NCL Gem Oct 2016 Southern Caribbean from San Juan Review

[suz1607]

Just off the Gem -- had a wonderful time! For those wondering, as I was, about the 2 cabins on deck 15 -- Deluxe Owners Suite -- we stayed in one this time. It looked as though it had recently been redone. Everything was spotless. The Pluses -- VIEW -- you can be entertained by just watching what is going on at the pool as well as by the wonderful vista at sea and in port -- SPACE -- very spacious room, bath and the balcony is huge. Negatives -- BALCONY -- there is no shade on the balcony which also means it is unusable in the rain and also very windy! In other words what I thought would be the biggest plus for us turned into a negative! -- NOISE -- it could get very loud on the balcony [and sometimes in the room] with music from the pool area -- not good for napping!

 

The cabin steward and his helper were great, the butler was not as helpful or available as I have had many times on NCL but the concierge, Elvina, was a jewel. One of the best I have had in close to 30 cruises with NCL.

 

I missed some of my "old favorites' in the specialty restaurants but still enjoyed eating in them. The main dinning room food seemed better than in the past. I did not think the casino staff was as friendly or helpful as some cruises I have been on but they did their job with no chat or fanfare. All the other staff aboard was as usual -- friendly and helpful.

 

Would I book this room again for us? Probably not, but if I was looking for a honeymoon or anniversary suite or was younger it would be perfect -- a clear moonlight night on a huge private balcony with a hot tub -- a king bed with little lights like twinkling stars over it. Just wish we had found it many years ago! In the interest of full disclosure we are both over 70 [and no the steps were not a problem]!

[dexddd]

Just off the Gem -- had a wonderful time! For those wondering, as I was, about the 2 cabins on deck 15 -- Deluxe Owners Suite -- we stayed in one this time. It looked as though it had recently been redone. Everything was spotless. The Pluses -- VIEW -- you can be entertained by just watching what is going on at the pool as well as by the wonderful vista at sea and in port -- SPACE -- very spacious room, bath and the balcony is huge. Negatives -- BALCONY -- there is no shade on the balcony which also means it is unusable in the rain and also very windy! In other words what I thought would be the biggest plus for us turned into a negative! -- NOISE -- it could get very loud on the balcony [and sometimes in the room] with music from the pool area -- not good for napping!

 

The cabin steward and his helper were great, the butler was not as helpful or available as I have had many times on NCL but the concierge, Elvina, was a jewel. One of the best I have had in close to 30 cruises with NCL.

 

I missed some of my "old favorites' in the specialty restaurants but still enjoyed eating in them. The main dinning room food seemed better than in the past. I did not think the casino staff was as friendly or helpful as some cruises I have been on but they did their job with no chat or fanfare. All the other staff aboard was as usual -- friendly and helpful.

 

Would I book this room again for us? Probably not, but if I was looking for a honeymoon or anniversary suite or was younger it would be perfect -- a clear moonlight night on a huge private balcony with a hot tub -- a king bed with little lights like twinkling stars over it. Just wish we had found it many years ago! In the interest of full disclosure we are both over 70 [and no the steps were not a problem]!

 

Wow, your timing is perfect. We are in the DOS on the port side - which did you have? Who was the butler so I can be prepared if he is the same one you had? Did you have any issues getting meal service in the room or getting the included booze, soda, or water?

 

Isn't there an umbrella on the balcony to give at least some shade?

 

Did they give you an actual bottle of champagne or did they give you a sparkling wine for the room?

 

We are aware of the room layout and location (& steps) and thanks for the info and anything else you can think of.

 

ETA - Oh, and just one more thing (sounding like Columbo) - can you describe the suite embarkation in San Juan? Is there a separate security line?

Edited November 23, 2016 by dexddd

[tracyktn]

Good review but if you're going to eat your meat well done please just get a hamburger and don't waste the fillet.

 

yeah yeah you sound just like my husband :) Nice screen name

[tracyktn]

Regarding the Capt Bob trip, how was lunch setup? I thought last time they asked us in advance if we wanted one of a couple choices but not this time or maybe I'm getting confused that it was buffet type with a couple choices.

 

Also, how was embarkation at Pan American terminal? Some reports of luggage outside and getting rained on. After you dropped off luggage were you inside or outside in lines?

 

Thanks.

 

Captain Bob did take our order ahead of time, I had the fish and my husband had ribs. Both were very good. There are some other options but I don't remember what they were. Then you go to restaurant and they have specific tables for the tour and they bring plates out to you. No buffet. At the restaurant you have to buy your own drinks, but they are included on the boat.

 

We didn't arrive until about 2:30 to embark. After were dropped luggage the lines were inside. It it was pretty warm in there, I think they had some fans. It didn't take us too long probably 30 minutes. Our luggage was not wet, but I don't think it rained until later when we were leaving. I believe they did have some embarkation issues in the morning and I think it was the first time ship was in San Juan for season so they were working out glitches.

[dexddd]

Captain Bob did take our order ahead of time, I had the fish and my husband had ribs. Both were very good. There are some other options but I don't remember what they were. Then you go to restaurant and they have specific tables for the tour and they bring plates out to you. No buffet. At the restaurant you have to buy your own drinks, but they are included on the boat.

 

We didn't arrive until about 2:30 to embark. After were dropped luggage the lines were inside. It it was pretty warm in there, I think they had some fans. It didn't take us too long probably 30 minutes. Our luggage was not wet, but I don't think it rained until later when we were leaving. I believe they did have some embarkation issues in the morning and I think it was the first time ship was in San Juan for season so they were working out glitches.

 

Thanks for the info and embarkation details.

[suz1607]

Our cabin was 15000. Did not eat in the room at all. Can't remember the butler's name -- does that tell you how often we saw him! There was no problem with the booze, water or soft drinks. Just ask for what you want. Extra soft drinks and water are in the cabinet next to the refrigerator. Our refrigerator did not keep things very cold so you may want to ask for extra ice. There are also more cups,etc in those cabinets. Yes, real champagne! There is no separate security line in San Juan just a separate holding area in the main room but we arrived about 11:30 and boarded almost immediately. Ask the steward to leave the cushions in the chairs, etc. on the deck otherwise they are removed at "sail away" or about that time. Also ask for an explanation of the hot tub operation. Any more questions and I will try to answer. Have a wonderful time!

[riclop]

Thanks for the review.

[dexddd]

Our cabin was 15000. Did not eat in the room at all. Can't remember the butler's name -- does that tell you how often we saw him! There was no problem with the booze, water or soft drinks. Just ask for what you want. Extra soft drinks and water are in the cabinet next to the refrigerator. Our refrigerator did not keep things very cold so you may want to ask for extra ice. There are also more cups,etc in those cabinets. Yes, real champagne! There is no separate security line in San Juan just a separate holding area in the main room but we arrived about 11:30 and boarded almost immediately. Ask the steward to leave the cushions in the chairs, etc. on the deck otherwise they are removed at "sail away" or about that time. Also ask for an explanation of the hot tub operation. Any more questions and I will try to answer. Have a wonderful time!

 

Thanks for the info, I think that pretty much covers it.