Gem One Nighter (12/21/07)

[mistybaby]

We took the Gem one-nighter "Savor the Night."

 

All in all, a good experience:

 

1. John Legend was terrific - given the low price of the cruise, it was a bargain to get to see such a high-level entertainer (5th row center).

 

2. We've dined at several of Bobby Flay's restaurants previously, as well as Grammercy Tavern, and were pleasantly surprised at how well these meals "transferred" to the ship. We understand much was prepared ahead of time, and so in a sense, for these chefs, it was like off-site catering. Either way, we enjoyed.

 

3. We usually have a high-floor, midship cabin. We tried an aft as something different. Surprisingly found we did not like the movement. Glad we learned this on a cheap one-nighter, as opposed to a week-long!

 

4. The Ship - the ship is nice, of course those who have been on Jewel etc., will find it very comfortable and familiar - we did like the expanded casino as compared to the Jewel (we liked the layout, not the payout!).

 

5. AmEx - could not believe the amount of finger-pointing from the NCL folks to the AmEx folks and vice-versa for things "going wrong." Folks, you are both well-known and experienced corporations when it comes to marketing. If you decide to do a deal with another company, keep in mind, you are tied to the other one for better or worse - pointing out the problems of the other just reflects poorly on you for partnering with them. The most glaring example was the over one hour line for folks to get John Legend tickets that the were supposed to have in advance. And I'm not talking about people like us that booked last minute - I mean people that booked months ago and were supposed to have tickets sent to them two weeks ahead of the cruising.

 

Happy Holidays to all.

[folashade]

We took the Gem one-nighter "Savor the Night."

 

All in all, a good experience:

 

1. John Legend was terrific - given the low price of the cruise, it was a bargain to get to see such a high-level entertainer (5th row center).

 

2. We've dined at several of Bobby Flay's restaurants previously, as well as Grammercy Tavern, and were pleasantly surprised at how well these meals "transferred" to the ship. We understand much was prepared ahead of time, and so in a sense, for these chefs, it was like off-site catering. Either way, we enjoyed.

 

 

Happy Holidays to all.

I was on both nights and John Legend was really really good. I did Bobby Flay and Tabla both were very good

 

 

 

[ver49]

I was on the 12/21 "Savor the Night" sailing as well and I agree that it was quite enjoyable.

 

It was my understanding that the concert ticket distribution was being handled by a third party separate from both NCL and American Express (an event planning/promotions organization.) Not meaning that it is an excuse. It probably just added another layer of complexity to the situation and created another level where communication could break down.

 

The event served its purpose - my freinds and I are trying to think of a good reason why we need to book a full length cruise!

 

See you soon on the Gem.

[ver49]

double post

[mistybaby]

The events firm you mentioned does events all the time for Amex and other big companies. In fact, prior to the concert, one of their reps was telling us about all the Amex events they do (like the US Open).

[ver49]

The events firm you mentioned does events all the time for Amex and other big companies. In fact, prior to the concert, one of their reps was telling us about all the Amex events they do (like the US Open).

 

That's true. The firm's web site shows product launches for major corporations such as Verizon, etc. Hard to say where things broke down.

[dongordon]

We took the Gem one-nighter "Savor the Night."

 

All in all, a good experience:

 

1. John Legend was terrific - given the low price of the cruise, it was a bargain to get to see such a high-level entertainer (5th row center).

 

2. We've dined at several of Bobby Flay's restaurants previously, as well as Grammercy Tavern, and were pleasantly surprised at how well these meals "transferred" to the ship. We understand much was prepared ahead of time, and so in a sense, for these chefs, it was like off-site catering. Either way, we enjoyed.

 

3. We usually have a high-floor, midship cabin. We tried an aft as something different. Surprisingly found we did not like the movement. Glad we learned this on a cheap one-nighter, as opposed to a week-long!

 

4. The Ship - the ship is nice, of course those who have been on Jewel etc., will find it very comfortable and familiar - we did like the expanded casino as compared to the Jewel (we liked the layout, not the payout!).

 

5. AmEx - could not believe the amount of finger-pointing from the NCL folks to the AmEx folks and vice-versa for things "going wrong." Folks, you are both well-known and experienced corporations when it comes to marketing. If you decide to do a deal with another company, keep in mind, you are tied to the other one for better or worse - pointing out the problems of the other just reflects poorly on you for partnering with them. The most glaring example was the over one hour line for folks to get John Legend tickets that the were supposed to have in advance. And I'm not talking about people like us that booked last minute - I mean people that booked months ago and were supposed to have tickets sent to them two weeks ahead of the cruising.

 

Happy Holidays to all.

 

Just wondering what kind of movement in the aft cabin that you were not happy with.

 

I will have an aft cabin on my February 16th cruise on the Gem. The last time I was in an aft cabin was on Celebrity's Millie and there was very little movement. That being said, I was cruising in the Carribbean and not the Atlantic Ocean.

 

Don

[mistybaby]

Significant swaying. But, as you point out, might be a function of geographic location (i.e., NY v. Carib), but, didn't feel it when elsewhere on the ship.

[AFT_LOVER]

Great photos!!!!

 

 

I was on both nights and John Legend was really really good. I did Bobby Flay and Tabla both were very good

 

 

 

[AFT_LOVER]

and we were AFT and rocked like a baby in a cradle which put us to sleep fast & for 10 hours a night. Talk about R&R!

 

 

Significant swaying. But, as you point out, might be a function of geographic location (i.e., NY v. Carib), but, didn't feel it when elsewhere on the ship.

[AFT_LOVER]

and we were AFT and rocked like a baby in a cradle which put us to sleep fast & for 10 hours a night. Talk about R&R!

 

 

Significant swaying. But, as you point out, might be a function of geographic location (i.e., NY v. Carib), but, didn't feel it when elsewhere on the ship.

[folashade]

Great photos!!!!

 

Thanks