karmac Posted March 28, 2016 #1 Share Posted March 28, 2016 Hi everyone, I live in Australia and we are planning a trip to US next year, around Aug/Sept/Oct. We want to finish of with a cruise out of NY that goes to St Maarten and St Thomas. I can only find one and that is on Norwegian Gem on 31st Oct. Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on this ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingmaker_inc Posted March 28, 2016 #2 Share Posted March 28, 2016 Hi everyone, I live in Australia and we are planning a trip to US next year, around Aug/Sept/Oct. We want to finish of with a cruise out of NY that goes to St Maarten and St Thomas. I can only find one and that is on Norwegian Gem on 31st Oct. Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on this ship. I love the Gem, and have sailed on her five times. OK, I sail in the Haven, which may influence my experience - but overall, the ship is lovely and the itinerary is great! I recommend it highly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karmac Posted March 28, 2016 Author #3 Share Posted March 28, 2016 I love the Gem, and have sailed on her five times. OK, I sail in the Haven, which may influence my experience - but overall, the ship is lovely and the itinerary is great! I recommend it highly. Thanks, Kingmaker. Will be nice to try a new line 😊 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
navybankerteacher Posted March 28, 2016 #4 Share Posted March 28, 2016 If you are determined to sail out of New York, NCL is your only option. But, for the extra price of Haven (the better accommodations) on the Gem, you could probably fly to/from a Florida port - which would give you a wider selection of lines which you might prefer - while having more Caribbean port days for the same length itinerary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arzeena Posted March 28, 2016 #5 Share Posted March 28, 2016 Hi everyone, I live in Australia and we are planning a trip to US next year, around Aug/Sept/Oct. We want to finish of with a cruise out of NY that goes to St Maarten and St Thomas. I can only find one and that is on Norwegian Gem on 31st Oct. Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on this ship. We love the Gem! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lenquixote66 Posted March 29, 2016 #6 Share Posted March 29, 2016 If you are determined to sail out of New York, NCL is your only option. But, for the extra price of Haven (the better accommodations) on the Gem, you could probably fly to/from a Florida port - which would give you a wider selection of lines which you might prefer - while having more Caribbean port days for the same length itinerary. Carnival and Princess also sail from NY Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gershep Posted March 29, 2016 #7 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Gem is our favorite ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fshagan Posted March 29, 2016 #8 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Hi everyone, I live in Australia and we are planning a trip to US next year, around Aug/Sept/Oct. We want to finish of with a cruise out of NY that goes to St Maarten and St Thomas. I can only find one and that is on Norwegian Gem on 31st Oct. Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on this ship. We just sailed the Gem before it's dry dock and refitting, in October of last year. It is a great example of NCL's Jewel Class ships, all about the capacity of Radiance of the Seas that you have sailed in the past. That's our favorite size for a cruise, not too small and not too big. We really like the Gem. NCL does a pretty good job with entertainment, with live music in lounges and various spots around the ship. We haven't sailed the lines you have sailed, so I can't give you a comparison, but generally people say drinks are less expensive on NCL than on RCL, but main dining room food might be better on RCL. NCL is much more casual, with no formal nights required for any dining venue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Letsgo 2 Posted March 29, 2016 #9 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Hi everyone, I live in Australia and we are planning a trip to US next year, around Aug/Sept/Oct. We want to finish of with a cruise out of NY that goes to St Maarten and St Thomas. I can only find one and that is on Norwegian Gem on 31st Oct. Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on this ship. Hi, our first cruise was on the Gem, and got hooked on cruising because of her and her awesome crew.The gem is a beautiful ship and just the right size not too massive and not too small.She is a beauty inside and out.We have been on her 3 times since our first cruise and going again in May and again in June of this year. You can not go wrong booking a cruise on the Gem.We also book in the Haven but our first was not and we had a great time.You do get spoiled when you stay in the Haven suites, but we sail again in a Mini Suite in June,regardless of what kind of stateroom you book, you will have a great time. Marion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imwithTED Posted March 29, 2016 #10 Share Posted March 29, 2016 We are sailing on the Gem in less than two weeks....this will be my 3 time on the Gem and love it. We don't do the haven because it's too quiet for us, but if that's what you in to, it is very pretty up there. But you will have a great time regardless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HTML5 Posted March 29, 2016 #11 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Sailing in three days! Can't wait! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinadago Posted March 29, 2016 #12 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Loved the Gem and the crew on the Gem!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CRUISERFW Posted March 29, 2016 #13 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Love the Gem, sailed twice and sailing again December of 2016. She is the perfect size. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vince_g Posted March 29, 2016 #14 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Gem is our favorite NCL ship. Did a balcony cabin last time, and it was perfectly comfortable for 2 people. Love the BBQs up on deck and the wraparound promenade deck for walking our pre-dawn laps. Really liked the Great Outdoors; great place for breakfast or afternoon cocktails. Food was good in specialties and dining rooms. We thought Orchid Garden food was great. Ship just has a really nice vibe and the crew were professional. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marine Mom Posted March 29, 2016 #15 Share Posted March 29, 2016 My family and I have been on the Gem twice and we love that ship. I'm sailing on the Breakaway next week and it was a real toss up between trying a new ship or going with the one we love. We like the Gem as it was a perfect size, not too big, not too small. Stayed with friends in the Garden Villa once and talk about gorgeous!!!!! Of course that was a once in a lifetime deal. Good luck in deciding. :):):) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lenquixote66 Posted March 29, 2016 #16 Share Posted March 29, 2016 Gem is our favorite NCL ship. Did a balcony cabin last time, and it was perfectly comfortable for 2 people. Love the BBQs up on deck and the wraparound promenade deck for walking our pre-dawn laps. Really liked the Great Outdoors; great place for breakfast or afternoon cocktails. Food was good in specialties and dining rooms. We thought Orchid Garden food was great. Ship just has a really nice vibe and the crew were professional. We cruised twice on the Gem and had so-so experiences . We may try one more time . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karmac Posted March 30, 2016 Author #17 Share Posted March 30, 2016 If you are determined to sail out of New York, NCL is your only option. But, for the extra price of Haven (the better accommodations) on the Gem, you could probably fly to/from a Florida port - which would give you a wider selection of lines which you might prefer - while having more Caribbean port days for the same length itinerary. I kind of have my heart set on sailing out of New York. We're used to sailing out of Sydney Harbour (which is absolutely beautiful) and I hear that there aren't too many harbours in the world that live up to Sydney. I feel NY could be one of those harbours. Also, the itinerary I've worked out, we're finishing our road trip there. I don't have an issue with cruising NCL but I would've liked a couple of dates to choose from. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karmac Posted March 30, 2016 Author #18 Share Posted March 30, 2016 We just sailed the Gem before it's dry dock and refitting, in October of last year. It is a great example of NCL's Jewel Class ships, all about the capacity of Radiance of the Seas that you have sailed in the past. That's our favorite size for a cruise, not too small and not too big. I have no desire to cruise on those huge ships. I was worried that Radiance was going to be too big but she wasn't:) Thanks everyone for the replies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaja Posted March 30, 2016 #19 Share Posted March 30, 2016 We love the Gem...great staff and size of ship is just right for us...! AND yes...sailing out of NYC harbor is really great. It is a fantastic sight for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisersflife Posted March 30, 2016 #20 Share Posted March 30, 2016 Hi everyone, I live in Australia and we are planning a trip to US next year, around Aug/Sept/Oct. We want to finish of with a cruise out of NY that goes to St Maarten and St Thomas. I can only find one and that is on Norwegian Gem on 31st Oct. Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on this ship. It`s a waste as a cruise unless you just like long boat rides ,foods SO SO selection not great unless you want to PAY EXTRA to go to speciallty rest. ports are so so tortola only 5 hours do yourself a real favor because of distance find a cruise out of florida or san juan for a real cruise to caribean Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MICHLEV1974 Posted March 30, 2016 #21 Share Posted March 30, 2016 Gem is the perfect sized cruise ship based on your comments above :) You will love it! I have been on her twice and now my best friend is getting married on the Gem in less than 30 days :) If you are thinking of sailing aug/sept/oct from NY down to the Bahamas, that is peak season for Hurricanes. Anything hurricane-like that may come up the Eastern Seaboard or swirl down in the Bahamas will likely change your itinerary. I only mention this just in case you are planning specifics on the island stops. You will love the ship :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluesea777 Posted March 30, 2016 #22 Share Posted March 30, 2016 I kind of have my heart set on sailing out of New York. We're used to sailing out of Sydney Harbour (which is absolutely beautiful) and I hear that there aren't too many harbours in the world that live up to Sydney. I feel NY could be one of those harbours. Also, the itinerary I've worked out, we're finishing our road trip there. I don't have an issue with cruising NCL but I would've liked a couple of dates to choose from. Last year June we sailed on Gem out of New York and it was a fantastic sail way - #2 on our list (after Venice, Italy ... Miami /San Francisco is tied #3). We loved the Gem. Remember the NCL ships depart from Manhattan Cruise Terminal (Pier 88), and RCI ships depart from Bayonne which is in New Jersey, and you won't see the Manhattan skyline or the Lady. If you haven't been to Bermuda, here's your chance to come to Bermuda on the Breakaway - she DOCKS in Bermuda for 3 days and you are free to come and go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluesea777 Posted March 30, 2016 #23 Share Posted March 30, 2016 It`s a waste as a cruise unless you just like long boat rides ,foods SO SO selection not great unless you want to PAY EXTRA to go to speciallty rest. ports are so so tortola only 5 hours do yourself a real favor because of distance find a cruise out of florida or san juan for a real cruise to caribean Sounds like a miserable cruiser that we often meet on our cruises. Sorry. :rolleyes: It's up to the OP to decide on the cruise of their choice. We prefer long rides to the 7 day cruises. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MICHLEV1974 Posted March 31, 2016 #24 Share Posted March 31, 2016 (edited) Sounds like a miserable cruiser that we often meet on our cruises. Sorry. :rolleyes: It's up to the OP to decide on the cruise of their choice. We prefer long rides to the 7 day cruises. I love the sea days too..and i have been on several out of Florida ports as well, but there's something special about the Gem that keeps me going back. When you are in the atrium or the dining room, you can actually look right and see out the starboard side ocean view and look left and see out the port side ocean view. Most of the royal caribbean ships dont have that feature from the atrium or the dining rooms. I prefer a long sail...after all, isn't that what a 'cruise' is all about? well, for me it is :) Perhaps others have a different definition of 'cruise'.... hope you have a great time :) Edited March 31, 2016 by MICHLEV1974 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boopsahoy Posted March 31, 2016 #25 Share Posted March 31, 2016 It`s a waste as a cruise unless you just like long boat rides ,foods SO SO selection not great unless you want to PAY EXTRA to go to speciallty rest. ports are so so tortola only 5 hours do yourself a real favor because of distance find a cruise out of florida or san juan for a real cruise to caribean The food is good on Gem. Maybe you had a bad experience? But out of my 7-8 in a row Gem winter cruises I have never had food that wasn't good. The buffet is excellent for a buffet-lots of choices and I love the Indian food choices. The specialty restaurants are great as well and now the Chinese restaurant is complimentary (used to be pay!) and its still good - although they don't have my fave ribs anymore :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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