be back at work the next day (I'm stationed about a 2.5 hour drive away) so I'd like to park in the garage at the pier for convenience. Just curious as to how early I should show up, my arrival time is scheduled for 11AM, and we get underway at 4PM.

 

I appreciate all of your advice, and I'm looking forward to providing a thoughtful review when we're back!

[SuiteCruisin14]

Let me start off by saying I have found the most useful information, thoughtful reviews, and best advice here on Cruise Critic! I am new to cruising (sort of, I'm in the Navy, so I have my fair share of time at sea) and I have booked my first cruise on the Gem sailing March 12th. I booked a balcony room, (Room 9054) with the UDP, and 5 specialty dining meals for my wife and I.

 

This will be the first real vacation since my wife and I have been on since our honeymoon, which was only about 3 days long since I ended up in the hospital. lol.

 

On cruise critic, I have learned about this famous "upsell line". Which is awesome. I called today, and was offered an aft facing penthouse suite for $2000 more, or The Haven Penthouse for $3000. Given there's still a bit more time till my cruise, I think I can hold out a little longer and get a little better deal based off of what I've read, but I'm curious, should I stick with what I have, or go all out? I think NCL really doesn't do their self any favors with their website. Everything is really broad. I'm kinda curious of what booking a Suite or The haven entitles me too, I know the Haven has the fancy courtyard, and the Butler, but what is special about the suite that make's it so much more with the exception of it being a little bigger?

 

On everybody's past experiences, did you find the upgraded rooms worth the expense? I don't want to sound like money isn't an issue, it is, but I would love to surprise my wife with the best of the best, provided it's worth it. After all, we haven't gone on a serious vacation in 3 years.

 

And on a tangent, how fast does the parking garage fill up at the Manhattan Pier? I hear lots of great parking advice, but I have to be back at work the next day (I'm stationed about a 2.5 hour drive away) so I'd like to park in the garage at the pier for convenience. Just curious as to how early I should show up, my arrival time is scheduled for 11AM, and we get underway at 4PM.

 

I appreciate all of your advice, and I'm looking forward to providing a thoughtful review when we're back!

 

We had out first chance to upgrade to a suite in 2010 on the Jade out of Barcelona. It was our first NCL cruise but our 26th cruise. We had never been in a suite and the price was good so we took it. We wondered for weeks, what does the Butler do??? We had an awesome cruise and never really used the Butler as it was a Port intensive cruise. Loved the suite and extra room and perks.

Our next cruise has UBP and dining package, can't imagine what the upgrade would give us.

 

If you can afford it and you have not had the experience, do it, your Bride will love it.

 

Lynda

[mark10197]

We had out first chance to upgrade to a suite in 2010 on the Jade out of Barcelona. It was our first NCL cruise but our 26th cruise. We had never been in a suite and the price was good so we took it. We wondered for weeks, what does the Butler do??? We had an awesome cruise and never really used the Butler as it was a Port intensive cruise. Loved the suite and extra room and perks.

Our next cruise has UBP and dining package, can't imagine what the upgrade would give us.

 

If you can afford it and you have not had the experience, do it, your Bride will love it.

 

Lynda

 

I'm definitely curious about the butler, haha. I don't know if we're the butler type. Although I don't think I'd mind having a few meals in privacy in my room. From what I read, it's worth it.

The other thing is, do I go for a forward suite, or an aft suite? I'd love the view over the bow, but I feel the wind up forward has to be rather unpleasant as the ship moves forward.

[bbryan5]

Thank you for your service

[arlodog]

We sailed on the Jade in January of this year, and like you heard about the up-sell line here on cruise critic. I called and got an upgrade from a balcony to an aft penhouse for $1000. We had 3 in the cabin, but the 3rd person sailed free so that may have been it was only $500pp to upgrade. I was very excited to think of sailing in a suite cabin and we love aft balconies!

 

We all decided it wasn't worth the extra money for us. We didn't really utilize the suite services that everyone raves about. We had appetizers delivered daily and rented a couple of movies, but for the most part it wasn't any big benefit. I had requested memory foam pillows and they told me they didn't have any available. It may be because the Jade is an older ship, but there wasn't any special seating for shows according to the concierge and if we needed to make dinner reservations it was pretty much booked up; they would try, but no promises. Lunch at Cagney's was okay, but nothing to get that excited about. Priority disembarkation made it easy to get off the ship since 2 of our ports were tender ports, but again we didn't feel it was worth $1000.

 

The biggest disappointment was the balcony. We have sailed on many aft balconies and this was an absolute disappointment. There was only room for 1 large lounge chair and it had to sit sideways along the skinny balcony. There was only one other regular chair and a small table. :( You couldn't even walk around the table easily to get to the lounge chair. We normally love to sit on the balcony and have wine and cheese in the evenings when we are getting ready for dinner. No room for this on these balconies!

 

I guess it is really all about what is important to you. My son and I are going to Alaska this summer on the Pearl and we are booked in an inside room. We figure we will spend so much time outside looking at the scenery we won't miss the balcony. We are laughing that we are going from a penthouse to an inside, but we are grateful that we are able to go on another cruise!

 

Guess it comes down to what your priorities are. We will sail more frequently and take a lesser room rather than upgrade to another suite!

[Weluv2cruise2gether]

If you are going to park at the manhatten cruise terminal, go to their website and print off the coupon. You will save 25% with it, so instead of $400 it will be $300. We will be on the same cruise!

[4774Papa]

We have done 9 Celebrity and 5 NCL cruises and only once in a suite (on Celebrity Millennium). We got an upgrade for $800 total for a 14 day cruise.

We liked dining in the Luminae restaurant every day, but frankly we would never pay the usual prices for a suite.

 

Yes, there is extra room and the balcony is larger, etc., but we prefer to do more cruises in a balcony.

[mark10197]

Thank you for your service

 

Thank you, it is my honor and my privilege to serve our great country.

[mark10197]

 

The biggest disappointment was the balcony. We have sailed on many aft balconies and this was an absolute disappointment. There was only room for 1 large lounge chair and it had to sit sideways along the skinny balcony. There was only one other regular chair and a small table. :( You couldn't even walk around the table easily to get to the lounge chair. We normally love to sit on the balcony and have wine and cheese in the evenings when we are getting ready for dinner. No room for this on these balconies!

 

I would've never imagined, the picture makes it look far bigger. I've also heard that the aft suites on the gem had not been completely renovated in the last overhaul, and the quality of the furnishings was sub par, for suite like quality.

 

The spacial considerations of the cabin don't bother me one bit, as I am a submariner. For comparison purposes, an inside stateroom is about twice the size of the Captain's stateroom on a submarine.

[Paddy41]

I would've never imagined, the picture makes it look far bigger. I've also heard that the aft suites on the gem had not been completely renovated in the last overhaul, and the quality of the furnishings was sub par, for suite like quality.

 

The spacial considerations of the cabin don't bother me one bit, as I am a submariner. For comparison purposes, an inside stateroom is about twice the size of the Captain's stateroom on a submarine.

 

 

 

Sailing on the Gem March 12th in an aft suite. Have been told the room has been redone except for bathroom sink which is cracked. The only reason I would consider an upgrade to Haven would be for the privacy of the centre part.

What does everyone think? Would that be worth an upgrade? Are the cabins larger?

The balcony we have on deck 10 is supposed to be the largest one but I don't know what the Haven balconies are like? Any ideas on what amount extra would make the Haven worthwhile?

Of course that is assuming there are any Haven cabins left.

[mizLORInj]

Sailing on the Gem March 12th in an aft suite. Have been told the room has been redone except for bathroom sink which is cracked. The only reason I would consider an upgrade to Haven would be for the privacy of the centre part.

What does everyone think? Would that be worth an upgrade? Are the cabins larger?

The balcony we have on deck 10 is supposed to be the largest one but I don't know what the Haven balconies are like? Any ideas on what amount extra would make the Haven worthwhile?

Of course that is assuming there are any Haven cabins left.

 

The deck 10 aft suites on Gem have the largest balconies of the SF category and the cabin itself is larger than a balcony cabin--I'd say just shy of double a balcony cabin.

 

I was disappointed to read that the carpet is the only thing that has been redone and yes, the sinks are cracked and furniture is old and shows it. And they removed those fabulous Lavazza coffee machines too. This ship did not get a total refurb unfortunately. I'll find out what was changed/not done in a regular balcony cabin soon but I don't have my hopes too high.

 

The haven suites are larger; you can check out their floor plans on the ncl site.

 

Whether it's worth the extra $ I think is personal and different for everyone.

 

Too bad for NCL--they missed an opportunity to make their ships more luxurious by doing a total refurbishment and including cabins.

Edited February 24, 2016 by mizlorinj

[mark10197]

Too bad for NCL--they missed an opportunity to make their ships more luxurious by doing a total refurbishment and including cabins.

 

I get the feeling that NCL put the money and man hours into maintenance on the ships mechanical systems in its's last refurbishment. Which is unfortunate, because I'd like to think changing drapes, fixing sinks, and replacing laminate is a relatively inexpensive thing to do, and makes a huge difference to the customer. And one would think if they were spending suite money, they wouldn't be settling for things like a cracked sink at $3000 per person. Can't look good for the company.

 

The input I've gotten has lead me to think I should stick with the balcony unless the price goes way down on the up sell. I'm hoping when the Gem is back next week someone will have a detailed review of the quality of the balcony rooms. Lol.

[JamesGNYC]

I get the feeling that NCL put the money and man hours into maintenance on the ships mechanical systems in its's last refurbishment. Which is unfortunate, because I'd like to think changing drapes, fixing sinks, and replacing laminate is a relatively inexpensive thing to do, and makes a huge difference to the customer. And one would think if they were spending suite money, they wouldn't be settling for things like a cracked sink at $3000 per person. Can't look good for the company.

 

 

 

The input I've gotten has lead me to think I should stick with the balcony unless the price goes way down on the up sell. I'm hoping when the Gem is back next week someone will have a detailed review of the quality of the balcony rooms. Lol.

 

 

Thank you for your service, mark. Enjoy your cruise

[Vinegarjoe10]

Let me start off by saying I have found the most useful information, thoughtful reviews, and best advice here on Cruise Critic! I am new to cruising (sort of, I'm in the Navy, so I have my fair share of time at sea) and I have booked my first cruise on the Gem sailing March 12th. I booked a balcony room, (Room 9054) with the UDP, and 5 specialty dining meals for my wife and I.

 

This will be the first real vacation since my wife and I have been on since our honeymoon, which was only about 3 days long since I ended up in the hospital. lol.

 

On cruise critic, I have learned about this famous "upsell line". Which is awesome. I called today, and was offered an aft facing penthouse suite for $2000 more, or The Haven Penthouse for $3000. Given there's still a bit more time till my cruise, I think I can hold out a little longer and get a little better deal based off of what I've read, but I'm curious, should I stick with what I have, or go all out? I think NCL really doesn't do their self any favors with their website. Everything is really broad. I'm kinda curious of what booking a Suite or The haven entitles me too, I know the Haven has the fancy courtyard, and the Butler, but what is special about the suite that make's it so much more with the exception of it being a little bigger?

 

On everybody's past experiences, did you find the upgraded rooms worth the expense? I don't want to sound like money isn't an issue, it is, but I would love to surprise my wife with the best of the best, provided it's worth it. After all, we haven't gone on a serious vacation in 3 years.

 

And on a tangent, how fast does the parking garage fill up at the Manhattan Pier? I hear lots of great parking advice, but I have to be back at work the next day (I'm stationed about a 2.5 hour drive away) so I'd like to park in the garage at the pier for convenience. Just curious as to how early I should show up, my arrival time is scheduled for 11AM, and we get underway at 4PM.

 

I appreciate all of your advice, and I'm looking forward to providing a thoughtful review when we're back!

 

Mark10197,

 

I was on the 10 day eastern on the Gem last month ( 1/22-2/1) I surprised my wife with an Aft penthouse suite, deck 10.

 

For what we paid, (which was significantly less than what your upsell offer was, as we booked 13 months in advance) it was worth it.

 

I randomly checked the NCL website before posting and there are only 2 Aft penthouse suites left for your cruise dates, so it may be that their won't be any left to upsell.

 

As far as what suite accommodations give you:

 

1. Priority embarkation - After checking in you get to wait in a room with other Haven/Suite pax and get escorted onto the ship in the first or second group.

 

2. Breakfast and lunch in Cagney's daily. This option is only for Haven/Suite guests on the Gem, but the menus for breakfast and lunch remain the same for all 10 days. It is a quieter setting for breakfast and lunch.

 

I recommend (once you get into warmer waters) Going up to deck 12 Aft and having breakfast at the Great Outdoors. You can enjoy your breakfast at this outside venue and the views are worth it.

 

3. You have a Butler available. The Butler can bring you meals from any restaurant and he/she will set up the small dining table in the suite for your meal and will serve the meal in courses. ( we did this once, it was nice) The Butler will bring you snacks daily, you can choose what snacks you receive. The Butler will ensure that you have iced water in your suite, and will get you drinks if you ask him/her. We didn't use the services of the Butler that much.

 

4. Concierge Services: The Concierge can assist you with dining reservations at any restaurant aboard the Gem. As it was explained to us, the Concierge assists suite guests with issues outside of your stateroom, The Butler handles issues inside your stateroom. The Concierge assists you with disembarkation, as Haven/Suite guests who elect to walk off are escorted off the ship first.

 

5. The Haven/Suite guests have access to on-demand movies at no cost. (They charge $10.99 per movie in all other staterooms) This feature was nice for us, as on our way to the Caribbean we sailed through Winter Storm Jonas and my wife was sea sick for 2 full days, and was only comfortable laying in bed, so she watched a LOT of movies, lol.

 

6. Priority Tendering: If at any ports the ship doesn't dock and runs tender operations, Haven/Suite guests get priority tendering, which basically means you don't have to go wait in line to get a tender ticket. During our cruise we had to tender into St. Thomas, so this was nice. You do not get priority going back onto the ship.

 

Overall, the larger sized cabin was nice and we did have a very large balcony, as we were on deck 10, and it is my understanding that the deck 10 Aft Penthouse Suites have the largest balconies of all the Aft Penthouse Suites on the Gem.

 

From your post, I know you will not have an issue with a balcony cabin. We had travel friends who were in a balcony cabin (He is retired Navy) and he also didn't have a problem with the size of the balcony cabin.

 

Your cabin is forward and near the forward ladderwell/elevator bank and that is desirable.

 

In my opinion, for the amount of $$ you were quoted, it wouldn't be worth it. If you and the Mrs. enjoy the cruise, you can book your next cruise when you get back and surprise her with a suite. You will find that with NCL, the older Jewel class ships have Haven suites and regular suites, and are usually less expensive than the larger, newer ships.

 

I have sailed on the Breakaway and the Gem, and my preference is the Gem. Less passengers, and didn't feel as crowded as the Breakaway did.

 

Lastly, you inquired about parking. For our cruise we parked at "Park Right". It is 5 blocks from the pier. It is indoor secured parking. When you show up at Park Right's location, they have a driver jump in your vehicle and then you drive to the pier and the driver takes your car to the indoor facility where it remains until your return.

 

Usually, the Gem returns to New York by 0700 hours, and if you do the walk off option, you could be off the ship by 0830-0900 hours. You then can either catch a cab to the Park Right location or walk the 5 blocks.

 

The best part about "Park Right" is the price, which is less than 1/2 than parking at the Pier.

 

Here is the link: http://www.parkright.com/670-w-43-st-new-york.shtml

 

Punch in your cruise dates. It looked like you could pay in advance and only pay about $230.00 for the 10 days. That is almost 1/2 off from parking at the pier.

 

I was leery of leaving my vehicle with someone else but this worked out great for us. We arrived at the Park Right location at 1100 hrs. the Valet came out and we were dropped off at the pier by 1115 hours. Upon our return, we walked the 5 blocks and after a 15 minute wait our vehicle was brought down to us and we were on our way home.

 

If you and the Mrs. are unsure about what excursions to do, I would recommend the excursion to Jost Van Dyke while in Tortola. It's about $109.00 per person, but Jost Van Dyke has a great beach and the catamaran ride over was very enjoyable.

 

If interested, book online now, as they only have space for about 60, and it usually sells out quickly.

 

 

Enjoy your cruise,

 

Semper Fi,

 

Vinegarjoe

Edited February 24, 2016 by Vinegarjoe10

[lizanne_1]

Mark10197,

 

I was on the 10 day eastern on the Gem last month ( 1/22-2/1) I surprised my wife with an Aft penthouse suite, deck 10.

 

For what we paid, (which was significantly less than what your upsell offer was, as we booked 13 months in advance) it was worth it.

 

I randomly checked the NCL website before posting and there are only 2 Aft penthouse suites left for your cruise dates, so it may be that their won't be any left to upsell.

 

As far as what suite accommodations give you:

 

1. Priority embarkation - After checking in you get to wait in a room with other Haven/Suite pax and get escorted onto the ship in the first or second group.

 

2. Breakfast and lunch in Cagney's daily. This option is only for Haven/Suite guests on the Gem, but the menus for breakfast and lunch remain the same for all 10 days. It is a quieter setting for breakfast and lunch.

 

I recommend (once you get into warmer waters) Going up to deck 12 Aft and having breakfast at the Great Outdoors. You can enjoy your breakfast at this outside venue and the views are worth it.

 

3. You have a Butler available. The Butler can bring you meals from any restaurant and he/she will set up the small dining table in the suite for your meal and will serve the meal in courses. ( we did this once, it was nice) The Butler will bring you snacks daily, you can choose what snacks you receive. The Butler will ensure that you have iced water in your suite, and will get you drinks if you ask him/her. We didn't use the services of the Butler that much.

 

4. Concierge Services: The Concierge can assist you with dining reservations at any restaurant aboard the Gem. As it was explained to us, the Concierge assists suite guests with issues outside of your stateroom, The Butler handles issues inside your stateroom. The Concierge assists you with disembarkation, as Haven/Suite guests who elect to walk off are escorted off the ship first.

 

5. The Haven/Suite guests have access to on-demand movies at no cost. (They charge $10.99 per movie in all other staterooms) This feature was nice for us, as on our way to the Caribbean we sailed through Winter Storm Jonas and my wife was sea sick for 2 full days, and was only comfortable laying in bed, so she watched a LOT of movies, lol.

 

6. Priority Tendering: If at any ports the ship doesn't dock and runs tender operations, Haven/Suite guests get priority tendering, which basically means you don't have to go wait in line to get a tender ticket. During our cruise we had to tender into St. Thomas, so this was nice. You do not get priority going back onto the ship.

 

Overall, the larger sized cabin was nice and we did have a very large balcony, as we were on deck 10, and it is my understanding that the deck 10 Aft Penthouse Suites have the largest balconies of all the Aft Penthouse Suites on the Gem.

 

From your post, I know you will not have an issue with a balcony cabin. We had travel friends who were in a balcony cabin (He is retired Navy) and he also didn't have a problem with the size of the balcony cabin.

 

Your cabin is forward and near the forward ladderwell/elevator bank and that is desirable.

 

In my opinion, for the amount of $$ you were quoted, it wouldn't be worth it. If you and the Mrs. enjoy the cruise, you can book your next cruise when you get back and surprise her with a suite. You will find that with NCL, the older Jewel class ships have Haven suites and regular suites, and are usually less expensive than the larger, newer ships.

 

I have sailed on the Breakaway and the Gem, and my preference is the Gem. Less passengers, and didn't feel as crowded as the Breakaway did.

 

Lastly, you inquired about parking. For our cruise we parked at "Park Right". It is 5 blocks from the pier. It is indoor secured parking. When you show up at Park Right's location, they have a driver jump in your vehicle and then you drive to the pier and the driver takes your car to the indoor facility where it remains until your return.

 

Usually, the Gem returns to New York by 0700 hours, and if you do the walk off option, you could be off the ship by 0830-0900 hours. You then can either catch a cab to the Park Right location or walk the 5 blocks.

 

The best part about "Park Right" is the price, which is less than 1/2 than parking at the Pier.

 

Here is the link: http://www.parkright.com/670-w-43-st-new-york.shtml

 

Punch in your cruise dates. It looked like you could pay in advance and only pay about $230.00 for the 10 days. That is almost 1/2 off from parking at the pier.

 

I was leery of leaving my vehicle with someone else but this worked out great for us. We arrived at the Park Right location at 1100 hrs. the Valet came out and we were dropped off at the pier by 1115 hours. Upon our return, we walked the 5 blocks and after a 15 minute wait our vehicle was brought down to us and we were on our way home.

 

If you and the Mrs. are unsure about what excursions to do, I would recommend the excursion to Jost Van Dyke while in Tortola. It's about $109.00 per person, but Jost Van Dyke has a great beach and the catamaran ride over was very enjoyable.

 

If interested, book online now, as they only have space for about 60, and it usually sells out quickly.

 

 

Enjoy your cruise,

 

Semper Fi,

 

Vinegarjoe

Vinegarjoe,

Thank you for a very clear and precise description. Also, would you recommend Jost Van Dyke over the Baths?

Liz

[Paddy41]

Vinegarjoe,

 

Thank you for all that info. Well done.

 

I copies some info from another post re the Gem, decks 8, 9, 10 because we have an aft on deck 10 in March. Here it is.

 

deck 10 cabins 387 sq. ft including balcony of 100 sq. ft.

deck 9 cabins 351 sq. ft with balcony 65 sq. ft.

deck 8 cabins 341 sq. ft with balcony 54 sq. ft.

 

All 3 decks same price.

[Vinegarjoe10]

Vinegarjoe,

Thank you for a very clear and precise description. Also, would you recommend Jost Van Dyke over the Baths?

Liz

 

Hi Liz,

 

As far as recommending one or the other (Baths vs Jost Van Dyke) that would be up to what you want to do.

 

We had Cruise Critic friends aboard with us who did the Baths tour. They said the beach and exploring/walking through the caves was a great excursion. We were told that those that scheduled the Baths excursion received information in their staterooms that the scale that NCL uses to rate all excursions in regards to how physically demanding the Baths excursion is was elevated. If you go to the Baths, we were told that you can elect to just enjoy the beach and not have to go through the caves, which include having to climb up and down some vertical ladders and walking or swimming through (what some would perceive) as tight spaces. We were also told that some type of water shoes would be recommended due to walking on (at times) slippery or rough rocks. If anyone in your party has physical limitations, I would suggest against the Baths, but as I didn't go on this excursion, I cannot 100% guarantee what the actual level of physical demand was placed upon those that were on it.

 

Jost Van Dyke, oh Jost Van Dyke...... If you enjoy a white sandy beach, crystal clear water, tropical drinks ( yes, we started drinking the world famous 'Pain Killers' at 8:30 am) then this is the excursion for you.

 

As during our cruise we only were in Tortola from 7 am until 1 pm, we didn't get a full day at JVD. We had to be at the end of the pier by 7:15 am to board the 'Rebel Yell' catamaran.

 

There are not any water toys to rent, but if relaxing in a complimentary Adirondack chair or lounger and just enjoying the sun and water is something you are interested in, this may be the excursion for you.

 

As you depart the pier the crew gives a safety briefing and there is a restroom available. The crew provided water and you could purchase soda or beer.

 

The trip to and from JVD was approximately 45 minutes each way.

 

On our visit, the seas were calm and the 'Rebel Yell" pulled right onto the beach and lowered a small set of stairs. We went down the stairs into knee high water and were on the beach in front of the Soggy Dollar Bar. As part of the excursion, you may use the restrooms at the Soggy Dollar and they did have a limited breakfast menu available for purchase.

 

The Captain explained to us that had the surf been rough, we would have went into the water in about chest deep water and would have had to swim ashore. Either way, if you select this excursion, I recommend bringing a water proof bag for your beach towels, cash, etc.

 

There are a couple of other beach bars on JVD, and they are a short walk down the beach if you wanted to visit them as well.

 

There were not any fresh water showers or a chlorine pool to rinse of the sea water available at the Soggy Dollar, but we didn't find it necessary.

 

When it's time to leave the 'Rebel Yell' again pulls onto the beach and you climb up the few stairs and find a seat. On the way back the crew again answers any questions you may have as you power through the British Virgin Islands and they provide complimentary Rum Punch as many glasses as you wish, lol) or water and again they offer beer or soda for purchase.

 

I am sure there are plenty of other great beaches that your cruise will visit, but for us, this was our first visit to JVD and we have already booked our next cruise on the Gem ( 8 day southern Caribbean departing from San Juan and ending in NYC, December 2016) as it actually spends an entire day at Tortola and we will get to spend MORE time at JVD, lol.

 

The Soggy Dollar takes credit cards or U.S. currency. There is also a small souvenir shop that sells the usual items ( hats, shirts, window stickers, etc)

 

There were not any children on our excursion, but this would be a child appropriate excursion as it isn't a giant beach party with drunks all over the place.

 

Also on our excursion, I would estimate the guests ranged in age from early 20's to late 60's, and everyone seemed to have really enjoyed themselves.

 

Sorry to sound like a shill for JVD, but we truly enjoyed ourselves and we are counting the days until we get to visit again.

 

Perhaps some folks who have done the Baths tour will chime in with a more detailed review of that excursion.

 

If you do decide to go to JVD, and will partake in a few adult beverages, after you have a 'Pain Killer', try the 'Nilla Killer', they taste like vanilla wafer cookies and you don't even taste the rum, lol.

 

Enjoy your cruise

 

Regards,

 

Vinegajoe

[Vinegarjoe10]

Vinegarjoe,

 

Thank you for all that info. Well done.

 

I copies some info from another post re the Gem, decks 8, 9, 10 because we have an aft on deck 10 in March. Here it is.

 

deck 10 cabins 387 sq. ft including balcony of 100 sq. ft.

deck 9 cabins 351 sq. ft with balcony 65 sq. ft.

deck 8 cabins 341 sq. ft with balcony 54 sq. ft.

 

All 3 decks same price.

 

Thank Paddy41 !

 

I guess I may have let out one of the Gem's secrets, that being that the deck 10 Aft balconies are the largest.

 

For what it's worth, Deck 10 Aft has 4 penthouse suites and right in the middle are 2 Aft balcony cabins. On our cruise 3 of the 4 suites and both balcony cabins were all Cruise Critic folks, and all were active members of our roll call.

 

The aft balcony cabins on deck 10 also had huge balconies so for those that want the large balcony and don't want to pay the extra money for the suites, these two Aft balcony cabins would be a great choice.

 

Enjoy your cruise !

 

Regards,

 

Vinegarjoe

[mizLORInj]

IMO the Baths on Virgin Gorda are a must-see once. A very unique experience.

[Rose62]

Let me start off by saying I have found the most useful information, thoughtful reviews, and best advice here on Cruise Critic! I am new to cruising (sort of, I'm in the Navy, so I have my fair share of time at sea) and I have booked my first cruise on the Gem sailing March 12th. I booked a balcony room, (Room 9054) with the UDP, and 5 specialty dining meals for my wife and I.

 

This will be the first real vacation since my wife and I have been on since our honeymoon, which was only about 3 days long since I ended up in the hospital. lol.

 

On cruise critic, I have learned about this famous "upsell line". Which is awesome. I called today, and was offered an aft facing penthouse suite for $2000 more, or The Haven Penthouse for $3000. Given there's still a bit more time till my cruise, I think I can hold out a little longer and get a little better deal based off of what I've read, but I'm curious, should I stick with what I have, or go all out? I think NCL really doesn't do their self any favors with their website. Everything is really broad. I'm kinda curious of what booking a Suite or The haven entitles me too, I know the Haven has the fancy courtyard, and the Butler, but what is special about the suite that make's it so much more with the exception of it being a little bigger?

 

On everybody's past experiences, did you find the upgraded rooms worth the expense? I don't want to sound like money isn't an issue, it is, but I would love to surprise my wife with the best of the best, provided it's worth it. After all, we haven't gone on a serious vacation in 3 years.

 

And on a tangent, how fast does the parking garage fill up at the Manhattan Pier? I hear lots of great parking advice, but I have to be back at work the next day (I'm stationed about a 2.5 hour drive away) so I'd like to park in the garage at the pier for convenience. Just curious as to how early I should show up, my arrival time is scheduled for 11AM, and we get underway at 4PM.

 

I appreciate all of your advice, and I'm looking forward to providing a thoughtful review when we're back!

 

Could you please tell me how to find the number for the upsell line for NCL?

Thanks!

[Vinegarjoe10]

Could you please tell me how to find the number for the upsell line for NCL?

Thanks!

 

Hi Rose62,

 

The NCL upsell number: 1-(800) 625-4309

 

Regards,

 

Vinegarjoe

[angerson5]

1-800-625-4309..... Upgraded yesterday from inside to a balcony on the Gem for next week.. Good luck

[Rose62]

Thanks a bunch!

[beachys]

Parking at the pier, go online and print coupon to save money. Both times we left from Manhattan the pier was only half full and the ship was full. Cannot beat the convenience of parking right there!

[mark10197]

Wow, thanks for everybody's thoughtful advice!

I called the upgrade line yesterday afternoon and the price was still the same, and they said they wouldn't accept counter offers, so I think I'll stick with my balcony for now.

Has anyone used the thermal suite before? Sounds like a nice touch, but not sure how I feel about the $199 PP.