Just Back from the Gem!

[boopsahoy]

That's - perhaps - two of us with highly personally biased view of changes done to Le Bistro ... hard to describe. Suffice to say, one could taste the difference and IMO, portions shrinked (that's okay, can always eat again later) and quality ... not as good. I stopped ordering the lamb. DW isn't into mussels but said, look tiny & malnourished. The classic, seafood bouillabaisse soup/stew .... don't even know what to say about its recent "presentation" - plain disappointing.

 

Here from 2012 on the GEM, to 2014 on BA and again in 2016.

 

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I see my cornets, the creamy mussels and the duck! I thought Bistro was 5 stars before the changes and maybe 3 now.

[tumblew467]

Elvina came back from vacation late January. I don't know how long her contract is but from the general info I've been told or gathered they are many months long so I'd highly suspect she'll be there May 13.

 

Thanks for the info

[Aldeya]

Magenta dining room is open for lunch. We did this last time on the gem and it was perfect!

 

 

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Thank you so much! It's nice to have an option to avoid the buffet rush :)

[dexddd]

Dexdd, thank you for the newest show info - that's good for us & without worrying about making reservations like the *Away. Besides, our sailing isn't packed full, not yet & several more last-minute solo joining for M&M this week, filling up some of the insides w/o paying the full supplement. Could be an interesting event at LeBistro but I hate to miss the BTS tour, going to talk to whoever - to work that out as they always conflict - noted that in setting up the M&M to the group event team.

 

How big was your platinum BTS group - last year on the BA, we had maybe 25 at most, split into 2 smaller group w. security escort, lasted almost 2 hours. Maybe I should do part of BTS tour and skip out in the middle to run the M&M, whatever.

 

Thus far, nobody seemed to be doing "live" or semi-live from the GEM in recent sailings ... not a good indicator for a better/faster & reliable satellite internet at sea ... got 30 minutes free as Plat to play with, not expecting to deal with any family emergencies. Friends sailing with us might opt for the UNL package for business (as a deductible expense to stay in-touch, being SBO) but only if it is usable and if they do - I will share the connection & play as they will be offline at night.

 

Getting a bit tired of the LeBistro simplified menu so might just do Cagney & Moderno instead on our freebies for a change. Of course, food opinions are always highly subjective & personal.

 

We had two groups of about 25 each and we went in reverse directions of the other group. Sidley (from Bermuda) and Silvio?? where the two Cruisenext people on board and they each led a group. First time I'd seen more than one person working but it appears they are really pushing the Cruisenext certs. Both were nice folks but were getting a bunch of folks the first day when I was by their office complaining how they had overpaid as prices went down and they wanted x, y, z.

 

I had read during our trip that CC folks reported Escape going to NYC next year and BA going to Europe and some other changes and mentioned that to Silvio. He got defensive and said CC folks often have wrong info and he hadn't heard any of that and really didn't believe NCL would make those changes.

 

As far as the time, it was around 10 a.m. as I recall and the M&G was at 11 a.m. I hadn't signed up for the M&G (first time in a long time) and as I was strolling back up by the pool it was around 11:20-11:30.

[dexddd]

Do you recall which days they had the main productions (if you were on a 7 day itinerary)? Trying to book dining without conflicting with shows....

 

 

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We were on a 8 day so it may be different.

[mugtech]

 

I had read during our trip that CC folks reported Escape going to NYC next year and BA going to Europe and some other changes and mentioned that to Silvio. He got defensive and said CC folks often have wrong info and he hadn't heard any of that and really didn't believe NCL would make those changes.

The schedules on line say exactly that, where does Silvio get his info? Sounds like he must change his beliefs.

[morningstar4]

That's - perhaps - two of us with highly personally biased view of changes done to Le Bistro ... hard to describe. Suffice to say, one could taste the difference and IMO, portions shrinked (that's okay, can always eat again later) and quality ... not as good. I stopped ordering the lamb. DW isn't into mussels but said, look tiny & malnourished. The classic, seafood bouillabaisse soup/stew .... don't even know what to say about its recent "presentation" - plain disappointing.

 

Here from 2012 on the GEM, to 2014 on BA and again in 2016.

 

Sent from my XT1521 using Tapatalk

 

 

that does look like a big change...just in the presentation alone...was so looking forward to le bistro....hope we're not disappointed

 

 

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[dexddd]

The schedules on line say exactly that, where does Silvio get his info? Sounds like he must change his beliefs.

 

This was in December when the press release came out and someone here on CC posted it with the new routes. It obviously hadn't been communicated to the Cruisenext people on the ship. It was the same way the year earlier when we were on the Spirit we saw the release posted here on CC while on the ship but again, the Cruisenext staff hadn't heard anything.

[mking8288]

We had two groups of about 25 each and we went in reverse directions of the other group. Sidley (from Bermuda) and Silvio?? where the two Cruisenext people on board and they each led a group. First time I'd seen more than one person working but it appears they are really pushing the Cruisenext certs ...

As far as the time, it was around 10 a.m. as I recall and the M&G was at 11 ... strolling back up by the pool it was around 11:20-11:30.

Thanks, pretty much reconfirm what I think/knew - going to speak to the Latitude desk to see what they are willing to do to fit me in. I usually don't get to organize the M&M in booking late, but ... That's a pretty big group of 50 for the BTS, last year on BA ... just half the size (or, lots of repeat & already done it)

 

Just FYI, got early notification for our UG Advantage at Day 11 for 1 out of 2 staterooms, OV offer accepted with "B" expired on one, second set is pending (don't have all the details yet ... just gave our Roll Call a heads up, in case some of them wanted to re-adjust theirs) Meanwhile, prices dropped again yesterday, I/S at 479 and O/V at 499 p/p.

 

that does look like a big change...just in the presentation alone...hope we're not disappointed

That's true, the table setup itself was once very elaborate & fancy then & not even the chef's complimentary starter/goodies for the table ... other subtle changes not obvious to someone new. Waiter/ess used to have an assistant plus a wine steward/beverage runner to help ... not lately on the BA, so the wait staff is doing it all. True that the bean counter's effort started before the current administration. Dine with an open mind and you will enjoy it ... the buffet is open late & there's always O'Sheehan's for other items.

 

Worst part, this express 3-course Platinum meal for us should NOT take 90 minutes, always try to keep an open mind for an upscale value-added experience. The dining team do try their best but being critical is part of the deal ... NCL, you are reading this.

[dexddd]

Mking - good luck on the UG Advantage.

[DominicAUS]

Just to come in too (a little late I know!) I was also on the 29MAR sailing in an OS Suite (10504) our butler Randy was AMAZING! From seeing us in the lift, not sure how he knew it was us, he found us in the Haven Courtyard and escorted us to our suite, which was amazing and will certainly be booking again. Elvina the concierge was a DARLING, she was amazing and did a great job, always there, simply amazing went above and beyond the whole trip, it was like saying goodbye to family when we left. Randy was great as mentioned too, he gave us sandwiches, chocolate strawberries, and other treats each day. He arranged a cocktail party with drinks and food (at an additional cost) for my birthday. Kept our gummy bears and M&Ms stocked.

We had amazing weather all cruise apart from the last day at sea where it was quite rough, but enjoyed the rocking, put me to sleep.

Food was great in all restaurants and loved Cagney's for lunch and Moderno for brekkie for suites. Service was outstanding for the whole cruise, every staff member we encountered were happy and always remembered you. Not sure how they do this, every where we went they were saying hello using our names and knowing it was my birthday, coming up or afterwards.

I did find it amazing to see SO many people that do NOT say please or thank you, I was astounded and reminded a man that he forgot something, he was most put out when I said, I think you forgot to say thank you........! wow!

 

Anything else anyone wants to know, shout out happy to answer any questions.

 

Time to start planning the next cruise....:-)

[BiancaV]

Just to come in too (a little late I know!) I was also on the 29MAR sailing in an OS Suite (10504) our butler Randy was AMAZING! From seeing us in the lift, not sure how he knew it was us, he found us in the Haven Courtyard and escorted us to our suite, which was amazing and will certainly be booking again. Elvina the concierge was a DARLING, she was amazing and did a great job, always there, simply amazing went above and beyond the whole trip, it was like saying goodbye to family when we left. Randy was great as mentioned too, he gave us sandwiches, chocolate strawberries, and other treats each day. He arranged a cocktail party with drinks and food (at an additional cost) for my birthday. Kept our gummy bears and M&Ms stocked.

We had amazing weather all cruise apart from the last day at sea where it was quite rough, but enjoyed the rocking, put me to sleep.

Food was great in all restaurants and loved Cagney's for lunch and Moderno for brekkie for suites. Service was outstanding for the whole cruise, every staff member we encountered were happy and always remembered you. Not sure how they do this, every where we went they were saying hello using our names and knowing it was my birthday, coming up or afterwards.

I did find it amazing to see SO many people that do NOT say please or thank you, I was astounded and reminded a man that he forgot something, he was most put out when I said, I think you forgot to say thank you........! wow!

 

Anything else anyone wants to know, shout out happy to answer any questions.

 

Time to start planning the next cruise....:-)

 

We will be in the same OS 10504 in August! Hoping we get Randy as well. He sounds great! Any idea how long he'll be on the Gem?

[Barb Nahoumi]

We were on the Gem exactly 1 year ago, from New York to the Caribbean. Our balcony cabin on deck 9 was a bit small, but adequate for a couple. Plenty of storage.

 

Food, entertainment, and service was fine. Would we sail her again? Absolutely. However our next cruise will be on the Dawn-----Boston to Bermuda.

[DominicAUS]

We will be in the same OS 10504 in August! Hoping we get Randy as well. He sounds great! Any idea how long he'll be on the Gem?

 

I am really sorry I didn't get when he was going home. Nelson our cabin steward was also GREAT, always so friendly and chatty. Knew our names from day 1, and would always make a point of saying hello.

 

I did say to Randy that we would be booking again and that he said he would love to see us again, so by that he may not be going anywhere soon ;-)

 

Enjoy the suite, its amazing, the size, 2 balconies, the sun deck in the haven was hardly used on our cruise, it was a great retreat and could hear the music from the pool deck. PERFECT :-)

 

Have a great cruise, I know you will with Elvina and Randy :cool:

[RoutemanDan]

what an awesome cruise! if you are able to upgrade to a suite, DO IT. our butler was not great (just really not personable or friendly), but our concierge was crazy great, she helped us so much! totally the opposite of what we expected. the two bedroom penthouse was huge and wonderful. do you like red wine? the Norwegian north/south red blend was really good, best red available on the bev package, we drank it all week, surprisingly great. the food was awesome! blew Disney out of the water. we had some seriously great food, although the Asian was probably the least of the pack. every single employee was nice and friendly. what a great vacation! loved the Gem, perfect sized ship. great itinerary, perfect weather on our cruise, too. wow. this was only our second cruise, we are officially cruise people now!

 

Who was the concierge?

[DominicAUS]

Who was the concierge?

 

It's Elvina DeMenses she was awesome. Absolutely great at her job and made us feel like we were the only ones she was looking after :-)

[BiancaV]

I am really sorry I didn't get when he was going home. Nelson our cabin steward was also GREAT, always so friendly and chatty. Knew our names from day 1, and would always make a point of saying hello.

 

I did say to Randy that we would be booking again and that he said he would love to see us again, so by that he may not be going anywhere soon ;-)

 

Enjoy the suite, its amazing, the size, 2 balconies, the sun deck in the haven was hardly used on our cruise, it was a great retreat and could hear the music from the pool deck. PERFECT :-)

 

Have a great cruise, I know you will with Elvina and Randy :cool:

 

Sorry just seeing your response! I'll hope for both of them. We had a butler on the Dawn that we didn't care for. It was a bummer because it was our first time in the OS. Regardless the suite was spectacular! I believe it's the same setup as the Dawn. Is it August yet?😊 Thanks for the response!

[dexddd]

Sorry just seeing your response! I'll hope for both of them. We had a butler on the Dawn that we didn't care for. It was a bummer because it was our first time in the OS. Regardless the suite was spectacular! I believe it's the same setup as the Dawn. Is it August yet?😊 Thanks for the response!

 

The Dawn Class and Jewel Class OS are very similar except decor which they seem to be standardizing after each refurb.

 

Main difference I can think of is that the Dawn Class OS actually have thick glass doors plus curtains separating the bedroom from living room vs. Jewel Class just have a thick curtain.

[BiancaV]

The Dawn Class and Jewel Class OS are very similar except decor which they seem to be standardizing after each refurb.

 

Main difference I can think of is that the Dawn Class OS actually have thick glass doors plus curtains separating the bedroom from living room vs. Jewel Class just have a thick curtain.

 

Oh there's no door on the Gem OS? That's a bummer.

[boopsahoy]

Oh there's no door on the Gem OS? That's a bummer.

 

Theres a very heavy curtain. Hubby would nap and I would have music on in the living room-he said he couldn't hear a thing :-)

[BiancaV]

Theres a very heavy curtain. Hubby would nap and I would have music on in the living room-he said he couldn't hear a thing :-)

 

Ok perfect! That was my concern. My hubby likes to watch tv late night so it was nice having the separate area so I could sleep if need be.😊